Thoughts on Brewing Coffee: Pour Over Vs. French Press

As a start-up coffee shop let us now turn our attention from business plans and buildings to coffee: just the other day my brother was asking me- as a college student- what was the best way to brew coffee in his dorm room and maintain the integrity of the bean's flavor? My dad will send him off from Kansas City with pounds of great beans from PT's Coffee and/or Revocup  and placing those beans into a single-serving Mr. Coffee with a single spout drip simply will NOT do.

The question then becomes one of cost. Are you willing or able to spend the money necessary to purchase a burr grinder and a shower-head coffee brewer? (ok, you should at the very least buy the burr grinder) Given the many college students lack these resources we are left with a choice: French press or pour-over?

Both of these methods are great, in their own right. Both require water to be around 190 degrees and for the coffee to be ground more coarsely than with a sprinkler head. Let's break down each method:

French press: this technique will require about 12-15 minutes (unless you have ready access to boiling water). You will grind your coffee to a medium grind (so you can still see small bits of bean) and measure out the appropriate amount (this will vary depending on your press' size). Pour the water over the grounds until it fills the press; at this point your grounds on top should be moist but form a sort of "coffee head" called "crema". Now you wait four minutes and then gently break the crema and stir the grounds with a wooden spoon (you can use rubber but some would argue it can taint the flavor). After it is stirred thoroughly, place the top on the press and push the plunger down. You are ready to pour and drink!

Pour over: this technique will take about 8-12 minutes (again, unless you have ready access to boiling water). You will need a drip kettle as well (which will set you back about $60)- there are also warmers for these kettles to properly heat up your water. Grind your coffee just as you did for the french press, measure out the appropriate amount, place the grounds in your filter, and put your cup underneath. Now, you will take your drip kettle and pour the water over the grounds slowly and in a circle/spiral fashion to ensure that all of the beans are integrated. You don't want to pour too fast or you will over fill your cup. Allow the grounds to steep and drain into your cup and you are all set.

All of that to say this: I don't think it matters. Both techniques have value, will bring out unique aspects of each bean, can be done well and done poorly (no pun intended), and really the only difference that we can note is the time. Beyond that, try both, see what you like and use that one.

For more reading go here!

The Light Gets Bigger

It was, as usual, a wild week... but it felt especially wild for a few reasons:

1. This week Ryan Bruner joined our team as the assistant manager.... as we brought him up to speed it was a little like picking up a hitch-hiker with a hook hanging off of Corvette doing 80mph. He is doing great though and we are proud to have him.
2. Finalizing our menu and pricing. We want our future guests to be able to see what we are going to offer and be able to even show pictures.
3. Coffee & alcohol training. Both of these things there is as much science as there is art. So we are cross-training and preparing to help our employees learn to do their job excellently.

We are having a lot of fun, working a lot, and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks for all of the encouragement from you guys! It means so much to hear from you.

Now All We Have to Do is Build it...

If you have got anything from this blog it has been how many times Mark and I have had to learn the hard way- but those are lessons well-learned if not repeated. Many of you know the primary things we have been waiting for were building permits, final building plans, and a liquor license. As of yesterday morning we have all of those things!

The hearing was a little nerve-wracking as three permits that were up before us were denied causing me to sweat beneath my rarely worn suit a bit. Thankfully, any issues with our application had been cleared up in the weeks before as we tried to communicate as much as possible with the ATC.

I have said it before, and will say it again: for the love of God get an expeditor. We used A-1 Expeditors and were very impressed by their level of service and overall cost.

The majority of the red-tape is now taken care of and we are starting to put in plumbing this week. For just a moment though I paused, lit a cigar, and said a thankfully prayer. Feel free to join in our little celebration. Thanks for all of the support.

Let's Start Building a Coffee House!

Most people don't become a success overnight and those that do often don't stay successes. Real success is the long view and big picture. So we are getting there and trying to slow down our own audacious and aggressive expectations (or at least I am, Mark is much better at that). We are now allowed to legally start our build-out (although if you drove by you would notice that we have done the tear-out). We have a few other legal hurdles to pass through so prayers and positive thoughts are much appreciated. HOPEFULLY, we will be open in October/November-ish. We will keep you in the loop- expect another update in the next week to ten days. Thanks!

