We're back for 2024 with our Christmas Special Episode. It's been a while, but you definitely can't tell.

In this episode Chris shares his revolutionary parenting technique for clearing out a crowded playground, Aaron proudly announces his cinematic achievement of starting (but not finishing) exactly one movie this year, and Brendan recounts 'the incident' at our live show and why we probably won't be asked back.

Also in this episode:

Coffeenomics: C-Price at a 47-year high. ffs.
Health Advice: How to de-stress when you work 3 jobs.
Ad Read: Milk in Coffee is ok now
Listener Question: Margaret Moore's 2024 fast finish

Merry Christmas to all our lovely listeners, have a safe and enjoyable break and remember, you save 30% in our Boxing Day Sale on our Drip Coffee Bag Starter Bundle: https://www.filament.coffee/products/brewbags-starter

Have you ever daydreamed about owning a cafe? Maybe you've spotted one for sale and are on the fence? Today's episode is a must-listen.

Meet Matt Kenworthy, a numbers man who, along with his wife Ash, took the plunge and bought not just one but three cafes in 2019. He shares his journey from mortgage broking to owning and running the East Vic Park institution formerly known as Antz Cafes.

We dig into the nitty-gritty of rebranding to Venn Coffee, managing staff and customers, and the tough call to close one location.

Matt also sheds light on the importance of point-of-sale data and streamlined process management in running a successful Perth cafe.

Also in this episode:

• Matt's Secret Sauce: What sets Venn apart in a crowded market.
• Coffee Focus: How Venn maintains a coffee-centric venue without a full kitchen.
• Customer Dynamics: Balancing space for all types of customers without pigeonholing the venue.
• Menu Efficiency: Why a menu of bagels and acai bowls means no chefs and an efficient food service.
• Numbers Game: Key metrics Matt keeps an eye on and how often he reviews pricing.
• Trend or Fad: Matt's approach to jumping on (or leaving alone) cafe trends.
• Roasting Reality: Why the focus is on product quality, and not just cost saving with vertical integration.
• Matt's Outrageous Daily Caffeine Consumption: Don't try this at home.

Quickfire Questions:

• What's Matt's pet peeve about customers?
• What are his thoughts on Kombucha?
• How many 18L kegs does he think Aaron could carry?
• Does he allow cyclists in the cafe with their click-clack shoes on?

Use code TOPHER15 at checkout on www.filament.coffee for 15% off delicious coffee delivered to your door.

This is one to watch on video if you can!

Oh what a special day it is when Chris puts in more than 3 minutes of preparation!

This week he told us he has something special ready, but we couldn't have imagined he'd written a complete scene from his new Screen-Play "The Story of Filament Coffee”

Before we run through the first table read, Aaron starts the episode off by discussing the huge cold coffee market, trends within and finishes by deciding that a teeth-whitening cold brew will be the next big thing.

We discuss a recent survey that highlights the complete disconnect between coffee consumers and coffee farmers on what they believe is working from a sustainability perspective in the coffee industry. Turns out farmers just want to get paid properly whilst consumers think workplace conditions and the environment are more important.

Then comes Act 1 of The Story of Filament Coffee: A Screenplay by Chris Topher

Also in this episode:

Coffeenomics: C-Price steady
Health Advice: Too much Kahlua out the back of Collie
Ad Read: TOPHER15 gets you 15% off

For delicious coffee delivered to your door, visit www.filament.coffee to order online today. Podcast listeners save 15% when they use code TOPHER15 at checkout.

Episode references:

Perfect Daily Grind: How Cold Coffee Beverages Are Changing
Daily Coffee News: Survey: Coffee Farmers and Consumers Have Different Perspectives on Sustainability