Keys To The Shop : Equipping Coffee Shop Leaders

Summer Webinar Series from Keys to the Shop®!

Congratulations! You hired the right people! Now comes one of the most critical parts of the relationship between employee and employer, raining and onboarding.

All too often we rush this process and engage in "trial by fire" training, we give people big manuals and handbooks and simply tell them "read this". How's that working for ya?

I can tell you from working for 27 years in coffee and personally coaching over 85 cafes, this is common and this does not cut it.

In this 2nd in the 3part webinar series, we are going to dive deep into the what, why, and how of setting up an effective training and onboarding system that will actually produce competence, confidence, and growth for both you and your staff. Your customers benefit by receiving better service, hospitality, and quality from a staff that is truly empowered.

Date: July 30, 2026 | Time: 11:00 AM EST

You will walk away with:

🔑 A time tested framework for training and onboarding
🔑 The ability to manage your time so you can plan for good training
🔑 Instructions on how to prepare yourself and the trainee
🔑 The knowledge of pitfalls to avoid
🔑 Confidence for accountability and management
🔑 Tools to help you begin to track performance
🔑 Insights from the live Q+A

Excellence is not accidental and does not happen because of wishing it was so. It happens when we plan, train, and coach our staff through a system designed to deliver it every time.

👏Registration opens next week so stay tuned!

🔥You can purchase all 3 for a 20% discount.

🔑 Comment "keys" to be first in line for registration.
 
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
 
Sign up for 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING
If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email chris@keystothshop.com
OR... book a free call now to talk about working together
https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min

There is wisdom in taking well considered steps in your life and business. The trouble is that sometimes, when the best move is a big one, we can write it off as unwise or reckless. How can we overcome what holds us back from making the right big moves? 
Well I am pleased to welcome back to the show someone who has lived out and navigated this problem. My friend and world renowned expert in communication and negotiation, Kwame Christian! 
Kwame Christian, Director of the American Negotiation Institute. He is the author of two bestselling books: Finding Confidence in Conflict and How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race
He is a highly sought after keynote speaker and was a recent featured guest on the Mel Robbins Podcast.
Kwame is dedicated to empowering others and has helped countless individuals overcome the fear, anxiety, and emotion often associated with difficult conversations through a branded framework called Compassionate Curiosity.
As an attorney and mediator with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology, a Master of Public Policy, and a Juris Doctorate (Law Degree), Kwame brings a unique multidisciplinary approach to making difficult conversations easier.
 
We discuss:
Big swings mentality and its impact on success
The role of identity in behavior change
Overcoming fear and limiting beliefs
Practical strategies for habit formation
The concept of strategic luck and positioning
The importance of honesty and self-awareness
Playing small is often rooted in limiting beliefs and fear.
Adopting an identity-based approach can accelerate behavior change.
Small, consistent actions lead to big ripple effects over time.
Practicing identity shifts through experiments and reminders is effective.
Embracing uncertainty and adaptability is crucial in a changing world.
Links:
www.kwamechristian.com
 
REGISTER NOW FOR THE SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES! 
Build a Stronger Coffee Shop: One Step at a Time
Great coffee shops don't happen by accident. They are built by hiring the right people, training them well, and leading them with clarity and consistency.
In this live three-part Summer Webinar Series, Chris Deferio shares the practical systems and coaching insights that have helped coffee businesses build stronger teams, healthier cultures, and more resilient operations.
Each webinar includes:
Live instruction and Q&A
PDF workbook
One hour of virtual consulting for each live attendee
Lifetime access to the recording
Register for the individual sessions that fit your current needs, or scroll down to save 20% on the complete Summer Webinar Series.
REGISTER NOW FOR THE SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES! 
 
chris@keystothshop.com
of book a free call now: 
https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min 
 
Related episodes:

I had a conversation with a successful cafe and roastery client recently. We talked about delegation and what was standing in the way of them giving tasks and authority to others. It came out that they were worried about relinquishing control and that they want things to be perfect. Of course this owner is in good company, we all have this feeling that ultimately holds things back. 
 Today on Shift Break we will be talking about how we can not just let go of the limiting beliefs preventing us from empowering others, but how we can reframe how we talk to ourselves about giving up control so our people, and out business can grow more fully into what it needs to be. 
 
REGISTER NOW FOR THE SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES! 
Build a Stronger Coffee Shop: One Step at a Time
Great coffee shops don't happen by accident. They are built by hiring the right people, training them well, and leading them with clarity and consistency.
In this live three-part Summer Webinar Series, Chris Deferio shares the practical systems and coaching insights that have helped coffee businesses build stronger teams, healthier cultures, and more resilient operations.
Each webinar includes:
Live instruction and Q&A
PDF workbook
One hour of virtual consulting for each live attendee
Lifetime access to the recording
Register for the individual sessions that fit your current needs, or scroll down to save 20% when you bundle the last two in our series. 
REGISTER NOW FOR THE SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES! 
 
