I was sitting in a car with Casey, our Founder and the compass of Event Espresso, over the summer on my first extended travel gig as Brand Manager in Chicago. We were sharing ethos and values, how we landed where we are, small synchronicities on how we see and understand the world around us. It was a moment where we got to talk to each other like old friends catching up, yet this was the first real one-on-one time we had since I started at Event Espresso three years ago. 

At the moment referenced, Casey is telling me about a philosophy that she has carried since the beginning of Event Espresso; it’s simple, but powerful. The philosophy is: in order for Life to take you where you want it to, you must establish and follow your code. Something Casey and I relate to on a deep level is learning to be present with Life in order to meet Life. 

Some would hear this and believe it’s a passive act of showing up; Casey and I know it’s an active act. To be present in any given moment requires work. Establishing a code of conduct, your values and morals isn’t easy, but when you have the framework for how you want to show up, Life will often lead the way. 

I’m writing all this to say that simple philosophy is how Event Espresso has become a national company in the last 15 years with a team of wonderful people who love to show up for others. There’s a plan and a lot of work, blood, sweat, and squeals – but also surrendering to a strong framework that has led to a lot of organic growth. Here is an insight into our mobile cafe’s code:

Why did Event Espresso Catering need to exist in the first place?

Our need is to bring your people together with coffee. Casey’s original goal for creating the company was to create an adaptable service that can form to your event. She always saw herself working at a free coffee shop, and catering espresso allowed her to get close to that dream. 

She will tell you, “it’s not about us, we help make your event what you want it to be. We’re bringing your people together with coffee.” The reciprocity of this is that our company wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the clients who bring us into their cherished spaces needing specialty coffee served with heart. 

What does “people first, coffee second” look like in action?

We are fortunate to work with a lot of friends and family, people we have known for a number of years who recommend the right people to keep Event Espresso growing. We always say that we can train coffee science, mechanics, and skill, but finding the right personalities is crucial to who we are. Our mantra, people first and coffee second, looks like this when we show up to work your event: 

It’s about creating a positive impact on-site. We know our team will lead with a smile, some eye-contact, and a warm greeting. As a team, we know we aren’t just representing ourselves; we are representing a company that has been in business for 15 years across the nation. Leading with impact is knowing every action matters, most especially, our words. We call ourselves Brand Ambassadors because of this impact, and we don’t forget that. We encourage each other to show up as ourselves with intention. 

People first, coffee second, to us is about being a yes person on the floor, in order to work within the means to make a request happen. So the person in front of us receives the attention, the joy, the love they deserve through a simple drink order. 

What does ethical, thoughtful coffee mean to us?

It may be a simple coffee order to your client, but to us, our coffee shines as much as our staff does, and it’s delicious too. That’s because we don’t just believe in fair trade coffee; we want direct trade responsibility. It’s why we call ourselves a specialty coffee organization. 

We’ve been working with the same roaster, The Raleigh Coffee company, for over 10 years. Through Joe, we have fallen in love with Dos Niñas Importers, a sixth generation farm in San Luis, Guatemala. Through working as a direct trade partner, proceeds from using their beans goes directly to the farm and the farmers. This has allowed the farm to build a church, school, and housing for those working the land. 

Ethical consumption starts at the beginning, which is why our partnerships matter so deeply. We work with people who carry as much heart and care as we do. 

What’s the difference between good service and unforgettable hospitality?

Good service is everywhere. It’s at the mall, in your favorite restaurant, at the movie theater. Good service is consistent, positive, and keeps you coming back. Maybe not with regularity, but it holds the door open for more. 

Unforgettable hospitality has you reaching out in order to leave a review. Taking that extra bit of time to pass along a message, write an email in order to share how someone brightened your office, increased your sales, or turned up an atmosphere. It’s not only about wanting more, it’s needing it. 

Good service is trained; unforgettable hospitality is innate to who you are. Being unforgettable is not easy, it can not be defined as a skill, it is something you are or are not. Event Espresso has made it to 15 by being unforgettable. 

What kind of people thrive at Event Espresso Catering?

People who lead with heart thrive at Event Espresso. People with big personalities, creatives, warm energies, and cozy dispositions thrive at Event Espresso. We are patient, welcoming, helpful, excited, and thoughtful. 

Our team of mobile baristas are our brand. We trust them to be the face and heart of this operation. We are a small, but mighty team ready to take on the needs of those around us. Not only do we lead with heart, but we care about honoring the quality of our premium add-ons, and we commit to educating ourselves on the language and expertise of the amazing companies we partner with. 

People who want to go above and beyond without being asked to, thrive at Event Espresso. 

Who are we serving first — really?

I love this question because the answer can be so varied, but I’m the one writing the blog, and I believe Casey would agree with me. Who are we serving first – really? Ourselves. 

I believe at the heart of this company and why we are who we are in how we show up and dedicate ourselves to your event is because we feel great walking out of spaces knowing that we made someone laugh, or had a heart-felt moment with a bride, or lifted someone’s mood after a rough morning. Service that is selfless happens because it makes the individual feel good. Not good about ourselves in an inflated ego way, but good in the sense of making a difference, carrying an impact. 

We form to your event because we know through 15 years of experience all over the country, our ethos has made a difference. Don’t just read this and believe it, hire us for your next event and experience the difference we can make for you.