Now THAT'S a Landmark

Sometimes it takes a lot of prep to take the first step of a long journey. Today would be an example of that with Hearthstone Coffee House & Pub. We have spent this summer filing permits, securing vendors, meeting distributers, listening to our charity partners, finding employees, making menus, and dreaming of a day that we can actually brew coffee and pour beer.

But today we FINALLY began tear-out/construction on our new space. By no means is this a breather but rather a large landmark that things are happening and about to begin happening faster. To hone our own skills and begin training others we are also temporarily hooking up our espresso machine in Paige's Music on 65th today.

In the midst of all this we should take a moment to note that the things we want to do in life do not happen all at once but rather come from putting one foot in front of the other in the right direction. It takes courage, patience, time, and love. Don't be discouraged by not being at the end of the road when you are still on the journey.

Thanks for the thoughts, prayers, encouragement, and love you have shown us.

The Storm Before the Storm

For those of you just joining us in the this story and for those of you who have been patient enough to bear with us as we are attempting to launch, you all know this has been a hectic summer. We have a dozen plates spinning, are trying to hire staff (and not TOO many friends ;-), get an alcohol permit, order equipment... you get the picture. In the midst of all of that, Hearthstone is all a theory until we actually have a useful space.  Right now it's just four walls, a storage space, and a bathroom.

That will (knock on wood) change in the next few days as we begin our tear-out and start construction. While I could regale you with stories about trying to get this seemingly simple approval but I won't. This is the biggest step we have yet to take and to see what has been- up and to now- only been on paper come to life and we are thrilled!

We are also attempting to stream-line our communication and social media. If you would like to participate in more of what we are doing go to www.hearthstonecoffee.com where you can see our countdown to opening, follow us on Twitter, join the facebook page, join our mailing list, and (very soon) even vote for what mainline, microbrew, and local brew beers we will have on tap. We cannot thank you enough for joining us in our journey so early and anything you can help us do to promote Hearthstone is much appreciated. Cheers!

Keeping a 30,000ft. Perspective

The devil may be in the details but "the details" are a two-edged sword. We have been bogged in design layouts, interior design plans, permits, building codes, and training and in the midst of all of those things we can lose perspective. Mark and I have started Hearthstone because of a mission- not a business. We want it to be markedly different, to leave a lasting impression on our Town of Fishers and our world. We want to lives to be positively changed, people to be inspired, and to create a community that many simply don't have. We didn't want to write you today with any laborious update but to do two things: 1. challenge you to do the same, wherever you are, there is no one else in your position so do something that people will remember you for; and 2. help us- give us feedback, tell us what we are doing well that we could continue and what we are doing that we need to stop- and then buy coffee, tea, beer, food, and art and tell your friends.

We want to help you be great and we want you to help us. The days come at us faster and faster and if we do not occasionally stop and think about where we want to end up we will certainly never get there.

Something New, Old, Good, and (Not Too) Bad... and a mission

Hearthstone Coffeehouse & Pub 

If I have learned anything in the last years it is to take joy in the little things. That every day has something new, something old, something good, and something bad. Therefore, we would like to celebrate some (seemingly) little things.

For instance, this morning we got our locks replaced and keys made. Wouldn't be that big of a deal except that we had tried to get copies made before and it cost absurd amounts of money (to the tune of $30/key). Now more than just one person can have access at a time... probably a blessing and curse in the long run. Something new.

Our contractor, Fentress, was really happy because now they have schematics, plans, a designer, and a key... now if we can just get our State Design Release approved we will be set. Something old.

Surprising, when I went into let the locksmith in I found this banner across our front, hung there by our landlord The Broadbent Company. It was cool to see this sign- sometimes as I am working, calling people, meeting with contractors and suppliers I think, "This thing is NEVER going to open." Then a little thing like this happens. Something good.

Sadly, whoever hung it also managed to break the glass bulb that is right underneath and left shattered glass over the sidewalk. Something bad... but not too bad.

This whole thing isn't easy, sometimes its fun, I love the challenge, hope it succeeds, but mostly, in the long run I want it to make a difference to the people of Fishers, to our country, and to impact people globally. We are putting so much of ourselves in because we want to be a place that people come and find a piece of home in our space and with us.