Sign up for 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING
If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email chris@keystothshop.com
OR... book a free call now to talk about working together
https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min 
 
Related episodes:
528 : Growing Yourself and Your Cafe Through Delegation
SHIFT BREAK: The Delegation Dip
267 : The Power of Delegation
SHIFT BREAK! Holding Baristas (and Yourself!) Accountable

Boardgames and coffee! The two were meant for one another. Gathering around a table to share an experience with your friends and family is core to how community happens. 
In the last decade we have seen an explosion of gaming and coffee cafes meeting a need for connection over shared dice, boards, cards and cups. 
Todays guest has been a pillar in this community for over 7 years and brings an incredible depth of knowledge and skill in hospitality, leadership, and culinary to the gaming table. 
We are talking with Kevin Kerkhof of Hitherto Coffee and Gaming Parlour in Greenfield, IN! 
Kevin J. Kerkhof is an entrepreneur, hospitality executive, educator, and culinary professional with more than 30 years of experience in foodservice, specialty coffee, retail operations, business development, and hospitality management. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for combining operational excellence with a passion for culinary innovation, hospitality, team development, and creating exceptional guest experiences.
Since 2019, Kevin has served as the Founder, Principal Owner, and General Manager of Hitherto Coffee & Gaming Parlour in Greenfield, Indiana. Under his leadership, Hitherto has grown into a unique community-focused destination that blends specialty coffee, food service, tabletop gaming, retail, and events.
Prior to founding Hitherto, Kevin served as the Founding Chef and General Manager of Greyhouse Coffee & Supply Co. in West Lafayette, Indiana. During his tenure, he helped shape the organization's culinary and operational vision while providing leadership and oversight for hundreds of employees throughout the years. He played a key role in concept development, menu creation, facility design, budgeting, organizational leadership, and operational growth.
Kevin earned a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Purdue University and an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University. 
He has worked with and supported organizations including McDonald's, Whole Foods Market, Ecolab, Tyson Foods, Purdue University, the Culinary Institute of America, and the Specialty Coffee Association.
 
In our conversation about his career and boardgame cafe concept we discuss:
Journey into Hospitality and Culinary Arts
The Influence of Agriculture on Culinary Pursuits
Transitioning to Coffee and Greyhouse
Leadership Lessons from Greyhouse
The Evolution and Financial Challenges Starting Hitherto
Navigating the SBA Loan Process
The Concept of a Board Game Cafe
Creating a Unique Customer Experience
Selecting Games for the Community
Staffing for a Dual Concept Cafe
Managing a Board Game Cafe
Event planning and managing game and coffee events
Advice for Aspiring Cafe Owners
REGISTER NOW FOR THE SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES! 
Build a Stronger Coffee Shop: One Step at a Time
Great coffee shops don't happen by accident. They are built by hiring the right people, training them well, and leading them with clarity and consistency.
In this live three-part Summer Webinar Series, Chris Deferio shares the practical systems and coaching insights that have helped coffee businesses build stronger teams, healthier cultures, and more resilient operations.
Each webinar includes:
Live instruction and Q&A
PDF workbook
One hour of virtual consulting for each live attendee
Lifetime access to the recording
Register for the individual sessions that fit your current needs, or scroll down to save 20% on the complete Summer Webinar Series.
REGISTER NOW FOR THE SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES! 
 
chris@keystothshop.com
of book a free call now: 
https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min 
 
Related episodes:
609: Lessons On Running a True Community Space w/ Blew Kind of D'griot Cafe | Philadelphia, PA
230 : Making room for Community in your Shop
The Power of Questions and Connecting with Community
SHIFT BREAK! How to Have Healthy Communication Between your Cafe's Departments
225: Encore Founder Friday! Dorian Bolden of Beyu Caffe, Durham, NC

We serve 2 types of customers. External and internal. The external customer is the one that comes in for a coffee and spends money and time with us as guests in the cafe. The internal customer comes in for a job and spend their energy and time helping us serve the first customer well. In this environment, managers are critical leaders in caring for both groups. Not only this, managers are under pressure to serve the big vision of the business and those who own it. No wonder management burns out as much as they do!
Today on Shift Break we will be talking about serving your managers. The servant leadership model is one that fits neatly in coffee and we will discuss how to adjust our mindsets and schedules to properaly and actually care for those who care for others. This shift makes all the difference. 
I have noticed a lot of noise in the industry. The coffee shop and its owner are the targets of a crushing and never ending stream of marketing that does not care about your success, but only moving units. The uncertainty that was supposed to be solved, is made worse, and the simple desire to serve coffee professionally, gets over complicated. No wonder we burn out so often. 
 Today on Shift Break we will be talking about how simplicity is the best strategy for any coffee shop and is worth establishing as a central pillar of the business so you can navigate the pressured environment of entrepreneurship and build something on a stable foundation.  
 
REGISTER NOW FOR THE SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES! 
Build a Stronger Coffee Shop: One Step at a Time
Great coffee shops don't happen by accident. They are built by hiring the right people, training them well, and leading them with clarity and consistency.
In this live three-part Summer Webinar Series, Chris Deferio shares the practical systems and coaching insights that have helped coffee businesses build stronger teams, healthier cultures, and more resilient operations.
Each webinar includes:
Live instruction and Q&A
PDF workbook
One hour of virtual consulting for each live attendee
Lifetime access to the recording
Register for the individual sessions that fit your current needs, or scroll down to save 20% when you bundle the last two in our series. 
REGISTER NOW FOR THE SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES! 
 
Sign up for 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING
If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email chris@keystothshop.com
OR... book a free call now to talk about working together
https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min 
 
Related episodes:
109 : Leadership Abandonment Syndrome : Lack of development in senior staff and what to do about it
475: Essential Tools for Cafe Management
419: Behaviors That Establish Excellent Management Culture
Proactivity in the Owner – Manager Relationship