After attending the four-day barista class with Matt and Jared, I feel very comfortable taking what I learned and moving forward with an espresso/coffee shop. I am a very detail-oriented person and I know the knowledge I have gained is already worth way more than the money I spent on the class. The facility was well-equipped and easy to work in. The class size was perfect, and as the advertisement said, the school had no “agenda.” I also feel I can call any time with a question or problem. And, most importantly, I had fun!

Considering I am only 17 years old, it was hard to convince my parents to send me all the way across the map to go to coffee school. But, it was definitely worth it. I was not 100 percent sure I wanted to start my own coffee business, but now I am convinced. Not only have I learned how to prepare different types of coffee, but I have also gained a new understanding and a deep appreciation and passion for it. I would like to say “Thank you" to all the people at ABC’s for the great learning experience I have had.

In November 2006 I spent a few days at ABC’s and the experience was excellent. Before attending  ABC's, I had gone to another coffee school, so I was able to compare the two -- there was no comparison! At ABC’s, you really learn -- the instruction is up-to-date and complete. In addition, ABC's has all the latest equipment. By the end of class, I was able to make great coffee and even pour some latte art. For anyone thinking about the coffee business this school is a must. ABC’s is a great investment and you can't go wrong. Matt Milletto and Jared Mockli are great instructors.

I believe attending ABC’s is the best possible preparation for opening a specialty coffee business. I have attended tradeshows, read many books and articles about coffee and owned my own business for 20 years. I learned enough from the school to more than justify the cost. I highly recommend the two days of business training even if you think you know all about the coffee business. The ability to learn from the hard-earned knowledge and experience of others instead of learning from my own mistakes will be of great value to me as I plan and open my business. In addition to what I learned in class, I had a great time meeting the other participants and the instructors. I’m sure they will be valuable resources in the future. The hands-on training was fun and allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of proper espresso and milk preparation. Where else can you participate on eight different espresso machines? Thank you ABC’s for a great six-day class.

First of all, I wanted to say what a great time I had with Matt and Jared at the Saturday latte art class. I learned a lot and wish I could spend days just picking your brains. Overall, it was really nice to spend time with a couple of good guys who like coffee as much as I do.

I was a little nervous that I wouldn't be able to duplicate the latte art at home and I was even more nervous to try it in a regular mug instead of the saucer style cups we used at the school. Anyhow, my first attempt wasn't perfect, but I was still very happy with it -- thanks! ABC's and you guys are the best. I'll definitely call ahead and stop by next time I'm in town.

At ABC's, I received close and personal hands-on training by experts. I came away with a thorough understanding of the realities of opening a coffee business as well as the skills and techniques needed to open and run an effective coffee shop. I came here to get grounded in the reality of the business of operating a successful retail coffee enterprise, and this training definitely put my feet on solid ground and aimed me in the directions of excellence and success.

If you are serious about the coffee business you should take this course -- it is well worth the time and money. I can honestly say hands down ABC’s offers the best instruction you can get. The atmosphere is friendly, with a variety of products to try hands-on. I hesitated taking one week off of work (I never take vacation!) and spending $5,000, but I’m so happy I did. ABC’s is worth every penny -- and more.

This class was so helpful in every aspect of learning about the coffee business. The business training was well worth the money and travel time, and the knowledge and skill level that the instructors posses is unlike any other -- they are truly experts in the industry.

It was a great pleasure to have taken the ABC's training course. The first contact that I had with making espresso was the Bellissimo video "Espresso 101" that I bought many years ago. I learned a lot about espresso with a friend of mine in Bogota, but I wanted to come to Portland and meet Mr. Bruce Milletto and his team workers. Thank you for your dedication and for being very nice and cool people. Thanks to Matt and Jared, I now have the skills to make caffe latte art.

I am confident this class will prove to be well worth every penny. I expect to be way ahead of my competition.

Wow! What a jam-packed five days! We're certainly wired and it's definitely not from all the coffee we consumed! This course is a must if you're serious about (or even wondering about) opening your own coffeehouse. We left the school with newfound knowledge and confidence...from getting behind an espresso machine to make a great cup of coffee to starting our own specialty coffee business.

