Valor Coffee Podcast

Epizode

• Is Automation Killing Specialty Coffee? – Valor Coffee Podcast Ep. 169 01.06.2026 31min

  JOIN THE VALOR COFFEE COMMUNITY – Courses, Exclusive Videos, PDFs, Spreadsheets and more:⁠ ⁠https://community.valor.coffee?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep169Is automation helping specialty coffee or slowly replacing the craft that made people fall in love with it in the first place? We explore the growing trend of pre batched espresso, automated milk systems, and what these changes could mean for coffee shops, baristas, and guests. After running our own blind taste tests, the results challenged some of our assumptions about freshness, quality, and speed. We also discuss how technology is changing hospitality, how AI is reshaping other industries, and why the future of coffee may look very different than its past. If you love innovation or believe coffee should stay handcrafted, this is a conversation worth having.This week's episode is brought to you by our friends at Odeko: Use our code VALOR10 for 10% off your first supply order! Hit the link below to sign up now:n https://portal.odeko.com/signup*If you purchase something through one of our links, we may be entitled to a share of the sale*Buy Valor Coffee: ⁠⁠https://valor.coffee/shop?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep169Watch on Youtube: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/valorcoffee16⁠⁠Want to become a Wholesale Partner? Email us at wholesale@valor.coffee to set up an account!Want to send us coffee? Have a question you want to answer on the show? Send us an email to info@valor.coffeeWant to get your business in front of more people? We partnered with Local Eyes Growth to grow our business through SEO and the results have been incredible. Local Eyes is offering a FREE backlink ($300 value) to Valor Coffee Podcast listeners who partner through our exclusive link. Visit ⁠⁠https://localeyesgrowth.com/valor⁠⁠ to get the ball rolling!Follow the Valor Coffee Podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valorcoffeepod⁠⁠Follow Valor on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valor.coffee⁠⁠Subscribe to Riley's YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Riley:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Ross: ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rosswalters⁠⁠Follow Ethan's Parody Account:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/ethanrivers777
• Why Most Coffee Shops Need to Raise Their Prices– Valor Coffee Podcast Ep. 168 18.05.2026 55min

  JOIN THE VALOR COFFEE COMMUNITY – Courses, Exclusive Videos, PDFs, Spreadsheets and more:⁠ ⁠https://community.valor.coffee?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep168Running a coffee shop in 2026 is more complicated than just making great coffee. In this episode, we talk about the real challenges behind raising prices, understanding margins, and building a coffee business that can actually survive long term. From labor and cost of goods to guest perception and profitability, we break down the financial realities that most coffee shop owners are navigating right now. We also share our own experience raising prices at Valor over the years and what we learned from it. If you own a cafe, want to open one, or just enjoy seeing the business side of specialty coffee, this conversation is for you.This week's episode is brought to you by our friends at Odeko: Use our code VALOR10 for 10% off your first supply order! Hit the link below to sign up now:n https://portal.odeko.com/signup*If you purchase something through one of our links, we may be entitled to a share of the sale*Buy Valor Coffee: ⁠⁠https://valor.coffee/shop?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep168Watch on Youtube: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/valorcoffee16⁠⁠Want to become a Wholesale Partner? Email us at wholesale@valor.coffee to set up an account!Want to send us coffee? Have a question you want to answer on the show? Send us an email to info@valor.coffeeWant to get your business in front of more people? We partnered with Local Eyes Growth to grow our business through SEO and the results have been incredible. Local Eyes is offering a FREE backlink ($300 value) to Valor Coffee Podcast listeners who partner through our exclusive link. Visit ⁠⁠https://localeyesgrowth.com/valor⁠⁠ to get the ball rolling!Follow the Valor Coffee Podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valorcoffeepod⁠⁠Follow Valor on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valor.coffee⁠⁠Subscribe to Riley's YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Riley:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Ross: ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rosswalters⁠⁠Follow Ethan's Parody Account:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/ethanrivers777
• Do Toxic Guests Deserve Great Hospitality? – Valor Coffee Podcast Ep. 167 04.05.2026 1h 29min

  JOIN THE VALOR COFFEE COMMUNITY – Courses, Exclusive Videos, PDFs, Spreadsheets and more:⁠ ⁠https://community.valor.coffee?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep167Most people get into coffee because they love coffee, but what keeps you in it is learning how to truly care for people. In this episode, we sit down with our baristas to talk honestly about burnout, difficult guests, and what it takes to sustain great hospitality over time without losing yourself in the process. We get into real stories from behind the bar, the mindset shifts that have helped our team stay grounded, and how a strong culture can make all the difference on tough days. This conversation means a lot to us because it’s at the core of what we’re trying to build at Valor, not just great coffee, but a place where people can grow, be supported, and actually be uplifted through coffee! If you’ve ever worked in service or are navigating the people side of coffee, this one’s for you. This week's episode is brought to you by our friends at Odeko: Use our code VALOR10 for 10% off your first supply order! Hit the link below to sign up now:n https://portal.odeko.com/signup*If you purchase something through one of our links, we may be entitled to a share of the sale*Buy Valor Coffee: ⁠⁠https://valor.coffee/shop?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep167Watch on Youtube: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/valorcoffee16⁠⁠Want to become a Wholesale Partner? Email us at wholesale@valor.coffee to set up an account!Want to send us coffee? Have a question you want to answer on the show? Send us an email to info@valor.coffeeWant to get your business in front of more people? We partnered with Local Eyes Growth to grow our business through SEO and the results have been incredible. Local Eyes is offering a FREE backlink ($300 value) to Valor Coffee Podcast listeners who partner through our exclusive link. Visit ⁠⁠https://localeyesgrowth.com/valor⁠⁠ to get the ball rolling!Follow the Valor Coffee Podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valorcoffeepod⁠⁠Follow Valor on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valor.coffee⁠⁠Subscribe to Riley's YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Riley:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Ross: ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rosswalters⁠⁠Follow Ethan's Parody Account:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/ethanrivers777
• Is Going to World of Coffee Really Worth It? – Valor Coffee Podcast Ep. 166 20.04.2026 59min

