Coffee

Is There an Art to Drinking Black Coffee?

Is There an Art to Drinking Black Coffee?If you are like most of us, you know many people who drink coffee black. That person might tell you that his or her preference for black coffee is an acquired taste, as though drinking coffee without cream and sugar is like drinking the finest wines from the Bordeaux region of France. But do not be fooled. There is an art to drinking black coffee without being overcome by the bitterness.

The first thing to note is that black coffee does have a very unique flavor. If you can get past the bitterness, the flavor is unlike anything else you’ve ever tasted. You will experience something truly different that is unmasked by cream and sugar. And by the way, that’s the real point of learning the art of drinking black coffee.

Bring Out the Flavor of Coffee

The idea behind adding cream and sugar is to cover the bitterness coffee naturally presents. But in so doing, you are also masking the good part of coffee’s flavor. So a big part of the art of drinking coffee black is to find a way around the bitterness without masking what you like about the flavor. It is all about enhancing the good flavors. You need to be patient and give yourself a chance to get used to the taste. After a short period of time, you’ll begin to taste and enjoy the different nuances of each type of coffee.

Hot vs. Cold Brew

You may wonder what all the hype about cold brew coffee is. Well, it’s not just a millennial thing. Cold brew coffee is decidedly less bitter. It is even somewhat sweet. As a result, there are people who enjoy it without any additives whatsoever. You get all the flavor and benefits of coffee without the extra cream and sugar. And yes, you can heat cold brew up in the microwave without increasing the bitterness.

On the other side of the coin, do not try to make hot coffee and then put it in the refrigerator expecting the bitterness to go away. This actually increases its bitterness. Hot brewed coffee is bitter because the hot water brings out the bitterness of the coffee beans along with the oils that give coffee its flavor.

As a side note, a big part of the art of drinking black coffee is to sip slowly. Big gulps only make a bitter brew seem more bitter. Instead, take slow sips and savor the flavor. Let it roll around the tongue to touch the entire pallet. That is where the good flavors are discovered.

How Big Does My Office Need to Be to Have Coffee Service?

How Big Does My Office Need to Be to Have Coffee Service?Providing employees with professional coffee service is a great way to show them how much you appreciate their hard work and loyalty. This is just as true for small companies as it is for large ones. You might be wondering if your office is large enough to warrant professional coffee service. We aim to answer that in this post.

First and foremost, no office is too small for professional coffee service. Office coffee solutions can always be tailored to the size of the organization, whether there are 25 employees or a couple of hundred. Even offices with fewer than 10 employees may want professional coffee service to accommodate frequent guests or meetings.

The key here is to let the office coffee professional size the solution to the specific needs of your organization. Let’s say your office is fairly small. We would recommend a thermal carafe brewer that keeps coffee hot for several hours. If your office wants to brew individual cups of coffee instead, there are multiple options for that.

It is Worth Looking At

You are familiar with that old phrase many of our parents told us we were young: you’ll never know if you don’t try. Well, something similar applies here. You will never know if your office is large enough for a coffee service if you don’t look into it. Don’t merely assume that coffee service would be too expensive or too wasteful for your office. Instead, give us the opportunity to earn your business.

If you are already buying coffee and other break room supplies, give Galaxie Coffee an opportunity to see if we could offer you a comparable solution. Perhaps we could not only relieve your staff of the responsibility of having to run to the store, but also save you money at the same time. We will give you the best possible pricing we can on all the coffee and break room supplies you’re already buying. One way or the other, you’ll be able to choose the option that gives you the best value.

Note that the service we provide goes above and beyond coffee pots and hot coffee. In terms of equipment, we have a complete inventory of machines ranging from traditional pour-over machines to the latest single-cup brewers. We also offer water coolers too.

In terms of product, our inventory continues to grow to meet the needs of our clients. We offer hot and cold coffees, teas, water, soda, snacks, condiments, paper products, and more. Everything you need to fully stock your break room or coffee cupboard is available through Galaxie Coffee. Eco-friendly break room products are our specialty!

