A conversation with Peter Dore-Smith, The Coffee King of Fitzrovia

In today's "Coffee Entrepreneur" episode, we're speaking with Dillon Edwards and AJ Walzer, the team behind one of New York City’s favourite specialty coffee brands - Parlor Coffee.

Dillon founded Parlor Coffee in 2012, originally as a pop up espresso bar in a Williamsburg barber’s shop. AJ joined in 2014 and since then, Parlor has grown to a formidable and globally revered roasting business, driven by a passion for origin, community and innovation.

In this conversation, Dillon and AJ discuss the evolution of the New York specialty coffee scene over the last 15 years, and their decision to prioritise wholesale expansion. They also highlight the need for innovation, elevating the customer experience, and the importance of empathy and shared values when building a business together.

Credits music: "Burn" by  Grammy-winning artist Nicole Zuraitis in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective

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In today’s episode we're to be joined by Vanusia Nogueira, Executive Director of the International Coffee Organization (ICO).

Established in 1963, the ICO was set up to regulate the global coffee market, promote international cooperation and administer the International Coffee Agreement.

Today the ICO is as a vital platform for education and consultation, fostering long-term, sustainable production and increasing consumption of quality coffee.

In this conversation Vanusia discusses the new regulations and initiatives aimed at equipping producers with the solutions and tools to tackle coffee production’s most pressing challenges. She also highlights the importance of establishing funding mechanisms for producers and the necessity of attracting young entrepreneurs back and into specialty coffee at origin.

Credits music: "Pronoia" by Carly Pearl in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective

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In today's episode we're kicking off a new mini series on Thailand's vibrant coffee shop market, exploring the recent growth of specialty coffee and opportunities for international brands.

First up, we're speaking with Varatt "Tae" Vichit-Vadakan, founder of Kinnest Group - a boutique F&B group in Bangkok with over 20 hospitality venues and 8 sub brands including Roots Coffee, Roast and Monty's.

In this conversation Tae discusses the evolution of Thailand’s specialty coffee scene over the last 15 years and the joys of collaborating with other creative and passionate entrepreneurs. He also highlights his vision to reconnect with Thailand’s traditional coffee drinking culture by tapping into the nation’s increasing pride for Thai-grown coffee.

Credits music: "Sad Sometimes" by Rosin in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective

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Today we're kicking off a new series on the business of coffee roasting, exploring all aspects of setting up a roastery - from sourcing equipment and green coffee to building a brand and establishing wholesale partnerships.

In the first episode, we speak with Lem Butler, Co-Founder, Black and White Coffee Roasters and Kirby Sinclair, Co-founder, The Roasting Party, to understand the basics and first steps of establishing a roastery In these conversations we discuss how to find the right location, how to know when to upgrade facilities as you grow and the importance of defining your vision and building business relationships.

Credits music: "Bad as you Are" by Alicia Davis in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective

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Today we’re continuing our funding series by speaking with Dan Hardy, Chief Revenue Officer at Crowdcube to find out how to prepare and execute a successful crowdfunding campaign. 

Crowdcube is Europe’s largest private lending marketplace with a community of over 1.5 million members. To date the platform has helped raise £1.4 billion of investment and has worked with over 1,300 entrepreneurs, including ambitious companies such as Grind, WatchHouse, Brewdog and Monzo.

In this conversation Dan walks us through the crowdfunding process and sheds light on how to build and capitalise on campaign momentum. We also discuss the importance of creating a narrative with your community and communicating a clear and powerful mission statement.

Credits music: "Dizzy" by Richard James in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective

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In today’s episode we’re speaking with Yassir Rais, Founder and CEO of Spanish specialty coffee business, Syra Coffee.

Founded in 2015 in Barcelona, Syra Coffee has rapidly grown in recent years and now has an impressive 43 sites across 7 cities in Spain as well as a formidable B2C roasting business.

In this conversation Yassir explores the inherent relationship between design, architecture and specialty coffee and shares his mission to democratise good coffee by making it accessible and affordable to all consumers.

Credits music: "Broken Ground" by Kavalla in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective

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In the second episode of our Christmas break, we’re resharing a conversation with Anne Lunell - the co-visionary behind Swedish specialty roaster, Koppi Coffee Roasters.

Respected throughout the industry, Anne is a former Swedish Barista Champion, international coffee judge, and was recently presented an Outstanding Industry Contribution honour at the European Coffee Awards in Barcelona.

In this conversation, Anne discusses the importance of building a values-based business and shares why taking a step back and simplifying Koppi’s business model has created a fundamental work-life balance that so many successful entrepreneurs crave.

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During our short break over the Christmas and New Year we’re re-sharing some of our favourite conversations from the last 12 months.

First up is the legendary Tony Papas, a multi-faceted hospitality entrepreneur, with a global career spanning Michelin-starred restaurants, boutique bakeries, specialty coffee roasting with Allpress Espresso, and most recently, developing an olive farm in Puglia, Italy.

In this conversation, Tony shares his business instinct of knowing when to jump in and when to step away, and the importance of fostering a cohesive culture by bringing every team member along on the adventure.

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In today's episode we're bringing you an alternative Christmas playlist to accompany your festive celebrations. 

It’s our tradition to close each episode showcasing music from up and coming talented artists in association with The Coffee Music Project. And today we’re bringing you a bonus episode packed full of some of our favourite tracks from the year - plus a couple of festive numbers for good measure. So sit back, crack open the mulled wine and enjoy this Festive Treat of excellent music.

A big thank you to all the incredible artists for lending their remarkable tracks throughout the year!

Tracklist

1. Steve Ray Ladson - Do you Know 
2. Lisa Crawley - Don't Delete Me 
3. Richard James aka HOLNE - See the Magic 
4. MARLEY - Besos De Miel 
5. Scott Krokoff - Fortunately 
6. Amira B - Do You 
7. Olivia Junholm - Hurry Slow
8. Samantha Rise - Rye Grass Ryder 
9. The Grove - Sun and Rain 
10. Norman Alexander - All I Know 
11. Abrielle Scharff - New York Makes Me Cry 
12. Daisy Chute - Christmas Just For Two 

In today’s episode we’re speaking with Dan Martensen, the man behind the overnight sensation, It's Bagels - a New-York inspired bagel and coffee shop in London’s Primrose Hill.

Dan opened the doors to It's Bagels in September 2023 and within days they had queues of over 200 eager customers lining up for a bagel and coffee. So, how did he do it?

In this conversation Dan shares the secrets behind the daunting task of generating PR for a new brand. He also discusses his community-centric approach to business and the art of balancing tradition and modernity.

Credits music: "Mother" by Daisy Chute in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective

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