  JOIN THE VALOR COFFEE COMMUNITY – Courses, Exclusive Videos, PDFs, Spreadsheets and more:⁠ ⁠https://community.valor.coffee?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep166We just got back from World of Coffee in San Diego and honestly tried to answer a simple question: was it actually worth it? This episode is an honest breakdown of what the event is really like, from walking the show floor and testing gear to connecting with producers, partners, and other epic people in the industry. We also talk through who it makes sense for (and who it doesn’t), plus a few random highlights and awesome stories from the trip.This week's episode is brought to you by our friends at Odeko: Use our code VALOR10 for 10% off your first supply order! Hit the link below to sign up now:n https://portal.odeko.com/signup*If you purchase something through one of our links, we may be entitled to a share of the sale*Buy Valor Coffee: ⁠⁠https://valor.coffee/shop?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep166Watch on Youtube: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/valorcoffee16⁠⁠Want to become a Wholesale Partner? Email us at wholesale@valor.coffee to set up an account!Want to send us coffee? Have a question you want to answer on the show? Send us an email to info@valor.coffeeWant to get your business in front of more people? We partnered with Local Eyes Growth to grow our business through SEO and the results have been incredible. Local Eyes is offering a FREE backlink ($300 value) to Valor Coffee Podcast listeners who partner through our exclusive link. Visit ⁠⁠https://localeyesgrowth.com/valor⁠⁠ to get the ball rolling!Follow the Valor Coffee Podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valorcoffeepod⁠⁠Follow Valor on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valor.coffee⁠⁠Subscribe to Riley's YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Riley:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Ross: ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rosswalters⁠⁠Follow Ethan's Parody Account:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/ethanrivers777
• Is Third Wave Coffee Cooked in 2026? – Valor Coffee Podcast Ep. 165 23.03.2026 44min

  JOIN THE VALOR COFFEE COMMUNITY – Courses, Exclusive Videos, PDFs, Spreadsheets and more:⁠ ⁠https://community.valor.coffee?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep165What happened to third-wave coffee? Today, we unpack how the industry has shifted: from purist pour-overs and strict “rules” to flavored lattes, matcha, and a reality that most cafés are just elevated versions of Starbucks. We talk through our own coffee shop journey since 2016, the tension between passion and profitability, and why customer demand has reshaped coffee shops more than anything else. Plus, we dive into whether this shift is actually a bad thing and how it impacts producers, baristas, and the future of specialty coffee.This week's episode is brought to you by our friends at Odeko: Use our code VALOR10 for 10% off your first supply order! Hit the link below to sign up now:n https://portal.odeko.com/signup*If you purchase something through one of our links, we may be entitled to a share of the sale*Buy Valor Coffee: ⁠⁠https://valor.coffee/shop?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep165Watch on Youtube: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/valorcoffee16⁠⁠Want to become a Wholesale Partner? Email us at wholesale@valor.coffee to set up an account!Want to send us coffee? Have a question you want to answer on the show? Send us an email to info@valor.coffeeWant to get your business in front of more people? We partnered with Local Eyes Growth to grow our business through SEO and the results have been incredible. Local Eyes is offering a FREE backlink ($300 value) to Valor Coffee Podcast listeners who partner through our exclusive link. Visit ⁠⁠https://localeyesgrowth.com/valor⁠⁠ to get the ball rolling!Follow the Valor Coffee Podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valorcoffeepod⁠⁠Follow Valor on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valor.coffee⁠⁠Subscribe to Riley's YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Riley:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Ross: ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rosswalters⁠⁠Follow Ethan's Parody Account:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/ethanrivers777
• How to NOT Get Screwed Signing a Coffee Shop Lease – Valor Coffee Podcast Ep. 164 02.03.2026 1h 5min