We invite you to contact us to learn more about how we can serve your office with professional coffee service. Why not leverage what you are already purchasing for your office as a means to motivate us to want to serve you the best we can? Choose us as your office coffee and break room supplier, and we will do just that.

When the Munchies Strike: Here’s What to Reach for in 2018

When the Munchies Strike: Here's What to Reach for in 2018It happens every day in the American office: your employees start feeling their stomachs rumble right about mid- morning, and then again between two and three in the afternoon. That’s when the munchies strike. And what do they do? They head for the break room or the vending machines. Here at Galaxie Coffee, we are all about stocking the break room with the kind of snacks people want.

Today, snacking is about making healthier choices. There is plenty of room for the sodas, chips, and candy bars we’ve eaten for generations. However, there is also a growing demand for healthier alternatives. People want to move beyond the high sugar, high calorie snacks to a more healthful way of eating. We get that.

We want you to know that Galaxie Coffee is your complete break room solution provider. In addition to coffee, tea, and other beverages, we carry a full range of healthy snacks that are part of the emerging trends of 2018:

Fresh Fruit – Today’s workers are turning to fresh fruit more than they ever have in the past. They are looking for things like apples, bananas, blueberries, and strawberries.

Nuts – Nuts are a big hit when the munchies strike. Think almonds, cashews, and even mixed nuts. Moreover, nuts are healthy for you.

Bars – We would have just said granola bars in the old days, but granola isn’t the only game in town. There are also fiber bars, chewy trail mix bars, and other options from brands like Kind, Kashi, Clif, and Nature Valley.

If you’re interested to see just how many options there are, take a look at our website. We have an entire product category devoted to healthy snacks.

Buy in Bulk with Portion Control

Thanks to the splendid work done by nutritionists, we now know how important portion control is to healthy eating. But don’t let a focus on portion control influence your decision to purchase healthy snacks for your breakroom. You can buy in bulk to save money, then utilize dispensers for portion control purposes. A lot of our customers address break room snacking this way.

Here’s what you need to know: if there is a way to stock your break room with snacks and beverages that will help your employees make healthier choices, we likely have a way to make it happen. It is what we do. Galaxie Coffee has been in the business of stocking New York’s break rooms for years. We have the resources to create a custom solution perfect for your business.

The munchies are going to strike your office at least twice today. What are your employees going to do? Are they going to head for a couple of vending machines filled with candy bars and chips, or will they had to a break room where they will find healthier choices? That is up to you. Just promise that you will get in touch with us if we can help.

Who Is More Particular: The Coffee or Tea Drinker?

Who Is More Particular: The Coffee or Tea Drinker?Coffee and tea are like two heavyweights duking it out in the hot beverage ring. But this is one fight that will never be won by knockout. The winner will be determined by a vote of the judges which, it just so happens, are consumers. So who is more particular, coffee or tea drinkers?

The answer depends on who you ask. Your average coffee drinker will say he/she is far more particular than a tea drinker. The average tea drinker would respond with his/her firmly held belief that his/her comrades are much more discerning – which is why they drink tea to begin with.

Measuring by Consumption

Determining how particular consumers are based on consumption volume is a virtual draw. Data published by Indy 100 in 2016 shows the world pretty evenly split. Coffee is preferred throughout the Western Hemisphere as well as Western Europe – with the exception of England – while tea is the preferred drink in Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Consumption volume alone does not tell us much about which kind of drinker is more fussy. So let us move on to other measurements: the number of choices and public opinion.

Number of Choices

If we measure the particularness of hot beverage drinkers based on the number of choices in the marketplace, coffee would win hands down. Just go into any urban coffee shop and have a look at the menu. You will find straight black coffee, decaf coffee, and dozens of different lattes, frappes, espresso drinks, and so forth. Even more amazing is the fact that you can have five coffee shops within a few blocks that all have different menus.

This isn’t to say that tea only comes in one flavor; it does not. However, it is rare to see tea drinkers be so specific about what they put in their tea. Coffee drinkers obsess over creamers, syrups, and other additives. If the local barista doesn’t get the flavor combination just right, there could be hell to pay.

