64. Taking Over a Coffee Shop in a Small Town with Meleni Cruz of Press Coffee House

SUMMARY: In this episode of The Coffee Experts Club, we're thrilled to introduce Meleni Cruz, owner of Press Coffee House in Battle Mountain, Nevada—a unique coffee spot that blends small-town charm with big-city coffee quality. Aaron stumbled upon this hidden gem on a road trip and was immediately captivated by Meleni's passion and expertise. Meleni shares her journey from working as a barista to buying and rebranding the coffee shop she once worked at, transforming it into a thriving hub. Hear about the hurdles she's overcome, from convincing her husband to dive into the coffee business, to dealing with supply challenges in a remote desert town. She's even got a mini-warehouse of supplies to ensure her shop never runs out of essentials! From mastering espresso shots to navigating small-town challenges, Meleni's story is one of grit, family, and community. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about what it really takes to succeed in the coffee world and how a close-knit team can make all the difference. Don't miss her insights into building a brand, managing resources, and creating a welcoming space in a unique setting! Tune in and get inspired by Meleni's journey with Press Coffee House.   Minute by Minute: 0:00 Introduction + buying a coffee shop in Battle Mountain 7:29 Revamping an existing coffee shop 12:58 Promoting your own culture to your team 15:33 Getting the things we have is not so easy 24:13 Take it slow