  JOIN THE VALOR COFFEE COMMUNITY – Courses, Exclusive Videos, PDFs, Spreadsheets and more:⁠ ⁠https://community.valor.coffee?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep164We’ve signed five commercial leases since starting Valor Coffee in 2016 – and we’ve learned (painfully) how lease terms can make or break a café. In this episode, we break down the lease language that confuses everybody (CAM/TI, gross vs. triple net, rent escalators, commencement date, rent abatement, LOIs, and more) and what we wish we negotiated sooner. We also talk leverage—when you have it, when you don’t, and how to use it before you sign anything. If you’re opening your first shop or thinking about location #2, this one can save you real money and real regret.This week's episode is brought to you by our friends at Odeko: Use our code VALOR10 for 10% off your first supply order! Hit the link below to sign up now:n https://portal.odeko.com/signup*If you purchase something through one of our links, we may be entitled to a share of the sale*Buy Valor Coffee: ⁠⁠https://valor.coffee/shop?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep164Watch on Youtube: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/valorcoffee16⁠⁠Want to become a Wholesale Partner? Email us at wholesale@valor.coffee to set up an account!Want to send us coffee? Have a question you want to answer on the show? Send us an email to info@valor.coffeeWant to get your business in front of more people? We partnered with Local Eyes Growth to grow our business through SEO and the results have been incredible. Local Eyes is offering a FREE backlink ($300 value) to Valor Coffee Podcast listeners who partner through our exclusive link. Visit ⁠⁠https://localeyesgrowth.com/valor⁠⁠ to get the ball rolling!Follow the Valor Coffee Podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valorcoffeepod⁠⁠Follow Valor on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valor.coffee⁠⁠Subscribe to Riley's YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Riley:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Ross: ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rosswalters⁠⁠Follow Ethan's Parody Account:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/ethanrivers777
• The Power of Investing in your Baristas – Maker’s Cafe – Valor Coffee Podcast Ep. 163 16.02.2026 1h 13min

  JOIN THE VALOR COFFEE COMMUNITY – Courses, Exclusive Videos, PDFs, Spreadsheets and more:⁠ ⁠https://community.valor.coffee?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep163Thanks for listening, following/subscribing, giving us a good review, and sharing with your friends on social media. It goes a long way!Caleb and Haley from Makers Café (Pensacola, FL) are in the studio, and we’re talking about what happens when you keep trying new things until something really sticks. Their Saturday Run Club went from “maybe 15 people will show up” to 100+ runners every week. It has changed their mornings, their team energy, and their community footprint. We get into building a shop that feels welcoming (not intimidating), why small changes can create big momentum, and how margin might be the most underrated growth strategy there is. If you’re building a brand, leading a team, or just trying to make business feel more sustainable, this is for you!This week's episode is brought to you by our friends at Odeko: Use our code VALOR10 for 10% off your first supply order! Hit the link below to sign up now:n https://portal.odeko.com/signup*If you purchase something through one of our links, we may be entitled to a share of the sale*Buy Valor Coffee: ⁠⁠https://valor.coffee/shop?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep163Watch on Youtube: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/valorcoffee16⁠⁠Want to become a Wholesale Partner? Email us at wholesale@valor.coffee to set up an account!Want to send us coffee? Have a question you want to answer on the show? Send us an email to info@valor.coffeeWant to get your business in front of more people? We partnered with Local Eyes Growth to grow our business through SEO and the results have been incredible. Local Eyes is offering a FREE backlink ($300 value) to Valor Coffee Podcast listeners who partner through our exclusive link. Visit ⁠⁠https://localeyesgrowth.com/valor⁠⁠ to get the ball rolling!Follow the Valor Coffee Podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valorcoffeepod⁠⁠Follow Valor on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valor.coffee⁠⁠Subscribe to Riley's YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Riley:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Ross: ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rosswalters⁠⁠Follow Ethan's Parody Account:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/ethanrivers777
• How to Take Your Coffee Shop From 6 to 7 Figures – Valor Coffee Podcast Ep. 162 02.02.2026 1h

  JOIN THE VALOR COFFEE COMMUNITY – Courses, Exclusive Videos, PDFs, Spreadsheets and more:⁠ ⁠https://community.valor.coffee?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep162Thanks for listening, following/subscribing, giving us a good review, and sharing with your friends on social media. It goes a long way!What does it actually take to take a coffee shop from six figures to seven? In this episode, we break down the ceilings most growing cafés hit and why “feels busy” isn’t the same as real growth. We talk through the metrics that matter, improving efficiency without killing hospitality, and how simplifying systems can unlock more revenue. From staffing and training to batching drinks and mobile ordering, this is a practical look at scaling a coffee shop sustainably. Mistakes included, lessons earned.This week's episode is brought to you by our friends at Odeko: Use our code VALOR10 for 10% off your first supply order! Hit the link below to sign up now:n https://portal.odeko.com/signup*If you purchase something through one of our links, we may be entitled to a share of the sale*Buy Valor Coffee: ⁠⁠https://valor.coffee/shop?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep162Watch on Youtube: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/valorcoffee16⁠⁠Want to become a Wholesale Partner? Email us at wholesale@valor.coffee to set up an account!Want to send us coffee? Have a question you want to answer on the show? Send us an email to info@valor.coffeeWant to get your business in front of more people? We partnered with Local Eyes Growth to grow our business through SEO and the results have been incredible. Local Eyes is offering a FREE backlink ($300 value) to Valor Coffee Podcast listeners who partner through our exclusive link. Visit ⁠⁠https://localeyesgrowth.com/valor⁠⁠ to get the ball rolling!Follow the Valor Coffee Podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valorcoffeepod⁠⁠Follow Valor on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valor.coffee⁠⁠Subscribe to Riley's YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Riley:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Ross: ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rosswalters⁠⁠Follow Ethan's Parody Account:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/ethanrivers777
• 3 Expensive Coffee Shop Mistakes No One Warns You About – Valor Coffee Podcast Ep. 161 19.01.2026 1h 5min

