BPS® Blog » Posts by Author: Dana Schlingman

You wouldn't keep a customer waiting on a latte,so we won't keep you waiting on the ingredients to make it! We know that product shortages can be disastrous in this rapidly-moving industry–so we keep pace to get you what you need when you need it. With three locations across the country, Barista Pro Shop has you covered. Place an... Read More ⇒

Learn to Pour like a Pro Latte art is the last step to an expertly prepared, beautiful beverage–the value it adds to any brew is undeniable. You eat with your eyes first, right? We know it can be tricky though–so, let us help you master the technique! We have the savvy, training resources and smallwares to help you pour stunning... Read More ⇒

If the beach isn’t within reach, use your blender to bring the beach to you. Sail the Pacific with our summer-inspired blended drinks! No sun or sand required for this staycation.    Download Printable:Recipe Cards      Lucia’s Ipanema Cup Description: Be transported to Ipanema beaches with this tropical... Read More ⇒

Recently our vendor partners from Eco Products came to present a seminar about the disposables industry, their products and their sustainability efforts. I found the presentation so surprising and informative that I decided to do some more digging through Eco’s online resources. In this blog series, I share what I learned about the... Read More ⇒

Although the holidays have come and gone, that doesn’t mean we have to put their flavors away with the decorations. Slow down and savor the season with one of these winter-inspired brews. Download Printable:Recipe Cards • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •... Read More ⇒

No longer satisfied with simple convenience, discerning customers want Grab-&-Go options that reflect their values. In this era of customization, consumers crave nutrition that caters to their unique needs. It’s about more than just the latest fad (though there are many). As we learn more about ingredients and sourcing, we... Read More ⇒

Urnex Cleaning Solutions for Coffee Professionals Unfortunately, coffee equipment doesn’t “season” like an unwashed cast iron skillet. The residual coffee oil left on brewing equipment can taint a fresh batch of coffee and drastically affect the flavor. Coffee and tea made in dirty equipment, tastes like it’s... Read More ⇒

Beverages Available At BPS Sure, it’s 7:00 am, and most bleary-eyed customers are looking for a hot coffee right now, but what will they be thirsty for in a few hours? Don’t just satisfy customers’ cravings when they walk through the door, offer ready-to-drink beverages that they can open and enjoy later–long after... Read More ⇒

Earlier this year our vendor partners from Eco Products came to present a seminar about the disposables industry, their products and their sustainability efforts. I found the presentation so surprising and informative that I decided to do some more digging through Eco’s online resources. In this blog series, I share what I learned about the... Read More ⇒

This summer Joel Jelderk, owner and founder of Caskai, stopped by to tell us all about cascara, and the delicious fruity sparkling beverage he and the Caskai team craft with it. What is Cascara?The coffee that drinks like a tea, cascara is the cherry fruit that grows around the outside of the coffee bean. Rather than discarding this fruit, as most... Read More ⇒

Here is the froth verses the facts from Gimlet Media’s Science Vs. Podcast (Click here to listen to the full podcast episode): Lately, there’s been a lot of buzz about alternative milk [or plant-based milk] in the specialty coffee industry. Over the last 10 years, consumers have become more conscientious about what they buy and put in... Read More ⇒

“In Sanskrit, Bhakti means devotion. We are a mission driven company steeped in sustainable practices and devotion through social action.” -- Bhakti Chai Origin of BhaktiIt all began in 2002 when Bhakti Chai founder Brook Eddy traveled to India. Interested in the Bhakti social justice movement, she wanted to learn more. While there,... Read More ⇒

Recently Paul Levin, our representative for Dr. Smoothie & Cafe Essentials, came and let us in on a little secret: Cafe Essentials blends don’t require milk because they already have a dairy component! Simply steam Cafe Essentials powder with water to create a creamy latte. Save money and time with these premium powders. We were... Read More ⇒

We know that the right products and the right training can make all the difference during crunch time, so we provide what you need to keep the line moving when it counts! Product Information: BPS brand pages and many product pages in our catalog contain links to nutritional information, sell sheets, tutorial videos and more. Use the search field... Read More ⇒

