Category

Coffee Shop

Beyond the Bean – Tips For Coffee Shop Success

By | Beverages, Coffee, Coffee Shop, Dairy, Grab & Go, Local

Running a successful coffee shop is no walk in the park—it’s a grind. To stand out from the competition, you need to brew up some unique ideas that capture your customers’ attention. One way to do this is by focusing on high-quality, unique ingredients that make your coffee shop the talk of the town. Here’s a breakdown of how you can use ingredients to bean the best around (pun intended).

Offer a Diverse Range of Non-Dairy Milks

Offering non-dairy milks is no small coffee feat. It’s about catering to vegan customers, those with dietary restrictions, and those that just want to stay on top of coffee trends, so your coffee shop is welcoming to everyone. Almond milk brings a nutty flavor, coconut milk offers a sweet twist, and oat milk is rich and creamy. By giving your customers a latte choices, you show that you’re serious about providing a tailored coffee experience.

  • #98291 – Almond Milk
  • #34119 – Califia Almond Milk
  • #2154 – Coconut Milk
  • #4191 – Califia Oat Milk
  • #93048 – Soy Milk

Embrace Local and Organic Dairy

If you’re udderly committed to quality, consider embracing local and organic dairy products. Sourcing from local farms ensures your dairy is fresh and supports the community, while organic options appeal to the health-conscious crowd. Featuring products like milk and cream from nearby sources gives your coffee shop a wholesome feel. It’s a moo-ving way to show your dedication to quality.

 OH & KY

  • #23275 – Chaney’s KY Whole, 4/GAL
  • #34025 – Legacy KY Whole, 4/GAL
  • #23258 – Snowville OH 2%, 9/64OZ
  • #18667 – Swallow Hill OH Whole, 4/GAL
  • #23299 – Chaney’s KY Chocolate, 9/Half GAL

COLORADO

  • #20702 – Morning Fresh CO 1%, 1 GAL
  • #20352 – Morning Fresh CO Whole, 1 GAL
  • #19815 – Morning Fresh CO Chocolate, 1 GAL
  • #24505 – Royal Crest 2% Half Gals, 6CT
  • #19821 – Organic Valley Whole, 4/1GAL

Take it to the next level: Make sure you are telling your coffee fans where your milk comes from. Think about including a map or sign to introduce the herd producing the milk you source.

Experiment with Flavored Syrups and Spices

Flavored syrups and spices are a great way to keep your coffee menu brewing with excitement. Get creative with chai, ginger, lavender, and pomegranate syrups. These can add a shot of flavor to your drinks, giving customers a unique experience every time they order. Seasonal spices like cinnamon and nutmeg can make your coffee shop the hottest spot when the weather gets chilly, whereas lavender or strawberry can keep it fresh in the spring. With over 45 flavors, Monin has options from Almond to White Chocolate and everything in between to really get your creativity going.  

Take it to the next level: Create unique spice blends for your lattes and cappuccinos, drawing inspiration from cuisines around the world. You can even offer “world tour” coffee drinks, each featuring a different cultural twist, keeping your menu as fresh as your coffee.

Encourage your patrons to come up with your next big flavor combo with a contest to recommend the next creative drink!

  • #97854 – Chai
  • #97849 – Ginger
  • #97883 – Lavender
  • #97880 – Pomegranate
  • #97831 – Swiss Chocolate

Search “MONIN” on the app for their 45+ flavors!

Looking for inspo? Monin has hundreds of recipes on hand for creative coffee and tea recipes using their flavors!  

Curate an Extensive Tea Selection

Tea is another brew-tiful way to stand out. A diverse tea selection appeals to a wider audience, and offering everything from classic black tea to herbal blends creates more reasons for customers to visit. Consider featuring local and organic teas to boost your shop’s sustainability cred. This way, even if someone isn’t feeling a cup of joe, they can still steep into something delightful.

Take it to the next level: Offer a “tea flight” where customers can sample a selection of teas, much like a wine tasting. Or have a special teatime each day with finger sandwiches, scones and tea cookies available as a platter.