Because I am still in the evaluation phase and just considering opening a coffee drive-thru, the training I received at ABC's was invaluable, whether I chose to open or not. It was definitely money well spent. The information and wealth of experience that Ed, Matt and Jared shared with us would take years to obtain in the "Real World." I also think I can now avoid some of the common mistakes and pitfalls that can plague new business owners.

I had great expectations upon arrival at the five-day Start-Up and Barista Training class at ABC's. From the instruction to the variety of equipment to practice on, my expectations were blown away! The barista skills taught by the instructors and their attention to quality drink preparation were extraordinary. I hope I can succeed in turning all this passion and knowledge into a successful business. Thanks to Matt, Jared, Ed and everyone at Bellissimo!

Terrific class -- a great combination of practical info, realistic expectation, encouragement and hands-on experience. The focus on quality was refreshing and inspiring. I now have a new appreciation for espresso and cappuccino. Ed, Jared and Matt all brought unique experiences and skill to the class, benefiting everyone, and having several types and brands of equipment on which to practice was a real plus.

Twenty years ago my first job was as a computer trainer for an international financial corporation. Never have I experienced the level of passion and empathy that Matt and Jared brought to the classroom as instructors. This was truly an exceptional learning experience and one of the best investments I have made in not only my coffee house — but in myself. Thank you.

I have been in the coffee industry for the last 11 years, from barista to service roaster. ABC's does a fantastic job on all levels. Their passion to move the industry forward in a positive direction is amazing.

I love it!

I really enjoyed every aspect of the class I took at ABC's. The instructors were so helpful that I really felt that the price of the class should be doubled, or even tripled! If you plan to spend your time, effort and money getting into the specialty coffee industry, you should definitely allocate money to attending this class. You definitely won't regret even the tiniest aspect of this class! Trust me, you won't regret anything about it!

I am so glad that I invested in my business by coming to ABC's. The fears I had about starting my business began to subside as the week went on. I initially did not want to come to the business part of the school, but it was incredibly beneficial, as was the rest of the week. I received so much information that many coffee businesses are lacking, and now I feel much more confident about opening a successful business. Thank you!

What a great experience!

The wisdom of the ABC's instructors and the advice they gave us were both practical and essential. The opportunity to interact with the staff was also critically important. You just don't get this high level of input from a book or on-line. The lab is great - the variety is helpful in deciding on equipment, products, etc. And the chance to learn hands-on with over-your-shoulder coaching, is priceless.

I am truly pleased that I did this before getting too deep into the coffee business. The class has been very helpful and I highly recommend ABC's and its staff. Thank you all!

Coming to the ABC's was a great experience. The information and instruction was amazing. I would highly recommend this school to anybody who is considering opening their own coffee business. It was definitely worth the time and money. The instruction at ABC's is the best of the best, in addition to being fun and friendly.

The five days I spent at ABC's was a valuable experience for me. I learned so much from the school's exceptional instructors. I came here knowing very little, and now I feel I can open my own coffee shop and be very successful. Thank you to ALL the instructors at ABC's.

The instructors in this course include persons of extraordinary experience in specialty coffee. They simply know all there is to know about coffee and the coffee business. Whether you already have experience in coffee or are a rank beginner (as I was), they make sure you learn. They are invariably friendly and professional. I spent a lot of money to come here, but it was well worth it.

The course I took at ABC's was great. It was the best business, barista and latte art training I could have received anywhere. The time I spent with my instructors, Ed, Matt and Jared, was extremely helpful in making me understand how to make the best coffee. For me, the experience was invaluable. Many thanks!

Ed Arvidson was a wonderful presenter. His passion for the business side of the specialty coffee industry was ever present and contagious. He provided such amazing information in a way that was easily understood and made perfect sense. I had no background in business and little knowledge of the industry. By the end of his two-day class, I felt that I had gained an in-depth view of the possibilities of entering the business. Ed's presentation and information moved me from thinking, "How cool it would be to have a coffeehouse" to "How amazing the specialty coffee industry is and it is an industry I would be proud to be a part of."

I believe the knowledge I gained in one day with Ed will save me double the cost of the entire class by keeping me from making mistakes that could cost tens of thousands of dollars in operating a business.

