SCA Brewing Professional
2025-12-08 08:00 - 2025-12-10 15:30 (America/New_York) | Opo Coffee Training Lab, 314 E. Howard Street, Decatur, GA, 30030, United States
The Brewing Professional course builds upon the concepts and skills introduced in the Brewing Intermediate course. Learners take a deeper and more scientific look at the essential elements of good brewing, what happens when brewing parameters are manipulated, and how to master navigation of the coffee brewing control chart. Learners will gain a deeper understanding of water and its impact on brewing, specifically utilizing the ideals of aim, measure, and treatment. The most powerful tools that a professional brewer possesses are an analytical mind and the ability to process and manipulate a multitude of changing variables. These variables help the brewer to understand how best to interpret the information and then offer a solution or opinion that will improve the coffee quality, service, and delivery for their clients. A written exam tests professional course knowledge while a practical exam tests the skills described above based on different working activities carried out during the course.
Learn more about the SCA Coffee Skills Program here.
Validated parking and lunch are included in the course fee.
Students will receive a 15% discount on coffee and merchandise the day of class!
Maximum Class Size: 2 students
Class Duration: 3 sessions, 7.5 hours/session
Instructor: Jonathan Pascual, Authorized SCA Trainer

Opening a Coffee Business: A Crash Course for Aspiring Owners
2025-12-12 09:00 - 12:00
Thinking about starting a coffee shop, cart, or roasting business?
Join us for Opening a Coffee Business: A Crash Course for Aspiring Owners, a 3-hour workshop designed for future coffee entrepreneurs.
Led by Opo founder Jonathan Pascual, we’ll walk through startup costs, business models, licensing, staffing, and the real-world challenges of running a coffee business. You’ll leave with practical insights, a workbook, and a one-page business plan template to help move your idea forward.
Jonathan has directly opened and operated several specialty coffee businesses over the course of his career, and has consulted on dozens of successful coffee business projects locally and globally. His experience spans concepts from mobile carts to retail cafes, roasteries to coffee training centers. He is an experienced business coach and Authorized Specialty Coffee Association Trainer.
This small-group class is limited to 7 participants to encourage discussion and personal interaction. Attendees will also receive a credit toward Opo’s consulting services if they decide to pursue one-on-one guidance.
Whether you’re still dreaming or ready to take the next step, this class will give you the tools — and honest perspective — you need.
Parking validation included in class fee.

Coffee "Office Hours"
2025-12-12 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-12-12 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-01-02 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-01-02 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-01-23 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-01-23 14:00 - 15:00
Play on any of the coffee brewing equipment in our lab, with an Opo trainer available to answer any questions or give tips on technique. Open to anyone, professional baristas and home coffee enthusiasts alike. Coffee beans and whole milk included. Available equipment:

2-group La Marzocco Linea Classic EE
1-group La Marzocco GS3
Nuova Simonelli Mythos espresso grinder
Nuova Simonelli G60 AMC espresso grinder
Mazzer Major espresso grinder
Mahlkonig Guatemala coffee grinder
Breville Barista Express home espresso machine
Breville Bambino Plus home espresso machine
Baratza Encore home grinder
Bonavita Metropolitan 8-cup drip brewer
Various manual brew methods: French press, Aeropress, Kalita, Clever, V60, Chemex
Hot water tower
Water kettles
Weighing scales

Maximum Size: 6 people

Home Espresso
2025-12-13 14:30 - 16:15, 2025-12-20 14:30 - 16:15, 2026-01-03 14:30 - 16:15, 2026-01-10 10:00 - 11:45, 2026-01-24 10:00 - 11:45, 2026-01-30 12:30 - 14:15
This practical workshop is perfect for those who have a home espresso machine and would like to brew better shots and understand how barista technique affects taste in the cup. During the class, you’ll learn the basics of espresso extraction and work on things like grind adjustment, distribution, and tamping, learning on commercial equipment and Breville home machines. Our experienced trainers will guide you through the process, providing tips and tricks to help you sharpen your home barista skills.
Students will receive a 15% discount on coffee and merchandise the day of class!
Maximum Class Size: 6 students
Instructor: Joel Ballard, Opo Barista & Authorized SCA Trainer

Latte Art Basics
2025-12-13 17:30 - 19:15, 2025-12-20 17:30 - 19:15, 2026-01-03 17:30 - 19:15, 2026-01-09 13:00 - 14:45, 2026-01-10 13:00 - 14:45, 2026-01-24 13:00 - 14:45, 2026-01-31 17:30 - 19:15
Whether you’re just getting started as a barista, have an espresso machine at home, or simply want to learn latte art technique for fun, this hands-on class is a great introduction to basic latte art. You’ll get direct instruction and practice using commercial or home espresso equipment to get one step better in pouring latte art – whether that’s starting with a simple heart, or improving technique for more consistent milk texture for your more advanced pours. No previous experience required.
Maximum Class Size: 6 students
Instructor: Joel Ballard, Opo Barista & Authorized SCA Trainer

