Wow

I am not doing a very good job keeping this blog updated. I have been pretty good over the past 3 years to keep writing and posting but over the past few weeks, that has not been the case. I am working a new job which keeps me busy about 50 hours each week and it really wears me out. Cafe Evoke Catering is also having a busy month so - yeah. At any rate, there are a few things that I want to get up at some point soon.. 1. Shop review of several more coffee retailers in Tulsa Oklahoma 2. Coffee and Tea Festival 3. Cafe Evoke update 4. Random other stuff (pictures, rantings, you know) So, I'm sorry to those that are expecting updates. They are just around the corner. It may be a week or so before I can really dig in as we have to move yet again (long story - maybe a post sometime soon) which will take the rest of my days. Be on the look out for new content soon! Thanks to all.... ...be bold Tagged: cafe evoke, coffee catering, coffee, espresso, tea, bozeman, montana The Global Exchange Fair Trade Store is your Online Source for Socially Conscious Gifts

Double Shot Coffee Company | Tulsa, Oklahoma

Jenni and I are in Tulsa, Oklahoma this weekend for a old friend's wedding. While here, we decided that it would be fun if we took our free time and headed around Tulsa to check out the local coffee scene. We are sitting in Double Shot Coffee Company and I just finished a nice double espresso which was very nice. At Double Shot, their motto is...To provide exquisite, fresh-roasted coffees for people who know the difference. They roast their own coffee right in there store and when you first walk in, you get a nice view of their Vitorria set up and what looks to be there wholesale desk. The full bags of green coffee also add a nice touch to the decor of the place. They also have a blog that ties them into this community. I like that fact that they have bicycle jersey's and waterbottles and other things like that. Cool place. The only suggestion I have - be friendly! I was a bit taken back by how "not friendly" the barista/roastmaster/owner was. ...be bold Tagged: cafe evoke, coffee catering, coffee, espresso, tea, bozeman, montana The Global Exchange Fair Trade Store is your Online Source for Socially Conscious Gifts

What do you think?

Ok, first - my apologies for not posting in the past several days. I left my old job and started a new job that has taken much of my extra time. This is something new for me and I am having to learn a lot. It was a much needed change of pace, however, and I think will be good in the long run. So, on to this post... I was thinking, today, of a new concept for a coffeehouse. Think about this - We are in American which means we must have a way to get people in and out quick. So, what if we had a classic espresso bar with stools and a walk up window for fast in and out service. This would have a few barista's that would work this bar and it would be aimed at turning over cusotmers. Then, in the back, there would be the formal cafe. There would be an expanded menu, have several servers, and it's own machine. The idea here would be to serve those that plan to sit and work, talk, or just be around. There would be servers that will take orders, deliver food and drinks, and clear tables. Coffee and tea would be served in nice cups with saucers and chocolates and it would feel more like a nice cafe. Would this work? I think it would be an awesome concept but am not sure if it would work. I know it would probably not work if that is all you had but with the espresso bar as well, I think it just may. Comment below and let me know what you think.. ...be bold Tagged: cafe evoke, coffee catering, coffee, espresso, tea, bozeman, montana The Global Exchange Fair Trade Store is your Online Source for Socially Conscious Gifts

Following Up

I hope my last post did not come off in a way that would suggest I am not in to Bozeman coffee. I am. That is why we moved here. My point was only that I do not see much culture (mainly in barista relationships) in our town. I could be nothing but wrong by that view point however. We do not have a shop opened and coffee caterers have not yet been classified by most to be "specialty coffee retailers." Cafe Evoke is trying to change that. I see our company like many drive-thrus or kiosks. For some reason, they do not come off as a great coffee business like shop does. No matter if you have the best barista that pulls the best shot and steams the perfect picture of milk - it is hard to really have people take you seriously. So, those in Bozeman, let me know what you think. What is your view of the Bozeman coffee market? I only have a view from the shop owners and barista I know so any more information would be great! ...be bold Tagged: cafe evoke, coffee catering, coffee, espresso, tea, bozeman, montana The Global Exchange Fair Trade Store is your Online Source for Socially Conscious Gifts

Withdraws

So, CoffeeFest Atlanta is going on as we speak and one of my buddies is there as his first trade show. I have been to the past two CoffeeFest shows in Seattle and love being a part of them. While Cafe Evoke Catering is not in need of new products or equipment, it is just great to be around the people, to get the latest buzz, to feel the excitement and passion that comes with each show. I'm having withdraws. The coffee industry here in Bozeman is not alive. Shops - from what I have seen - do not get together, baristas do not get together to play with new machines or go to events, and it seems we are in a season where it is mainly "our shop is better than your shop" attitude. What is that all about? How can we get things going like inter shop comps? Exchange programs? Barista Jams? I even heard of a shop owner in town telling a person that they were the very first Certified Fair Trade coffee retailer in Bozeman. For one, who cares. For another, that is totally not true. I know of about 3 shops that serve certified coffees and teas years before this other company existed. I am having withdraws. I want the passion of the coffee industry to take over Bozeman Montana. I want to be able to talk coffee, taste coffee, and just be around people that love coffee as much as we do. I want real relationships with other coffee professionals in our market. Yes, Cafe Evoke will be in this market at one point or another but we are all here for the same reason - we love coffee! I read Barista Magazine and wish I could be a part of something that has the culture and passion of the industry like Alterra, Bellissimo, Just Coffee, Ritual, Stumptown, or Progress Coffee just to name a few. We are doing everything we can as a coffee catering company to try and up the bar for coffee in Bozeman. There are a few places that are doing a great job but I want more. I am having withdraws.... ...be bold Tagged: cafe evoke, coffee catering, coffee, espresso, tea, bozeman, montana The Global Exchange Fair Trade Store is your Online Source for Socially Conscious Gifts