The Barista Training was also a wonderful experience. Matt and Jared provided an excellent overview of coffee and espresso and the important aspects that baristas need to understand. I learned a great deal about coffee and gained an appreciation for the linkages between growers, roasters and brewers and the importance of those connections. The guest baristas really provided a good opportunity to see different techniques for creating espresso drinks. I learned something a little different from each one that will make me a better barista.

I would highly recommend this class to anyone thinking of opening a shop - it will either make you want to jump in and do it, or give you enough information to decide it may not be the right job for you.

I want to thank Matt, Ed and Bellissimo Coffee InfoGroup for providing such an amazing class that introduced me to the specialty coffee industry.

I had a great week. The hands-on barista training was invaluable and the teachers did a great job with the class. The people in my group have created a great community for support. Thanks ABC's!

When I first arrived in Portland and really had a moment to contemplate how far away I was from my family, I started to question whether or not I had made the right choice in coming. However, about 10 minutes into day one of instruction I realized I had made the right choice! I have learned more in these five days than all my months of reading and research combined.

Bruce and Ed are incredible, and I can't thank them enough for creating this opportunity and sharing their passion and experience with us! Matt and Jared are also amazing individuals and their love of coffee shines through in their teaching, performance and continued quest to reach that next level of excellence. I will keep this experience with me for a long time and hope to see them all again in the future. P.S. Thanks again, to Joel from Stumptown for the Cupping lesson!

This was a wonderful opportunity to learn from passionate and knowledgeable individuals. The amount of information given was just right. All the bases were covered, while showing just hints of how much more there is to learn.

Great Class! Over exceeded every expectation.

The course was some of the best money I've ever spent. Incredible training and education on an industry I knew nothing about.

My mother and I traveled from the east coast of Canada to ABC's. We were both ignorant about the coffee industry, and now we feel like experts! The training was superb and the environment was extremely welcoming. We now know we will be a success.

I would highly recommend this course to anyone seeking a serious course of study in the retail coffee business. I have gained an incredible amount of knowledge in addition to having my precourse knowledge confirmed and expanded. The folks at ABC's are clearly some of the most knowledgeable and professional in the specialty coffee business. I had a great time!

Experience and know-how is what these guys are all about. Students can expect well articulated and detailed material. The instructors are fantastic people who are truly passionate about coffee. They are helping educate coffee shop owners to train and educate their customers to be passionate about the world's second most traded commodity. Don't be afraid to ask dumb questions.

This class was one-of-a-kind - comprehensive, fun and practical knowledge for real world application. The staff was informative, professional and passionate. This was amazing - without a doubt the best thing that has happened to the coffee service industry and its future reputation since the to-go cup.

The course was well done, well organized and incredibly well presented. The pace was just right for learning, and there was lots of support from the instructors. I look forward to employing Bellissimo when I begin to make concrete plans for my drive-thru business. Thank You.

Making the trip from MontTremblant to ABC's was really worth it. I would, and will, recommend your school to anyone who desires to know more about coffee. Thanks to everyone at ABC's for your professional help. Au Revoir!

The 5day startup training has helped me solidify my plan, organize tasks and set goals/timelines for opening my coffee shop and prioritizing the work that needs to be accomplished. I am confident that I have the tools and resources to be successful. I look forward to an ongoing business relationship with Bellissimo for training and consulting services.

ABC's is the single greatest investment for any newcomer to the industry, and a lot of veterans as well. The instructors are not selling you the dream that you will make millions selling specialty coffee but instead giving you the tools and knowledge that only experience can truly give you. They are artists, operational masterminds and marketing masters who are passionate in teaching others this fine craft.

The depth of knowledge and experience of the instructors is vast. Portland is a good little city to host this school since coffee seems to run through the blood of its citizens. The video, instruction and hands-on espresso-making combine to make a solid schooling of all things coffee.

Ah! Where to start?! Coming to ABC's was the best decision I could have made for my store. I've learned skills and gained knowledge that is impossible to obtain anywhere else. From the first minute I spent here, I enjoyed every single second! Matt, Ed and Bruce are amazing instructors and present the lectures and demonstrations in a manner that made it fun and easy to follow. I've met the nicest, sweetest people from all over the world, and I know we'll all keep in touch. This has truly been one awesome week that I will cherish forever. I would recommend this course to anyone who is even thinking about getting into the coffee industry.

