CoffeeCow Reviews Newman’s Own Special Blend Organic Coffee K-Cups

Newman’s partnered with Green Mountain Coffee to develop Newman’s Own Special Blend Medium Roast Extra Bold Coffee; a strong, yet smooth blend that has been grown and processed according to the strictest organic standards. The result is K-cup coffee that is Fair Trade Certified and pleasing to your palate.

At CoffeeCow, we’re all about saving the planet and contributing to the greater good, but we also demand a great cup of coffee to start the day. We brewed some on a manic Monday morning and our verdict is below.


The Test: We’re a bit moody in the morning. Some of us want a dark roast coffee to awaken or senses and get us moving while some of us need a bold yet mild coffee, and some of us want a bit of both! Our coffee dream is to find one coffee blend to hit all of our moving targets.

We popped a K-cup into our Keurig coffee maker and immediately the aroma made our taste buds perk up in anticipation of the promise of a cup of coffee infused with favorite flavors of vanilla, chocolate, and caramel.

The cup couldn’t brew fast enough, but it was worth the wait! At first sip, we were immersed in a study of flavor contradiction: bold yet refined, strong yet smooth, hearty and full-bodied, but no bitterness. We’re in love!

We can drink this blend black or with a favorite flavored creamer. We can save time and money stocking up because no matter whom we’re entertaining at home or the office, Newman’s Special Blend coffee is sure to satisfy.

Best of all, there’s no bitter aftertaste so you won’t have to rush to brush your teeth to combat coffee breath.

The Result: On a scale of 1-5, we give Newman’s Own Special Blend Medium Roast Extra Bold Coffee a 4.5. This coffee woke us up with its tiny bite and amazing deep flavor. This blend is a large crowd pleaser! Light roast coffee fans may not appreciate the smoky, almost dark chocolate overtones while dark roast coffee fans may not appreciate the splash of dried-fruit sweetness.

General Information: Each box of Newman’s Own Special Blend Extra Bold Coffee K-Cups contains 24 single-serve cups for your Keurig K-Cup brewer.

Ideas about what we can review next? Let us know in the comments below!

Visit CoffeeCow.com today and browse our entire K-Cup selection.

Hot Chocolate & Mini Marshmallows – The Ultimate Pairing

If you can believe it, there’s more to life than coffee. At CoffeeCow, we’re always “talking coffee” (and drinking it too!). Today, we thought we’d show some love to another delicious, hot beverage we appreciate – hot chocolate. Whether you’re making some to help the kids warm up after a full day of snow forts and snowball fights or curling up next to a roaring fire with a cup for yourself, hot cocoa hits the spot and is a treat for the whole family to enjoy.

And who can resist miniature anything, let alone miniature marshmallows? Go ahead and top off any of your favorite hot beverages - shake a few mini marshmallows on your hot cocoa, cappuccino or even coffee!

Now that we’ve got you craving a cup of hot cocoa with mini marshmallows, here’s some great news. Use promo code 44TG48 until December 31st and receive discounts on Nestle Rich Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix and a 4 oz. canister of Flavor Gourmet Mini Marshmallows.

Looking for other mouthwatering hot chocolate options for your single serve brewer? Try these:

• Cafe Escapes Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa K-cups
• Cafe Escapes Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa K-Cups

Visit CoffeeCow.com for our full selection of coffee, coffee products, & more! As always, don’t forget to visit our Coupons page for the latest deals and thank you for choosing CoffeeCow.

CoffeeCow Reviews Cinnabon Classic Cinnamon Roll K-Cup® Pods

If you love the fall weather and all the smells and flavors that come with it, then there’s a pretty good chance you also love cinnamon. From food to pine cones, and of course coffee – a little cinnamon sprinkled on top is the perfect complement to the season.

Today, we’re taste-testing  Cinnabon Classic Cinnamon Roll K-Cup® Pods to see if this coffee should be another addition to your must-have fall flavors list.

General Information: Each box of Cinnabon Classic Cinnamon Roll K-Cup Pods contains 24 single serve cups for use in your K-Cup brewer.

The Test: Alright, time to stock up on everything cinnamon to get in the mood. We light our cinnamon candle, take our cinnamon K-Cup Pod and pop it into our cinnamon coffee brewer – our Keurig, of course.

