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Summer is synonymous with refreshing beverages that help us cool down and quench thirst. As a cafe owner or manager, it's essential to stay ahead of the game by offering a diverse selection of summer drinks that cater to the desires of your customers. In this blog post, we'll explore a range of delightful and rejuvenating beverages that are perfect for the summer season. Cold Brew Recent years have seen the popularity of cold brew skyrocket . Coffee is the most popular drink next to water whether it's cold or hot outside. Cold brew is the perfect thing to quench their thirst and caffeine fix! Zafiato's all-natural, non-GMO cold brew concentrate has no added preservatives or sugars, and is easy-to-serve and keep up with high or low demand. Consider using syrups to add flavourful twists like vanilla, caramel, or even seasonal options like coconut or lavender; to cater to diverse tastes. Iced Teas For some, nothing beats a refreshing iced tea during the summer months. And a recent study even found that iced tea is stealing the spotlight from soda . Florals, citrus, berries, and other fruits provide delightful, easy-drinking iced tea options for your summer menu. And with Iced Tea Concentrates , serving a wide range of iced teas couldn't be faster or easier. Smoothies Healthy and invigorating, fruit smoothies can be perfect for those seeking a burst of vitamins, nutrients, antioxidants, and more. Create a menu featuring an array of colourful smoothie options that include fruits, vegetables, and even superfood ingredients like acai and pomegranate with Smartfruit. Smartfruit concentrates are made from 100% real fruit without any additives and offer choices that cater to different dietary preferences, such as vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free. Refreshers Fruit refreshers have quickly become a favourite among cafe customers due to their vibrant flavours and health-conscious appeal, making them an essential addition to any menu. Smartfruit Refreshers are delicious, invigorating beverages are not only perfect for warmer weather but also low in caffeine and offer a refreshing post-coffee drink or an alternative to traditional coffee drinks altogether. As cafe owner Jamie says, "Adding fruit refreshers to our menu doubled our afternoon crowd!" By incorporating refreshers into your cafe menu, you can expand your customer base and provide variety without complicating the supply chain. Plus they're easy-to-prepare and have broad flavour options. Lemonade Reveal all the thirst-quenching freshness of lemonade on your summer drink menu with 1883 Lemonade Concentrate . Zesty and citrusy notes arouse the taste buds with characteristically fruity lemon balanced perfectly by discreet flavours of pine. It's low acidity allows the fruity tastes to unfold for a fresh and delicious result, similar to a homemade lemonade. Frappés Blended frappés are always a hit! Frothy milkshake-like treats for those looking to indulge in nostalgia. Available in traditional classics like chocolate and vanilla, as well as popular favourites like coffee to recreate that "iced cap" hit. We also have a neutral base frappe that you can create your own variations with using any syrup, allowing your customer to choose their own frappe flavour. Check out Zafiato's line of Frappés here . Matcha Having matcha to your cafe's summer menu as a cold drink offers an option with numerous health benefits . Packed with antioxidants, matcha is known to support metabolism, enhance mood, and provide a calm, sustained energy boost without the jitters commonly associated with coffee. One cafe manager that serves matcha shared that customers seem to love the health perks of matcha lattes (especially iced lattes in the summer heat). And offering a lightly sweetened matcha option, like Aiya Matcha distributed by Zafiato Cafe Supplies, makes matcha more approachable and appealing to a wider audience compared to traditional matcha. Aiya Sweetened Matcha Blend is made with only two ingredients - matcha and cane sugar - and is super easy-to-serve; just mix it into your cold or frothed milk and viola. Italian Sodas Don't leave fresh-made sodas off your summer drink menu! It's so easy to craft a menu that includes fruity, herbal, or bitter flavours. Consider experimenting with garnishes to elevate the flavours and presentation. Zafiato stocks over 75 flavours of syrups to meet a wide-range of flavour profiles. The summer season provides an excellent opportunity for cafe owners to showcase their creativity and cater to the refreshing needs of their customers. By offering a diverse range of summer drinks, you can ensure your cafe becomes a go-to destination for beating the heat. Remember to consider the preferences and dietary needs of your clientele, and always strive to create a unique and memorable experience with each visit. Cheers to a successful and refreshing summer season at your cafe!

