Boardgames and coffee! The two were meant for one another. Gathering around a table to share an experience with your friends and family is core to how community happens.
In the last decade we have seen an explosion of gaming and coffee cafes meeting a need for connection over shared dice, boards, cards and cups.
Todays guest has been a pillar in this community for over 7 years and brings an incredible depth of knowledge and skill in hospitality, leadership, and culinary to the gaming table.
We are talking with Kevin Kerkhof of Hitherto Coffee and Gaming Parlour in Greenfield, IN!
Kevin J. Kerkhof is an entrepreneur, hospitality executive, educator, and culinary professional with more than 30 years of experience in foodservice, specialty coffee, retail operations, business development, and hospitality management. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for combining operational excellence with a passion for culinary innovation, hospitality, team development, and creating exceptional guest experiences.
Since 2019, Kevin has served as the Founder, Principal Owner, and General Manager of Hitherto Coffee & Gaming Parlour in Greenfield, Indiana. Under his leadership, Hitherto has grown into a unique community-focused destination that blends specialty coffee, food service, tabletop gaming, retail, and events.
Prior to founding Hitherto, Kevin served as the Founding Chef and General Manager of Greyhouse Coffee & Supply Co. in West Lafayette, Indiana. During his tenure, he helped shape the organization's culinary and operational vision while providing leadership and oversight for hundreds of employees throughout the years. He played a key role in concept development, menu creation, facility design, budgeting, organizational leadership, and operational growth.
Kevin earned a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Purdue University and an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University.
He has worked with and supported organizations including McDonald's, Whole Foods Market, Ecolab, Tyson Foods, Purdue University, the Culinary Institute of America, and the Specialty Coffee Association.
In our conversation about his career and boardgame cafe concept we discuss:
- Journey into Hospitality and Culinary Arts
- The Influence of Agriculture on Culinary Pursuits
- Transitioning to Coffee and Greyhouse
- Leadership Lessons from Greyhouse
- The Evolution and Financial Challenges Starting Hitherto
- Navigating the SBA Loan Process
- The Concept of a Board Game Cafe
- Creating a Unique Customer Experience
- Selecting Games for the Community
- Staffing for a Dual Concept Cafe
- Managing a Board Game Cafe
- Event planning and managing game and coffee events
- Advice for Aspiring Cafe Owners
REGISTER NOW FOR THE SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES!
Build a Stronger Coffee Shop: One Step at a Time
Great coffee shops don't happen by accident. They are built by hiring the right people, training them well, and leading them with clarity and consistency.
In this live three-part Summer Webinar Series, Chris Deferio shares the practical systems and coaching insights that have helped coffee businesses build stronger teams, healthier cultures, and more resilient operations.
Each webinar includes:
- Live instruction and Q&A
- PDF workbook
- One hour of virtual consulting for each live attendee
- Lifetime access to the recording
Register for the individual sessions that fit your current needs, or scroll down to save 20% on the complete Summer Webinar Series.
REGISTER NOW FOR THE SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES!
chris@keystothshop.com
of book a free call now:
https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min
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