Having said that, I have found that this is not just my business. It eliminated a great deal of headache and problems that I would have encountered immediately upon opening the business. It took about four months, but was well worth the time and research. “Before throwing all my saved earnings into a new venture, I created a business plan. Fig Leaf Coffee Company is no exception,” Nemeth said. “I assume that with just about every new business, there are a number of challenges. If the sampling is exceptional, I grab as many as I can afford.”īeing his first time creating a business as his primary means of income, Nemeth said he is learning quite a bit as he goes. If the outcome is good, I normally bring in at least one to two bags (130-15 pounds each). “I contact some of my sourcing agents about specific coffees and I can usually get a sample of it if it is available. “I also love the sampling of new offerings that I want to bring into the shop,” he said. Nemeth said there are a variety of combinations he can create, however, on the flip side, there are a great number of variables that, if not watched closely, can lead to a ruined batch of coffee. To see a customer smile while tasting the product that I have put time and effort into creating makes it all worthwhile.” “Roasting this seed or bean with just the right temperature, airflow and time produces something that the vast majority of our country enjoys every day. “It starts off as this green flavorless seed that smells like grass and dried leaves,” he said. Nemeth said the coffee business is mysterious and often very competitive, but the biggest joy about being in the industry is seeing the finished product. Knowing the origin also helps when looking for certified coffees - fair trade, organic, bird friendly and shade grown.” The origin of specialty coffee is also very important as this normally provides a basis for what the coffee will taste like. Specialty coffee is defined by quality, specifically taste, whereas commodity coffee is not concerned with taste and flavor. We roast specialty coffee at Fig Leaf Coffee Company. There is commercial or commodity coffee and specialty coffee. “It is an added value that is unexpected, but necessary for me to provide. “People appreciate education, knowledge and an understanding of what they are consuming,” he said. Nemeth said his products stand out among others because he brings passion, experience and above all, a desire to educate the customer on specialty coffee. We do not currently sell coffee from our store, however, we will be working on expanding over the next few years with a somewhat traditional coffee shop.” “We have also created a few product sharing relationships with Arabica Coffee House in Downtown Willoughby, Sun Plum Market in Willoughby Hills and DS Cakes and Sweet Cafe in Newbury Township. “The entire line of coffee products that we currently carry are available through our online store at Nemeth said. I did a lot of work educating myself before committing myself to this adventure.”įig Leaf currently roasts organic and fair-trade coffee and sells it in different size bags (ground or whole bean) at area businesses. I dove into coffee history, the roasting process and equipment needed. “Well that could not be farther from the truth. ![]() “I sat back and thought to myself, making coffee can’t be that difficult,” he said. It was part of our Italian heritage and a much loved part of my childhood.”Ībout six years ago, Nemeth said he was drinking coffee produced by a market giant and “it was terrible.” ![]() “Along with those items, we had figs during the summer and fall. It was always part of breakfast - super-dark roast coffee and toast and butter,” Nemeth recalled. “Coffee has always been a part of my life as far back as I can remember. ![]() The name harkens back to fond memories of Nemeth’s Italian grandmother making coffee in her old percolator. The mysterious alchemy of coffee-roasting is a fascinating experience that has fueled a new adventure for Tom Nemeth, who recently opened Fig Leaf Coffee Company in Chester Township.
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