  • #23304 – Matcha Powder, 100gram
  • #99633 – Blueberry Hibiscus, 50CT
  • #99651 – Chamomile Medley, 50CT

OH/KY/TN/IL/IN

  • #22704 – Bluegrass Breeze, 48/1OZ
  • #99588 – Tiger Spice Chai, 4LB
  • #99348 – Masala Chai Concentrate, 12/32OZ
  • #99532 – Peach Blossom, 1LB
  • #97990 – Iced Classic Black Tea, 24/1GAL

COLORADO

  • #19525 – Chai Concentrate, 6/32OZ
  • #23503 – Colorado Green Tea, 50CT
  • #23502 – Colorado Chamomile, 50CT
  • #23487 – Colorado Iced Hibiscus, 12/12OZ
  • #99634 – Early Grey, 50CT
  • #99633 – Blueberry Hibiscus, 50CT

Have a Variety of Delicious Grab & Go Pastries and Food Items

There is no need to have a full kitchen to show that your coffee shop has the recipe for success. Consider curating specialty baked goods like muffins, croissants and other pastries baked fresh and brought to you by What Chefs Want. By going the extra mile with delicious options you’ll have customers buzzing with excitement about your shop.

Take it to the next level: Make sure to include gluten free and dairy free options for your guests who may appreciate the extra care for their dietary restrictions.

  • #90468 – Croissant – Ghyslain
  • #95776 – Macarons – Ghyslain
  • #18938 – Grandola Granola – Ellas – GF
  • #90246 – Rolled Wafer Cookies
  • #33997 – Yumbana Chocolate Chip Cookies – GF
  • #33986 – Yumbana Blueberry Muffins – GF

Prioritize Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness

Many customers prioritize sustainability and eco-friendliness when choosing where to spend their money. Set yourself apart by using compostable cups, lids, and utensils. Offer incentives for customers who bring their reusable cups, and implement recycling and composting programs. Share your sustainability efforts with customers to show your commitment to being responsible stewards of the environment.

  • #99381 – Compostable Eco Cup 12OZ, 1000CT
  • #99382 – Compostable Eco Cup 16OZ, 1000CT
  • #99303 – Compostable Eco Lid 10-24OZ, 1000C

With these tips, you can create a coffee shop that’s the cream of the crop. Whether it’s through specialty drinks, carefully curated milks, or delicious pastries, the key is to serve up something unique that keeps customers buzzing. With the right combination of quality and creativity, your coffee shop will be steaming ahead of the competition in no time.

And of course – if you are looking for even more coffee shop essentials, search COFFEE on the app or ordering website to see the hundreds of options available, including many of the everyday essentials that you need.

  • #98206 – Filters, 2GAL, 500CT
  • #99094 – Wooden Stirrer 7″, 5000CT
  • #99319 – Espresso Cleaner, 12/20OZ
  • #99160 – Hot Paper Cup 16OZ, 1000CT
  • #99095 – Hot Lid 12-20OZ, 1000CT
  • #10584 – Cold Cup Sip Lid 12-24OZ, 1000CT

*All products may not be available in each region. Please check the app or reach out to your customer advocate for availability.

Item of the Day:  Cafiza Espresso Cleaner

By | Beverages, Chef's Feed, Cleaning Supplies, Coffee, Coffee Shop, Item of the Day, What Chefs Want

Cafiza Espresso Cleaner

Concentrated formula eliminates residue in group heads, valves and lines.

Foam and solubility balanced for powerful cleaning and optimal rinsing.

Integral to the daily backflush regimen.

Recommended for use with a wide range of traditional espresso machines. 


Item 99319 – 12/20oz Case    

*Not available in all regions – see website or app for more information.

Item of the Day:  4-Cup Carrier with Handle

By | Beverages, Chef's Feed, Coffee, Coffee Shop, Item of the Day, Organic, Paper / To-Go, What Chefs Want

4-Cup Drink Carrier with Handle

It’s the season for sharing warm drinks with friends, family, and co-workers!

Convenient and sleek, this 4 cup carrier is perfect for all of your take out beverage needs. Its 4 compartments accommodate a wide range of cup sizes, from 12 to 20 oz. Made from a moisture-resistant paperboard in a kraft color, bad weather is not a problem when your customers take their drinks to go.

Easily customize by adding a sticker!


Item 99542 – 250 Ct Case    

*Not available in all regions – see website or app for more information.