This was the most informational class! Every aspect of the coffee business was covered. The handson time with the equipment was extremely helpful in deciding which brands we wanted to purchase. All the instructors were knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions we had. The office staff was also great! Thanks to everyone at ABC's!

I realize I will probably never have the coffee knowledge of my ABC's instructors, but I do believe I have been enlightened. I now have the knowledge to converse with my customers about coffee, and I attribute that to this school. The people I met during the class were great, and we shared all our different ideas. Lastly, Matt and Ed were great instructors and I would recommend the course to anyone thinking about going into the coffee business. Thank you to everyone!

The class was outstanding! The instructors are masters in the art of coffee and espresso. The instructional material and hands-on training was the best. The trainers couple real life experience with decades of training to make the class a great learning event. I will miss my classmates and instructors. I'd recommend the class to anyone!

I am so sad this week is over! What an AWESOME course! Wonderful instruction! Thank you so much for sharing your expertise, your passion, and your dedication to the art and science of coffee, from how coffee is grown to the preparation of the most amazing coffee/espresso I have tasted in my life. Your whole team is GREAT! Thank you for your patience and your caring! Not only is your knowledge base 100 percent, but your teaching styles, friendly, down-to-earth personalities, professionalism and your love of what you do create an outstanding educational experience! We packed so much information and activity into one week, I can't believe it! I loved this week so much! Thank you! Gracias!

At ABC's I was exposed to lots of new ideas and products that will make our store stand out from the competition.

I walked away from this course with a great deal of important and useful information - much more than I had anticipated. The instructors were extremely informed and committed to providing a high level training experience. They interacted well with all the students, and the hands-on opportunity was topnotch. Well worth the money!

Wow! I'm so impressed with the information that was given in the 5day class - from how to start up and run your coffee business to making a perfect cup of coffee. I am leaving here feeling more confident and knowledgeable! Thank you Ed and Matt for a wonderful presentation - you are both a wealth of information and an asset to the industry. I also made some wonderful lifetime friends.

I don't think anyone should attempt to open a coffee shop without this class. I was very impressed and shocked by how passionate the coffee industry is. It's definitely an industry to be taken seriously! Thanks for the wonderful education!

The barista class provides great education for the beginners in specialty coffee as well as a refresher course for industry veterans seeking to regain confidence in the basics and fundamentals of drink preparation.

I learned more than I expected about coffee and the business of coffee. I have no doubt about the value of this course and how it will help me be successful.

I didn't know how much I didn't know! I am so glad I attended this class - the knowledge I came away with is priceless!

It was well worth the time and money! I learned so much! The opportunity to practice as we were learning was invaluable. I also appreciated all of the tips we picked up along the way. The experiences that were shared by Ed and Matt were also helpful. This was a great course with knowledgeable and helpful instructors. Thanks so very much for sharing your passion for coffee!

I would recommend this class to everyone in the coffee industry... from owners of existing coffee operations to people just playing with the thought of owning.

It's safe to say that I underestimated the intensity of this course. The training that was given by Ed and Matt was second to none, and more like what may be expected at a prestigious university. I leave here with far more confidence and knowledge than I would have expected. Thank you.

Ed and Matt were great at teaching, answering questions, and listening to us closely and sincerely. The school was great and the atmosphere was terrific, and the people who attended were from all over the world, which created an international atmosphere. Thanks for the knowledge of coffee and hospitality you gave.

This class has been an eye opener for me - truly a very well put together course. Anyone who thinks about opening a specialty coffee shop should take this course. Coming from the restaurant industry, I didn't really think they could give me new ideas, but I am glad they proved me wrong.

I would highly recommend ABC's. I found the instructors highly informative, knowledgeable, and easy to follow. Exercises were helpful and instruction was topnotch. Due to the success of ABCs, I will continue to grow, learn about coffee and expand my business. I'd invite everyone to come sample our coffee drinks because they give credit to all I learned at ABC's.

I am very honored to have participated in this school. Through my newly gained knowledge and experience, I am ready to start my journey in the coffee industry. Through the teachers, a sense of respect and beauty of coffee was instilled in me. I plan to continue learning with all of the resources that Bellissimo has to offer.

Ed and Matt were great! I'd recommend the class for anyone even thinking about opening a coffee shop!