  JOIN THE VALOR COFFEE COMMUNITY – Courses, Exclusive Videos, PDFs, Spreadsheets and more:⁠ ⁠https://community.valor.coffee?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep161Thanks for listening, following/subscribing, giving us a good review, and sharing with your friends on social media. It goes a long way!Your coffee shop can survive a lot, but these three mistakes will straight-up bury you if you make them early. In this episode of the Valor Coffee Podcast, we’re back together in our new brew lab to break down the big one-way decisions: picking the wrong location, spending your budget in the wrong places, and hiring a manager too soon. We’ve been building Valor for 10 years (coffee cart → two cafés + wholesale), and we’re sharing the stuff we wish someone had drilled into us before we signed leases and bought gear. If you’re starting a café (or trying to stabilize one), this is the kind of episode that can save you months of pain and a lot of money. Subscribe, drop your “third point” in the comments, and go watch our new 3-hour “How to Start a Coffee Shop” masterclass.This week's episode is brought to you by our friends at Odeko: Use our code VALOR10 for 10% off your first supply order! Hit the link below to sign up now:n https://portal.odeko.com/signup*If you purchase something through one of our links, we may be entitled to a share of the sale*Buy Valor Coffee: ⁠⁠https://valor.coffee/shop?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep161Watch on Youtube: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/valorcoffee16⁠⁠Want to become a Wholesale Partner? Email us at wholesale@valor.coffee to set up an account!Want to send us coffee? Have a question you want to answer on the show? Send us an email to info@valor.coffeeWant to get your business in front of more people? We partnered with Local Eyes Growth to grow our business through SEO and the results have been incredible. Local Eyes is offering a FREE backlink ($300 value) to Valor Coffee Podcast listeners who partner through our exclusive link. Visit ⁠⁠https://localeyesgrowth.com/valor⁠⁠ to get the ball rolling!Follow the Valor Coffee Podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valorcoffeepod⁠⁠Follow Valor on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valor.coffee⁠⁠Subscribe to Riley's YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Riley:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Ross: ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rosswalters⁠⁠Follow Ethan's Parody Account:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/ethanrivers777
• What We Learned in 2025 – Valor Coffee Podcast Ep. 160 31.12.2025 1h 20min

  JOIN THE VALOR COFFEE COMMUNITY – Courses, Exclusive Videos, PDFs, Spreadsheets and more:⁠ ⁠https://community.valor.coffee?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep160Thanks for listening, following/subscribing, giving us a good review, and sharing with your friends on social media. It goes a long way!Back to back episodes? Happy Holidays. This final episode of the year is coming at you from our new HQ and looking back on a big 2025 for Valor. We talk about scaling the roastery, surviving Black Friday/Cyber Monday, why coffee prices stayed high, and what tariffs and origin trips actually changed for us.This week's episode is brought to you by our friends at Odeko: Use our code VALOR10 for 10% off your first supply order! Hit the link below to sign up now:n https://portal.odeko.com/signup*If you purchase something through one of our links, we may be entitled to a share of the sale*Buy Valor Coffee: ⁠⁠https://valor.coffee/shop?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep160Watch on Youtube: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/valorcoffee16⁠⁠Want to become a Wholesale Partner? Email us at wholesale@valor.coffee to set up an account!Want to send us coffee? Have a question you want to answer on the show? Send us an email to info@valor.coffeeWant to get your business in front of more people? We partnered with Local Eyes Growth to grow our business through SEO and the results have been incredible. Local Eyes is offering a FREE backlink ($300 value) to Valor Coffee Podcast listeners who partner through our exclusive link. Visit ⁠⁠https://localeyesgrowth.com/valor⁠⁠ to get the ball rolling!Follow the Valor Coffee Podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valorcoffeepod⁠⁠Follow Valor on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valor.coffee⁠⁠Subscribe to Riley's YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Riley:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Ross: ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rosswalters⁠⁠Follow Ethan's Parody Account:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/ethanrivers777
• Is Coffee Becoming Just an Ingredient? – Valor Coffee Podcast Ep. 159 31.12.2025 1h 6min

