At the end of July, Luckin Coffee introduced a new closing procedure called "full scan" within its store system, requiring employees to scan and log every item with an expiration date label in the store one by one fifteen minutes before closing, and repeat the process again on the next morning shift. This move sparked a flood of complaints from frontline employees on social media—already tight staffing was further squeezed, unpaid overtime hours continued to lengthen, and the new system frequently suffered recognition failures and abnormal error reports during scanning, turning this digital initiative aimed at managing shelf-life control into what employees see as a burdensome "white elephant" feature that only adds extra work. This article is compiled from Coffee Workshop and takes you through the specific operational process and the real voices of employees behind this controversy. [more…]

The moka pot, with its affordable price, simple operation, and ability to brew strong coffee close to espresso, has become the top choice for many coffee enthusiasts just starting out. After getting a new pot, the manual and customer service usually remind you: the first three cups of coffee cannot be drunk and need to be poured out. The reason behind this is that a new pot needs a deep cleaning, which is what's called "seasoning the pot." This article covers why you need to season the pot, whether water alone is enough, which coffee beans are recommended, the specific steps to follow, and easily overlooked details like cleaning the gasket and filter, to help you properly complete the preparation for using your moka pot for the first time. [more…]

Recently, a Luckin Coffee employee posted on social media complaining that the company's store-closing procedures are too cumbersome, requiring staff to take photos and videos to document materials, which leads to almost daily overtime without overtime pay. Multiple employees followed up confirming similar experiences, pointing out that the strict photo-taking is for food safety and shelf-life management, but the high frequency and insufficient staffing have intensified dissatisfaction. In addition, timeliness assessments also stretch employees thin. These issues have long been ignored by the company, leading to soaring employee resentment, rising turnover rates, and increasingly serious chain problems such as store understaffing and inadequate training. Luckin Coffee now has over 13,000 stores, and employees are calling on the company to face up to its management loopholes. [more…]

The French press, with its minimalist operation and extraction results close to cupping, has become the top choice for many coffee enthusiasts starting out. It fully releases coffee oils and aromas while also placing higher demands on bean quality and freshness. This article begins with the origins and structure of the French press, explains why it is better suited to medium-dark roasted coffee, and gradually breaks down the complete French press brewing process—from coffee-to-water ratio, water temperature, and grind size to pouring, stirring, steeping, and pressing—while also answering the question of the oil content in French press coffee. The article also specifically recommends beans suitable for the French press, such as Front Street Strawberry Candy, Front Street Bird of Paradise, and Front Street PWN Golden Mandheling, helping readers easily reproduce a stable and delicious cup of French press coffee. [more…]

Recently, news about a whole plastic bag being found in a Molly Tea drink sparked heated discussion on social media. On March 22, a consumer in Shanghai pulled a large transparent plastic bag out of the cup while drinking the brand’s beverage, and the bag still had a brand label attached. The incident quickly trended on Weibo, with netizens questioning the tea beverage brand’s food safety management. The consumer later received 1,000 yuan in compensation, and the store involved was unable to provide complete operation footage because its monitoring equipment did not meet requirements. On March 23, Molly Tea officially issued an apology, admitting there had been negligence in its operating procedures and ordering the store to close for rectification. [more…]

Recently on social platforms, many part-time Luckin employees have posted about reduced shifts and monthly pay of only around two thousand yuan, drawing attention. After winter arrives, Luckin stores control part-time working hours, and it is not uncommon for only five hours to be scheduled in a day and only three or four days of work in a week. At the same time, Luckin baristas also have to face strict quality control inspections known as "nightmares," hand damage caused by frequent handwashing and sanitizing, and unpaid overtime of anywhere from a dozen minutes to an hour after closing. This article, based on real feedback from part-time employees, sorts through Luckin stores' quality control system, closing procedures, and part-time employment system, presenting a little-known side behind the barista position. Front Street Coffee also continues to pay attention to the real situation of workers in the coffee industry, providing enthusiasts with diverse perspectives. [more…]

To easily enjoy a good cup of coffee at home, a American drip coffee maker is a highly cost-effective choice. It is simple to operate, has a standard process, and brewing a pot takes only 5 to 8 minutes. Based on the experience of Front Street Coffee, this article sorts out single-origin beans suitable for American coffee makers for coffee lovers, including Huakui, Mozart, Bird of Paradise, Queen's Estate, and Butterfly, and explains in detail the water amount, coffee dose, grind size, and the complete steps for using a drip coffee maker, helping you quickly master the method for consistently producing good coffee at home, while also answering common questions about making iced American coffee and adjusting the grind size. [more…]