Meet: Kristen Stewart Customer Service Barista How long have you worked for BPS and in what capacity?I've worked for Barista Pro Shop as a customer service barista for about five months now! Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school?I grew up in a small town in the Ozark Mountains of North Arkansas. WOO PIG SOOIE! What do you like most... Read More ⇒

Need a simple, holistic & delicious on the go meal solution? Made with the finest, juiciest, antioxidant rich superfruits, new Modern Oats organic oatmeal cups are perfect for anytime of day. Whether you prepare this wholesome oatmeal in 3 minutes for a quick-bite or overnight, it’s simply scrumptious! What’s So Modern About... Read More ⇒

The renowned Toddy Cold Brew System has been enhanced! Developed in 1964 to extract true delicious flavor without the acidity, Todd Simpson’s design continues to stand the test of time as consumers ask for Toddy Cold Brew by name. Now with these new features, both  Toddy systems are more convenient and environmentally friendly than... Read More ⇒

A few weeks ago our vendor partners from Eco Products came to present a seminar about the disposables industry, their products and their sustainability efforts. I found the presentation so surprising and informative that I decided to do some more digging through Eco’s online resources. In this blog series, I share what I learned about the... Read More ⇒

Join Us at Coffee Fest Denver to Get in the Loop  Ready to Register? Save 50% on General Admission when you REGISTER with BPS Coupon Code: 83112   Profit from the products & knowledge that we provide with our full-circle service. Coffee Fest is coming to the Mile High City and we couldn’t be... Read More ⇒

Stay current with the craze taking specialty coffee by storm: Cold Brew Coffee! DaVinci Gourmet Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate delivers everything that we love about smooth, rich cold brew without the hassle or potential mess of prolonged, large batch cold brewing. Selective Sourcing For Premium FlavorExtracted from Brazilian and Colombian 100%... Read More ⇒

Warm and rich Monin Brown Butter, Brown Butter Toffee and Maple Pancake Syrups are the stuff of weekend bliss… but bottled so that it can be conveniently poured out at anytime! Made with pure cane sugar and containing no artificial ingredients, these new flavors hold all of the magic of the home baked recipes that inspired them. Use them to... Read More ⇒

From one pan of oat bars with her daughter to 100,000 bars a day out of an industrial bakery, Beryl Stafford and her business Bobo’s Oat Bars have certainly experienced growth and change. In an interview with Colorado Matters on Colorado Public Radio, Stafford opens up about the trials and struggles that eventually led to her entrepreneurial... Read More ⇒

Matcha production is an art: shading at the right time, plucking, steaming, drying, destemming, sorting, grinding…you get the picture. Good matcha comes from the highest quality tea leaves. The richest most flavorful matchas are the greenest and have the finest consistency. This new 100% organic ceremonial grade matcha is just that -... Read More ⇒

Care to join us for an unconventional coffee date? Connect with coffee professionals, sample the newest products and learn about everything from roasting to cupping March 16-18th at Coffee Fest Baltimore. With Latte Art, Espresso and Cold Brew Competitions and exhibitors from across the nation, CoffeeFest offers plenty to see - don't miss this... Read More ⇒

I know that giving your mom a vacuum for Christmas isn’t exactly good form. Cleaning supplies don’t necessarily scream “happy holidays” UNLESS you are the bedraggled barista tired of scrubbing or the cafe owner in a dither about disassembling her grinder to clean it. Urnex literally makes a product for every cleaning... Read More ⇒

Meet: Dana Schlingman Marketing Representative How long have you worked for BPS and in what capacity?I joined the BPS Marketing Department about a year ago. What do you like most about your job or about BPS?I love learning about and connecting with our vendors and customers. Scrolling through our instagram feed every morning and seeing... Read More ⇒

It's that time of year again to reconnect with family and friends so we will have a slightly modified schedule.  We hope you have a restful holiday enjoying delicious food with the ones you love!   Thanksgiving Schedule (Week of November 19th-25th): Customer Service Closed: Thursday 11/23 Bakery Closed: Wednesday 11/22 &... Read More ⇒