  JOIN THE VALOR COFFEE COMMUNITY – Courses, Exclusive Videos, PDFs, Spreadsheets and more:⁠ ⁠https://community.valor.coffee?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep159Thanks for listening, following/subscribing, giving us a good review, and sharing with your friends on social media. It goes a long way!The podcast is BACK. This episode was recorded on a 7-hour drive through the mountains of Colombia with Valor, Lucas Cuadros (Unblended), and Trevor Clark (Black & White Coffee Roasters). We break down coffee as an ingredient vs coffee as a product, why origin relationships and storytelling matter, how roasters grow e-commerce as café margins tighten, and what it looks like when producers level up into specialty. If you’re a roaster, café owner, or coffee nerd who cares about where coffee’s heading next, you clicked on the right pod.This week's episode is brought to you by our friends at Odeko: Use our code VALOR10 for 10% off your first supply order! Hit the link below to sign up now:n https://portal.odeko.com/signup*If you purchase something through one of our links, we may be entitled to a share of the sale*Buy Valor Coffee: ⁠⁠https://valor.coffee/shop?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep159Watch on Youtube: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/valorcoffee16⁠⁠Want to become a Wholesale Partner? Email us at wholesale@valor.coffee to set up an account!Want to send us coffee? Have a question you want to answer on the show? Send us an email to info@valor.coffeeWant to get your business in front of more people? We partnered with Local Eyes Growth to grow our business through SEO and the results have been incredible. Local Eyes is offering a FREE backlink ($300 value) to Valor Coffee Podcast listeners who partner through our exclusive link. Visit ⁠⁠https://localeyesgrowth.com/valor⁠⁠ to get the ball rolling!Follow the Valor Coffee Podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valorcoffeepod⁠⁠Follow Valor on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valor.coffee⁠⁠Subscribe to Riley's YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Riley:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Ross: ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rosswalters⁠⁠Follow Ethan's Parody Account:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/ethanrivers777
• Do Specialty Coffee Drive-Thrus Actually Work? – Valor Coffee Podcast Ep. 158 06.10.2025 53min

  JOIN THE VALOR COFFEE COMMUNITY – Courses, Exclusive Videos, PDFs, Spreadsheets and more:⁠ ⁠https://community.valor.coffee?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep158Thanks for listening, following/subscribing, giving us a good review, and sharing with your friends on social media. It goes a long way!Third-wave coffee and drive-thrus don’t usually mix, so we rolled across Atlanta to see how our friends at Sequel Coffee Co. are pulling it off! We hit the lane, grabbed a few drinks (and snackies), and talked through what actually makes a specialty drive-thru work: clear signage, friendly face-to-face ordering, and a bar flow that keeps things moving without killing quality. Then we pop inside to chat vibe, team culture, and the little ops choices that make busy mornings feel smooth! If you’ve ever thought, “Could we do a drive-thru?” this episode is the fun, no fluff look at how it can actually click.This week's episode is brought to you by our friends at Odeko: Use our code VALOR10 for 10% off your first supply order! Hit the link below to sign up now:n https://portal.odeko.com/signup*If you purchase something through one of our links, we may be entitled to a share of the sale*Buy Valor Coffee: ⁠⁠https://valor.coffee/shop?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep158Watch on Youtube: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/valorcoffee16⁠⁠Want to become a Wholesale Partner? Email us at wholesale@valor.coffee to set up an account!Want to send us coffee? Have a question you want to answer on the show? Send us an email to info@valor.coffeeWant to get your business in front of more people? We partnered with Local Eyes Growth to grow our business through SEO and the results have been incredible. Local Eyes is offering a FREE backlink ($300 value) to Valor Coffee Podcast listeners who partner through our exclusive link. Visit ⁠⁠https://localeyesgrowth.com/valor⁠⁠ to get the ball rolling!Follow the Valor Coffee Podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valorcoffeepod⁠⁠Follow Valor on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valor.coffee⁠⁠Subscribe to Riley's YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Riley:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Ross: ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rosswalters⁠⁠Follow Ethan's Parody Account:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/ethanrivers777
• 74 Minutes of Unfiltered Business Advice – Valor Coffee Podcast Ep. 157 29.09.2025 1h 14min

  JOIN THE VALOR COFFEE COMMUNITY – Courses, Exclusive Videos, PDFs, Spreadsheets and more:⁠ ⁠https://community.valor.coffee?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep157Thanks for listening, following/subscribing, giving us a good review, and sharing with your friends on social media. It goes a long way!Join us behind the scenes of Valor Coffee's 2025 Nashville owners retreat where we get honest about our biggest weaknesses as leaders and debate whether you can actually build a lifelong career in coffee. We dive into everything from marketing lessons learned the hard way to our Mount Rushmore of favorite Valor coffees, plus why we believe in giving away business knowledge for free. This candid walk-and-talk covers servant leadership, work-life balance with kids, and building company culture rooted in trust. Expect some real talk about the messy realities of growing a coffee business together!This week's episode is brought to you by our friends at Odeko: Use our code VALOR10 for 10% off your first supply order! Hit the link below to sign up now:n https://portal.odeko.com/signup*If you purchase something through one of our links, we may be entitled to a share of the sale*Buy Valor Coffee: ⁠⁠https://valor.coffee/shop?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep157Watch on Youtube: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/valorcoffee16⁠⁠Want to become a Wholesale Partner? Email us at wholesale@valor.coffee to set up an account!Want to send us coffee? Have a question you want to answer on the show? Send us an email to info@valor.coffeeWant to get your business in front of more people? We partnered with Local Eyes Growth to grow our business through SEO and the results have been incredible. Local Eyes is offering a FREE backlink ($300 value) to Valor Coffee Podcast listeners who partner through our exclusive link. Visit ⁠⁠https://localeyesgrowth.com/valor⁠⁠ to get the ball rolling!Follow the Valor Coffee Podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valorcoffeepod⁠⁠Follow Valor on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valor.coffee⁠⁠Subscribe to Riley's YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Riley:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Ross: ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rosswalters⁠⁠Follow Ethan's Parody Account:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/ethanrivers777
• Labor Percentages for Our Coffee Shop – Valor Coffee Podcast Ep. 156 08.09.2025 49min