Once the brewing commences, even more of that glorious, spicy cinnamon aroma that we love fills the room. Upon first sip we notice a smooth taste and attractive mouthfeel. Cinnabon Classic Cinnamon Roll K-Cup® Pods are not bitter with an exceptional and noticeable cinnamon flavor.

The Result: On a scale from 1-5, we rate Cinnabon Classic Cinnamon Roll K-Cup® Pods a 3.5. This light roast coffee is like drinking an actual cinnamon roll – but if you’re not a cinnamon fan, this coffee may not be for you.

Receive a discount on this selection as well as other coffee/coffee products view our coupon page.

Ideas about what we can review next? Let us know in the comments below!

Visit Coffeecow.com today and browse our entire K-Cup selection.

It’s a Nice Day for Coffee and a Bike Ride

You wake up early on a cool autumn morning and can’t wait to start your day. That’s because this day is a special one - there’s no work, no chores, and no errands.  Just you enjoying some much needed alone time.

After dressing, you open the front door and take a deep breath of the crisp morning air. That’s when you decide that it’s the perfect morning for a bike ride to the neighborhood corner café for the day’s first cup of coffee. Excited about the bike ride (and for the coffee, of course!), you strap on your helmet and you’re on your way.

Nodding to passersby, you turn the corner and coast to a stop. After locking up your bike, you stroll inside and purchase your favorite café-style cup o’ Joe, then find a nice, quiet spot next to the window to sit, sip and relax.

As you sip, you think to yourself “coffee and bike rides – the perfect pair.”

If you agree, you’re not the only one! Cafés in Brno, the second largest city in the Czech Republic, lend free fold-up bikes to people who buy a coffee as part of a bike-share scheme – and it’s working. Not only is taking a scenic bike ride through the city enjoyable, but it’s also a mode of transportation that can keep you and the environment healthy.



Would you rather have your first cup of coffee before your bike ride? This is ok too! Just browse CoffeeCow.com for all your coffee needs.

CoffeeCow Reviews Green Mountain Caramel Vanilla Cream Coffee K-Cups

Green Mountain has gone and done it again – they have created another coffee flavor fit to be a stand-alone dessert…or have they? Our coffee connoisseurs are ready and willing to find out!

Today, we’re taste-testing Green Mountain Caramel Vanilla Cream Coffee K-Cups to see if there’s really anything at all to fuss about.

General Information: Each box of Green Mountain Caramel Vanilla Cream Coffee K-Cups contains 24 single serve cups for your K-Cup brewer.

The Test: We don’t need much preparation for this taste-test; we just need to be in the mood for dessert. Done – now that didn’t take long!

As the K-Cup begins to brew, we immediately notice the mouth-watering aromas of caramel and vanilla – a smell so divine we’re inclined to take a sip before the K-Cup brewer is done performing its magic! We close our eyes to take that first sip and our taste buds go crazy. Although the mouthful of this coffee is somewhat thin and watery, the swirling dessert-like flavors are just right.

The Result: On a scale from 1-5, we rate Green Mountain’s Caramel Vanilla Cream Coffee K-Cups a 4. This is a light roast coffee, so it may not be for our dark roast coffee fans.

And finally, to answer the question of whether this coffee could be considered a stand-alone dessert…well so far, we haven’t found a coffee that couldn’t.

Ideas about what we can review next? Let us know in the comments below!

Visit CoffeeCow.com today and browse our entire K-Cup selection.

Coffee & Ice Cream Lovers Unite – It’s National Coffee Ice Cream Day!

Do you like (or need) to enjoy dessert with a cup of coffee?

Perhaps you’ve been out dining with friends when the server approaches the table and asks if you’d like to see a dessert menu…you answer with an emphatic “Yes, of course!” You quickly glance over the menu and decide on a bowl of vanilla ice cream with a necessary, after-dinner coffee and then wait anxiously for what you’d consider to be the ultimate dessert. Ah yes…ice cream and coffee…the perfect pair.

Moments (though it seems like hours) later, the server reappears and places a dessert in front of each guest, then hurries away into the kitchen. Everyone else begins to nibble on their desserts while making small talk, but you – you can’t take one bite. You smile nervously and start to look around for the server because he/she has forgotten a crucial part of your dessert – the coffee.

You look down at your seemingly sad, melting bowl of vanilla ice cream and a tear rolls down your cheek.
Just as you open your mouth to scream, a cup of coffee magically appears beside your ice cream. You hear a voice ask, “May I get you anything else?” Your answer is, of course, “no” as you take a sip of coffee and scoop your first spoonful of ice cream.  Now all is right with the world.