Item of the Day:  Frothy Monkey Whole Wheat Bagels

By | Baking, Breads, Chef's Feed, Coffee, Coffee Shop, Item of the Day, Organic, What Chefs Want

Frothy Monkey Whole Wheat Bagels

Frothy Monkey has been a staple in the Nashville community since 2004. You can count on Frothy to deliver quality, creativity, and approachability in everything they create whether it be in one of their cafes, at their coffee roastery, or their bakery. Their relationships with farmers and others who care about where ingredients come from is at the center of who they are.

In true Frothy Monkey fashion, their bagels are made from simple, thoughtfully-sourced ingredients. Each bagel requires a three day process to achieve artisan perfection, and they use their Sourdough starter to yield a rich and deep flavor profile with a pleasant, lingering finish.

Frothy Monkey bagels have the perfect balance of flavor and texture. A Frothy Monkey bagel is delicious on its own, or served up toasted with cream cheese. With their soft, chewy texture and fantastic crust they also make a tasty sandwich even better.


Item 10569 – 12/6ct  Case   

*Not available in all regions – see website or app for more information.

Item of the Day:  Minor Figures Organic Oat Milk

By | Beverages, Chef's Feed, Coffee, Coffee Shop, Item of the Day, Organic, What Chefs Want

Minor Figures Organic Oat Milk

Fall is the perfect time of year to cozy up in a coffee shop – or deliver a warm drink to a friend. Now is the time to make sure coffee shops are stocked with all their needs – like milk alternatives.

Enjoy the natural sweetness of oats over cereal, in a glass, or baked into your favorite coffee cake. Good source of lactose and soy-free calcium and vitamin D.

Organic, vegan, and kosher. Dairy-free, soy-free and gluten-free.


Item 03935 – 32oz Container  

*Not available in all regions – see website or app for more information.

Item of the Day:  Monin Organic Caramel Syrup

By | Beverages, Chef's Feed, Coffee, Coffee Shop, Item of the Day, Organic, What Chefs Want

Monin Organic Caramel Syrup

The word “caramel” refers to caramelized sugar, traditionally obtained by melting sugar in a sauce pot of water. The rich flavor and color of caramel derives from the process of heating and melting the sugar. Caramel is appreciated as the main flavor in beverages and desserts such as the Creme Brulee, but it is also easily combined with other flavors. Third party certified organic by Quality Assurance International, Monin Organic Caramel Flavored Syrup is made with organically grown pure cane sugar and the finest natural/organic flavors with no additives or preservatives.

Using item 99437, 750 ml bottles of Monin syrups will yield approx.

132 pumps per bottle.


 Item 99465 – 750 ml Bottle   

*Not available in all regions – see website or app for more information.

Item of the Day: Espresso Syrup from Monin

By | Beverages, Coffee, Coffee Shop, Desserts, Gourmet, Item of the Day, Products, Tea, What Chefs Want

Monin Espresso Syrup

Featuring real espresso extract derived from 100% dark roasted Arabica coffee beans, our Espresso Syrup is perfect for bringing bold flavor to sumptuous shakes, lattes, and cappuccino-sodas.

Espresso Expressions

Monin Espresso Syrup brings real espresso flavor to cocktails, sodas, smoothies and iced beverages.

Item 97811 – 12/750 ml. case

Item 99440 – 750 ml. each

Item of the Day: Toasted Marshmallow Syrup from Monin

By | Beverages, Coffee, Coffee Shop, Desserts, Gourmet, Item of the Day, Products, Tea, What Chefs Want

Monin Toasted Marshmallow Syrup

Bring the flavor of toasted campfire treats to tasty hot and iced drinks. Just add our Toasted Marshmallow Syrup for cocoas, lattes and shakes worth telling stories about.

S’more Flavor Please!

Monin Toasted Marshmallow Syrup is a decadent addition to mochas, shakes, cocoas and unique cocktails.

Item 97861 – 12 count case

Item 99424- 750 ml. each

Item of the Day: Chai Tea Syrup from Monin

By | Beverages, Coffee, Coffee Shop, Desserts, Gourmet, Item of the Day, Products, Tea, What Chefs Want

Monin Chai Tea Syrup

Masala Chai – or Chai, for short, means spiced tea. Chai has been enjoyed in India for centuries; although, it is prepared differently and several regional variations exist. The ingredients of a Chai beverage generally include tea, heavy milk, several spices and a sweetener.

Item 97854 – 12/750 ml. case

Item 99417 – 750 ml. each