Canada has a $5.1 B/yr coffee shop market that (while currently is predominantly large fast food style coffee chains) is shifting more and more towards specialty and artisanal coffee . This is prompting an increase in specialty coffee shops in both big cities and small towns. To draw attention to your cafe you have to be about more than serving good coffee. A well-crafted menu that caters to a broad audience is key to success. After all, a great menu isn't just a list of items; it's the recipe for a successful cafe. It's about creating an experience that keeps customers coming back for more. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the steps to creating a cafe menu that will stand out and keep visitors coming back for that perfect cup (and maybe a bite too). And for more personalized help, Zafiato offers free cafe consulting to cafes in Ontario. Before diving into menu logistics and pricing, define your business goals by asking yourself "what is the real objective for my cafe?" This may be things like... 1) Driving repeat customers 2) Being known for a variety of signature drinks 3) Offering rare and exotic single origin coffees With your business goals in mind, develop a drink list that broadly consists of the beverage types and flavours you want to serve. This will act as the starting map that will guide you through our 10 step process to creating your next cafe menu. 1) Know Your Customer The first step in creating a cafe menu is to know your target audience. Are you in a bustling city centre with busy professionals looking for a quick caffeine fix on their way to the office? Are you in a cozy suburban neighbourhood where people come to relax and catch up with a friend? Do you have an atmosphere where a Zoomer can sit and work? 2) Focus on Quality Coffee The cornerstone of any great cafe is, of course, the coffee itself. Partner with a reliable coffee roaster to source high-quality coffee and consider offering a variety of coffee options, like pour-over, in addition to just drip coffee and espresso based drinks to cater to different tastes and coffee connoisseurs. Remember that although rare single-origins are nice to try now-and-again, most people want consistency in flavour for a cup of coffee they know and can expect every day. Make sure that the coffee you're buying for your main offerings (whether blends or single origins) will be available long-term and can be consistently roasted. 3) Craft Specialty Drinks Creating a signature drink or two can set your cafe apart from the competition. Get creative and think outside the box. A unique and delicious specialty latte, or other drink like matcha or chai, can become a customer favourite and a talking point for your coffee shop. Zafiato can help you with specialty drink creations to take the guess work out of it. 4) Don't Neglect the Classics Cappuccinos and Americanos, in addition to lattes, are timeless favourites that every cafe should have. Don't underestimate their popularity, even in the specialty coffee world. Make sure you train your baristas to master the art of creating these classics perfectly. 4.5) Have a Cortado on Your Menu Having a cortado to your cafe menu is vital to the perception of your coffee shop by coffee enthusiasts. It positions your cafe as an artisan coffeehouse that values the nuances in flavour and presentation, attracting customers who appreciate refined coffee experiences. The cortado perfectly balances equal parts espresso and steamed milk , offering a harmonious, rich, and smooth beverage. It's not only a delicious choice but also simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy baristas. One cafe owner shared her experience of adding a cortado to their menu by saying, "Since we introduced the cortado, we've observed an upsurge in our morning rush orders. It's a favourite among customers seeking a quick yet fulfilling coffee fix." 5) Tea and Caffeine-Free Alternatives The rise of the popular "Not Coffee" category name on menu boards is a reminder that n ot all visitors to a cafe are coffee lovers. Be sure to include a selection of teas and alternative beverages like chai, matcha, cider, hot chocolate (and even white hot chocolate), etc. Many cafes also offer ready-to-drink beverages to diversify their offering while increasing sales. Offering non-coffee options can attract and retain a wider customer base. 6) Offer Pastries and Snacks Some third-wave cafes steer away from food offerings because of the perceived hassle of kitchen duties and food responsibilities. However complementing your drink lineup with a selection of pastries and snacks like croissants, muffins, and cookies can be a great way to increase sales . By making your cafe a one-stop destination for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack, and you're more likely to turn visitors into return customers. And baked goods don't mean you have to have a kitchen. Consider partnering with a local bakery to provide these items - this will promote another local business and show that you support the community. 7) Seasonal Specials Keep your menu fresh and exciting by mixing things up now and again through the introduction of seasonal specials. Offer festive drinks and treats, and use holiday flavours to create unique menu items that capture the essence of each season, along with the traditional favourites. In addition to giving your menu life, it also provides opportunity for you to promote new things to keep your in-shop advertising (and social posts) dynamic and changing. 8) Dietary Accommodations In today's increasingly health-conscious world, it's essential to cater to various dietary preferences. Include options for dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free, and low/no sugar alternatives to ensure that everyone can find something they love on your menu. Plant-based Milks are a growing trend that are even overtaking dairy-milk in popularity in some cafes. 9) Pricing Strategy Set your prices competitively, considering the cost of ingredients, rent, and the local market. Offering combo deals or loyalty programs can also boost sales and encourage repeat business. 10) Engage with Your Customers Lastly, don't forget to seek feedback from your customers. Their input can be invaluable in refining your menu and overall cafe experience. Don't think of your menu as static - be fluid and ready to change your menu to suit your customers. Make them feel heard and appreciated because above all else, your goal is to create a welcoming and comfortable space for repeat customers to relax, work, or study. Creating a cafe menu is a strategy that requires a mix of market understanding, creativity, and commitment to quality. As a family-operated cafe supplies distributor, Zafiato has helped hundreds of cafes bring their vision to life and can play a helpful role in the creation, promotion, and execution of your cafe menu. Contact Zafiato to discuss your menu and other cafe needs with a cafe consultant . And remember that by focusing on the needs and preferences of your target audience, offering a variety of beverage options along in addition to high-quality coffee, and staying engaged with customers, you can craft the perfect menu that keeps visitors coming back for more. Remember, a great cafe menu isn't just a list of drinks; it's the recipe for a successful cafe.