Although this scenario may be an exaggeration, coffee has been known to be dessert’s perfect match. It’s no surprise that coffee ice cream was created and that we’ve declared an entire day to celebrate it and all its glory.

So, three cheers for today - Happy National Coffee Ice Cream Day to all our CoffeeCow Fans!

Looking to celebrate National Coffee Day the right way? Check out this delicious, homemade coffee ice cream recipe!

CoffeeCow Reviews Green Mountain Fair Trade Pumpkin Spice Coffee K-Cups

Ready or not, here comes Fall…

It’s that time of year again – sweaters are back in the stores and in your drawers (depending on where you live), the kiddos are somewhat reluctantly making their way back to school, and just about everything is made of pumpkin… coffee being no exception! So as another Fall season begins to creep in, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate the turn of the season with the perfect coffee flavor. Today, we’re taste-testing Green Mountain Fair Trade Pumpkin Spice K-Cups to see if this coffee compliments the season or gives us “seasonal depression.”

General Information: Every box of Green Mountain Fair Trade Pumpkin Spice Coffee contains 24 K-Cups per box and works in K-Cup brewers only.

The Test: We’re going to make it feel like Fall and turn the A/C up as high as it will possibly go - 60 degrees sounds pretty good. Now, throw on your favorite sweater and let’s move on to the coffee tastin’!

Once brewing, a mouthwatering pumpkin aroma fills the air. The smooth taste, exceptional flavor and attractive mouthfeel leave you savoring every sip, right down to the last drop. The only con we see – if you like dark-roasted coffee, Green Mountain’s Pumpkin Spice K-Cups may be too light for your taste.

The Result: On a scale from 1-5, we rate Green Mountain Fair Trade Pumpkin Spice K-Cups a 5.1! Not only are they tasty but these K-Cups contain Fair Trade coffee and are an amazing treat anyhow, anytime, anywhere. So whether you’re admiring the changing colors of the season, venturing out to a nearby Fall festival or gazing up at the harvest moon – just remember to take a Coffee Cow tumbler filled with Green Mountain’s Pumpkin Spice Coffee along for the ride. We’re pretty sure you won’t regret it.

Ideas about what we can review next? Let us know in the comments below!

Visit CoffeeCow.com today and browse our entire K-Cup selection.

August is National Coffee Month - How will you celebrate?

You’ve just been served a steaming hot cup of coffee while attending a dinner party and then asked to raise your coffee mug for a toast…to coffee! Why? Even though coffee deserves to be recognized every day, August is significant because it’s National Coffee Month. So go ahead and clink your coffee mugs in celebration for a beverage that can almost do it all!


Need great coffee celebratory ideas?

Take our coffee challenge! For the month of August, try one different brand and/or flavor of coffee every day. At the end of the month, be sure to let us know what your experience was like - did you discover a new favorite brand or flavor? Let us know in the comments below!

Don’t forget to stock up at CoffeeCow.com!

You’ll need coffee (and lots of it!) to take on this challenge – but you can always turn to CoffeeCow for any daily coffee need. Stock up on all your favorites, from Keurig brewers and K-Cups to Pod Coffee and Brewers. Be sure to check out our Coupons for August and enjoy your many cups o’ Joe, all month long.

The “It” Café

Have you ever visited a famous café? How about a famous café owned and operated by a Hollywood starlet?

Clara Bow was born in 1905 in Brooklyn, NY. Growing up was not easy for Clara as she dealt with serious family issues and money problems, but she held on to hope and dreamt of becoming a movie star. As luck would have it, she won a contest in 1921 to be in a motion picture and she was thrilled! Clara went on to star in 46 silent films and 11 “talkies.” One hit was called “It” and Clara became known as the original “IT-girl.”

After retiring from her acting career, Clara and her husband decided to open the “It” Café in 1937. The café was located in Los Angeles on the corner of Hollywood Blvd. and Vine Street. Although the “It” Café closed its doors shortly thereafter, we applaud Clara Bow for her idea to bring hot coffee, delectable pastries, and (Clara’s specialty) stewed prunes to the people of Hollywood in her own unique, “IT-girl” way.

Have you ever owned and operated your own café? Have you ever visited a famous café or a café so amazing it should be famous? Let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to visit CoffeeCow.com for all your coffee needs!