I just wanted to send a quick note to say thanks for the added help while in Seattle at the Coffee Fest tradeshow and also to thank you again for my experience at ABC's. We learned more than we expected and it was great getting to know some of the figures of the coffee industry. Your school was great and we feel that it will be the cornerstone of Cafe Evoke's success."

Ed and Matt made learning about coffee fun and exciting. I've gained a great deal of knowledge, and would recommend ABC's to anyone starting a business or just wanting to be the best barista around!

The training and the staff were fantastic. The hands-on action with the espresso machines was great. I would recommend it to any aspiring barista! Ed and Matt were fantastic.

ABC's is a fantastic program in every way. I would strongly recommend taking both the two-day business course and the three-day barista training to get the full benefit. The instructors provided very unique perspectives on the industry, and I made many new friends. ABC's is fabulous, and a must do.

I was absolutely terrified before I attended ABC's. My store was scheduled to open the following week and I felt very unprepared. Coming to ABC's was the best investment I made in my business. Jared and Matt are fantastic instructors and the knowledge and friends I take away from ABC's are invaluable. I highly recommend this course!

To all prospective ABC's students: I am writing this testimonial as a small gesture of my deep appreciation to the ABC's team for the extraordinary experience my son and I had when we attended their 5-day Coffee Bar Start-Up course.

We traveled all the way from Cape Town, South Africa to Portland, Oregon to attend their course after discovering them on the Internet.
I have been a consultant for 18 years and have founded and run two international consulting organizations. In this time, I have attended many courses and seminars around the world run by top professionals. The ABC's course ranks as one of the best value for money courses I have yet attended. I was extremely impressed by the passion and breadth and depth of knowledge these guys have of their subject.

This is the first time I have left a course having typed 33 pages of notes and ideas, over and above the comprehensive file of notes we were given on each topic. In addition, these are really nice guys and you could not wish to spend 5 days with a nicer bunch of people. Not only did we gain all the knowledge we need to start our new family coffee bar business, but I feel that we made new friends, and look forward to ongoing contact with them in the years ahead.

If you are thinking of getting into the gourmet coffee business, or are already in it and want to better understand your business, then I would highly recommend attending any of the ABC's training programs. You will take years and spend a lot more on “school fees” than taking some time and making a small investment in your knowledge by standing on the shoulders of these "giants" and their decades of hands-on experience.

Way to go! The best business training that is industry specific and not available via SBA or other new business resources. Combined with the topnotch barista training, you've got a winning program. I especially like that the other participants in the course are serious entrepreneurs and not just folks looking for a vacation-style school. Thanks for everything Ed, Matt and Bruce!

Would you do it again? Was it worth it? Did it meet your expectations? These are all great questions to ask in regard to any experience, and in regards to ABC's, my answers are YES! YES! and YES! My expectations were greatly exceeded. ABC's willingness to invest their passion into those willing to learn is genuine, and I am personally and without reservation thankful to have gone through the 5 day course.

My experience at this school has been exceptional. I never expected to learn as much as I did and learn in such a fun atmosphere. The instructors are exceptional. They have years of experience, and are wonderful at making sure you completely understand what is being taught. The business classes will save me valuable time and money. The hands-on classes were thorough. They gave me many ideas, and I'm leaving with great enthusiasm. This is the best money I've ever spent.

I really found the school to be very informative and helpful to the novice entrepreneur. All the instructors were very knowledgeable in their field. I found them to be very patient and helpful. Their training even went beyond what they advertised. It was like having your own private consultant. Thank you Matt, Ed and Bruce -We love ya!

Ed and Matt made me feel like I walked away as a professional barista! They made me feel comfortable to ask anything. I am very confident that I will be a successful barista and coffee shop owner. Thanks to these guys! Love you guys!"

I feel extremely fortunate to have taken part in this program. The volume of information I absorbed is staggering. I feel far more confident that we can compete and beat our competition. There is no question in my mind that this program will pay for itself - the only question is how many times over.

I cannot imagine trying to open a coffee shop without having come through this course. I now have a much more comprehensive understanding of what is involved in opening a specialty coffee shop. The instructors are highly knowledgeable and fun to work with. I have much more confidence now and cannot wait to get home and get started.

