A Coffee Guide For Concession Stands

Coffee gets so many of us through the day. Even Google paid homage to the beloved beverage on March 11 of this year with a special doodle of the flat white. The animation highlighted the meticulous process of creating a flat white, featuring steamed milk poured over espresso, crowned with intricate milk foam art. The March 11 Google doodle commemorates the addition of “flat white” to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2011, but what exactly is a flat white and how is it different from a cappuccino or a latte? Ready to become a knowledgeable coffee connoisseur? Here is everything you and your concession staff need to know about coffee.

A Brief History of Coffee

The history of coffee is as rich and complex as the beverage itself, tracing its origins back to the ancient coffee forests on the lush Ethiopian plateau. Legend has it that coffee was discovered by a goat herder named Kaldi, who noticed his goats frolicking energetically after eating the red berries from a certain tree. Curious, Kaldi tried the berries himself and felt a newfound vivacity. The knowledge of these energizing berries spread to the nearby monastery, where monks brewed the first coffee, using it to keep awake during long hours of prayer. From Ethiopia, coffee made its way across the Red Sea to Yemen, where Sufi monks used it to sustain their nocturnal devotions. By the 15th century, coffee was being grown in the Yemeni district of Arabia, and by the 16th century, it had reached the rest of the Middle East, Persia, Turkey, and North Africa. 

Coffee houses, known as “qahveh khaneh,” began to appear in cities across the Near East, becoming centers for social activity and communication. The spread of coffee into Europe in the 17th century heralded the opening of coffeehouses which soon became known as “penny universities” for the rich intellectual exchange that took place over coffee. From its humble beginnings to becoming a global phenomenon, coffee has fueled economies, sparked intellectual debate, and cultivated a culture of enjoyment and productivity around the world.

Coffee first made its way to American shores in the mid-1600s, but it wasn’t until the Boston Tea Party of 1773 that its popularity surged, as tea became unpatriotic. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, coffee was primarily a home-brewed beverage, with its presence in diners and cafes symbolizing a utilitarian start to the day. However, the introduction of specialty coffee shops in the 1960s, most notably with the founding of Starbucks in 1971, transformed coffee from a mere “get the juices flowing” commodity to an artisanal experience. This renaissance in coffee culture embraced quality, origin, and craftsmanship, leading to the proliferation of coffeehouses as we know them today. 

A Myriad of Choices: Coffee Drinks 101

From drip coffee to espresso to cold brew, each coffee-lover has their preferred way of consuming caffeine and may even have a favorite barista who prepares it for them. 

Espresso Drinks

At the heart of espresso-based drinks is the espresso itself—a concentrated coffee shot that forms the base for lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites. Each drink is defined by the ratio of espresso to milk and the method of milk preparation, offering a unique taste and texture to each one.

Drip Coffee

“This is a jumbo coffee morning. I need coffee in an I.V.” – Lorelai Gilmore, Gilmore Girls

Drip coffee, prevalent in the U.S., is cherished for its straightforward brewing technique and robust flavor. With so many flavors, roasts, and brewing methods, it’s no wonder it’s the star of our mornings. The strength of flavor and amount of caffeine in drip coffee depends on the length of roasting time of the bean. The longer the roast, the stronger the flavor and the less caffeine and acidity. Coffee beans roasted for less time boast more caffeine, more acidity, and lighter flavor profiles. Traditional roasting methods yield a caffeine content range of 80-100 milligrams per 8-ounce cup of drip-brewed coffee. 

Instant Cappuccino and Hot Chocolate Mixes

Rich, creamy, and sweet in a variety of flavors consisting of instant espresso powder, dried milk powder, sweeteners, and natural flavors for commercial instant cappuccino machines. 

Cold Coffee Drinks

Cold brew and iced coffee cater to the palate of those preferring a cooler, smoother coffee experience. Many even drink iced coffee year-round preferring the slower caffeine absorption from cooled coffee. 

Iced Coffee

Hot-brewed coffee is cooled down and poured over ice. 

Cold Brew

Known for its mild acidity and smoother taste, cold brew is steeped for hours in cold water before being strained. Depending on strength, cold brew may be served straight up or as a coffee concentrate diluted with milk or water. 

Flavored Coffee

The process of creating flavored coffee involves adding natural or synthetic flavor oils to coffee beans after they have been roasted but before they are ground. These flavor oils are specially designed to mimic the tastes of everything from fruits and nuts to spices and chocolates, providing a customizable coffee experience that caters to individual preferences. Each of the brands available with Allen Associates’ Coffee Programs includes a variety of flavored coffees to choose from. 