CoffeeCow Reviews Twinings Mixed Berries Iced Tea K-Cups

Thomas Twinings

When you’re appointed “purveyor of teas” by a Queen, you know you’re doing something right. That was Thomas Twinings in 1711 and, over 300 years later, people still refer to him as the “purveyor of teas.”

So what makes Twinings still one of the finest teas on the market? We’re taste testing Twinings Mixed Berries Iced Tea K-Cups today to investigate.

General Information: Each box of Twinings Mixed Berries Iced Tea K-Cups contains 12 single serve cups for use in K-Cup brewers only. Brew over ice and experience a refreshing blend of fine black tea and berries.

The Test: Not that you need to wait for warmer weather to enjoy iced coffee or tea, but isn’t it that much more refreshing? We grab a glass, some ice, and a Twinings Mixed Berries Iced Tea K-Cup. Now, let the brewing commence!

As the tea flows into the glass, the room is filled with a fruity aroma. The first sip is glorious – is that strawberry? Raspberry? Twinings Mixed Berries Iced Tea actually mixes four different types of fruit: strawberry, raspberry, cherry and red currant – and it’s a perfect, slightly sweet mixture.

The Result: On a scale from 1-5, we rate Twinings Mixed Berries Iced Tea K-Cups a 5! This exceptional tea hits the spot any time of day and we think it could even be served for dessert. Fruity beverages can sometimes be too sugary and sweet, but Twinings Mixed Berries Iced Tea is just right.

Ideas about what we can review next? Let us know in the comments below!

Visit CoffeeCow.com today and browse our entire Twinings Tea K-Cup selection.

CoffeeCON: Where the Superhero is the Coffee

"Coffee makes me invincible. But when the cup is empty, I return to mere mortal." 

~ Terri Guillemets 

There’s a convention for everything and everyone, nowadays. Literally hundreds, and even thousands, of people attend conventions all around the world, one of the most popular being ComicCON. Fans of comic books flock to ComicCON conventions in hopes of seeing a celebrity and fellowshipping with like-minded comic book enthusiasts. Some fans even dress the part in extravagant costumes and layers of makeup, just to look like their favorite superhero!

Sure, ComicCON sounds like a fun time, but when we heard about CoffeeCON, a convention where coffee is the superhero – well, we were sold! CoffeeCON 2013 was just held on May 4th in Illinois, and its second year running was a success. Tickets sold for $15 per person and attendees were thoroughly entertained with live music, free food samples, and of course, the star of the show – coffee! People were also able to attend seminars, learn how to make every type of coffee imaginable, and even meet a coffee farmer.

You could tell Kevin Sinnott of CoffeeCON was excited about people meeting a coffee farmer and understanding where coffee starts when he posted in his blog just a few days before the event. “All coffee start[s] with farmers. Can you imagine the wine culture without constant attention being given to where wines are grown? Everything at the farm level affects everything from then on. It’s surprising to me how many people who love coffee have never met a coffee farmer. That will change for everyone who attends CoffeeCON 2013.”

Kevin is also excited about next year and wonders if they should take CoffeeCON 2014 on the road. What do our CoffeeCow Fans think? Please feel free to share your experiences at a past coffee event or announce an upcoming event that may interest your fellow CoffeeCow Fans.

To hold you over until next year’s CoffeeCON event, shop CoffeeCOW today!

A New & Improved Way to Make Coffee…in Space!

Would you believe that one of the biggest complaints astronauts have when they return to Earth is about the not-so-tasty coffee they had to drink while in space? Imagine not being able to choose how to make your coffee. Having plain, black coffee can be delicious, but not everyone prefers their coffee that way.

We have it pretty easy on Earth - we can make our coffee just the way we like it. We can even make every cup of coffee taste completely different from the last cup if we like. And with the brewing technology of single serve coffee machines, the possibilities are endless.

Making a custom cup of coffee in space was not a possibility…not until now! Students at the Rice University have discovered a way to make a delicious cup of coffee with as much cream and sugar as you like.

According to an article on Geek.com, students at Rice University devised a plan to upgrade space coffee, allowing astronauts to mix their coffee however they like using a 3D printed roller and a couple of pouches. The students needed to make sure that the components of their plan stayed lightweight, had a long shelf life, and had zero liquid leaks. Their idea for new and improved space coffee met all the requirements/restrictions and (most importantly!) achieved the goal – a great cup, erhm, pouch of coffee.