The course was a great experience for me and it was worth a trip from Korea to the U.S. Even though I have been working in the coffee business for a few years, I knew only a little about coffee. The 5day barista and latte art class gave me more confidence about my work. The latte art class was very helpful to me. I thought people did latte art only because it was beautiful. But now I really know why: coffee tastes better with latte art! It was invaluable experience for me.

Just incredible! I would have spent months trying to find the information and training I received this week. The instructors are the best. Thanks!

Even though our first impression was that the ABC's was expensive, we found that it was money very well spent. The equipment training, the contacts made, the recipes, the demonstrations, the tour through many Portland coffeehouses and access to a top coffee roaster cannot be obtained anywhere else. It was much more than a training seminar! It was priceless. The best training program we have ever attended.

Thank you for all the wonderful info. The school has provided so much for me to use to make our shop a cut above the rest in our area. I can't wait to open our doors. Thank you!

Coming here was the best decision I have ever made. ABC's was awesome. I never thought I could sit for hours and hours in class learning about coffee, but it was fun and very educational. I highly recommend this to everyone. The instructors are highly experienced and caring.

What an awesome group of people to have training/ teaching the classes. Their love and passion for the specialty coffee industry was clearly evident. It was totally worth the time spent learning and having hands-on training. Thanks Ed and Matt! I'm so glad I came to your school.

I really found the school to be very informative and helpful to the novice entrepreneur. All the instructors were very knowledgeable in their field. I found them to be very patient and helpful. Their training even went beyond what they advertised. It was like having your own private consultant.
Thank you Matt, Ed and Bruce- We love ya! - Janice

Ed and Matt made me feel like i walked away as a professional Barista! They made me feel comfortable to ask anything. I am very confident that i will be a successful barista and coffee shop owner, Thanks to these guys! Love you guys! - Loren

The one week experience I had at ABC's was invaluable to me. I was extremely impressed with the instructor's knowledge of the coffee industry and the exacting science of making a perfect product every time. I now know how I can have a competitive edge when I am ready to open my coffee shop. The staff at ABC's is a fun loving, great group of people that made the class a real pleasure to attend.

We felt the class truly gave us a sense of empowerment and the tools to feel confident in the decision we are making to open up our cafe'. We are signing our lease today and have made changes to our design and layout, thanks to what we absorbed in class. Just having the tools to work with for those few days really helped with our overall business plan and design. Our excitement grows stronger everyday!

The 5-day business startup class exceeded my expectations in every way. I came to class wanting to round out my knowledge of coffee and general business practices, and I left with a greater passion for the industry and the confidence to turn a business concept into a reality. While the materials were exceptional, what made the instructors so effective was their ability and willingness to discuss their more than 50 years combined experience in restaurant/ coffee shop startup and management, as well as extensive travels abroad. A sincere thank you!

Maui Wowi first approached Bellissimo as a consultant for help with a drive-thru coffee/espresso business model. Since our introduction, we have been focused on our current Hawaiian coffee/espresso training program and how we can implement additional training items to increase our customer's experience and our franchise operator's understanding of the coffee/espresso industry.

After attending the training, we are reevaluating our equipment package and operating standards to further improve our program. I would highly recommend this type of training to anyone interested in pursuing their dream of business ownership in the coffee and espresso business model.

I give high praise to the educational benefits of attending the program offered at ABC's. I completed the 5-day course and valued every minute of it! The classes are well organized, packed with extremely helpful information, and taught by highly qualified, enthusiastic professionals. One has the opportunity to learn an incredible amount about all aspects of the coffee business, and the hands-on training with a wide variety of equipment with patient, qualified instructors, leaves one with an appreciation and focus that is truly wonderful.

I left feeling that the time and money were well spent and that I had a resource to tap into for further assistance as I proceed into the entrepreneurial world of coffee. Hats off to the team at Bellissimo!

Worth every penny! At first I thought it was expensive, but after going through the course it was definitely worth the money. The knowledge of everybody was second to none. All three instructors made it a great learning experience and also a fun time. We learned and laughed a lot. Thank you for a great experience - I would recommend it to anyone.

Bellissimo has the most expert instructors. The information was cutting edge. It was a wonderful experience.

The opening date for my coffeehouse is just around the corner. I could not imagine opening my doors without the training and information I received at ABC's. I originally had reservations about spending the money to attend the school; however, I soon learned it was well worth the investment. Ed Arvidson is a terrific teacher, and the two days he spent with us was invaluable. I can't begin to say enough about Matt and the other instructors.