Vocal Opinions

A measurement of who is more fussy comes down in favor of tea drinkers when based on public opinion, particularly opinions found on the internet. For example, a blog post published by Seven Seas Tea in May 2016 says it all in the title: ‘Are Tea Drinkers Too Fussy?’

Author Margaret River makes the case that tea drinkers who are not particular about what they get in a restaurant should start being fussier. She makes the case that they should begin demanding as much quality and variety as their coffee-drinking counterparts.

In the end, whether you are particular about your coffee or tea is entirely your prerogative. Our goal at Galaxie Coffee is to make sure you have just what you want in your break room or office. If you have ever considered coffee service for your staff, please give us a call. We would be happy to explain how our service works and how you and your organization can benefit from it.

Want to enjoy coffee like the Italians? This infographic shows you how

Throughout their history, Italians have developed quite a unique coffee culture. It has been refined over the centuries, and it has not been very much receptive to outside influences.

Today that culture is evident in the everyday rituals of enjoying coffee in Italian bars, cafes and homes. And the sheer number of different types coffee drinks displays their imagination and art when it comes to preparing and enjoying this popular drink.

There is a long list of unwritten rules in how Italians consume coffee. To make your life easier and help you avoid the awkward “tourist” label, Med Cruise Guide created an infographic showing the key 10 coffee drinking rules in Italy.

For example, try and order a cappuccino after 11 am in any bar in Italy, and you’ll get that stare that says that you have caused an international incident. That’s because Italians drink “milky coffees” like cappuccino in the morning, with pastry. The milk slows down digestion, so you should not have it after 11 am.

Or ask for a take-away coffee at a café. You’ll get that stare again. The rule says: no take away coffee in Italy.

Explore the infographic below and learn about the ten rules of coffee drinking in Italy.

10 Italian Coffee Drinking Rules: Enjoy Your Coffee Like Italians Do!

How the Break Room Can Increase Employee Engagement

How the Break Room Can Increase Employee EngagementEmployee engagement is all the rage these days. Engagement has always been necessary, but only recently has the business world come to understand how critical it is to driving long-term stability and growth. The quality of the break room can make all the difference in the world.

Yes, the experience employees have in the break room has an influence on company culture and worker happiness. High-quality coffee products and break room supplies, while not the only factor in determining a company’s culture, should be high on the priority list. What an employee experiences in the break room creates a lasting impression of his or her perception of the company as a whole.

A clean, spacious, and well stocked break room tells employees that their employer cares about them. Coffee may be the focal point of the break room, however, now it’s also about tea and hot chocolate too. Healthy snacks are the newest, most popular item being added to the menu. The break room also provides a space where workers can collaborate over a hot cup of coffee without having to rush back to their work stations. A well-presented break room is a community space that encourages stronger bonds among workers the same way the home kitchen creates strong bonds among family members.

Engagement and Employee Happiness

Lest you suspect we are merely blowing smoke about worker happiness, there is plenty of research data to prove the point. Consider a 2014 study out of the University of Warwick Department of Economics that demonstrates the difference between happy and unhappy workers. Happy workers are 12% more productive than the average worker while unhappy workers are 10% less productive. That is a swing of 22 percentage points.

Additional research from the New Century Financial Corporation shows that unhappy account executives classified as ‘actively disengaged’ generate 28% less revenue than their happy, engaged counterparts. The same holds true throughout the global workforce. Happy employees are engaged employees.

How the Break Room Helps

If you are still not clear on how high-quality coffee and break room supplies increase employee engagement, just look at the phrase itself: break room. Workers go to the break room because they need a few minutes away from the desk. They need to give their brains, and sometimes their bodies, a few minutes to rest.

If your company has a break room that employees do not want to visit, they are less likely to take their breaks. They will eventually feel like they don’t take breaks because they are stuck at the desk. Conversely, giving them a break room they actually want to use encourages them to take the time.

An added bonus is that workers in the break room are only taking a break from their immediate tasks. They still talk shop, share ideas and look for solutions to their problems. That is what makes them more engaged, happier, and ultimately, more productive.