“It’s kind of a dream, I mean, it’s not…not a lot of teams get to have the ability to make something that gets used by NASA,” said one Rice University student involved in making this coffee dream a reality.

Here’s an in-depth explanation of how the system works: 



Astronauts are just people, too! People in spacesuits who love a great-tasting cup of coffee, made their way.

Do you have coffee-related news to share? Please let us know in the comments below!

CoffeeCow Reviews Newman’s Own Decaf Special Blend K-Cups

I bought a decaffeinated coffee table…you can't even see a difference.  

~Author Unknown 

Many people poke fun at the idea of drinking decaffeinated coffee, but there is a reason it exists. For instance, if you need to stay away from caffeine but simply cannot do without coffee in your life, decaf coffee can be your best friend. And with a great-tasting popular brand like Newman’s Own, you may just forget you’re drinking decaf entirely.

Today, we’re taste-testing Newman’s Own Decaf Special Blend K-Cups to see if decaf coffee is really a joke or so good it’s NOT a laughing matter.

General Information: A fair trade certified and organic decaf medium-roasted coffee, Newman’s Own Decaf Special Blend K-Cups come in 24 single serve cups per box for your Keurig brewer.

The Test: It’s late in the day and we’ve got a hankering for coffee but don’t want to be up half the night. Perfect timing to try Newman’s Own Decaf Special Blend coffee! We pop a K-Cup in our Keurig and begin to take it all in – the sights, the smells…well, the smells, anyway. This coffee has a pleasing aroma and a smooth taste upon the first sip. The only con we see is a somewhat thin mouthfeel.

The Result: On a scale from 1-5, we rate Newman’s Own Decaf Special Blend K-Cups a 5! It’s an exceptional cup of coffee, even though it’s decaf.

Ideas about what we can review next? Let us know in the comments below!

Visit CoffeeCow.com today and browse our entire Keurig K-Cup selection.

What Do Webcams & Coffee Have in Common?

Image of the
"Trojan Room Coffee Pot."

And it’s not a trick question! Webcams and coffee have plenty in common when you’re talking about the Trojan Room Coffee Pot. Get ready for a “Did you know?” question…

Did you know that the world’s first webcam was inspired by the Trojan Room Coffee Pot? It’s true! A live camera was installed in 1991 at the University of Cambridge, just outside of a room called the “Trojan Room.” The camera’s sole purpose was to broadcast the status of the coffee pot to people working all over the university. One could view the coffee pot from their computer and avoid wasting time on a trip if there was no coffee. Call it lazy, call it genius – whatever you call it, it’s just another coffee-inspired part of history.

Last image taken before the webcam
was shut off in 2001.

In 2001, the webcam was officially turned off, never to broadcast the status of the coffee pot again.

Those who still use the traditional drip coffee brewing system and run into the occasional empty coffee pot – we feel for you. Perhaps you can setup a webcam for your home or office…or maybe it’s time to make the switch to a single cup brewing system.

There’s a reason we consider ourselves to be your single serve coffee source - shop at CoffeeCow.com and choose from a variety of single serve coffee!

• Keurig & K-Cups
• Tassimo & T Discs
• Pod Coffee, Tea, & Brewers
• LavAzza Blue Brewers & Capsules
• NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® Brewers & Capsules

Spend the Weekend With CoffeeCow

Another Friday is upon us! The CoffeeCow staff would like to wish you a wonderful weekend, but we'd also like to remind you that CoffeeCow.com is your one-stop shop, fulfilling any of your coffee and tea needs (even pantry supplies) and delivering them straight to your door. It's the convenience we love to share with our customers and the quality products you've come to know and expect from each shipment, every time.



Add these products to your shopping cart this weekend:

Single Serve Coffee & Tea: K-Cups, T-Discs, Pods - oh my! From the most popular Keurig brewer & K-Cups to the elite Lavazza brand, we carry it all. Not only do we have the brewers you desire, but any single serve portion packs you crave. Stock up on all your favorite coffees & teas, and don’t be afraid to throw in a few new flavors to try, like  Cinnabon Classic Cinnamon Roll K-Cup®   Pods.  Why not, when shipping is free on orders of $50 or more?

Drip Coffee: If you still love the traditional drip coffee and brewers, we have you covered there, too. CoffeeCow carries brand names you know and trust like Folgers, Green Mountain, Wawa, and more!

