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.
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.
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
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
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 hours Instructor: Joel Ballard, Authorized SCA Trainer Cancellation Policy & FAQs