I took the barista training course at ABC’s a couple of years ago, and today I operate a tiny (but beautiful!) espresso bar that will celebrate its two-year anniversary in May. One of the best decisions I made when developing my business was to attend ABC’s. I fell in love with coffee there, and now I am living my coffee dream. My coffee bar serves the best coffee in Puerto Rico, and I am opening my second store soon.

For the second year in a row, I was a judge at the Puerto Rico Barista Championship. The winner was Luis Acevedo, who will represent Puerto Rico at the World Barista Championship (WBC) in Copenhagen, Denmark, June 19-22. One of my baristas placed third in the competition and another fourth. It was their first year competing, so I was happy with the results. In preparation for the event, the first WBC Judge’s Training was conducted in my espresso bar.

In addition, I have also become actively involved in the Puerto Rico Barista Association.

Thank you ABC’s!

Enid Guerra | Barista EspressoBar, Puerto Rico

Remember how you left ABC’s really enthusiastic about keeping in touch with other students in your class?

A FAMILY AFFAIR: ABC's graduate Petros Frangos and his wife Linda Frangos share a laugh over a cup of coffee at their first Cuban coffee house in Anaheim, Cafe Contigo.

Click here to read about the opening of their coffeehouse in the Orange County Register.

ABC's graduate Jason Calhoon won the 2008 Southwest Regional Barista Competition (SWRBC) in Las Vegas in February, which qualifies him to compete as a semi-finalist in the United States Barista Championship (USBC) this May in Minneapolis.

"ABC's helped me gain the skills that I needed to win the SWRBC and carry on to the USBC," says Jason. I highly recommend ABC's to anyone who wants to compete or open their own coffee shop."

SWRBC competitors were required to deliver 12 coffee concoctions – four espressos, four cappuccinos and four original signature drinks – within a 15-minute timeframe. Seven SCAA-certified judges critiqued the contestants’ beverages on taste, presentation, technical skills, station cleanliness and total impression. The purpose of SCAA’s regional and national barista competitions – the USBC – is to recognize and encourage the art and skill associated with the barista profession. Read more.

ABC’s graduate Lily de Bolaños from El Salvador won the country’s first ever barista championship, which will allow her to compete in the World Barista Championship to be held June 19-22 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Another former student, Federico Bolaños, placed fourth. According to Federico, they couldn’t have done it without attending ABC’s: “Lily and I learned so much at the ABC’s. The training provided us with an in-depth understanding of the skills needed to perform like top baristas and also intensified our passion for specialty coffee.”

Latte art by ABC's instructors Matt Milletto and Jared Mockli is featured in the March/April issue of Imbibe Magazine.

The intricate flowers and leaves decorating a well-crafted latte can transform your morning cup into a special event. Matt Milletto, coffee consultant and trainer at the American Barista & Coffee School and an award-winning latte artist, shares his insider tips for drinkable designs. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t achieve a perfect rosetta on the first try—like painting, latte art takes practice. “If you’re doing everything right with your espresso and milk, it will come naturally over time,” Milletto assures. This greater attention to process will also improve your drink’s taste and texture. Click HERE to download "Flower Power: Take your espresso drinks to the next level with latte art."