Its not Coffee or Espresso
This is slightly out of the normal subject matter of coffee and espresso machines. We have recently discovered open source software.
Having been around more than 10 years I had not realised the implications -what does open source mean? It means that the source code is available to download [ if you are that way inclined ] but more importantly its FREE.
Seems amazing doesn’t it - I am sceptical but we are currently using several and I believe they are better than some of the expensive alternatives.
If you go to the Verde Coffee web site that is using Zen Cart [see www.zencart.com ]- a great bit of programming, worth a look.
If you have bought microsoft office - why? The better and FREE alternative is OPEN OFFICE [ see www.openoffice.org ]. In my opinion its a superior product, provides all the functionality of the Microsoft programs and is of course free. You can also receive Microsoft word documents and spread sheets into the program or even create letters and save or email them in word or excell format -I curse the day I got stung for 2 copies of Office before I discovered this gem. Also note this is supported by Sun systems and I.B.M.
I will add some further bits of software in the next few days.
Tags: open source software
February 14th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
Am to open a coffeeshop in 3 months. Looking for all the equipment and even furniture for the premises. Will ideally go for benches and perhaps that recliamed wood look.
Have been given a quote for a g2 compact gaggia for £2k.
Was initially going to use organic coffee as the main coffee but unsure if the quality is high enough, so will instead use illy and have organic and decaff as options too.
Any ideas or tips?
Kind Regards
Kas
February 15th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Kas,
You should be able to source a supply of ORGANIC coffee, I personally think its a good way to go, have you also looked at FAIR trade?
Illy again is good but has done some fantastic marketing to justify a too high a price- up to 100% above other brands. Decaf is important BUT a very small part of the market. Expect to sell 1/100 cups of it!
Gaggia machines are good but remember a compact has a small boiler ~ I think about 4 litres so do not expect to take much boiling water out for tea etc.
I presume you are looking to buy new so if you maintain [ look carefully at who is supplying] then the machine will give you a good life - should be 15+ years.
If you need to make tea, hot chocolate then its worth looking at a machine with a bigger boiler - industry standard on a two group is 13litres. Have a look at our refurbished machines as an alternative, they can save you some money and come with a 12 month warranty.
I like your idea of the wood finish and benches but cant really point you in the correct direction as to sourcing!
If you need any further pointers do ask.
Regards
Andrew