What we are doing!
The US Barista Championship is a competition between serious and passionate baristas to showcase their skill, professionalism, and amazing coffee! It is broken into regional competitions across the country. The top three baristas from each regional are now qualified to compete in the national competition. It doesn't even end there! The first place winner of the national competition goes on to represent the US in the World Barista Championship. I'm sure there are some of you who are surprised there is such a competition for making espresso drinks-- but trust me, its very real!
Help fund Steve Replogle in representing Coffee Hound and more importantly, Bloomington/Normal in our regional competition!
What We Need
Coffee Hound has supplied Steve with the coffee and milk he will be using in practice and in the competition-- a donation which he is very grateful for. There are still registration fees, travel and stay, and a certain amount of equipment that fall on Steve to pay for. Now obviously, Steve is a young, hungry, coffee "artist" (which means he is poor) and is reaching out to friends, family, customers, and fellow enthusiasts for their support
We put $500 as our base goal but we are hoping to even go beyond!
Coffee Hound is so grateful we have such dedicated and wonderful customers. Steve loves serving you coffee everyday, even if you don't donate. But know that anything you can donate is appreciated so much!
The Competition
Steve is a first time competitor, but Coffee Hound owner, Steve Fritzen won sixth place in the 2006 World Barista Championship and third in the regional three times . He is passing on his knowledge and experience to help Steve prepare and let me say, Steve is ready to give it his all!
To practice Steve has been coming in after hours to perfect a routine, experiment with espresso extraction, work on making the best milk possible, and work a presentation to showcase all of his skill. This whole experience is helping refine Steve as a barista and helps him make all of those delicious drinks you love so much.
The competition is split into three sections-- judges review the barista's espresso, cappuccino, and signature drink. Steve has chosen to use our Sumatra Silimakuta for all three. Curious about it? Come talk to Steve about it! It will be Bloomington's single origin espresso on and off until the competition. A little secret about it....its wonderful.
Rehearsal Party
Come watch Steve practice his routine in its entirety, just as he will perform it in Minnesota! The party will be held at Coffee Hound's Normal location, on October 22nd, from 7pm-8pm. Steve will be competing on an espresso machine just like our Simonelli in Normal.
Donate to receive admission into the Rehearsal Party or to receive a spot at the judges table! Other spectators can come and donate the night of the party! And of course watch the show!