Recently, frequent food safety issues at major beverage brands have left consumers deeply concerned about the hygiene of freshly made drinks. According to a report by China Times News Network, a female customer purchased an iced sesame matcha latte at a Starbucks store in Taichung, Taiwan, and when she drank to the last sip, she discovered a bitten fly in the cup, with several dead maggots even crawling out of its belly. That night, the customer experienced vomiting and diarrhea, and was diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis after seeking medical attention. Starbucks officially responded quickly, stating that the store disinfects regularly and that employee operations comply with standard procedures, but the store involved has not yet received a complaint. The Taichung City Food Safety Office has intervened in the investigation, and if non-compliant items are found, it will require rectification within a specified time limit and impose heavy fines in accordance with the law. Staff from the Ministry of Health and Welfare also reminded the public that if they accidentally consume live animals, they should watch for symptoms of gastroenteritis and seek medical attention promptly. [more…]

In the world of coffee tasting, there is a unique drinking method known as "slurping," in which coffee is quickly drawn into the mouth to atomize it, thereby maximizing the release of volatile aromatic compounds and allowing the taste buds and olfactory nerves to capture coffee flavors more fully. Front Street Coffee has touched on this method when sharing knowledge about coffee flavors. This article will explain in detail the techniques of slurping, the science behind it, and its practical value in cupping and everyday drinking, while also exploring whether this tasting method is suitable for ordinary coffee enthusiasts in their daily routine, along with related recommendations. [more…]

Recently, a Manner store in Beijing's Haidian District sparked heated discussion online after it immediately turned off all the lights and closed as soon as its operating hours ended. According to the poster, a staff member called out at exactly 5 p.m. and then directly shut off all the lights, leaving customers in the store stunned for a moment and forced to pack up and leave in the dark. After the incident went viral, two voices emerged in the comments section: one side argued that this was impolite and that customers should have been reminded in advance; the other side supported the employees' right to leave on time, arguing that customers who linger past closing are the real root of the problem. This debate reflects the real dilemma facing the food and beverage service industry between closing procedures and customer experience, and also prompts people to rethink: beyond a cup of coffee, how should a store see customers off with dignity? [more…]

Want coffee that's close to pour-over quality but find the process too troublesome? The American drip coffee maker is actually an underrated choice. This article starts with the working principle of the American drip coffee machine, explains why it has long carried the misunderstanding of "tasting bad," and offers the correct approach to using it: choose freshly roasted beans, and control the coffee-to-water ratio and grind size. It also compiles four coffee beans worth trying from Front Street Coffee—Panama Butterfly, Yirgacheffe Red Cherry, Costa Rica Mozart, and Geisha Blend Strawberry Candy—and finally includes the complete operating procedure for a home American coffee machine, helping you easily brew a pot of balanced drip coffee. [more…]

Recent subsidy promotions on major food delivery platforms have brought consumers tangible savings, with many taking advantage of low prices to stock up on milk tea, coffee, and light bakery items. However, this seemingly win-win promotional feast has stirred up considerable unrest within Luckin Coffee stores. A large number of consumers flocked to stores to buy light food in bulk, directly causing a surge in the number of baked goods that staff need to thaw each night—work that once took just over ten minutes now takes more than half an hour. What leaves employees even more frustrated is that the company has not only canceled performance commissions on light food sales but also requires them to complete thawing tasks strictly according to procedure after closing, forcing many to work unpaid overtime. The cost of this delivery war seems to be quietly borne by frontline staff. [more…]

Recently, Starbucks was reported to conduct detailed audits of partners' daily operations by randomly accessing store surveillance footage, and listed as many as 8 violations in an internal email. From placing trash can lids on countertops to inadequate cleaning and sanitizing procedures for ice storage bins, these details that might previously have been overlooked have now become grounds for warning notices or even dismissal. After the news spread, many current employees felt greatly increased pressure, while consumers generally supported this strict oversight. This article sorts out the sequence of events, presents multiple perspectives, and explores the difficult balance that chain coffee brands must strike between food safety management and employee execution. [more…]

