If you have made it to this web page then you are either an entrepreneur looking for information on starting an espresso business, or have a business and need information on upgrading or replacing your machine.

We teach you how to adjust the grind and take care of the beans, and how to steam or froth (did you know there is a difference?) the milk. We help you decide what size or type of machine to use. We have hundreds of satisfied customers and after being in business since 1953, we have EXPERIENCE and KNOWLEDGE .We offer two types of machines: commercial and residential.


What is Espresso?
Espresso is a drink made from specially selected and roasted coffee beans, in a machine that squeezes or extracts all of the sugars, oils, aromatics, and other flavors from the coffee into a shot of espresso. A shot measures 1 to 1 1/2 ounce of liquid, and will have a creamy layer which is foaming caused from the gases escaping from the ground coffee. It is said that one shot of espresso contains six regular brewed cups of coffee flavor, but only one cup’s worth of caffeine. The best tasting shot is made from freshly ground Arabica whole coffee beans. Usually only 9-10 grams of whole beans (two tablespoons) are used to make the shot. The shots are combined with steamed or textured milk and different flavors of syrups to make hot drinks (or iced) that customers treat themselves to on a regular basis. The art of steaming/ frothing/ texturing the milk make up 80% of how a drink will taste. The temperatures are critical and “quickness” in making the drink is an art that is easily learned.



If you are an espresso drinker, then you are aware of the gratification you experience after enjoying a GOOD espresso drink. Your performance at work, your treat for managing your duties, a reward for being so efficient… what ever the reason, the price you pay is usually irrelevant, if you enjoy the drink. Successful shops research the product and suppliers before opening, and we have found that it will not matter if you spend $10,000 on an espresso machine- if you are serving a poor quality coffee bean, then your business will not succeed. We can supply you with an excellent product made by Longbottom Coffee out of Hillsboro, Oregon. Or we can set up your machine with your choice of roaster.

Cost break down on espresso drinks

• Food Cost: One pound (454 grams) of Espresso Roast Coffee sells for an average of $7.50/lb.
• A double shot: (3 oz of liquid) averages 12 grams of ground coffee or a cost of .20 cents.
• For a 12 ounce drink, you would use an average of 8 ounces of milk at .18 cents cost  (at $2.89 for 1 gallon).
• Note: Foaming or texturing increases the volume in the cup.
• Flavoring: .05 cents cost for 1 ounce of chocolate syrup (Hershey 8lb at $5.54).
• Cup and lid: .10 cents cost.
• Total material cost: $. 48 cents.
• Selling price (short Mocha) $3.75.
• Profit per Drink: $3.27.

    

Additional information available from Astra’s web site at www.astramfr.com