What is the best way to serve coffee?

The importance of good service

When serving coffee, the coffee itself is only an afterthought if the service is poor. Good coffee is not only good by taste but by the overall picture. Coffee is often the first and last thing a guest orders. So it is an important moment in the overall experience. Whether someone walks in for a quick espresso in the morning or asks for a cappuccino after dinner: a good cup of coffee will linger. It's a small detail with a big impact.

For you as a hospitality entrepreneur, coffee is also a smart revenue generator. The margin on a cup of coffee is relatively high, especially if you combine it with a small biscuit or a luxury presentation. Figures show that the average profit margin on a cup of coffee in the hospitality industry is between 70 and 90 per cent, depending on the location and type of coffee.

And: if your coffee is really good, people come back faster. Think of regulars who drop by especially for that cappuccino, or tourists who leave a good review. Reviews mention coffee as a plus or minus remarkably often.

Compare it to the other side: a lukewarm, weak coffee in a yellowed cup with no smile on the side. That feels unprofessional. The chances of such a guest coming back? Small.

In short: coffee is not an afterthought. It is ordered tremendously often, at a high margin. It's an opportunity to stand out, to make guests feel welcome and to get more revenue from something you already serve anyway.

The basics: ingredients and equipment

Good coffee starts with the basics: fresh beans, clean water and reliable equipment. If one of these links is not right, you can taste it immediately in the cup. And so will your guest.

Guests often have a favourite type of coffee. This varies from person to person. Do they like an espresso, a black coffee or a cappuccino with oat milk? Make sure you have a versatile range, allowing you to satisfy guests' wishes. Read more about this in the blog on different coffees.

Beans and water

Start with the bean. Choose good quality beans, preferably freshly roasted and not too long in the hopper. Old beans lose aroma and create a flat flavour. Ask yourself: do you know how old the beans you are using today are?

Water also makes a difference. Coffee is 98% water, so lime-free and filtered water is essential for a clean taste as well as a longer life of your machine.

Coffee machine

The machine you use to make your coffee also matters, of course. There are many different devices. Rinse the machine daily, clean the steam pipe, and don't forget the grinder. A dirty machine ruins the taste faster than you think - and the guest notices it right away. Consider putting up a cleaning schedule for your team. That way, serving coffee will remain something you can be proud of.

How do you present a cup of coffee?

Good coffee deserves a good presentation. Because let's face it: what makes more of an impression - a cappuccino in a clean cup with a saucer, spoon and biscuit to go with it, or a sloppily placed mug without anything extra? We give you some tips for presenting the perfect cup of coffee.

Tip 1: choose the right cup or glass

An espresso belongs in a small, thick-walled cup that retains heat. A cappuccino in a round cup of around 180-250 ml. And for a latte, ideally use a tall glass. This is how each type of coffee comes out best. Read about the different types of coffee in this blog.

Tip 2: details make the difference

Serve standard on a saucer with a spoon on the side. Add a napkin for neatness and for the feeling of attention. Add a small biscuit, chocolate or even a piece of homemade goodies? Guests really appreciate it. It doesn't have to be expensive, as long as it is thoughtful.

Tip 3: make sure the tableware is clean and complete

A coffee stain on the rim, a missing spoon, or a crooked paper napkin... it seems small, but it affects how professional you come across. Make it a habit to check the crockery before you serve.

Tip 4: Visible quality exudes confidence

When your coffee is beautifully presented, guests feel they are taken seriously. They not only taste the coffee, but also your attention to detail. And that makes them want to come back.

Hospitality: important

If everything around the coffee, the presentation, is satisfactory, not everything is complete. The person serving must also be hospitable. A grumpy look, waiting too long to serve or not responding to a guest's comment. These are small things you do need to take into account. Be kind towards guests. This way, you will contribute to better service and customers will come back faster. This will earn you more!

For instance, keep a conversation lively and personal by addressing the guest by his or her first name. A small personal touch, such as a joke, a compliment, or remembering someone's regular order, makes a world of difference. Guests feel seen, and that creates loyalty.

Printed coffee cups: even better service

How do you ensure even better coffee service? What's a great tip for serving coffee? Printed tableware! It may seem a bit far-fetched, but this is definitely not so. When guests are served coffee from a printed cup on a printed saucer, they feel like they are being taken seriously. This keeps guests coming back as they appreciate the hospitality, professionalism and service and want to come back.

Summary

A good cup of coffee is about more than taste: it's about experience, presentation and service. Use fresh beans, clean water and well-maintained equipment for a perfect base. Choose the right cup or glass and present coffee neatly, complete with saucer, spoon and possibly a biscuit. Hospitality is crucial: a smile and personal touch make all the difference. For extra impact? Serve your coffee in printed coffee cups for a professional look that guests remember. Coffee is an opportunity to stand out in the hospitality industry and generate more turnover. Invest in quality, attention and presentation to keep guests coming back and recommending your coffee.

Are you looking for printed cups and want to know more? Then feel free to get in touch and ask your questions! Or request a quote with a free, no-obligation proof or order now!