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611: What Colin Harmon Knows About Growing Coffee Shops!

611: What Colin Harmon Knows About Growing Coffee Shops!

Author: Chris Deferio June 24, 2026 Duration: 1:03:58
Keys To The Shop : Equipping Coffee Shop Leaders
ArtsBusinessEntrepreneurshipFood

As hard as starting a coffee shop can be, growing that shop is where the real work begins. The industry is riff with examples of cafes and roasteries that have suffered and even failed as a resulting how they approach growth. The industry also has many whose businesses have grown well but we can only admire their work as outsiders to the work that was done to get there. 

Enter Colin Harmon. Just like he did with his first book "What I know About Running Coffee Shops", Colin once again give us a look behind the curtain in his new book, "What I Know About Growing Coffee Shops! 

Colin Harmon is a 4x Irish Barista champion and founder of the iconic cafe and roastery 3fE in Dublin, Ireland.

Under Colin's leadership 3fE has grown to 8 cafes, a massive roasting and wholesale program, and stands as an example of a what a thriving quality focused specialty coffee business looks like. 

Today we get to welcome Colin back to the show 9 years after his first appearance in 2017 shortly after the release of his first book to open up the ages of his new book and share with us his hard earned lessons and perspectives on growing a coffee shop!

We Discuss:

  • Colin's reflection on the eight-year process to write his latest book and the importance of allowing ideas to mature
  • Balancing hands-on work with business growth, including fixing toilets and managing staff
  • The concept of a "stay here plan" to sustain long-term engagement in the coffee industry
  • The realities behind scaling coffee shops and the pitfalls of growth for ego versus long-term purpose
  • How to evaluate and choose opportunities like spin-offs, markets, consulting, and events prudently
  • The impact of perception, staff development, and consistency across multiple locations
  • Practical frameworks for evaluating new sites and scaling while staying true to core values
  • The significance of transparent communication within teams and the importance of self-awareness
  • Insights into wholesale relationships, maintaining quality, and marketing without overextending
  • Colin's advice on avoiding burnout, overgrowth, and the importance of focusing on what works

Links:

https://www.scottrao.com/

https://eightouncecoffee.com

@colinharmon

 

Keys to the Shop

CONSULTING + COACHING

If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email 

chris@keystothshop.com

of book a free call now: 

https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min 

 

Related Episodes: 

 


Running a coffee shop is about so much more than pulling great shots. It's a complex dance of craft, culture, and commerce that demands a unique kind of leadership. That's the space where Keys To The Shop : Equipping Coffee Shop Leaders lives. Hosted by Chris Deferio, this podcast digs into the real, often unspoken challenges faced by owners, managers, and aspiring leaders in the specialty coffee world. Each conversation moves beyond abstract theory to deliver concrete, usable strategies you can apply directly to your operation. You'll hear from a diverse range of voices, including seasoned coffee professionals and insightful experts from other fields, all focused on the practicalities of building a thriving business. Episodes tackle the full spectrum of running a shop, from daily systems and financial health to fostering a positive team environment and developing your own skills as a leader. The aim is to provide a genuine resource for growth, whether you're looking to refine your barista program, improve your shop's profitability, or scale your vision thoughtfully. Tune in for honest discussions that equip you with more than just inspiration-they offer the tangible keys to building a better, more sustainable coffee business. This podcast understands that your passion is for coffee, but your success depends on mastering the craft of leadership.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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Keys To The Shop : Equipping Coffee Shop Leaders
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