An Unconventional Oat Milk & An Unconventional Interview...with the Oatly website Hello Oatly, Tell Us a Little Bit About Yourself: “We know how it sounds. Tall, blond, beautiful, hard to get, extremely liberal with no sense of attachment or responsibility whatsoever. Sorry to disappoint you, that’s just not us. We are the other... Read More ⇒

With an authentic French je ne sais quoi, 1883's distinctive flavor profiles continue to impress - these two new additions to our catalog are no exception. Crafted with pure water sourced from the Alps and premium ingredients, these artisan flavors contain a touch of audacity, a dash of perfection and the invitation to indulge. Lavender ... Read More ⇒

Looking for something to spice up your seasonal beverages? Delicious, versatile and batched with premium ingredients, these new flavors from Monin are sure to impress. Caramel Apple Butter • Made with pure cane sugar & natural flavors• Contains no artificial ingredients• Kosher, GMO free, Dairy free, Gluten free &... Read More ⇒

Forget the mush typically synonymous with instant oatmeal... This organic oatmeal on-the-go packs all of the robust flavor, texture and nutrition of real oatmeal. Thick, chewy and full of rich all-natural ingredients, Umpqua Oats Organic Oatmeal is good for the body and the environment. Whether you need a hearty breakfast or fuel for the... Read More ⇒

During October:Buy a case (5 bags) ofCafé Essentials  Horchata or Pumpkin Spice and receive $5 OFF per caseWith Coupon Code: CEFALL Learn More:Pumpkin Spice Q&A & Horchata Q&A  With the warmth of cinnamon and clove nestled in a creamy base, this silky blend is perfect for fall. Prepare it hot or... Read More ⇒

Amidst the hubbub of new product launches and our busy summer season, it’s taken me a little longer than expected to synthesize all of the great information disseminated during our vendor training seminars these last few months. Though we are transitioning out of warm weather menus, these Blending Basics distilled from our time with Urnex,... Read More ⇒

The Dairy Free DilemmaAs someone with a recently developed dairy intolerance, I was definitely intrigued when I heard that Pacific Natural Foods had formulated a new Barista Series Rice Milk. After growing up the daughter of a milk-man, (literally jokes aside, my dad delivered dairy products for Meadow Gold), I found cutting out dairy very... Read More ⇒

Meet: Amy Phillips Assistant Bakery Manager How long have you worked for BPS and in what capacity?In November I will have worked in the Bakery at BPS for 3 years - first as a Baker and now as an Assistant Bakery Manager. Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school?I was born in Loveland and I have lived here all of my life. I graduated... Read More ⇒

Designed to be nutritious, versatile and functional, this innovative line of 100% fruit purees is definitely the smart choice for your home or cafe. Available Flavors: Blooming Berry, Harvest Greens, Harvest Reds, Mellow Mango, Peanut Butter Flaxseed, Perfect Peach, Summer Strawberry, Superfruit All-Stars, Tropical Harmony & Wild... Read More ⇒

Make Sure Customers Fully Experience Your BrewThough some of the foibles and particularities of third wave coffee may seem a bit excessive, they evidence an increasing attention to detail, to technique and to quality throughout specialty coffee. As the industry continues to grow, cafes, roasters and servers seek to distinguish themselves by... Read More ⇒

Meet: Tia Peck Cafe Consultant Contact Tia to set up a consultation. Do You Have a Background in Specialty Coffee?I started in the coffee industry when I was 18 as an aspiring barista just trying to make it through school. After 8 years of managing a coffee shop in Fort Collins, CO, my love for the coffee industry grew tremendously. At 26 I... Read More ⇒

With less acidity, a velvety consistency, and more caffeine. . . what’s not to love about cold brew? Because of its versatility and convenience, we believe cold brewed coffee and tea is more than just a passing trend. Change the way you do iced drinks this summer by offering these innovative recipes:  Download: Printable Recipe Cards ... Read More ⇒