Pantry Supplies: Browse our pantry supplies and stock up on paper products and mouthwatering snacks for an upcoming family barbecue/pool party or annual office meeting.

Enjoy your weekend barbecue don't forget to stock up on your coffee, tea, and pantry today at CoffeeCow!

CoffeeCow Reviews Folgers Classic Roast K-Cups

"The best part of wakin’ up is Folgers in your cup!"

~Folgers slogan and jingle

Founded in 1850, Folgers Coffee has definitely stood the test of time. When Leslie Pearl composed the Folgers jingle and it debuted in 1984, without a doubt people everywhere were waking up with that little ditty stuck in their heads. In 2013, Folgers is still going strong and adapting to the single cup coffee demands with Folgers coffee K-Cups.

Today, we’re going to taste-test Folgers Classic Roast K-Cups and see if it still has the ability to get us jumping out of bed singing.

General Information: Each box of Folgers Classic Roast K-Cups contains 12 single serve cups for your Keurig brewer. These K-Cups feature a classic, medium-roasted coffee with simple yet gourmet aromas and tastes.

The Test: The real test is to see how this coffee stands up to the dreaded morning – duh duh DUH!

When the alarm goes off at the crack of dawn, it’s time to jump out of bed and start singing! Ok, that may not be the case, but it IS time for that first cup of coffee before the reality of the day kicks us into gear – and that first cup tastes so good.

We head to the kitchen, pop a K-Cup in the Keurig, grab a mug and put it in place, then press a button. The aroma of Folgers Classic Roast coffee is a bouquet of freshness and familiarity, like having upscale gourmet coffee with an old friend. The taste and aftertaste are clean, no unusual or pungent flavors. The only con - this coffee may not be for you if you like strong coffee.

The Result: On a scale from 1-5, we rate Folgers Classic Roast K-Cups a 3.5! With a taste, you can count on and a brand you can trust, we see Folgers sticking around for many years to come.

Ideas about what we can review next? Let us know in the comments below!

Visit CoffeeCow.com today and browse our entire Keurig K-Cup selection.

Does Your Coffee Preference Change With the Season?

It’s not just the weather that changes with the season, but one’s mindset as well. Perhaps your spring mindset is focused on updating your wardrobe for the season while also performing some spring cleaning around the house. Seasons are all about change, which begs the question - does your coffee preference change, too?

We’re here to tell you that, no matter what your preference, CoffeeCow has you covered. Hot and iced coffees and teas will get you through any season, all year long. Are you the proud owner of a Keurig coffee brewer? Try K-Cup flavors like Green Mountain’s Island Coconut Coffee! It’s a seasonal treat that’s a perfect spring match for your coffee mug.

BONUS: Spring cleaning is all about a deep cleaning and organizing of your home. Now you can make sure your coffee arsenal stays nice’n’organized with some of the coffee/K-Cup organizational solutions we carry at CoffeeCow!

Let us know, do you change your coffee preference with the season change, or are you loyal to one brand/flavor?

So You Want to Open up Shop: 5 Tips to Help Make Your Coffee Shop Dream a Reality

You find yourself out and about one day and notice there’s a vacant storefront with a “For Sale” sign in the window. It’s located on a main street in a quaint little town and you can’t help but wonder…could this be a sign telling you to follow your lifelong dream of owning and running your very own coffee shop?

At CoffeeCow, we believe in people living their dreams! To help take some guesswork out of the process, we’ve compiled a list of the basics – just 5 simple tips that can go a long way when applied to your coffee shop idea, making it a dream come true.

1.  Do your homework! Find out everything you can about running a business and your product - coffee (your many years of experience drinking coffee will only take you so far). Write up a business plan, get advice from other business owners, and learn about any permits and licenses you’ll need to obtain for the location you have in mind.


Ask yourself questions like:

• How much money will be needed in startup costs to open the coffee shop?
• Who will be your competitors?
• When should you open and close up shop?
• Should you sell other items? If so, what?
• What promotions will make sense to offer?

2.  Serve good coffee. By “good coffee,” we mean the high quality stuff - the stuff that will keep your customers coming back and loyal to you over your competitors. If you have good coffee at a reasonable price, you’re one step closer to winning your customers over for the long haul.