Here at Galaxie Coffee, we take immense pride in stocking break rooms across the greater New York area with high-quality coffee and supplies. We would be happy to fill yours as well.

Greetings from the CTW Trade Show

I recently attended an industry trade show in Grapevine, Texas. The show is called CTW and is devoted to coffee, tea and water. It is a smaller focused event, when compared with the annual NAMA show which is more focused on the vending industry. CTW offers many hours of education seminars and 5 hours of floor exhibit time.

Last year the show was in Nashville, TN. There were significantly more exhibitors and attendees last year. Perhaps this was due to the location. I attend these trade shows for three reasons: 1) to learn from others in the industry and 2) walk the trade show floor to learn about new products and 3) re-connect with our suppliers and old friends. I always have an agenda of new items I’m specifically looking for.

There were few new products unveiled at this year’s show. Pods and bean-to-cup brewers continue to build momentum in the office coffee sector. Now that pod brewers are reliable, the floodgates have opened and roasters who offer pods are enjoying their success. When we see a moderately priced automatic pod brewer, pod usage will significantly increase and take market share. Bean-to-cup brewers are an excellent option for larger offices that can accommodate the necessary height and the daily maintenance required. Keurig is still a good option for many offices and there are now effective k-cup recycling options. Many offices are now offering espresso as an afternoon pick-me-up. There are excellent choices in espresso machines, even for small offices.

With respect to water options, coolers that attach to the building’s water supply dominate the office environment. Bottle coolers and 5 gallon jugs are still popular in offices with no water source or where the town’s water is deemed problematic. Look for new products that combine a bottle cooler and a pod brewer and a bottle cooler and a Lavit beverage system. The Lavit beverge system combines a high end water cooler (still and sparkling water) and other beverages. Now the Lavit can tie into the building’s water supply or easily use 5 gallon jugs. Any office buying a few cases of soda during the month should look closely at the Lavit system.

The last change in the industry I will discuss today is the movement to eco-friendly products. Hot cups, plates and cutlery are now very close in price to their non eco-friendly counterparts. The time is right for corporate America to switch over to these products. We are taking the lead on this movement and have narrowed the price gap to virtually nothing.

If you are not yet a Galaxie Coffee customer, we would like the opportunity to change that. We are one of the leading coffee service providers in the greater New York area. We can supply your office, warehouse, store, or industrial facility with the finest hot and cold beverages and break room supplies. Our inventory of coffee and water equipment includes all the latest technologies to ensure every break room experience is a positive one.

Is Cold Brew Coffee a Year-Round Beverage?

Is Cold Brew Coffee a Year-Round Beverage?Cold brew coffee is here to stay. Once fans of iced coffee realized that cold brew tastes better and is readily available, it was only a matter of time before cold brew began displacing iced coffee in home refrigerators and neighborhood coffee shops. So now the coffee drinking world is asking a new question: is cold brew coffee a year-round beverage?

The answer to that question depends on who you ask. Ask the average coffee drinker in a place like New York City and you are likely to be told ‘maybe’. After all, many people won’t want to drink cold brew on a January day cold enough to stick your tongue to a light post – if you are predisposed to lick it? New Yorkers probably prefer hot java during the winter.

On the other hand, ask somebody who lives in Miami and you are likely to get the opposite response. In a part of the country where the coldest winter days barely demand changing from shorts to long pants, hot coffee is somewhat of an anathema. Cold brew is more to their liking.

Last winter we didn’t sell a lot of cold brew coffee. My prediction is this will change during this upcoming winter. We have many more customers currently buying cold brew, when compared with a year ago. I see no reason this shouldn’t continue in the future. I will provide an update in the Spring!!

How to Choose the Right Coffee Product for Your Office

How to Choose the Right Coffee Product for Your OfficeTremendous growth in the office coffee industry has created an environment in which there are a lot of great choices in everything from coffee to tea to specialty water drinks. That is good in the sense that more choices make it easier to satisfy most of the office. Yet it can be somewhat overwhelming for the person responsible for ordering.

We want to make choosing the right office coffee products easier for our customers. To that end, we have put together a list of things to consider. We suggest taking some time to evaluate each item before making any decisions. And remember, no decision is set in stone. You can always change what you order as needed.