These instructors have more knowledge to share than you could ever find in a book or on a video! They are warm and funny people that take pleasure in helping others just starting out in the coffee business. I left the school with so much excitement about my opening, and I had a clear direction on what exactly had to be done to be successful. Amazingly, the President and Vice President of Bellissimo even took part in making our time at ABC's a truly a WOW experience! The best part is, I know I can turn to Bellisimo in the future for assistance and advice while I am making my business the best in West Michigan. So, I wanted to say thank you!

Can you imagine opening an espresso bar not knowing that drip coffee has more caffeine than espresso?! Or HOW coffee is grown, harvested and processed?? THAT's what I would have done had I not attended ABC's. I've been in publishing for 15 years and recognize quality educational material - it's all here. Further, their videos are unbelievably informative, and visually awe inspiring.

If you are opening or planning on opening a coffee/espresso business, the best thing you can do for yourself and your CUSTOMERS is to attend these classes. The BEST part is that these guys have no hidden agenda to sell you equipment or products. Rather, it's a one-stop clearinghouse for company information from equipment to roasters. Invaluable! Thanks to the instructors for sharing their knowledge in a fun yet engaging manner.

The course was superbly outlined and presented in an excellent learning environment. From the first few minutes, starting with the opening remarks and introductions, I felt relaxed and comfortable. The instructors were flexible and open to both the humor and individual needs of the attendees. They managed to keep us awake and eager to learn through a good mix of topics, an abundance of handson exercises and the ability to give each of us the attention we needed without making us feel like idiots when, through our exuberance, we interrupted them time and time again.

As for the knowledge they shared with us and the course content, I feel it was invaluable to the overall success of my business. I understand the process of making cappuccino, understand what parts of the process are most crucial and understand what to look for at every step of the process to ensure a great end result - a GREAT shot of espresso! We also learned little tricks and shortcuts that will make our daily operations run smoother and prolong the life of our equipment. On top of the education of espresso and coffee, we learned about the other important products and services that will help set our businesses apart from our competition.

The staff made me feel like they are well, underpaid partners in my business (no, this is not an okay to bill me for any additional charges) and they have even offered to take calls from me with questions in the future. So far, I have made two calls to them of which both were returned to me promptly.

I can go on and on about the positive impact that this course has made on me and the future success of my business, but I will leave it here. By the way, I cannot remember ever writing a testimonial in my 39 years of life, but I was so impressed with this course that I felt obligated to do so.

Thanks so much for this barista course at ABC's - you nailed it. This course lived up to its name, being authentic for me in many ways, as I relate it to a true Italian café encounter, to myself, and especially to your expert staff. I now see my vision and approach more clearly. The instructors offered the most up-to-date insights and valuable techniques acquired from their past experiences, and now I can relate this knowledge to my personal coffee retail world. I write to you with more wisdom and understanding than I have ever thought possible.

I heartily recommend this course to anyone who wants to connect with true barista experts and gain a plethora of resources for the future. They gave me the guidance and confidence I needed to get started. This course has taken me to another level.

"Saggezza" Bellissimo, thank you.

To My Esteemed Professors:

I want to express to you guys my sincere appreciation for the valuable information you conveyed to us at ABC's. I hate to admit it, but I've been in the business world for 40 years now, and it's always a joy to learn about a new business, and even more exciting to execute the plan. What matters to a student is not just how knowledgeable the instructor is but how effectively he conveys the information, and the instructors were great.

For those of us about to invest major money, and in some cases our life savings, the decision to seek advice and guidance is like buying insurance. It doesn't eliminate the risk but it does reduce it, and that's what we're looking to do. The main reason I feel good about Bellissimo is that I got the feeling you really understand what we're putting on the line, and you'll do anything to help us succeed. I look forward to further collaboration. Thank you.

What really impressed me about ABC's was the razor sharp focus on the things you need to know to start and run a successful coffee business. This focus came from seasoned professionals who had tried everything and learned what works through trial and error. You have their undivided attention for a full week. On the practical side, you learn that there is only one way to prepare a specialty coffee drink - it has to be perfect or you don't serve

On the social side, you get to meet and work with fellow students that have the same enthusiasm for coffee that you have and are facing the same problems that you are. In short, the course is invaluable.