SCA Introduction to Coffee
2025-12-15 08:00 - 14:30
Part of the SCA Coffee Skills Program, Introduction to Coffee is open to coffee enthusiasts and specialty coffee professionals alike. Intro to Coffee is a comprehensive crash course in the specialty coffee industry. It charts coffee’s journey from its origins in Ethiopia to the major commodity that it is today. This course gives a general overview of the specialty coffee supply chain and explores topics such as history and cultivation, variables that affect coffee quality, basics of sensory analysis, fundamentals of roasting, factors of coffee freshness, and principles of brewing. Learners will also discuss the importance of water quality, equipment cleanliness, and maintenance.
In the Opo Coffee training lab, this interactive course also includes a live coffee roasting demo and coffee cupping. There is an online written exam administered upon completion of the course. Learn more about the SCA Coffee Skills Program here.
Lunch and validated parking included in the course fee.
Students will receive a 15% discount on coffee and merchandise the day of class!
Maximum Class Size: 7 students
Class Duration: 6.5 hours
Instructor: Jonathan Pascual, Authorized SCA Trainer
Cancellation Policy & FAQs

SCA Brewing Foundation
2025-12-16 08:00 - 15:30
This course introduces the learner to the different methods of brewing coffee. The learner will receive theoretical and practical hands-on instruction for a range of devices including various pourover cones, French press, siphon, Aeropress, Clever brewer, and more. Practical learning objectives and activities prepare the learner to prepare a tasty brew based on an understanding of the essential brewing elements and an analysis of their brew results.
There is an online written exam administered upon completion of the course. Learn more about the SCA Coffee Skills Program here.
Validated parking and lunch are included in the course fee.
Students will receive a 15% discount on coffee and merchandise the day of class!
Maximum Class Size: 6 students
Class Duration: 7 hours
Instructor: Jonathan Pascual, Authorized SCA Trainer

SCA Barista Skills Foundation
2025-12-17 08:00 - 15:30, 2026-01-14 08:00 - 15:30
This course allows learners to gain an introductory understanding of the coffee itself as well as foundational skills required to set a grinder, make espressos, foam and texture milk and latte art techniques as per SCA quality standards, while implementing health and safety practices and customer service. Practical learning objectives and activities prepare the learner to conduct key foundational tasks of a barista.
There is an online written exam administered upon completion of the course. Learn more about the SCA Coffee Skills Program here.
Validated parking and lunch are included in the course fee.
Students will receive a 15% discount on coffee and merchandise the day of class!
Maximum Class Size: 5 students
Class Duration: 7.5 hours
Instructor: Joel Ballard, Authorized SCA Trainer

FREE Bag of Coffee!
2025-12-19 13:00 - 14:45, 2026-01-16 13:00 - 14:30, 2026-01-31 14:30 - 16:00
Taste Like a Pro!
Have you ever wondered how baristas are able to rattle off incredibly specific descriptors for your coffee? Or how those flavor notes ended up on your bag of coffee? Well, if so, this class is for you! In this session we will discuss the basics of sensory analysis, how to taste like a coffee professional, and how to describe what you experience. We will also get a chance to participate in a coffee cupping, which is the process that coffee pros use to analyze a coffee. Come ready to drink lots of coffee!
Each ticket includes a FREE bag of Opo Upside beans!
Maximum Class Size: 8 students
Instructor: Joel Ballard, Opo Barista & Authorized SCA Trainer

SCA Barista Skills Intermediate
2026-01-20 08:00 - 2026-01-21 15:30
The Barista Skills Intermediate course builds on the concepts and skills introduced in the Foundation course. It is ideal for someone who has barista skills experience and wants to explore how to improve coffee quality and prepare for more complex job functions found in the barista profession. Through this interactive course, learners will gain a deeper understanding of the coffee itself, specifically the impact of a coffee’s variety, origins and processing methods on flavor; the parameters of coffee quantity, grind texture, water quality, and shot time and their interaction when dialing in a brew recipe; drink construction and taste differences; workflow management and efficiency, sensory aspects of the espresso extraction; milk handling and techniques as well as latte art. In addition to coffee preparation, this course also covers key concepts regarding health and safety, customer service, and basic business practices. A written exam tests Intermediate course knowledge while a practical exam assesses the learner’s ability in terms of grinder calibration, espresso extraction analysis, latte art skills and drinks construction.

SCA Introduction to Coffee
2026-02-02 08:00 - 14:30
Part of the SCA Coffee Skills Program, Introduction to Coffee is open to coffee enthusiasts and specialty coffee professionals alike. Intro to Coffee is a comprehensive crash course in the specialty coffee industry. It charts coffee’s journey from its origins in Ethiopia to the major commodity that it is today. This course gives a general overview of the specialty coffee supply chain and explores topics such as history and cultivation, variables that affect coffee quality, basics of sensory analysis, fundamentals of roasting, factors of coffee freshness, and principles of brewing. Learners will also discuss the importance of water quality, equipment cleanliness, and maintenance.
In the Opo Coffee training lab, this interactive course also includes a live coffee roasting demo and coffee cupping. There is an online written exam administered upon completion of the course. Learn more about the SCA Coffee Skills Program here.
Lunch and validated parking included in the course fee.
Students will receive a 15% discount on coffee and merchandise the day of class!
Maximum Class Size: 7 students
Class Duration: 6.5 hours
Instructor: Joel Ballard, Authorized SCA Trainer
SCA certificate courses have very limited seating and require significant planning and preparation to schedule, staff, and deliver. Because of this, SCA Courses follow a separate policy from our non-certification classes.
Refunds and Rescheduling:

30+ days before the course start:
You may reschedule or request a full refund at no charge.
15–29 days before the course start:
You may reschedule or request a refund, less a 20% processing fee.
Within 14 days of the course start:
Cancellations and rescheduling are no longer possible and are not eligible for a refund.