In the bustling world of cafes where any detail can make a difference to how a visitor remembers their experience (and therefore is more likely to return), the importance of branding cannot be overstated. From the aroma of freshly brewed coffee to the ambiance of the space, every element contributes to shaping the customer experience. One often overlooked aspect that can significantly enhance a cafe's brand identity is the use of coloured lids. There are several ways coloured lids can elevate a cafe's brand... Brand Recognition: In a sea of coffee shops, standing out is essential. Coloured lids provide a unique opportunity for cafes to distinguish themselves from other shops in the area and let your customers "shout out" about your cafe even when they leave and walk down the street. By choosing a lid colour that compliments your brand, you can take your advertising outside the cafe. Zafiato stocks nine colours of lids including red, pink, yellow, green, orange, light blue, dark blue, brown, and white - and we can produce lids in any colour to exactly match any brand. Visual Appeal: The aesthetics of a cafe play a crucial role in attracting customers. Coloured lids add a pop of vibrancy and personality to the drinks you serve, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the cafe's offerings. Whether you're after a modern, minimalist vibe or a more playful approach, Zafiato can help you find the right lid colour to suit your brand and ensure you're going to stand out in your neighbourhood. Brand Consistency: Consistency is key to building a strong brand identity. A well thought out coloured lid strategy will serve as an extension to your cafe's brand strategy and will reinforce your brand messaging with every cup you sell. When customers see the familiar lid colour associated with their favourite cafe, it reaffirms their connection to the brand and reinforces trust and reliability. This instant recognition fosters brand loyalty. The seemingly minor detail of coloured lids can have a significant impact on a cafe's brand identity. By strategically selecting a lid colour that aligns with your brand, your cafe can enhance brand recognition, foster customer loyalty, and create memorable experiences that turn visitors into loyal customers. So, reach out to us to discuss how we can help your cafe make a brand statement with coloured lids. Make sure you don't miss out by subscribing to the Zafiato blog

As discussed in last week's blog article, having a customer email list can be a critical aspect of customer engagement and retention for cafes. While social media plays an undoubtably vital role, email marketing remains a more controllable way to engage with customers and drive sales. In this blog post, we'll explore effective strategies to build a customer email list for your cafe to help you stay connected with your customers and foster long-term relationships. 1) Implement a Customer Loyalty Program: A good customer loyalty program can be an excellent incentive for customers to share their email addresses. Offer rewards, discounts, or exclusive access to promotions for those who sign up. Ensure that the benefits are attractive enough to encourage both existing and potential customers to participate. 2) Host In-Store Events: Organizing events and workshops is a great way to attract foot traffic to your brick-and-mortar store. Encourage attendees to register for these events by providing their email addresses. You can even offer special event-only discounts or giveaways to motivate sign-ups. 3) Engage Visitors: Incorporate interactive and visually appealing elements in your store, such as touchscreen tablets and/or QR codes, where customers can sign up for your email list. Offer them value like discounts and promos in exchange for their email address. This provides benefit to the customer experience and increases the chances of sign-ups. 4) Leverage Social Media & Your Website: Use your website and social media platforms to promote your email list and its benefits. Share sneak peeks of exclusive discounts and promos that subscribers receive, which can entice existing and potential customers to join your mailing list. Additionally, use call-to-action buttons or links on your website and social media profiles that direct visitors to sign up for your email list. 5) Optimize Sign-Up Forms: When customers visit your cafe's website, make sure your email sign-up form is easily accessible and straightforward to complete. Keep it short, requesting only essential information like name and email address, or even just email - remember that the less fields of information you request, the more subscribers you'll have. If you offer online ordering, you can also offer a checkbox for customers to opt-in for your email list during the checkout process. 