Attending ABC's was a great experience for me as a new coffee shop owner. All of the information I received as a student will be a tremendous help to me as I strive to be a success in the coffee industry. I recommend to anyone who is serious about knowing the business of coffee that they attend ABC's. You will gain a greater appreciation for this business.

At ABC's, I was encouraged to strive for excellence as a barista and coffee shop owner. You will receive the best information in the field of coffee from a professional staff of instructors. Two thumbs up for ABC's!

When I first started seriously considering this business I approached the SBA about a loan. At that time, I had a gentleman tell me that it would be best if I worked at a coffee house part-time so that I would have that experience to put on a loan application. I realize now that had I followed his advice I would probably have missed the opportunity to attend your class (thinking I knew it all) and thereby passing up the incredible knowledge you imparted to us all...the information that will make or break my business. I thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge with those of us trying to establish a lucrative gourmet coffee shop.

ABC's was a great experience for me. I really enjoyed sharing 5 days with very nice people and a wonderful team of teachers. I acquired the information and tools that will help me be successful in the coffee business.

I have been interested in the coffee business for at least six years. Then one day I walked in to a shop in the Ballard district of Seattle - it was a real hole in the wall that was in the middle of an alley. As I waited for my drink, I picked up a coffee magazine and saw your school ad. I wrote down all the info and went online and read more. I really wanted to go, so I called my father and told him about it. I never knew there was so much to know about coffee! I look back in horror at the coffee I would make for myself and actually drink.

Thank you so much for teaching me all that you did! It has helped me so much and has only made me want to learn more.

This class was so helpful in every aspect of learning about the coffee business. The business training was well worth the money and travel time, and the knowledge and skill level that the instructors posses is unlike any other -- they are truly experts in the industry.

EXCELLENT!

It was a great pleasure to have taken the ABC's training course. The first contact that I had with making espresso was the Bellissimo video "Espresso 101" that I bought many years ago. I learned a lot about espresso with a friend of mine in Bogota, but I wanted to come to Portland and meet Mr. Bruce Milletto and his team workers. Thank you for your dedication and for being very nice and cool people. Thanks to Matt and Jared, I now have the skills to make caffe latte art.

I am confident this class will prove to be well worth every penny. I expect to be way ahead of my competition.

I was very impressed by the way the instructors made everyone in the class at ease from the very beginning. It's a difficult job dealing with different personalities and skill levels, but the instructors at ABC's were very professional and made everyone comfortable.

I am proud to have been a member of the inaugural class of the ABC's. The first two days of class focusing on coffee retailing and business management with Ed Arvidson alone would have been worth the investment. The barista training, hands-on experience and industry insight made the school an invaluable investment for anyone considering entering the increasingly competitive coffee industry.

ABC's definitely met my expectations. I appreciated the amount of time spent teaching us about the business topics critical to successfully operating a profitable coffee business. The staff/faculty was composed of people who are truly the top coffee experts. They had a wealth of knowledge to share with us. I would highly recommend ABC's to anyone who is considering starting a specialty coffee business.

My week at ABC's was an eye opening educational experience. I had the opportunity to interface with some of the coffee industry's most recognized professionals and learn from the best. The classes were informative and fun and the coffee lab is a dream come true for anyone needing handson training. By the end of the week, I felt very comfortable with the techniques needed to be successful in this business and I was energized about the industry and the potential for my personal business plans. Thank you!

I came to ABC's with an open mind and no game plan, but my eyes were open to the coffee process and potential. The DVDs "Espresso 101" and "The Passionate Harvest" show the professionalism of Bellissimo. The dedicated staff is, and will be, staple in the industry. If you're like me, looking for coffee industry direction, Bellissimo is your guide to knowledge and profitability.

All five days of ABC's were informative and enjoyable. The combination of classroom time, hands-on training and industry films made the time go too quickly, because it was enjoyable as well as informative. Bellissimo excels at using real circumstances as learning examples. The background experiences of Bellissimo instructors were human learning examples that everyone can relate to. In my opinion, I believe ABC's will justify the cost of the school during the first month of opening a new retail coffee business. I enjoyed meeting people from coast to coast who attended the school, and made many friends.