<![CDATA[Ristretto Time: Starting (and running) your own Coffee Shop]]>http://www.ristrettotime.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Mon, 25 May 2026 20:45:39 GMTFri, 23 Jan 2026 10:52:21 GMT60Gjergj Dollanihttp://www.ristrettotime.com This is not a step-by-step guide (buy a book for that)! This is a journey and I walk you through the situations you will face and show you how I did it, where I succeeded or messed up. If you dream of owning your own coffee shop, this podcast is for you! I started my own coffee shop from scratch, without having any experience -- just the dream! First time I made an espresso with a commercial espresso machine, was when I installed one at the shop. Listen up and subscribe. NEW EPISODES every Monday. Hit me up dollani-at-gmail-comepisodicGjergj Dollanidollani@gmail.comno<![CDATA[Pouring Dreams]]>Three years ago, Ristretto Time stopped publishing.
Not because the story ended — but because the ending still needed to be lived.

In this short return episode, host Gjergj Dollani reconnects with the original Ristretto Time community to share what happened after the microphones went silent — and why the story of Café Chocolat has now become a book.

Pouring Dreams is a candid memoir and practical guide about:

• Opening a coffee shop with nothing but optimism
• Learning small-business realities the hard way
• Navigating staff, margins, equipment, and doubt
• And ultimately facing the decision to close the doors

If you’ve ever dreamed of opening a café, run a small business, or simply love real stories about building something from scratch — this is for you.

Over the coming days, early access to the first chapter and a limited batch of signed first-edition copies will be shared with the Ristretto Time community first.

For now, consider this a familiar sound returning.

The grinder is back on.
The coffee is pouring again.

One last pour.