As a good friend of mine said today, some people will look at that sign and say, "There's those drunks and they eat too much, they're friends with all riffraff." We hope they do, we can't think of a better compliment.

"Expeidiated" Process

So we are hard at work trying to meet with our design layout guy, Tom Palm, to get our electrical, plumbing, and elevations put to paper to get those approved at the state level. Once this is completed and submitted with a signature from everyone involved (and God knows who else) then it is a 3 week waiting process... or IS it? No, for a mere $CrazySum.00 we can have the application done and ready to build in 24 hours! While it is a lot of money we have to factor what is the cost of not being open for 20 additional days. But as someone who evaluates work and effectiveness of systems and people I have to ask two questions: 1. what is the difference between this "expediated process" and a "bribe"?; 2. If you CAN do it 24 hours why wouldn't you just cut the waiting time on a standard one? I mean, the difference between 1 full day and 3 full weeks is not a thin line but 2,000%+. Jus' sayin'.

Lastly, hire those expeditors, people. They are worth it.

Layouts, Design, & Contractors

It feels like we turned a corner sometime in the last week. Things went from "just starting" status to decision-making and deciding some paths to follow... which is both fun (and a little nerve racking). When it comes to steps allow me to lay out how I wish I would have done this:

1. Get our space.
2. Apply for my liquor license.
3. Apply for my liquor license (yes, I know I put it twice... we had to resubmit).
4. Have applied and obtained all necessary town/city, county, and state building permits
5. Have interviewed and chosen our contractor, interior designer, and web design/SEO firm to
6. (I'm not here yet)

We did this list pretty close but at this point our main concern is the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC). 

When it comes to the space though there is no such thing as "too much detail". Consider that most people, with the use smart phones and the Internet, will visit your website or app before they actually come to your shop. This means that the vibe they get from the site has to match the real vibe of your physical location- otherwise this can cause a mental dissonance that is uncomfortable and can be a hurdle to them coming back. THEN consider how you are laying out the physical space itself. For us Tom Palm has done our physical layout (and has been incredible to work with), we have a contractor, and then are using a guy named Allan Misch for our interior design.

Tom Palm is a coffee house layout genius and works with you tirelessly to do the layout, think through customer flow, and create an equipment list. He will do as many modifications as we need and knows what that means as far as electrical, gas, and water lines.

We have a long-standing relationship with our contractor and trust both them and their selection of subs implicitly... this is not to say that Mark and myself won't be stopping in to check on work and progress though.

Now, in my mind, Allan- not the contractor- is the hub of this wheel. We want him to create the space that we only have in words. The furniture, colors, music, textures, and feng shui have to be pulled together by him. That is why who you choose for this role is crucial. I had not really thought through this until I reflected back on the times I had walked into a store or restaurant and immediately walked back out because of how it had felt.

For those of you following our progress, thank you. Your support and interest are encouraging and flattering. Let us know any of your thoughts or concerns- we would love to dialogue with you.

Want to Get Your Permits DONE?

If you are starting a business and want to get your building, sign, road impact, breathing (okay, that's made up), etc. permits found, filled out, signed, and in for approval? Hire an expeditor - which, to me, sounds like you are going to have someone whacked but it isn't that- they ROCK. They run you $85-$110/hour but they know the system, the weird law, rules, variances, etc. and will make the whole process smoother. Factor your time, gas money, mileage, headaches, and general lack of know-how in this complicated process and you would be well-advised to do the same. 

More Than a Job

Every job I have held after college was one that was more than a pay check. I worked in youth groups for the teens, the relationships that I got to build with them and the impact you saw take place over the years. I joined the United States Marine Corps because of the honor, the sacrifice, and the commitment I saw over their long history. As Mark and I start this business my mind is in the same state. We are not trying to start another coffee shop or pub but we are "beginning with the end in mind" and want to be agents of change in our community. We are giving money back for sure but we want our real impact to be our relationships with our employees and guests. Hearthstone is being built on the foundation of relationship, hope, and love. Maybe some of you out there will be loyal guests and bring others into that relationship with us, other of you may feel like you want your job to be more than a paycheck: you want to be part of impact and change. If that's you, message me and let's talk more about your potential involvement with Hearthstone Coffeehouse & Pub. Cheers.