Decaf or Regular?

While many rely on it to function, not everyone can handle the buzz from a cup of coffee. Lucky for those who love the taste but not the kick, the development of decaffeination processes in the early 20th century made decaf available to the masses. Ludwig Roselius, a German coffee merchant, is credited with pioneering the first successful method in 1905, using benzene to remove caffeine from coffee beans. Since then, decaffeination techniques have evolved significantly, prioritizing health and environmental considerations. Modern methods include the use of water (the Swiss Water Process), carbon dioxide, and organic solvents that are safer than benzene, such as ethyl acetate or methylene chloride, to selectively remove caffeine while preserving the beans’ intrinsic flavors. These advancements reflect a growing demand for decaffeinated coffee, allowing consumers to savor the beloved beverage’s taste and social experience without the caffeine kick.

Allen Associates’ Coffee Program Offerings

Allen Associates offers comprehensive coffee programs and equipment. We have Proven Profit Programs using gourmet coffee selections from Ellis Heritage Cafe Coffee, Eight O’Clock Coffee, Java Classic, and New England Coffee. With several flavors and roasts to choose from, your concession stand can cater to diverse tastes and preferences. The IMix Cappuccino Machines, alongside Bunn Coffee Brewers, exemplify Allen Associates’ commitment to quality and innovation, providing a viable alternative to traditional coffee brewing methods.

Building a Profitable Cafe Menu

A well-structured cafe menu can significantly impact profitability, especially at concession stands. By incorporating Allen Associates’ coffee programs and understanding market trends, businesses can cater to a wide audience, ensuring customer satisfaction and repeat business. Check out our profit calculators on each of our coffee program pages to get an idea of how much your concession stand can make. We work closely with our partners and customers to make sure everyone has the tools and quality ingredients needed for a successful coffee or cafe menu.

Coffee’s rich history and versatility in preparation methods cater to a broad spectrum of preferences. Allen Associates offers equipment and coffee programs that enhance the coffee experience for concession customers. 

FAQs

How is cold brew coffee made differently from iced coffee?

Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, usually 12 to 24 hours, and then straining the grounds out. This slow extraction process results in a coffee concentrate that is smooth, low in acidity, and can be served diluted with water or milk. Iced coffee, on the other hand, is typically made by brewing coffee at a normal strength with hot water, then cooling it down rapidly and serving it over ice. The key difference is in the brewing process—cold brew is made with cold water over a long period, while iced coffee is made quickly with hot water and then cooled.

What are the origins of flavored coffee?

Flavored coffee has its origins in the Ottoman Empire, where people began adding spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves to coffee to enhance its flavor. This practice of flavoring coffee has evolved over the centuries, with the introduction of natural and synthetic flavor oils to add a wide variety of tastes to coffee beans after roasting. The tradition of flavoring coffee has continued to grow, especially in the United States, where flavored coffees became popular in the late 20th century, offering consumers an ever-expanding selection of flavor experiences.

How can incorporating Allen Associates’ coffee programs benefit a cafe menu?

Incorporating Allen Associates’ coffee programs can significantly enhance a café’s menu by offering a diverse range of high-quality coffee products and equipment. With selections from renowned brands like Ellis Heritage Cafe Coffee, Eight O’Clock Coffee, New England Coffee, and Java Classic, cafés can cater to various customer preferences. Additionally, utilizing advanced brewing equipment such as Bunn Coffee Brewers and IMix Cappuccino and Hot Chocolate machines can streamline the coffee-making process, ensuring consistency and excellence in every cup. This diversity and quality can attract a wider customer base and encourage repeat business, ultimately contributing to the café’s success.

What makes the IMix Cappuccino Machines a great alternative to traditional coffee methods?

The IMix Cappuccino Machines are an excellent alternative to traditional coffee brewing methods for several reasons. Firstly, they offer convenience and speed, allowing for the quick preparation of high-quality cappuccinos and other hot beverages without the need for extensive barista training. Secondly, these machines ensure consistency, delivering the same great taste with every cup, which is crucial for customer satisfaction. Lastly, IMix machines are versatile, capable of making a variety of drinks, including flavored cappuccinos and hot chocolates, thus expanding a café’s menu offerings with minimal effort. This combination of efficiency, consistency, and versatility makes the IMix Cappuccino Machines an attractive option for businesses looking to enhance their hot beverage service.