6) Hold Contests and Giveaways: Contests and giveaways can create buzz around your store and help you collect email addresses in the process. Host exciting contests where participants must sign up for your email list to enter, and promote the event in-cafe, online, and on social media for maximum exposure. Building a customer email list can be very beneficial for small cafes that depend on loyal customers and repeat business. It can help you foster customer engagement and drive traffic to your cafe. By implementing these strategies, you can establish a valuable email list that will enable you to stay connected with your customers, provide them with exclusive offers, and build lasting relationships. Remember to prioritize the customer experience, deliver valuable offers and freebies, and consistently engage your subscribers to create a loyal customer following that keeps coming back to your cafe. Make sure you don't miss out by subscribing to the Zafiato blog

As a small cafe, it's easy to overlook the importance of building a customer email list. However, amidst the hustle and bustle, smart café owners have discovered the hidden gem that an email list can be. In this blog post, we'll explore the various reasons why building a customer email list might be a game-changer for café owners looking to establish strong customer relationships, boost sales, and create a thriving community. 1. Customer Engagement When it comes to creating repeat sales, customer engagement is critical. An email list allows café owners to send personalized messages, promotions, and special offers. By collecting data on customer preferences and behaviors, cafe owners can craft targeted campaigns that resonate with their audience, leading to increased foot traffic. 2. Nurturing Customer Loyalty A loyal customer base is the foundation of a successful café business. Email lists provide an opportunity to stay connected with customers long after their first visit. Sending regular updates, exclusive discounts, and loyalty rewards fosters a sense of appreciation, turning one-time visitors into repeat customers who feel valued. 3. Direct Marketing at its Best Email marketing offers a direct line of communication between cafés and their customers. Unlike social media where algorithms can hinder the reach of posts, emails go directly to the recipient's inbox, ensuring a higher chance of being seen and acted upon. With strategic timing and enticing content, café owners can leverage this advantage to drive traffic during slow periods, promote new menu items, and much more. 4. Cost-Effective Marketing Traditional marketing efforts like flyers, banners, and print advertisements can be expensive and offer limited reach. In contrast, building an email list is a cost-effective way to reach a broader audience. Once the initial setup is complete, the ongoing expenses are minimal, making it an attractive option for cafe owners, particularly those with smaller budgets. 5. Gathering Customer Feedback Feedback from customers is invaluable for café owners seeking to improve their services and offerings. Through email surveys and questionnaires, café owners can gather feedback on various aspects of their business, such as menu preferences, service quality, and overall customer experience. This feedback helps cafe owners and managers make informed decisions that will help you cater precisely to the desires of your customers. 6. Event Promotion Cafés often host events, workshops, or seasonal specials. An email list serves as an effective platform to promote these occasions and encourage attendance. By notifying customers directly through email, café owners can increase event turnout, leading to a more vibrant and lively atmosphere in the café. 7. Staying Ahead of the Competition In a saturated market, standing out from the competition is vital - especially when those competitors are large chain cafes with corporate support. An email list provides a competitive advantage, giving café owners the ability to keep customers informed about new offerings and enticing deals. Staying top-of-mind through regular communication can sway customer choices when deciding where to grab a coffee. Building a customer email list might initially seem like a trivial task amidst the busy routines of running a café, but its potential impact cannot be underestated. From fostering customer loyalty to cost-effective marketing and personalized engagement, an email list serves as a powerful tool for café owners to thrive in a competitive industry. By harnessing the power of direct communication, café owners can create a vibrant community of loyal patrons, ensuring long-term success and growth for their café. Stay tuned for our next blog post where we'll discuss ways to build a successful customer email list and dive deeper into how to use it.