1. Product Pricing

It would be disingenuous for us to create a list of this nature and ignore pricing. The reality is that offices have to consider how much they will spend on office coffee. If your company is on a very tight budget, you might want to consider traditional drip brew coffee instead of single serve. Drip brew offers great pricing and a wide range of options.

2. Employee Preferences

Anyone who has ever ordered office coffee before can testify that it is impossible to please everyone. Still, it’s good to get an idea of employee preferences prior to ordering. If a fair majority of the office prefers flavored coffee, it might be worth investing in at least one or two flavors for the sake of morale. You could still purchase regular coffee for those not interested in flavors.

3. Coffee Volume

The amount of coffee your office consumes, which is often determined by your headcount, is another crucial factor. Serving coffee to a lot of people at one time will lead you down a different path on the choice of equipment. As with most things, there are trade-offs on price, coffee quality and product selection.

4. Available Equipment

When you order coffee and water from Galaxie Coffee, you also have to think equipment. The equipment you choose is determined by the amount of coffee and water your office normally consumes. We have single serve machines for offices that prefer to brew one cup of coffee or tea at a time alongside traditional drip brewers that can brew up to 12 cups at a time. We even have large commercial machines for your company café. All our machines are meticulously maintained so as to provide our customers with reliable service day in and day out.

Give Us a Call

We have given you four things to think about when choosing the right coffee products for your office. If you still don’t know what to do, don’t worry. Give us a call and speak with one of our office coffee specialists. We can help you figure out what would be best based on pricing, employee preferences, volume, and your equipment needs. Rest assured there is an ideal solution for your office.

3 Reasons Coffee Should Come from a Coffee Service Provider

3 Reasons Coffee Should Come from a Coffee Service ProviderThe tri-state area is large enough to support office supply companies that want to dabble in coffee and breakroom supplies. In fact, a lot of office supply companies do just that. Yet there are also coffee service providers like Galaxie Coffee offering a full line of beverages along with coffee equipment and breakroom supplies. The question for business owners is which way to go.

It is our firm belief that your coffee should come from a coffee service provider rather than an office supply company. We do not sell printer paper or pens. We do not service copy machines or computers. And if we did, you would probably not trust us to provide what you would consider a tertiary service on our part. So why buy your office coffee and breakroom supplies from a company that specializes in copy paper, pens, and printer ink?

We believe there are many reasons that your office coffee and breakroom supplies should come from a specialist provider like Galaxie Coffee. Here are the top three:

1. Larger Product Selection

Did you know Galaxie Coffee’s product list includes hundreds of different items? We carry one of the most complete selections of beverage and breakroom supplies in the tri-state area, covering everything from coffee and tea to ‘green’ breakroom supplies. You will never find such an extensive inventory at an office supply company.

Office supply companies typically don’t offer the same depth of coffee and breakroom products as office coffee service companies do. More importantly, if you have product questions, you can easily speak to a knowledgeable customer service representative with a single phone call. You won’t spend ten minutes on hold and then find out your question will be answered within 48 hours.

2. Superior Service

A dedicated coffee service provider like Galaxie Coffee offers customers superior service in everything from product delivery to machine maintenance. All it takes is one phone call to our offices to get the beverages and breakroom supplies you need as quickly as possible. And if your coffee machine or water cooler ever breaks down, we will be there quickly to fix or replace it. We can do that because we have a staff of trained technicians and an inventory of replacement equipment just waiting to go.

3. It is All We Do

Finally, office beverages and breakroom supplies are all we do. Companies like Galaxie Coffee are not looking to branch out into a dozen different industries in order to do a lot of things adequately. We don’t like adequate. What we want is to be the best in the business. Office coffee service is what we do, and we do it well.

Here at Galaxie Coffee, we do not dabble in office supplies like paper clips and envelopes. We will never try to fix your broken thermal printer while dropping off a case of coffee and a couple of bottles of water. By the same token, don’t rely on your office supply company to handle your office coffee and breakroom supply requirements.