Join us for our recurring round-up of the latest specialty-coffee industry news.
FROM STAFF REPORTS
Featured image by Joshua Earle
The United States’ First 3D-Printed Starbucks Opens in Brownsville, Texas
Seattle-based coffee giant Starbucks just unveiled their 3D-printed store in Brownsville, Texas: their first 3D-printed store in the United States. The location is drive-thru only and officially opened its doors in early May.
Onyx Coffee Lab Introduces Barista Provisions: Craft-Quality Beverage Powders
Onyx Coffee Lab has announced the launch of Barista Provisions, a curated line of five premium beverage powders for both coffee shops and home brewers. The powders are designed for a variety of applications: from lattes and cold foam to smoothies, baked goods, and more.
“Barista Provisions is our way of sharing the expertise we’ve honed through the years,” Onyx co-founder Jon Allen shared in a press release.
The Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity Hosts The First Sip! 2025 Event
On April 26, 2025, during the Specialty Coffee Expo in Houston, the Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity (CCRE) welcomed guests to The First Sip!—an event created to foster meaningful connections and celebrate leaders within the industry.
The highlight of the event was The First Sip! Awards presentation, given to individuals and organizations who embody leadership, creativity, and service. The winners were as follows:
Excellence in Coffee Leadership: BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages
Local Hero Award: Keith Hawkins, founder of The Color of Coffee Collective
Emerging Voices in Coffee: Martell Mason, founder of Sepia Coffee Project
Spirit Tea Presents The Silver Chasen: A New Matcha Competition for Baristas
On Friday, June 6, 2025, Spirit Tea will host The Silver Chasen: a new matcha competition designed for baristas. During the event, eight teams of two will travel through a series of three tea-based challenges, testing their palates, creativity, and barista skills. The winning team will receive $500 cash and two handmade silver chasen necklaces by Alexis Romero.
The event will take place at Night Swim Roastery & Cafe in Charlotte, N.C. Registration is now open at Spirit Tea’s website.
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