For over 90 years, Torani has sought to provide vibrant, refined flavors crafted with the best possible ingredients. In that tradition, Torani has recently released a new addition to their Real Fruit Smoothie Line: Real Fruit Lemonade Smoothie Mix Made With Real Lemons - Not Concentrate No Artificial Flavors or Colors No Added... Read More ⇒

The first of its kind, new Monin Zero Calorie Natural Flavoring contains bold aroma, balanced sweetness and truly authentic taste but zero calories, sugar or artificial ingredients. A pioneer in the clean label movement, Monin demonstrates its commitment to crafting the purest products with this innovative line: • Zero Sugar• Zero... Read More ⇒

Introducing... NEW  Field Trip Meat Sticks!  Available in 5 different flavors and packaged for life on the go, these protein packed snacks deliver energy without tying up your hands. And because they contain no added preservatives, MSG, trans fat or corn syrup, this high-octane nosh won't weigh you down later!  Whether... Read More ⇒

Who’s excited for Coffee Fest Chicago?  I can’t believe it’s already time to start gearing up for another show! At BPS we’ve been designing print materials, shipping displays and planning for our trip to the windy city. This time around Matthew, Elyse, Tia and Danielle will be manning, or rather wo-manning, our booth... Read More ⇒

Introducing the first white tea blend in David Rio's Endangered Species Line... White Shark Chai contains quality Bai Mudan tea, organic spices and a gentle bite of black pepper balanced by bright citrus notes. Artfully blended into a convenient mix, this versatile chai is easy to prepare hot or iced - simple mix it with water, dairy or... Read More ⇒

Within coffee culture, I’d say the Human Bean of Northern Colorado is a proverbial social butterfly. My interview with the chain’s Director of Operations, Jenae, was permeated with stories about her staff and the broader community that they serve. Vibrant and vivacious, Jenae wore an infectious smile and communicated with energy that... Read More ⇒

Made from raw macadamia nuts, this innovative dairy alternative is in fact as ingenious as its name. Origin:Milkadamia comes to us all the way from Jindilli Farms nestled off the coast of Australia near Byron Bay. “Jindilli” is one of several indigenous words used for macadamia. Situated in the same region where these rainforest trees... Read More ⇒

Meet: Elyse Coffing Customer Service Manager How long have you worked for BPS and in what capacity? 2 years: 1.5 years as a Customer Service Barista and 6 months as a Customer Service Manager. Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school? I spent most of my childhood in Austin, Texas but moved to Loveland, Colorado my sophomore year of... Read More ⇒

We recently made this sweet addition to the BPS catalog. See what all of the buzz is about! Who Is Madhava?Founded during the 1970’s in the foothills of Colorado, Madhava’s roots run deep. The company initially began as a one man operation out of a one hundred year old farmhouse in Longmont. Today Madhava partners with... Read More ⇒

While no one returned with a velvet, rhinestone encrusted Elvis suit, it is safe to say that Barista Pro Shop's trip to Music City was a success! Personally I think it’s a cryin’ shame that Matthew didn’t pick up some blue suede to accent his eyes - but that’s just me. (Alright, I think I shook all of the Elvis puns out of... Read More ⇒

Looking for a distinctive new syrup to enhance your coffee or mixed drinks? With a luxurious French je ne sais quoi, 1883 could be just the touch of class you desire. French HeritageBuilt upon the passion and vision of gifted herbalist Philibert Routin, 1883 began in the French Alps where Routin originally harvested the first ingredients... Read More ⇒

Meet:Deveny Livingston Bakery Manager How long have you worked for BPS and in what capacity?I have worked for BPS for 9 years. I started in the bakery and helped out in the warehouse. About two years ago I became the manager. Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school?I grew up in Loveland, CO and I went to Loveland High School. What do... Read More ⇒

In the wake of Valentine's Day, the holiday devoted to love, greeting cards and especially chocolate, we are pleased to introduce a new and noteworthy chocolatier. With a commitment to giving back, source visibility and quality ingredients, Hollander Chocolate Company has set itself apart in the industry. Here are just a few reasons... Read More ⇒