BIG Step Forward

We actually just got the keys to our new place! The address is 8235 E. 116th St. Fishers, IN. Mark is out of town so I called him and asked if he could guess where I was standing. Tomorrow is going to be eventful was we meet in the morning with our contractor and the talk to coffeeshop designer, Tom Palm. Obviously, there is still tons to do but you have to celebrate the little stuff. I also walked next door to the Chateau Thomas Winery and introduced myself to one of the managers, Ivan. They seemed like really nice people, genuinely happy to have someone coming in and even offered to try and partner with us in the pub side of our venture. Hearthstone is moving forward!

Covering All Your Bases... some of which you didn't even know existed

Short blog here with lots of a back story... when starting a business take your layout and plans to every government agency you can think of and then ask them who else you should talk to. Take about 20 copies of your plans and a fat checkbook. And start ALL of this about two months before you think you need to. At some point we are going to load up on this blog links to all pertinent forms we have found... if it does one person good then I will be happy.

October is Tomorrow

So Tuesday we finally got our alcohol license application turned into the state. Seriously, for a minute that was about half of my job description. Now we just have to wait for our meeting date to be announced and then go field some questions.

On a more fun note: I met with designers today to try and get some bids for working with our general contractor. One group I was really impressed by, seemed interested in working with my vision... the other one seemed barely prepared to meet. As much as when I worked in the church world I rely on my sense of people: will they do the job? will they do what they say and when they say it? are they on time? etc.

While October is months away, with all of the build-out, design, equipment orders, supplier decisions, and permits to get okayed this is a HUGE process. My day is broken up into 30-45 minute meetings punctuated by 2-5 phone calls in between.

Tomorrow I am going to do some field research in Carmel, Fishers, and Greenfield. It should be an informative day and (potentially) end the week on a lighter note.

Setting the Stage

My name is Devin Rose and I am the general manager of Hearthstone Coffeehouse  opening in Fishers, Indiana this October. We are trying to blog our experiences so that people can see what we do wrong... and, hopefully, right. By "we" of course I am referring to our president, Mark Goff. 

Starting a coffeehouse and pub is the business equivalent to having a child or getting married; you're hoping it works, that it is successful, that it can hold it's own but the road ahead is fraught with peril at every turn. What we are envisioning is a European-esque coffeehouse and pub where people can come and sit while enjoying unique fare, artisan speciality coffee, micro brew beer, and great fare. As our name implies, there will be a fireplace with comfortable seating. As we go along, hopefully, we will be able to share more of what will really look like. 

Not only do Mark and I have the usual worries of leases, building permits, sign permits, contractor issues, decorators, etc. but we have the added issue of alcohol. A liquor license literal has doubled the amount of paperwork and headaches we have as we fill out form after form and swear over and over again that we are not ex-cons, drug-addicts, and really do want to run a respectable establishment. 

This is my third week on the payroll and we just signed the lease. Which will allow us to apply for the alcohol permit amongst other things. If you are starting a business on your own and do the pre-launch stuff in addition to another job it will probably taken 4-6 weeks to get to signing a lease and then you need to allow for another 30-90 build-out on said property... which is just as well since your alcohol license takes 90-120 days to obtain. Basically, it's all "hurry-up-and-wait". 

All of the legal and lease stuff has to take priority to everything else for the time being. Forgetting to file for a permit slows down everything else you want to do. So in between applications we meet with suppliers, talk to vendors, compare prices, and set-up subsequent meetings. Right now food is the big deal there. Our coffeeshop and pub is one of experience: we want the furniture to compliment the colors, the colors the music, the music the smell, the smell the food, the food the beverages, etc. This means there are no small details if everything is to flow into everything.

My most promising food vendor at this point has set up a secondary meeting with us in their kitchen where we can sample the potential menu items they have concocted for us. She was really cool in first meeting and asked what we wanted our place to feel like, emphasized customer service, and then stated she would be right there alongside us those first weeks until we found our balance. It's not a lock yet but I liked what I heard. 

To summarize our position: we a spread thin but the water is shallow.