Ranking the best coffee shops in the world is a task that sounds like a neat idea! That is until you realize the sheer impossibility of such a task not to mention the cognitive dissonance required to pretend like the results of such a ranking are in any way definitive or substantive. The world of coffee shops thrives on professional pursuits related to criteria anchored in locality and the nuance of that community's values.
On today's episode we will be talking about what we can learn from the World's best rankings stated criteria for cafe judging and why we, our staff, and our customers are the only ones who can truly decide on whether or not the criteria they allegedly consider are actually being carried out in ways that objective and meaningful. I will also add a few things they do not consider that are glaringly omitted but crucial to the quality of any shop.
The listed criteria we are told is considered but not told what it means.
-Quality of coffee -Barista Expertise -Customer Service -Innovation -Ambience and atmosphere -Sustainability practices -Food and pastry quality -Consistency -Community
Left out:
- Regular customer experience of the above criteria
- Staff experience of the shop and leadership
Related Episodes:
KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS 2026!
Are you a coffee shop owner looking to join a community of other owners to help bring perspective, insight, encouragement, and accountability in a well curated setting?
Then you need to apply to join Key holder Coaching Groups!
Applications are now open for Spring 2026 Cohort:
Click below to learn more:
APPLY TO KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS
KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING!
If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email
chris@keystothshop.com
of book a free call now:
https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min