  JOIN THE VALOR COFFEE COMMUNITY – Courses, Exclusive Videos, PDFs, Spreadsheets and more:⁠ ⁠https://community.valor.coffee?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep156Thanks for listening, following/subscribing, giving us a good review, and sharing with your friends on social media. It goes a long way!Time to spill the beans on our labor costs from the first five months of 2025 – we're showing you the actual numbers from both Valor locations because transparency is fun! We break down why paying baristas more money actually makes everyone happier (shocking, we know), the difference between making-coffee labor vs doing-paperwork labor, and how we keep our labor around 25-27% without going broke. Maybe you're dreaming of opening a coffee shop or just curious about what it really costs to make your morning latte. Regardless, grab some popcorn because we're diving into spreadsheets and it's surprisingly entertaining.This week's episode is brought to you by our friends at Odeko: Use our code VALOR10 for 10% off your first supply order! Hit the link below to sign up now:n https://portal.odeko.com/signup*If you purchase something through one of our links, we may be entitled to a share of the sale*Buy Valor Coffee: ⁠⁠https://valor.coffee/shop?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep156Watch on Youtube: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/valorcoffee16⁠⁠Want to become a Wholesale Partner? Email us at wholesale@valor.coffee to set up an account!Want to send us coffee? Have a question you want to answer on the show? Send us an email to info@valor.coffeeWant to get your business in front of more people? We partnered with Local Eyes Growth to grow our business through SEO and the results have been incredible. Local Eyes is offering a FREE backlink ($300 value) to Valor Coffee Podcast listeners who partner through our exclusive link. Visit ⁠⁠https://localeyesgrowth.com/valor⁠⁠ to get the ball rolling!Follow the Valor Coffee Podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valorcoffeepod⁠⁠Follow Valor on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valor.coffee⁠⁠Subscribe to Riley's YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Riley:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Ross: ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rosswalters⁠⁠Follow Ethan's Parody Account:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/ethanrivers777
• How We Made Our Coffee Shops Busier: Becoming a High Volume Cafe – Valor Coffee Podcast Ep. 155 01.09.2025 55min

  JOIN THE VALOR COFFEE COMMUNITY – Courses, Exclusive Videos, PDFs, Spreadsheets and more:⁠ ⁠https://community.valor.coffee?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep155Thanks for listening, following/subscribing, giving us a good review, and sharing with your friends on social media. It goes a long way!Most coffee shops struggle to grow, but we share how we went from $87 pop-up days to cafés on track for $1M each. We talk about the simple things that actually get people through the door—like guest experience, location, and staying consistent—plus plenty of laughs and stories from along the way. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to keep a coffee shop alive (and thriving), this one’s for you.This week's episode is brought to you by our friends at Odeko: Use our code VALOR10 for 10% off your first supply order! Hit the link below to sign up now:n https://portal.odeko.com/signup*If you purchase something through one of our links, we may be entitled to a share of the sale*Buy Valor Coffee: ⁠⁠https://valor.coffee/shop?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep155Watch on Youtube: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/valorcoffee16⁠⁠Want to become a Wholesale Partner? Email us at wholesale@valor.coffee to set up an account!Want to send us coffee? Have a question you want to answer on the show? Send us an email to info@valor.coffeeWant to get your business in front of more people? We partnered with Local Eyes Growth to grow our business through SEO and the results have been incredible. Local Eyes is offering a FREE backlink ($300 value) to Valor Coffee Podcast listeners who partner through our exclusive link. Visit ⁠⁠https://localeyesgrowth.com/valor⁠⁠ to get the ball rolling!Follow the Valor Coffee Podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valorcoffeepod⁠⁠Follow Valor on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valor.coffee⁠⁠Subscribe to Riley's YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Riley:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Ross: ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rosswalters⁠⁠Follow Ethan's Parody Account:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/ethanrivers777
• Why We Love Starbucks – Valor Coffee Podcast Ep. 154 25.08.2025 1h 13min