Mark your calendars and make your travel accommodations, Coffee Fest Nashville is quickly approaching and you don’t want to miss it! Whether you are a new barista eager to learn more or a seasoned shop owner who has worked up through the ranks, Coffee Fest is an excellent place to grow and network. With hundreds of attendees and exhibitors... Read More ⇒

A page slowly turns, across the room a college student cocooned in ear-buds slouches into her nest of notes and textbooks. The pace is intentionally unhurried - like a meandering stream in contrast with the swift current that characterizes so many larger more commercial operations. Shop Owner TJ WilsonIn part, I think it is the John Galt’s... Read More ⇒

Like many great origin stories, this one begins with our superhero knowing exactly what he wanted and how to achieve it. I say that not because it’s true (honestly, I can’t think of any stories like that) but rather because above my desk there is a giant map of the United States with a tiny cartoon Jay exclaiming, “world... Read More ⇒

A couple of weeks ago, it was our privilege to host a Toddy Presentation in our Barista Pro Shop Training Cafe. As a cold brew novice, I found the demonstration fascinating and informative. The day before the event, the folks from Toddy brought over several Commercial and Home Models to show us how to properly set-up and fill the brewers. Though... Read More ⇒

As a newbie to specialty coffee and Barista Pro Shop, these past few months have been full of discovery - learning about products, brewing methods and the legacy behind the unique shops and the colorful individuals who make up this rapidly expanding industry. So far I’ve been surprised and delighted by the unexpected commonality I’ve... Read More ⇒

Buy 1 Bag of Frozen Bean and Get 1 FREE: Spiced Chai and/or Vanilla Chai  To Redeem, Use Coupon Code: FBCHAI During Check-out: Must have 1 or more bags of Frozen Bean Spiced Chai or Vanilla Chai in the cart This coupon code is only redeemable once per order and only once per customer (1 free 3lb. Bag of Frozen Bean Spiced Chai... Read More ⇒

15% off any order of Two Leaves and a Bud’s Purpose-Filled Tea:   Invigorate Energize Hydrate Detox   To Redeem, Use Coupon Code:POW When you check-out Must have at least 1 box of Two Leaves and a Bud's Purpose-Filled Tea (any flavor) in your cart at the time of checkout. Only the Purpose-Filled... Read More ⇒

So now that you’ve upgraded your home brewing operation, what should you do with all of those extra coffee filters for that old automatic coffee maker? Use them to make snowflakes, plus it’s a great diversion for kids when end-of-break cabin fever kicks in! To get started you just need a coffee filter and a pair of scissors: Step... Read More ⇒

It's really only apropos (aproHo-Ho, if you will) for one person to give gifts at the last minute! Make sure you don't wait until it's too late - order now! Winter Holiday Schedule: Customer Service: No Closures - Please reach out to us Monday - Friday 7am-5pm (Mountain Standard) BPS Bakery: Regular Hours (no... Read More ⇒

Over the past few weeks, I have been enjoying getting to know Barista Pro Shop as a business as well as all of the eclectic people who define it. Learning about each individual’s personal/professional story gives me clarity about how we operate as an organization and where we are headed as we continue to grow - everyone brings such a... Read More ⇒

2016 Thanksgiving Schedule   It's that time of year again to reconnect with family and friends so we will have a slightly modified schedule. We hope you have a restful holiday enjoying delicious food with the ones you love!   Thanksgiving Schedule (Week of November 20th-26th): Customer Service Closed: Thursday 11/24  ... Read More ⇒

Occasionally I’ve noticed my love of coffee drifting into an almost addict like devotion. Usually during that brief glimmer of self-awareness, I try to reign in my caffeine consumption. To avoid jitters, 2pm lethargy and restless nights, I do sometimes resort to decaf but frankly it just isn’t the same. And while I do like tea, I really... Read More ⇒

The savvy folks over at Califia Farms have put together a quick tutorial to demystify the sometimes challenging task of steaming Almondmilk. With more and more customers asking for alternative milks, it's a skill that every barista should have in his or her arsenal. The Take Away: 1. Positioning: The steam tip should be placed just... Read More ⇒