Taxing customers in Malaysian coffee shops
The Malaysian state of Sarawak, one of two on the island of Borneo, has recently adopted a new Goods and Service Tax, which has seen the cost of a number of products rise in recent weeks. However media reports suggest that this tax is being used as a front by some rather devious coffee shop owners to, illegally, boost their revenues.
Fortunately though, most proprietors haven’t upped prices of their coffee menus. But the actions of a minority have drawn the ire of high ranking Malaysian officials.
…continue reading Taxing customers in Malaysian coffee shops
Arizona coffee shops busted for illegal gambling
Normally, you would expect a coffee shop to offer a suitable range of drinks such as espressos, lattes and flat whites. They may also have other beverages like tea and hot chocolate on the menu; they may also serve up a mouth-watering selection of freshly baked items. Some – those that like to branch out a little – may even make a selection of sandwiches.
However in the United States, Arizona’s Department for Gambling has uncovered multiple ‘sweepstake cafes’ that are serving up a slice of illegal gambling with their array of coffees.
…continue reading Arizona coffee shops busted for illegal gambling
Bonnon Coffee leads the way for Saudi Arabia
Coffee consumption has sharply risen in the Middle-East in recent years, especially Saudi Arabia where the sector has recently been valued at an impressive $3.9 billion.
According to statistics that have been made available, the Kingdom imported some 18,000 tons of coffee last year, worth an estimated $54 million.
…continue reading Bonnon Coffee leads the way for Saudi Arabia
Snakes in a Saskatchewan coffee shop
There are some stories here on World Coffee Press that are serious in nature; some are informative and some are downright frivolous. This upcoming report from a Tim Hortons’ shop in Saskatchewan is utterly absurd. Worryingly though, it’s true.
The news website CBC Canada is reporting that two males are currently in police custody after they threw a snake over the serving counter.
…continue reading Snakes in a Saskatchewan coffee shop
Joey Kramer to open up the Rockin’ & Roastin’ Cafe
Despite being on tour with Aerosmith for most of the year, Joey Kramer has had enough time on his hands to plan the opening of his first coffee shop. The well-known coffee connoisseur launched his own brand last year and now it appears that the drummer will be overseeing the launch of Joey Kramer’s Rockin’ & Roastin’ Cafe in North Attleborough, Massachusetts.
Kramer has indicated that this first coffee shop will act as a flagship store and that the business, hopefully, will become a national franchise.
…continue reading Joey Kramer to open up the Rockin’ & Roastin’ Cafe
Quick focus: Uganda
Could we being see a shift in power in Uganda?
At the beginning of the week the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) came out and made the bold claim that the best coffee grown in the country is to be found in the Lira District and that the region is on course to become the leading producer of coffee.
…continue reading Quick focus: Uganda
Korean coffee chains enjoying life in China
The economy of China has long made the country a prime target for investors and companies who are looking to expand their portfolios and, importantly, their revenue streams. And when it comes to coffee things are no different.
Western giants have seen massive growth in country, with the large, bustling and increasingly wealthy cities of Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou leading the way.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Starbucks leads the way in this department.
But the Seattle-based monoliths of the coffee chain world is increasingly under pressure from traditional Asian chains from South Korea.
…continue reading Korean coffee chains enjoying life in China
Coffee stall proprietor pleads guilty to operating a brothel
“The business was popular,” said one sworn statement, discussing Carmela Panico’s mini-chain of coffee shops.
But despite serving up an array of espressos, lattes and other coffee based drinks, the Seattle stores were offering a different kind of menu. And after a state investigation and a subsequent guilty plea, Panico, 52, has been told to forfeit some $250,000 and surrender her five coffee stands in the Seattle Area.
…continue reading Coffee stall proprietor pleads guilty to operating a brothel
Organic Coffee Shops Winning in Dubai
Organic coffee shops opening in Dubai.
A new lifestyle shop specialising in gourmet organic coffee, teas and the worlds first zero calorie sweetener has opened up in Dubai. …continue reading Organic Coffee Shops Winning in Dubai
South African coffee shops can be found with new app
What did we do before we all had mobile phones?
They perform duties far beyond the traditional phone call.
Texting, internet access, apps ranging from anything from localised weather reports to finding out the name of a song which is played on the radio.
…continue reading South African coffee shops can be found with new app