]]>756d2b97-0da6-4850-8780-bfd3ae3bdac7Fri, 23 Jan 2026 11:35:19 GMT<p>Three years ago, Ristretto Time stopped publishing.<br />Not because the story ended — but because the ending still needed to be lived.</p><p>In this short return episode, host Gjergj Dollani reconnects with the original Ristretto Time community to share what happened after the microphones went silent — and why the story of Café Chocolat has now become a book.</p><p><i>Pouring Dreams</i> is a candid memoir and practical guide about:</p><p>• Opening a coffee shop with nothing but optimism<br />• Learning small-business realities the hard way<br />• Navigating staff, margins, equipment, and doubt<br />• And ultimately facing the decision to close the doors</p><p>If you’ve ever dreamed of opening a café, run a small business, or simply love real stories about building something from scratch — this is for you.</p><p>Over the coming days, early access to the first chapter and a limited batch of signed first-edition copies will be shared with the Ristretto Time community first.</p><p>For now, consider this a familiar sound returning.</p><p>The grinder is back on.<br />The coffee is pouring again.</p><p><b>One last pour.</b></p>no00:05:38Pouring Dreamsfull<![CDATA[6 - Choosing Coffee Suppliers with Travis Vaughn of La Colombe (Part 1)]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ristrettotime/episodes/6---Choosing-Coffee-Suppliers-with-Travis-Vaughn-of-La-Colombe-Part-1-engm1g20b17041-688a-4221-9900-8262bb6c9421Mon, 14 Dec 2020 15:42:12 GMTTravis and I talk about choosing suppliers. What to look for. What consumers are looking for in the coffee experience. We also discuss coffee scene in DC. no00:51:18166 - Choosing Coffee Suppliers with Travis Vaughn of La Colombe (Part 1)full<![CDATA[2 - Why this? Why now? Why you?]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ristrettotime/episodes/2---Why-this--Why-now--Why-you-en29e448be058e-a5e5-4c23-9fb6-b8bcf74f712aSat, 28 Nov 2020 23:38:40 GMTThis episode is designed to discourage anyone from starting a coffee shop! You should thank me for doing you a great service! Your family should thank me for crushing your coffee dreams! ...but remember; weak hands fold first! no00:27:34122 - Why this? Why now? Why you?full<![CDATA[25 - Books that helped me through the process]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ristrettotime/episodes/25---Books-that-helped-me-through-the-process-e1lq24pec258f1a-424b-429b-9fa3-b1e001d21745Thu, 28 Jul 2022 21:28:30 GMTI have gotten a few emails with listeners asking what books I recommend. I email each person individually, but decided it would be more beneficial if I just record a Bonus episode. I broke the list in 4 categories: Coffee, Strategy, Operations, Mindset. I end it with some thoughts on work-life balance. As always, email me at dollani@gmail.com with any questions or comments. http://www.ristrettotime.com no00:29:2912525 - Books that helped me through the processfull<![CDATA[22 - Cash, POSes and Scammers]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ristrettotime/episodes/22---Cash--POSes-and-Scammers-e150h8s358031a2-3ea7-4d42-9c7c-2595ba50a69fMon, 20 Jun 2022 21:24:53 GMTIn this episode, I talk a bit about POSes, but spend a good amount of time talking about various aspects of working with cash and how to protect your business or coffee shop from scammers. I share some issues I ran into and how you can avoid them. Let me know what you think dollani(at)gmail.com. http://www.ristrettotime.com no00:29:0012222 - Cash, POSes and Scammersfull<![CDATA[23 - FINAL Episode and Parting Thoughts]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ristrettotime/episodes/23---FINAL-Episode-and-Parting-Thoughts-e15p445f1028434-bee2-46ce-8fd3-b34625089a25Wed, 11 Aug 2021 17:03:20 GMTWe have come to the end if the “Starting Your Coffee Shop” journey. In this episode I share a personal story of a childhood book/character that I always think of when I run into something that looks hard and scary, and how I use that to dive in the many directions my career has taken me. I also talk about my favorite episodes I have recorded. Ristretto Time http://www.ristrettotime.com no00:21:2512323 - FINAL Episode and Parting Thoughtsfull<![CDATA[Ristretto