Managing a successful café menu involves making a multitude of decisions, with one crucial aspect being the selection of beverage ingredients. While there are various options available, beverage concentrates have gained popularity among café owners due to their numerous advantages. In this blog post, we explain why beverage concentrates might be a better choice for your cafe, focusing on their convenience, cost-effectiveness, versatility, and consistency. Convenience: One of the primary reasons cafés prefer beverage concentrates is the convenience they offer. Concentrates are pre-mixed flavourings that can be stored for extended periods without refrigeration, allowing cafés to prepare a wide range of beverages quickly and easily. With concentrates, there's no need to measure or mix individual ingredients, reducing preparation time significantly. Whether it's a refreshing fruit smoothie, an iced tea, cider, or a cold brew, café staff can effortlessly create consistent and delicious beverages with minimal effort. Cost-Effectiveness: Managing costs is vital for any café, and beverage concentrates prove to be a cost-effective choice. Concentrates are typically less expensive than purchasing a wide array of individual ingredients, and by using concentrates café owners can control their inventory more efficiently and reduce wastage. Additionally, concentrates often require less storage space compared to bulk ingredients, optimizing storage capacity and minimizing associated costs. Consistency: Consistent quality is key to customer satisfaction, and beverage concentrates ensure that every drink served maintains the same standard of taste and quality. Unlike using individual ingredients, where minor variations in measurements can affect the final outcome, concentrates provide a standardized flavour profile. The formulation of concentrates ensures a consistent taste across multiple servings, ensuring that customers receive the same delightful experience with every visit. This reliability fosters customer loyalty and helps build a strong café brand. Streamlined Operations: Efficiency is paramount in a café's day-to-day operations, and beverage concentrates contribute to streamlined processes. By using concentrates, café staff can focus on delivering excellent customer service rather than spending excessive time on intricate drink preparations. Simplifying the beverage-making process allows for quicker service, shorter waiting times, and increased customer satisfaction. Have The Amount of Product You Need, When You Need It: Menu items like cold brew and iced tea can take hours of preparation to be ready to serve. That means that only a busy day you can run out with no ability to continue serving the item, and on slow days you may have too much that you have to discard at the end of the day. Concentrates allow for easy inventory management, reducing the likelihood of running out of menu items during peak hours. Beverage concentrates offer a multitude of benefits for café owners looking to streamline operations, maintain consistent quality, and satisfy customer preferences. With their convenience, cost-effectiveness, versatility, and ability to ensure consistent taste, concentrates are a valuable addition to any café's beverage repertoire. By leveraging the advantages of beverage concentrates, cafés can create a diverse menu, boost customer satisfaction, and ultimately thrive in a competitive industry.

Contrary to what some small to medium-sized cafe owners think, loyalty programs aren't just for the big corporate chains. Implementing a loyalty program for your cafe can offer numerous benefits for both your business and your customers. Here are several reasons why a loyalty program might be worth considering for your cafe... Customer Retention: A loyalty program can help foster customer loyalty and encourage repeat visits. By offering incentives and rewards to your customers, such as discounts, freebies, or promotional products like branded merchandise, you give them a reason to choose your cafe over competitors. Retaining existing customers is often more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. Increased Sales: A well-designed loyalty program can significantly boost your sales. When customers know they can earn rewards by visiting your cafe regularly, they are more likely to become frequent patrons. Additionally, they may be more inclined to try new menu items or make larger purchases to accumulate more loyalty points. Word-of-Mouth Marketing: A loyalty program can generate positive word-of-mouth marketing for your cafe. Satisfied customers who benefit from the program are more likely to share their experiences with friends, family, and colleagues. This word-of-mouth promotion can bring in new customers who are intrigued by the rewards and benefits your loyalty program offers. Data Collection and Customer Insights: Implementing a loyalty program enables you to gather valuable customer data. By tracking customer purchases and preferences, you can gain insights into their buying behaviours and tailor your marketing strategies accordingly. This data can help you make informed decisions about menu offerings, promotions, and targeted marketing campaigns. Personalized Marketing: With the data collected from your loyalty program, you can personalize your marketing efforts. By understanding individual customer preferences, you can send targeted offers, promotions, and recommendations to boost customer engagement, increase visits, and drive sales. Personalization enhances the customer experience and makes them feel valued. Competitive Advantage: Offering a loyalty program can give you a competitive edge in the crowded cafe market. It sets you apart from other cafes who may not have such a program in place. Customers are more likely to choose a cafe that rewards their loyalty, making your business more attractive and distinctive. Customer Engagement: A loyalty program provides an avenue for direct communication with your customers. You can engage with them through email updates, personalized offers, and exclusive promotions. This ongoing interaction helps build relationships, enhance customer satisfaction, and create a sense of community around your cafe. Customer Satisfaction: Give your customers the "best of both worlds" by allowing them to support small local business, while also getting the perks of a loyalty program often only offered by large chain cafes. In summary, a loyalty program can be a powerful tool to boost customer retention, increase sales, generate word-of-mouth marketing, collect valuable data, personalize marketing efforts, gain a competitive advantage, and enhance customer engagement and satisfaction. Consider implementing a loyalty program in your cafe to reap these benefits and strengthen your relationship with your customers. There is vast loyalty program software availability on the market, so do your research and find the best one for your cafe.