  JOIN THE VALOR COFFEE COMMUNITY – Courses, Exclusive Videos, PDFs, Spreadsheets and more:⁠ ⁠https://community.valor.coffee?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep154Thanks for listening, following/subscribing, giving us a good review, and sharing with your friends on social media. It goes a long way!In this week's episode, the boys take a little detour to Starbucks before hitting the studio. They try out a lineup of Starbucks drinks (mostly recommended by their wives), share what they genuinely enjoy about the coffee giant, and dive into why the specialty coffee world often has a love-hate relationship with them. Join us for a unconventional taste test and some honest coffee talk from a specialty coffee perspective.This week's episode is brought to you by our friends at Odeko: Use our code VALOR10 for 10% off your first supply order! Hit the link below to sign up now!https://portal.odeko.com/signup*If you purchase something through one of our links, we may be entitled to a share of the sale*Buy Valor Coffee: ⁠⁠https://valor.coffee/shop?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep154Watch on Youtube: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/valorcoffee16⁠⁠Want to become a Wholesale Partner? Email us at wholesale@valor.coffee to set up an account!Want to send us coffee? Have a question you want to answer on the show? Send us an email to info@valor.coffeeWant to get your business in front of more people? We partnered with Local Eyes Growth to grow our business through SEO and the results have been incredible. Local Eyes is offering a FREE backlink ($300 value) to Valor Coffee Podcast listeners who partner through our exclusive link. Visit ⁠⁠https://localeyesgrowth.com/valor⁠⁠ to get the ball rolling!Follow the Valor Coffee Podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valorcoffeepod⁠⁠Follow Valor on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valor.coffee⁠⁠Subscribe to Riley's YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Riley:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Ross: ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rosswalters⁠⁠Follow Ethan's Parody Account:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/ethanrivers777
• Why Your Coffee Shop Line Backs Up (And What to Do About It) – Valor Coffee Podcast Ep. 153 15.08.2025 13min

  JOIN THE VALOR COFFEE COMMUNITY – Courses, Exclusive Videos, PDFs, Spreadsheets and more:⁠ ⁠https://community.valor.coffee?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep153Thanks for listening, following/subscribing, giving us a good review, and sharing with your friends on social media. It goes a long way!Ethan and Ross answer the age old café question: Why is there always a line out the door at your coffee shop? Is that a good thing or a bad thing? In this episode, we break down what a long line really means for your business, how it could be hurting your bottom line, and smart strategies to speed things up without sacrificing quality. Whether you're a café owner, barista, or just love coffee culture, this one's for you.*If you purchase something through one of our links, we may be entitled to a share of the sale*Buy Valor Coffee: ⁠⁠https://valor.coffee/shop?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep153Watch on Youtube: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/valorcoffee16⁠⁠Want to become a Wholesale Partner? Email us at wholesale@valor.coffee to set up an account!Want to send us coffee? Have a question you want to answer on the show? Send us an email to info@valor.coffeeWant to get your business in front of more people? We partnered with Local Eyes Growth to grow our business through SEO and the results have been incredible. Local Eyes is offering a FREE backlink ($300 value) to Valor Coffee Podcast listeners who partner through our exclusive link. Visit ⁠⁠https://localeyesgrowth.com/valor⁠⁠ to get the ball rolling!Follow the Valor Coffee Podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valorcoffeepod⁠⁠Follow Valor on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valor.coffee⁠⁠Subscribe to Riley's YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Riley:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Ross: ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rosswalters⁠⁠Follow Ethan's Parody Account:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/ethanrivers777
• What Our Mentor Taught Us About Coffee Shops - Roy Keely – Valor Coffee Podcast Ep. 152 06.08.2025 1h 6min

  JOIN THE VALOR COFFEE COMMUNITY – Courses, Exclusive Videos, PDFs, Spreadsheets and more:⁠ ⁠https://community.valor.coffee?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep152Thanks for listening, following/subscribing, giving us a good review, and sharing with your friends on social media. It goes a long way!We had the pleasure of welcoming our longtime friend and mentor, Roy Keely, to the podcast this week. Roy played a pivotal role in helping us launch our first café through a private loan and has remained a key voice in our story over the past seven years. In this convo, we dive deep into the lessons Roy has taught us: about coffee, business, investing, time management, and how to not go broke starting a café. Roy has a knack for challenging conventional wisdom in the most encouraging way possible, and this episode is packed with insights for anyone thinking about starting a coffee shop (or already in the trenches). Also, we finally addressed the early cold brew controversy... you won, Roy.*If you purchase something through one of our links, we may be entitled to a share of the sale*Buy Valor Coffee: ⁠⁠https://valor.coffee/shop?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep152Watch on Youtube: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/valorcoffee16⁠⁠Want to become a Wholesale Partner? Email us at wholesale@valor.coffee to set up an account!Want to send us coffee? Have a question you want to answer on the show? Send us an email to info@valor.coffeeWant to get your business in front of more people? We partnered with Local Eyes Growth to grow our business through SEO and the results have been incredible. Local Eyes is offering a FREE backlink ($300 value) to Valor Coffee Podcast listeners who partner through our exclusive link. Visit ⁠⁠https://localeyesgrowth.com/valor⁠⁠ to get the ball rolling!Follow the Valor Coffee Podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valorcoffeepod⁠⁠Follow Valor on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valor.coffee⁠⁠Subscribe to Riley's YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Riley:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Ross: ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rosswalters⁠⁠Follow Ethan's Parody Account:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/ethanrivers77700:00:03 Mics are hot and kankers are cranking 00:00:55 Meet Roy 00:05:16 Helping Fund Our First Cafe 00:17:13 How do you decide to spend your time? 00:29:06 Filling the Gaps 00:36:34 Practical wisdom from friend of the pod: Jay Z 00:46:19 Winning and Losing: A Spectrum
• Ultimate Coffee Brewing Methods Tier List (Pour Over, AeroPress, Espresso & More!) – Valor Coffee Podcast Ep. 151 31.07.2025 57min