Shots: Read the fine print! READ IT! ]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ristrettotime/episodes/Ristretto-Shots-Read-the-fine-print--READ-IT-epiftm67a90f9e-a77b-4fb6-ae06-2b381ac95e0aWed, 27 Jan 2021 22:38:43 GMTHere it is; just read the damn fine print. Don’t let wishful thinking take over rational thinking. No matter how good something sounds, there is a catch. Find out what it is. Don’t be like the people I talk about in this short episode! http://www.ristrettotime.com no00:04:531112Ristretto Shots: Read the fine print! READ IT! bonus<![CDATA[4 - Know thyself and thy customer]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ristrettotime/episodes/4---Know-thyself-and-thy-customer-en84qv80c94e8c-cad7-4b6a-a4e3-88e714b66a9bThu, 03 Dec 2020 18:58:10 GMTIn this episode I talk a bit about Branding and how it relates to everything that you do. I focus on the importance of understanding the consumer journey. no00:34:13144 - Know thyself and thy customerfull<![CDATA[Ristretto Shots: Inspiring email from a listener]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ristrettotime/episodes/Ristretto-Shots-Inspiring-email-from-a-listener-eq9pfq4cb32a09-eef0-4e56-b187-191a13a73a24Fri, 14 Apr 2023 21:58:46 GMTIn this episode of Ristretto Shots I read Phil’s email to me about a coffee gig he did, describing how it went and how much fun he had going out on his own and making it happen! This is what it’s all about folks; just getting out of your comfort zone and having a blast doing it. http://www.ristrettotime.com no00:08:211113Ristretto Shots: Inspiring email from a listenerbonus<![CDATA[19 - Your Customers are not your Friends]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ristrettotime/episodes/19---Your-Customers-are-not-your-Friends-e11q5pt11c07b4e-c184-4d27-8ca1-89e82fbde659Sun, 30 May 2021 14:58:04 GMTIn this Episode I talk about the importance of treating customers like patrons first, and friends second. Just because they’ve been coming to your shop for years, it doesn’t mean you can take liberties with them as you would with old friends. Joking, or providing subpar service can backfire, and you can lose an old, loyal customer in a heartbeat. Listen and let me know what you think. Podcast by Gjergj Dollani http://www.ristrettotime.com no00:26:3511919 - Your Customers are not your Friendsfull<![CDATA[11 - Hiring staff, employee types and how to develop them]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ristrettotime/episodes/11---Hiring-staff--employee-types-and-how-to-develop-them-eoos797c39e8e1-aaad-44ec-84cf-d7b4ab0499e9Tue, 27 Apr 2021 09:13:52 GMTIn this episode I talk about how to hire the right employees. What to be aware of. I share the hiring process we had at Cafe Chocolat. Also, things you can do to develop your staff. http://www.ristrettotime.com no00:37:4011111 - Hiring staff, employee types and how to develop themfull<![CDATA[18 - How to think about starting a shop the right way]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ristrettotime/episodes/18---How-to-think-about-starting-a-shop-the-right-way-eu0797ca533915-ecee-422f-944d-0fed06bfca1bThu, 01 Apr 2021 13:57:08 GMTIn this episode, I dissect a call I had recently with someone passionate about starting their own little shop. They were very excited about it, and asked me the right questions, but those were questions they should have attempted to answer themselves first, before getting as far as they had. Let me know your thoughts at dollani-at-gmail-com no00:25:3011818 - How to think about starting a shop the right wayfull<![CDATA[17 - Answers to some of your questions]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ristrettotime/episodes/17---Answers-to-some-of-your-questions-esm88n4b4eb6ce-1ffe-41ad-927b-1aa1018801f0Tue, 16 Mar 2021 01:25:00 GMTIn this episode, I decided to answer some of the questions I have started to get via email. Some of the questions are about the type of espresso machine, space renting, number of employees you need, etc. http://www.ristrettotime.com no00:22:3511717 - Answers to some of your questionsfull<![CDATA[12 - Running a pirate ship (coffee shop)]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ristrettotime/episodes/12---Running-a-pirate-ship-coffee-shop-epb7t9bc442613-1f0a-46f9-9e7d-7fb7d6dd59dbSun, 