In our twenty first anniversary subject, April + Could 2026, we characteristic Laila Ghambari on the quilt! Additionally inside: Future-Proofing Specialty Espresso, Espresso Catering, Tech Speak, ‘One on One’ with Kai Janson, and far, rather more!

BY SARAH ALLEN
BARISTA MAGAZINE

Welcome to the April + Could 2026 Anniversary subject of Barista Journal! This subject celebrates our twenty first anniversary—we are able to hardly consider it! With this subject’s launch, we’re excited to share the work of so many proficient individuals who create every Barista Journal. We’ve been doing this for greater than twenty years now, and the reality behind every subject has been the identical for the reason that begin: We couldn’t and wouldn’t do that with out you!

Thanks to your continued assist of our work serving folks serving espresso!

You possibly can learn this subject in print with a subscription or digitally on-line at no cost.

Cowl Function: Laila Ghambari

It’s not that Laila Ghambari—who was virtually raised in her father’s long-established Seattle espresso retailers—thought she would by no means personal a espresso enterprise herself; it’s simply that she couldn’t have imagined the possession journey could be fairly prefer it’s been. Laila and her former companion purchased an already profitable espresso enterprise in Portland, Ore., in 2024, however the variety of issues which have modified over these previous two years is dizzying. We’ve identified Laila and watched her profession develop for properly over a decade, as she gained the USA Barista Championship in 2014, and he or she constructed out an offshoot of her dad’s firm in Seattle; to her work managing coaching for Stumptown Espresso Roasters, and her prowess establishing her personal espresso consulting enterprise. What has transpired in Laila’s profession over the previous two years, nevertheless, is totally its personal story, and items of it are certain to resonate with any espresso firm proprietor and/or skilled.

We all know from Laila’s Barista Journal column, “The Knockbox,” what a proficient author she is, and contemplating the non-public nature of the story we wished from her for this cowl characteristic, we requested Laila to jot down it herself. And he or she killed it—learn it for your self.

Have Espresso, Will Journey: Why Espresso Catering Would possibly Be the Smartest Income Stream You’re Not Tapping (But)

Café proprietor/operators are all the time looking out for brand new methods to extend income with minimal funding. May including catering to your choices match that invoice? We talked to unbiased café house owners beginning cellular espresso companies on the aspect, a bigger craft espresso firm making catering a significant a part of their operation, and even an organization that specializes solely in espresso catering in our deep dive into the topic to seek out out the professionals and cons of catering, and what a profitable catering choice might add to your online business.

Future-Proofing Specialty Espresso

There’s by no means been a greater time for specialty espresso—and specialty espresso has by no means been at better danger. It’s the paradox of our second. Whereas selective selecting, studious processing, data-driven roasting, and top-notch brewing abilities and gear have all made espresso one of the best it’s ever been, the artifical menace of worldwide warming is poised to undo all of that work. How can the specialty espresso business transfer right into a sustainable future? “Future-Proofing Specialty Espresso” seems to be for solutions.

One on One: Kai Janson

Should you’re accustomed to Panamanian Geisha, you could have Kai Janson to thank. His work in Panama with his household to advertise the varietal was instrumental to the expansion of its world popularity. In “One on One,” we interview Kai about his backstory, his work in espresso, and we ask the query all of us need to know the reply to: Did Kai Janson invent the selfie?

And A lot Extra Inside

Additionally within the April + Could 2026 subject: We make a journey to Chania, Greece, on the island of Crete to take a look at the burgeoning espresso scene; focus on the significance of water profiling in a brand new installment of “Hacks”; get recommendation on tips on how to turn out to be a espresso gear service technician from among the best within the enterprise; be taught in regards to the latest, coolest, and most inclusive espresso competitors; take the temperature of the state of chilly espresso drinks (it’s excessive!); and rather more.

Subscribe and Extra!

As all the time, you will get a tough copy of Barista Journal by subscribing or ordering a problem.

Help Barista Journal and present your love with a Membership.

Signup for our weekly publication.

Be a part of us at Camp Espresso Store Aug. 10-13 in Napa, California.

Learn the April + Could 2026 twenty first Anniversary Subject at no cost with our digital version. 

Totally free entry to greater than six years’ price of points, go to our digital version archives right here.