  JOIN THE VALOR COFFEE COMMUNITY – Courses, Exclusive Videos, PDFs, Spreadsheets and more:⁠ ⁠https://community.valor.coffee?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep151Thanks for listening, following/subscribing, giving us a good review, and sharing with your friends on social media. It goes a long way!Which brew method reigns supreme? In this episode, we go full coffee nerd and build the ultimate coffee brewing methods tier list. From French Press to AeroPress, Chemex to Kalita Wave, even specialty instant and siphon brewers, nothing is safe from our judgment. We reflect on our first brewers, share stories of failed espresso machines from thrift stores, and talk about what makes a method great (or terrible). *If you purchase something through one of our links, we may be entitled to a share of the sale*Buy Valor Coffee: ⁠⁠https://valor.coffee/shop?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep151Watch on Youtube: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/valorcoffee16⁠⁠Want to become a Wholesale Partner? Email us at wholesale@valor.coffee to set up an account!Want to send us coffee? Have a question you want to answer on the show? Send us an email to info@valor.coffeeWant to get your business in front of more people? We partnered with Local Eyes Growth to grow our business through SEO and the results have been incredible. Local Eyes is offering a FREE backlink ($300 value) to Valor Coffee Podcast listeners who partner through our exclusive link. Visit ⁠⁠https://localeyesgrowth.com/valor⁠⁠ to get the ball rolling!Follow the Valor Coffee Podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valorcoffeepod⁠⁠Follow Valor on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valor.coffee⁠⁠Subscribe to Riley's YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Riley:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Ross: ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rosswalters⁠⁠Follow Ethan's Parody Account:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/ethanrivers777
• Budget to Baller - How to Design Your Home Coffee Setup – Valor Coffee Podcast Ep. 150 23.07.2025 1h 2min

  JOIN THE VALOR COFFEE COMMUNITY – Courses, Exclusive Videos, PDFs, Spreadsheets and more:⁠ ⁠https://community.valor.coffee?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep150Thanks for listening, following/subscribing, giving us a good review, and sharing with your friends on social media. It goes a long way!This week we dove in on how we would build out a home brew setup, with three tiers of budget – $500, $2,000, and UNLIMITED. Equipment included manual pour over methods, espresso, drip, grinders, accessories, and more! Thanks for listening :)*If you purchase something through one of our links, we may be entitled to a share of the sale*OUR FAVORITE COFFEE GEAR:Origami Dripper: https://valor.coffee/shop/origami-small-dripper?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep150Aeropress: https://valor.coffee/shop/aeropress-w-tote?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep150Fellow Opus Conical Burr Grinder: https://valor.coffee/shop/fellow-opus?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep150WDT Tool: https://amzn.to/46pNnauSpray Bottles: https://amzn.to/4o4k2IVTimemore scale: https://amzn.to/4f0Io26Barista Hustle Tamper: https://amzn.to/3H05gSLFellow Aiden: https://valor.coffee/shop/fellow-aiden?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep150Gaggia Classic Pro: https://amzn.to/4lCcDPmTurin DF64: https://amzn.to/3H2O13bAcaia Pearl: https://valor.coffee/shop/acaia-pearl?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep150Next Level Pulsar brewer: https://valor.coffee/shop/next-level-pulsar-brewer?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep150Bonavita kettle: https://amzn.to/4lKluPaCarafe - https://amzn.to/4lB0oTcAcaia Pearl S: https://valor.coffee/shop/acaia-pearl-s?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep150Fellow Stagg X/XF: https://valor.coffee/shop/fellow-stagg-brewer?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep150Fellow Stagg EKG Pro kettle: https://valor.coffee/shop/fellow-stagg-ekg-pro?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep150___Buy Valor Coffee: ⁠⁠https://valor.coffee/shop?utm_source=spotify&utm_campaign=ep150Watch on Youtube: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/valorcoffee16⁠⁠Want to become a Wholesale Partner? Email us at wholesale@valor.coffee to set up an account!Want to send us coffee? Have a question you want to answer on the show? Send us an email to info@valor.coffeeWant to get your business in front of more people? We partnered with Local Eyes Growth to grow our business through SEO and the results have been incredible. Local Eyes is offering a FREE backlink ($300 value) to Valor Coffee Podcast listeners who partner through our exclusive link. Visit ⁠⁠https://localeyesgrowth.com/valor⁠⁠ to get the ball rolling!Follow the Valor Coffee Podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valorcoffeepod⁠⁠Follow Valor on Instagram: ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/valor.coffee⁠⁠Subscribe to Riley's YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Riley:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rileywestbrook⁠⁠Follow Ross: ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/rosswalters⁠⁠Follow Ethan's Parody Account:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/ethanrivers77700:00:00 - INTROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO00:00:40 - Guys, this only happens once a quarter!00:02:18 - Home Setups? Budget? Baller? Brad Pitt?00:03:06 - $50000:20:59 - $2,00000:40:24 - Baller Mode ENGAGE00:43:47 - W.W.B.P.D. (What Would Brad Pitt Do?)