Have you ever been at a coffee shop, went up to the counter, and instead of ordering something different — you opted for the same drink because you didn’t know what to get? Maybe if you knew how all those drinks were made you’d have a better idea about to get the next time. Let’s start with this: While all those drinks are unique, they all start out as one thing: espresso. But don’t confuse espresso with coffee. They are not the same. Espresso isn’t just a simple cup of black coffee. Espresso takes a lot of work to make. Read on to find out more about what espresso is, the difference between espresso and coffee, and what the difference between coffee and espresso is — that way — you’ll be more confident about what to order the next time you visit your local coffee shop. A Brief History of…

Are you always making or ordering the same coffee drink? Perhaps you’d like to try different types of coffee, but you don’t know where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled a coffee guide with all the types of coffee drinks — some a bit more rare than others,  but others that may be available at your local coffee shop. Here is Every Type of Coffee That Exists on the Planet. Ever. (Okay, not EVERY type of coffee that exists, but it’s a lot of them). But, before jumping in, let’s first look at a brief description of the different varieties of coffee beans out there so that the next time you take a sip of java, you’ll have a newfound appreciation. Types of Coffee Beans There are four main coffee beans in the world, but only two of them – Arabica and Robusta are consumed in coffee shops everywhere. The…

At Tradecraft Outfitters, we are all about re-energizing the traditional approach to coffee and tea service within the hospitality industry. And, our Sales Team is a crucial part to expanding our brand and working with a variety of exciting clients on custom programs focusing on coffee, tea, training, education, cafe equipment, and more. In honor of #NationalSalespersonDay, we are excited to introduce each of these rockstars to you! Mark Shankman – Director of Business Development Hometown: Cleveland, OH Current Location: Cleveland, OH Favorite Drink: Iced Americano, 365 days a year Last Book You Read: “Psychology of Sales” by Dennis M. Postema Favorite Quote:  “It’s up to you to make yourself interesting”. A fellow student said this in an improv class I took in Chicago and since then I have tried to keep my life interesting and for it to be a story worth telling. Favorite Place: Chicago. Over the course…

Tradecraft Outfitters proudly hires former Vice President and Co-Owner of Rishi Tea, Benjamin Harrison, to lead our future strategic marketing and sales efforts! Benjamin brings his dynamic experience and a proven record of success from leading multiple brands to incredible growth while keeping with the values and quality that has made those companies great. Ben was a pioneer in the specialty tea space and was responsible for establishing Rishi as the category leader – driving the growth of Rishi Tea globally. He was recognized on the “40 under 40” list and has previously served as a Advisory Board member to the World Tea Expo, thus making Ben’s entrepreneurial spirit and position as a tastemaker the perfect fit for Tradecraft Outfitters. Tradecraft’s CEO Michael Klong said of Benjamin’s hiring, “We are very excited to have Ben on board. With his leadership, expertise and experience, I know he will have an immediate…

It’s the most wonderful time of the year to be a latte! When it gets a little chilly out, folks flock to their familiar and comforting favorites. But that doesn’t mean we have to stick to the same old thing! I, for one, have had enough pumpkin spice lattes and peppermint mochas for a lifetime. Let’s change it up a little! The holiday season bring so much inspiration. The warming flavors of baking spices, nuts, and dark fruits pair beautifully with coffee and tea. Think of home, think of comfort, and find that special holiday flavor that will hit everyone with cozy nostalgia. For example, I love gingersnaps and gingerbread. Now, you could just get a bottle of gingerbread syrup and call it a day, but let’s make something a little more special! How about a Molasses Ginger Latte?! Molasses Ginger Syrup 1 bottle of Monin Vanilla Syrup (regular or organic)…

Craft has arrived in Cleveland! Tradecraft Coffee and Tea Outfitters is excited to open its doors in Ohio. Partnering with 30+ specialty coffee and tea company across the country, we can help build a program that supports your business growth. Free equipment, free training, and free maintenance are all provided to ensure your restaurant, cafe, or business are ready for success. If you are in the area and interested in learning more, shoot us an email to contact@tradecraft.me!

We all want to take better care of our bodies, but these days it feels like there’s a new “miracle food” every month. It can be challenging to know what’s the real deal, especially with the fad diets and trendy health-food culture we live in today. How can you tell the legit from the scams? One way is to rely on history, and that’s where you can find one of our very favorite products: kombucha. Kombucha is on the rise right now, but it’s no fad! People have been drinking kombucha and singing its praises for thousands of years, but it’s only now that we’re understanding exactly why it makes us feel so good! Originating in China in 221 BC, kombucha has been dubbed the “Immortal Health Elixir” and the “Tea of Immortality”. So what is it exactly? This delicious, lightly carbonated beverage is made by fermenting tea and natural…

We’ve all been there. Trying to make a latte with an alternative milk, and it screams, scorches, and separates in the cup producing a beverage that’s less that beautiful. Or, you’re trying to make an iced latte, and the milk curdles and clumps up at the bottom of the cup. Why is this happening? The truth is, the soy almond and rice milks you can buy at the grocery store aren’t made to be steamed. The high temperatures can cause the milk to separate and scorch, and the high acidity in espresso can curdle the milk. But never fear! These days there are many better alternatives, and you can find them here at Tradecraft. First, the true pioneers, Pacific Barista Series. Pacific has spent years working with baristas and leaders in the coffee community to develop a non-dairy milk that’s just as good as traditional dairy. Their soy, almond, rice,…

Matcha: it seems like it’s everywhere these days! What used to be a relatively obscure ingredient has skyrocketed in popularity in the US and all over the world. Once specific to Japanese culture, Matcha is now everywhere you look. It’s served on it’s own, in lattes, baked goods, beer, cocktails, even popcorn! Dozens of nationally recognized brands have incorporated matcha into their menus, and it’s becoming clear that this isn’t just a passing fad. Recently Brian Keating of the Sage group said that “In 20 years of analyzing the tea industry it is clear that Matcha is a major trend with long term viability. US retail sales of Matcha green tea powder rocketed 54.9% in 2014, and sales of Matcha products in the US are estimated to continue to grow 25% annually between 2015 and 2018.” So what is it exactly? Simply put, Matcha is a traditional Japanese green tea…

I am a firm believer that every cafe needs a signature beverage. A good signature drink can turn you into a destination, a viral success, and set you apart from the competition which all, of course, drives sales. So…you want one, but where to start? Consider these guidelines: Make it Entry Level: A good signature drink should be something that everyone can enjoy, even if they aren’t a connoisseur. Coffee and tea can be intimidating, so your signature drink needs to be approachable and unpretentious. This can be a great opportunity to introduce your customer to flavors that may be an “acquired taste”. Don’t like straight espresso? I bet you’ll love it over a scoop of gelato! A little intimidated by matcha? Put it in a mocha! Make it Executable: You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Some of my favorite signature drinks are fundamentally uncomplicated. There’s nothing wrong with using simple…