Running a successful bistro, delicatessen and coffee shop requires not just a passion for great coffee, but also the ability to make strategic decisions that enhance quality and efficiency.
Nestled within the vibrant shopping area of Summertown, Oxford, The Kitchen Food Company owner Samantha Wilson faced a vital decision when it came to choosing the right coffee beans.
This award-winning Oxford-based business is a foodies paradise, featuring a fine food delicatessen, daytime bistro and artisan coffee shop, boasting a wonderful pavement terrace. It’s also well-known as the place to order posh picnics and creative grazing platters & hampers.
Less than a mile from the city of Oxford, Summertown is a vibrant, mostly residential area and is home to some of the best schools in the country as well as a base for many Oxford University Professors and Students. Within such a discerning local neighbourhood, The Kitchen Food Company, headed by Samantha Wilson and a team of accomplished Chefs, create handmade dishes for their bistro and delicatessen counter to accompany their great cheese counter, local breads and pastries as well as an extensive international grocery range which are centred around the coffee bar.
This is the story of how the Kitchen Food Company transitioned from Easy Jose coffee to United Coffee, reaping the benefits of superior taste and significant cost savings.
The challenge
As an outlet dedicated and renowned for providing high quality single origin coffees, The Kitchen Food Company encountered no real challenges with their supplier Easy Jose and were initially not looking to change. Indeed, with all the local competition of a number of independent and high street coffee brands all in walking distance it was imperative they did not loose their loyal coffee customer base.
However, William from United Coffee presented a compelling case offered an exciting new opportunity to switch. Whilst service, supply and support from Easy Jose was great, the high cost of their beans was impacting the shop’s bottom line, prompting Samantha to agree to explore a new solution.
The search for the perfect bean
After much consideration and a trial period of a few weeks, United Coffee Select beans emerged as the top contender. Known for their rich, consistent flavour and ethical sourcing, the Select beans have lively acidity, a medium body with hints of roasted nuts and chocolate, and were found to be ideal for all-day drinking, with enough body to cut through the milk but still make smooth espresso they deliver on all fronts.
The beans behind the brew
The United Coffee Select beans that have proved a great business decision as well as popular with their customers for the Kitchen Food Company hail from two of the world’s premier coffee-growing regions; Brazil and Peru.
These 100% Arabica beans are certified Fairtrade, ensuring that the farmers receive a fair price for their exceptional crops. The Brazilian beans originate from Poço Fundo, where the Coopfam cooperative thrives with 250 dedicated members, each managing around 7 hectares of land. These farmers cultivate the renowned Bourbon and Catuaí varieties, known for their rich flavours and smooth profiles.
United Coffee’s commitment to quality and ethical sourcing shines through in every cup served at the Kitchen Food Company, delivering a consistently superior coffee experience to its customers.
The transition
Switching to a new coffee bean supplier required careful planning. As the business’s Barista, Zlatan devised a transition plan that included initial orders for taste tests and staff training to ensure seamless implementation. The timeline was structured to minimise disruptions, allowing the shop to continue serving customers their daily coffee fix without a hitch.
The results
The switch to United Coffee beans brought about remarkable improvements. The enhanced taste of the coffee was immediately noticeable. Customers raved about the rich, smooth flavour, leading to some very positive reviews.
Financially, Samantha says “The transition has proved beneficial. United Coffee beans were more affordable than Easy Jose beans, as costs recently rose and we were keen to find a better value alternative without compromising on quality – and United Coffee has provided that.”.
Customer testimonials
The response from customers has been overwhelmingly positive. One loyal customer noted, “The new coffee tastes fantastic – so much richer and more flavourful!” Another new customer mentioned, “I decided to try the Kitchen Food Company after hearing about their new coffee beans, and I’m hooked!”
Selling beans for Customers to use at home has proved a really popular move. They are looking forward to the at home retail range of 250g beans, ground and pods which is soon to be available to supplement the already available 1kg bag offer.
Conclusion
Switching to United Coffee Select beans has been a game-changer for the Kitchen Food Company. The shop not only continues its reputation for serving some of the best coffee in Summertown, Oxford, thanks to the superior quality and consistent flavour of United Coffee beans. The cost savings have further strengthened the business, allowing for improvement and innovation.
Recommendations for other restaurant, deli and coffee shop owners
If you’re a restaurant, deli or coffee shop owner grappling with quality or cost issues, consider exploring new suppliers like United Coffee. The right choice can transform your business, impress your customers and boost your bottom line. Quality coffee beans are not just an ingredient; they are the heart and soul of your venue’s success.
Final thoughts
For Samantha, the journey to finding the perfect coffee bean has been fruitful. The positive changes have reinforced the importance of quality and thoughtful decision-making in running her business. Here’s to many more cups of exceptional coffee.