3.  Cleanliness, atmosphere, and organizational culture can make all the difference. Ever walk into a dingy coffee shop that felt dirty and upon ordering your drink, you were told to come back in 10 minutes by the employee behind the counter who was too busy on the phone to serve you? Chances are, you’d NEVER go back to a place like that, so don’t expect your customers to, either. If you’re coffee shop is clean, the atmosphere is inviting, and your employees are friendly – you’re another step closer to winning more business.

Also make sure to treat your employees well, too. The happier they are, the happier the customers are, and that makes a happier you!

4.  Speaking of customer service…it’s all about customer service! When it comes to coffee shops, word of mouth can play a big role in someone choosing to visit (or not visit) your establishment. If you hire people that share your vision for the coffee shop and are a good fit for the culture, the possibilities are endless.

5.  Prepare yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically for the road ahead. It takes a ton of hard work and dedication to run any business, and things won’t always be on the up and up. Preparing yourself and your family for the unknown (and possibly bumpy!) road ahead is a good start.

And remember, work isn’t everything. Always make time for family, friends, and yourself! A little R&R is a must. Regular exercise and a social gathering here and there can help refresh the mind and body, leaving you ready to take on another day.

For more helpful tips, check out these articles from December of last year:

• How to Start a Coffee Shop in 4 Steps 
• What's The Secret To A Successful Coffee Shop? 

If you own/owned a coffee shop, please leave more tips in the comments below!

CoffeeCow Reviews Emeril’s Big Easy Bold Coffee K-Cups

“I am committed to using only the finest and freshest products. 

People have come to expect that, and I will never let them down.” 

~ “The Bam Bam Man,” Emeril Lagasse

At 6 or 7 years old, Emeril Lagasse began cooking – and he’s never stopped. Emeril continued to follow his dream (his love of food), becoming a celebrity chef and successful business man in the process.

It’s clear that Emeril knows food, but does he know coffee? We’re going to put him to the test and review Emeril’s Big Easy Bold Coffee K-Cups to see if his coffee is as good as everything else “The Bam Bam Man” creates.

General Information: Emeril’s Big Easy Bold Coffee K-Cups feature an extra bold, dark-roasted coffee. Each box contains 24 single serve cups for use in your Keurig K-Cup brewer.

The Test: At CoffeeCow, we think the best test of coffee boldness is the morning - does it kick you into gear or make you want to cuddle in your comforter? With that being said, we went to bed with the alarm set for an early morning.

Waking up groggy is no fun, but we’re looking forward to our first cup of coffee. Half asleep and still in our PJs, we find our way to the kitchen where our Keurig and K-Cup await us. It’s as easy as 1-2-3: K-Cup, mug, button (in that order) and BAM, coffee is served!

We experience a pleasing aroma and intense gourmet flavors upon first sip. Big Easy Bold has a good mouthfeel but seems to have a sharp acidity that can be a negative.

The Result: On a scale from 1-5, we rate Emeril’s Big Easy Bold Coffee K-Cups a 4! This coffee has a great combination of kick and gourmet flavor, perfect for any time of day, every day.

Ideas about what we can review next? Let us know in the comments below!

Visit CoffeeCow.com today and browse our entire Keurig K-Cup selection.

Coffee Cocktails

TGIF!

Maybe you’re at work right now, daydreaming about your plans for this evening - is a tentative Happy Hour on the agenda? As it gets later in the day, it’s possible you may become hesitant about going anywhere and doing anything. You’re thinking you’d rather head home, throw on comfy pajamas, and have dinner in bed with your good friends Television and Remote Control. How is it that you were looking forward to a night of socializing and now you’re almost dreading it?

Solution: Add coffee to your spirits!



Check out these hot and iced coffee cocktails to stay awake and have fun tonight:

Hot Nutty Irishman Coffee: Delicious to the last drop and so simple to make, a cup of Nutty Irishman Coffee is like drinking your dessert!

Hot Mexican Coffee: Take a trip to Cabo and be there in 5 minutes with this mouth-watering Mexican Coffee recipe.

Espresso Martini: With so many varieties of Espresso Martinis, you could pretty much say the possibilities are endless.

Coffee Sambuca: Looking for an authentic Italian coffee beverage? All you need is some chilled Sambuca and 3 coffee beans with this Coffee Sambuca recipe. I mean, could it get any easier?

Happy Hour may end up at your house one night. Be prepared and stock up on all your coffee needs at CoffeeCow.com today!