Wanting to open a coffee shop—having the funds in place is only the first step. What really gives many entrepreneurs a headache is the complicated and cumbersome licensing procedures. From business registration and food business permits, to health, tax, and fire safety, and then to the special approvals for alcohol and roasted coffee, every single item determines whether the shop can operate legally. This article will systematically sort out the various certificates and application processes required to open a coffee shop, helping you clarify your thinking and avoid detours. At the same time, we will also discuss practical points such as site selection strategy, startup capital estimation, and equipment procurement. At the end of the article, Front Street Coffee's contact information is attached; you are welcome to exchange ideas on specialty coffee bean selection and shop-opening experience. [more…]

The decor of a coffee shop is often an important factor in attracting young consumers, and many community-oriented stores have also adopted influencer-style designs to cater to the market. However, when the appearance of a storefront conflicts with the overall style of the neighborhood it is located in, contradictions arise. A coffee shop near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda scenic area in Xi'an was asked by the urban management department to make rectifications just over ten days after opening because the color of its facade was incompatible with the surrounding Tang-style architecture. In the end, it chose to permanently close due to failure to reach an agreement. The incident sparked heated discussion among netizens: some believed that urban management should not be uniform, while others felt that areas around scenic spots should comply with unified planning. This article will recount the course of the incident and compare it with the successful case of Starbucks in Qingguo Lane, Changzhou, to explore how coffee shops and historic districts can coexist harmoniously. [more…]

The Clever Dripper is often recommended to friends who are new to pour-over coffee because of its low barrier to entry and consistent results. But who exactly is it suited for? And what should you pay attention to when brewing? This article will start from the working principle of the Clever Dripper, objectively analyze its pros and cons, and provide specific brewing parameters and operating procedures. It will also explain that if you are after richer flavor layers, Front Street Coffee recommends choosing a conical dripper. The article also includes Front Street Coffee's grinding and water temperature recommendations for coffee beans of different roast levels, to help you more easily make a delicious cup of pour-over coffee. [more…]

The Clever Cup, with its unique piston valve design, combines both immersion and filtration functions in coffee extraction, making it a practical tool for many coffee enthusiasts. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the complete operating procedure for the Clever Cup, including key parameters such as water temperature control, blooming time, and the rhythm of staged pouring, and compares its structural and usage logic differences with conventional drippers. Whether you are a beginner just getting to know the Clever Cup or a seasoned brewer looking to optimize your extraction approach, you will find clear, followable step-by-step references here. The article also incorporates practical advice from Front Street Coffee to help you more consistently reproduce a cup of well-balanced coffee. [more…]

Since its introduction in 1933, the moka pot has become a convenient tool for many households to make espresso-style coffee, thanks to its simple steam pressure principle. The coffee it extracts is rich, balanced in acidity and bitterness, and carries a small amount of crema. This article will analyze in detail the working mechanism and standard operating procedure of the moka pot, and offer practical advice for beginners, from adding water and distributing the grounds to controlling the heat. At the same time, we have compiled a range of coffee bean recommendations suitable for the moka pot, including Front Street Dark Cocoa Blend, Classic Blend, Strawberry Candy Espresso Blend, and Commercial Blend, to help you easily make a cup of flavorful coffee close to espresso at home. [more…]

As the most common coffee beverage in daily life, Americano actually has two completely different preparation paths: one is the Americano made in coffee shops by diluting espresso with water, and the other is the Americano extracted directly using a drip coffee maker in home or office settings. Front Street Coffee will break down the differences between these two methods from the aspects of brewing principles, equipment requirements, operating procedures, and flavor performance, while also explaining the specific steps for using a drip coffee maker and offering selection suggestions for coffee beans from different origins, helping coffee lovers find the cup that suits them. [more…]

The flavor profile of espresso fundamentally depends on the variety of coffee beans selected and the degree of roast. To achieve a cup that is both balanced and full-bodied, the vast majority of cafés tend to use medium-dark roasted blends for espresso. However, quite a few coffee enthusiasts also try using such beans for pour-over. It is worth noting that during pour-over extraction, the brewing parameters will differ significantly depending on the roast level of the beans. This article takes medium-dark roasted coffee as its main thread and, drawing on Front Street's hands-on experience, systematically sorts through the flavor characteristics of such beans in pour-over, grind setting, water temperature range, coffee-to-water ratio, and dripper selection, and provides a complete brewing procedure to help you reliably reproduce a rich, full-bodied medium-dark roast pour-over at home. [more…]