24 Jan 2021 13:48:00 GMTAs the owner and/or manager of a coffee shop, you are running a pirate ship! And I mean it! You’ll be managing people that are not all necessarily trying to really learn the business and grow with it. In this episode I discuss; should you be loved or feared? http://www.ristrettotime.com no00:20:4511212 - Running a pirate ship (coffee shop)full<![CDATA[13 - Interview with Alex Escobar of Cervantes Coffee Roasters]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ristrettotime/episodes/13---Interview-with-Alex-Escobar-of-Cervantes-Coffee-Roasters-epk8v43ac955b1-0f12-49e0-b3a5-ac0ce7a18711Tue, 06 Apr 2021 01:22:54 GMTIn this episode Alex and I talk about how he started his coffee roastery in his home 10 years ago, and how he grew it to distribute in the entire east coast. We talk about trends in the coffee business, product development, partnerships between roasters and retailers and branding in the coffee business. http://www.ristrettotime.com no00:41:4811313 - Interview with Alex Escobar of Cervantes Coffee Roastersfull<![CDATA[1 - Q & A on Cafe Chocolat ]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ristrettotime/episodes/1---Q--A-on-Cafe-Chocolat-emvu3872d6779c-6a2b-44eb-8cdf-f06ab2dece46Thu, 26 Nov 2020 05:01:02 GMTHow did I start Cafe Chocolat? What are some important things to think about when starting a coffee shop? How much time? How much money does it take? These and more in this episode! no00:25:32111 - Q & A on Cafe Chocolat full<![CDATA[21 - Should you offer FREE Wifi? ]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ristrettotime/episodes/21---Should-you-offer-FREE-Wifi-e14h9k26e53738c-c2c5-4fda-8a0f-7908151da27bFri, 16 Jul 2021 03:48:47 GMTYes, FREE Wifi is nice, it’s convenient, it’s fun, but it’s not a right. Should you offer it at your coffee shop? Should you not? Let’s discuss! Ristretto Time: Starting and Running Your Coffee Shop by Gjergj Dollani http://ristrettotime.com no00:21:3212121 - Should you offer FREE Wifi? full<![CDATA[9 - Where to find money to finance your business]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ristrettotime/episodes/9---Where-to-find-money-to-finance-your-business-eo9c056c15c3da-bf02-46ae-a71d-cb115647adb6Fri, 02 Jul 2021 15:18:23 GMTIn this episode I talk about some different ways to find money to support your new business. I share how I did it at Cafe Chocolat. no00:26:27199 - Where to find money to finance your businessfull<![CDATA[14 - 3 attributes of a great barista]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ristrettotime/episodes/14---3-attributes-of-a-great-barista-eq1trn12d62661-1d36-4e23-a0f5-0812eed54171Sat, 08 May 2021 02:28:04 GMTIn this episode I talk about the 3 attributes that make for an outstanding barista. At Cafe Chocolat, I only spent about 5 min interviewing each candidate. I didn’t need more time, because I was not interested in playing scenario games or learning more than was necessary for me to understand if I had a great barista in front of me. Trust me, exquisite latte art is not on my list of attributes. Listen, subscribe, share and let me know your thoughts. http://www.ristrettotime.com no00:24:2111414 - 3 attributes of a great baristafull<![CDATA[10 - Earning PR and getting your shop noticed ]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ristrettotime/episodes/10---Earning-PR-and-getting-your-shop-noticed-eojrth7bad31ec-4b05-4fcd-8f73-1c23aae530b3Sun, 14 Feb 2021 15:38:51 GMTIn this episode I talk about how to get earned media (being talked about in the news), leveraging Twitter and Instagram go get the word out. Cafe Chocolat made the news as far as Indonesian TV, and your shop can too. I’ll show you how I did it. no00:37:4611010 - Earning PR and getting your shop noticed full<![CDATA[26 - Interview with Jamie and Ryan Getchell of The Nest Family Cafe]]>I have been thinking about doing this interview for months!   Ryan and Jamie are the founders of The Nest Family Cafe in Londonderry, NH.  They -- just like me -- started without having any coffee or business experience.   After over a year and a half of hard work, they took the leap of faith, left the comforts of corporate behind and dove into this new adventure. 

