WHOLESALE - USBC REPORT

L to R: Ellie Matuszak, Phuong Tran, Billy Wilson, Matt Riddle, Amber Sather, Ryan Denhardt

After taking 1st, 2nd, and 5th places at the Great Lakes Regional Barista Competition in Chicago in October of 2004, Intelligentsia baristas had a strong showing at the United States Barista Championships (USBC) in Seattle. Sponsored by the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA), this event brought together 46 competitors from around the country, and members of the Intelligentsia team took 2nd (Ellie Hudson-Matuszak), 4th (Matt Riddle), and 6th places (Amber Sather), representing the one-half of the competition’s finalists and the only roaster to make it to this round.

Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea prides itself on creating a company culture that supports training and product knowledge. Ellie, Matt, and Amber’s success is representative of this culture and demonstrates the skill, determination, and expertise that Intelligentsia executes in both their company-owned stores and wholesale accounts.

All 5 of the Intelligentsia Barista Team Members finished in the top 15, and Steve Fritzen of Coffee Hound finished within the Top 20. Steve, as you may remember from the Great Lakes Competition, finished 3rd in our region. For all of us being first time competitors at the national level, we couldn't be happier. We look forward to cheering on the Phuong Tran at the World Barista Championship in April at the SCAA Conference.

Also finishing strong in the Semifinal round were:

• Stephen Rogers - 12th Place, Intelligentsia Coffee Roasters
  
• Amanda Ladas - 14th Place, Intelligentsia Coffee Roasters
  
• Steve Fritzen - 18th Place, Coffee Hound, Bloomington, Illinois
  
  

Below are some up close and personal shots of the action over the course of the weekend.

Stephen Rogers pouring one of his Latte Art Cappuccinos.

Amber Sather setting the table for her judges.

Ellie Matuszak doses and tamps while explaining her espresso blend.

Visual and taste evaluation of Stephen's cappuccinos.

Tech Judge Barry Jarret gets a close look at Matt's tamping technique.

Ellie pouring her Latte Art.

Amber pouring the espresso for Espresso Laranja.

Amanda pouring her cappuccinos.

Stephen explains "Mr. Roger's Original Elixer" while preparing his glasses.

Steve Fritzen of Coffee Hound pouring his cappuccinos.

The full show. Matt Riddle prepares to begin his routine.

Amber steaming milk as the judges look on.

Stephen Rogers talking to the judges and preparing his table.

All the semifinalists together.

Amber Sather and Jay Caragay of Jay's Shave Ice and Hawaiian Coffee.

Awards ceremony.