We talk about how they started, the easy parts and hard parts of owning and running a business.   We talk about how they run their shop, how they manage their staff, marketing, social media and how they feel about their journey as new business owners. 

If you are seriously thinking about running a business, listen to Ryan and Jamie and maybe this is the nudge you needed.   Learn more about The Nest Family Cafe online at https://www.thenestfamilycafe.com/ 


]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ristrettotime/episodes/26---Interview-with-Jamie-and-Ryan-Getchell-of-The-Nest-Family-Cafe-e1o1m7i99b18dfc-54e9-4291-9158-254c7e9daf72Mon, 19 Sep 2022 03:07:53 GMT<p>I have been thinking about doing this interview for months!   Ryan and Jamie are the founders of The Nest Family Cafe in Londonderry, NH.  They -- just like me -- started without having any coffee or business experience.   After over a year and a half of hard work, they took the leap of faith, left the comforts of corporate behind and dove into this new adventure. </p> <p>We talk about how they started, the easy parts and hard parts of owning and running a business.   We talk about how they run their shop, how they manage their staff, marketing, social media and how they feel about their journey as new business owners. </p> <p>If you are seriously thinking about running a business, listen to Ryan and Jamie and maybe this is the nudge you needed.   Learn more about The Nest Family Cafe online at https://www.thenestfamilycafe.com/ </p> <p><br /></p> no01:09:0312626 - Interview with Jamie and Ryan Getchell of The Nest Family Cafefull<![CDATA[24 - The last days of Cafe Chocolat]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ristrettotime/episodes/24---The-last-days-of-Cafe-Chocolat-e1c4sfb981770d9-01e5-40cd-8b16-175907120f54Tue, 08 Feb 2022 19:03:36 GMTI spent 1.5 years over 23 podcast episodes talking about what we did at Cafe Chocolat and how we did it. Meanwhile the 800 pound gorilla was sitting right next to me staring at me — Cafe Chocolat had been shut down. I wasn’t podcasting about a wildly successful shop, or some chain that I grew and sold off. For all intents and purposes it was a failed business — regardless of how and why. But here’s the reality — most businesses fail. Yours will probably, as well. In this BONUS podcast episode I revisit the last days of Cafe Chocolat, and what shutting down a coffee shop I loved meant to me (and still does). RistrettoTime.com no00:26:5412424 - The last days of Cafe Chocolatfull<![CDATA[20 - How many cups do I need? (Questions from listeners)]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ristrettotime/episodes/20---How-many-cups-do-I-need--Questions-from-listeners-e1327i8c4bf6214-f495-4ccf-885c-02a837f0d25aSat, 19 Jun 2021 04:10:35 GMTIn this episode I answer some of the questions that although may seem trivial are important and will keep you up at night. How many cups do you need? Should you offer different cappuccino sizes? Should you carry different espresso blends? — http://www.ristrettotime.com twitter: @gjergjdollani no00:29:2412020 - How many cups do I need? (Questions from listeners)full<![CDATA[16 - Is it the right Location and Space?]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ristrettotime/episodes/16---Is-it-the-right-Location-and-Space-es212035112e4f-7503-4aa5-bef7-b400c314bd54Tue, 09 Mar 2021 11:07:01 GMTIn this episode, I talk about the things that need to be considered when choosing a location for your coffee shop. It is not an exhausting list, but it is a few of the most important details. The last 2 minutes also I think are important to note down. http//www.ristrettotime.com no00:38:0611616 - Is it the right Location and Space?full<![CDATA[15 - SEO for coffee shops and retail with Granit Doshlaku of Manaferra ]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ristrettotime/episodes/15---SEO-for-coffee-shops-and-retail-with-Granit-Doshlaku-of-Manaferra-eqd2iha455a295-b5e4-4088-8e5e-7715ce3fc3cdSun, 21 Feb 2021 14:38:31 GMTMy guest, Granit Doshlaku is an expert in Search Engine Optimization. He is a featured speaker in TEDx and various international Search conferences. Granit and I talk about ways coffee shops and small business can capitalize from Google and various platforms to drive business. http://www.ristrettotime.com no00:32:1911515 - SEO for coffee shops and retail with Granit Doshlaku of Manaferra full<![CDATA[Trailer - How to Start Your Own Coffee Shop]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ristrettotime/episodes/Trailer---How-to-Start-Your-Own-Coffee-Shop-emvtv59162742d-df58-43f6-9f2e-0f521102ad53Thu, 26 Nov 2020 03:51:38 GMTQuick Intro in what this podcast is all about. START HERE. no00:00:52Trailer - How to Start Your Own Coffee Shoptrailer<![CDATA[Ristretto Shots: The Coffee Shop Success Formula]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ristrettotime/episodes/Ristretto-Shots-The-Coffee-Shop-Success-Formula-eqij7t270d2bc0-de72-4dc7-bf2b-659b4185ad5fSat, 13 Mar 2021 21:00:00 GMTHere it is! The most important episode I’ve ever recorded (and probably will ever record). I’m giving out the formula to success or failure, and even highlighting what the best solution is. ...you’re welcome! http://www.ristrettoshots.com no00:06:041114Ristretto Shots: The Coffee Shop Success Formulafull<![CDATA[8 - Entrepreneur Mindset - Interview with Alban Selami of Shqipful]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ristrettotime/episodes/8---Entrepreneur-Mindset---Interview-with-Alban-Selami-of-Shqipful-enr8uu01f3ab0a-f186-48e7-9842-ac85d44b39e2Wed, 30 Dec 2020 02:08:27 GMTIn this episode we discuss what it takes to have an entrepreneurial mindset. Changing your strategy in a dime. Understanding when to quit. Stoicism. Etc. no00:29:00188 - Entrepreneur Mindset - Interview with Alban Selami of Shqipfulfull<![CDATA[7 - Choosing the right Coffee Supplier (Part 2) Interview with Travis Vaughn of La Colombe Coffee]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ristrettotime/episodes/7---Choosing-the-right-Coffee-Supplier-Part-2-Interview-with-Travis-Vaughn-of-La-Colombe-Coffee-enl9vabfd3c4d4-3416-403f-8f8b-5208e7a31ea0Mon, 21 Dec 2020 11:56:36 GMTWe talk about what to look for in Suppliers. The future of coffee consumption and the local Washington DC coffee scene. no00:41:54177 - Choosing the right Coffee Supplier (Part 2) Interview with Travis Vaughn of La Colombe Coffeefull<![CDATA[3 - Your business is not your baby!]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ristrettotime/episodes/3---Your-business-is-not-your-baby-en4r3lf419ccd6-00b3-4250-ae3e-5a7d9d7b322bTue, 01 Dec 2020 10:42:29 GMTWe talk about setting up systems in place, so that you can better manage your time and what’s important to you! no00:25:22133 - Your business is not your baby!full<![CDATA[5 - Culture, innovation, product launch & pricing tricks at Cafe Chocolat]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ristrettotime/episodes/5---Culture--innovation--product-launch--pricing-tricks-at-Cafe-Chocolat-encj9he48604a5-86f2-43c1-a359-17607d2a3cafTue, 08 Dec 2020 17:53:35 GMTInterview with my long-time employees Derek James and Gabriel Falk. A trip down memory lane about what worked and what didn’t work. We also talk about some pricing tricks I played there. no00:39:18155 - Culture, innovation, product launch & pricing tricks at Cafe Chocolatfull