How Gold Standard Coffee Shop Started
Andale High School has a program/student run café named Gold Standard, this is ran by Clint Robinson, a teacher that works at Andale High. This program is known as “Coffee Shop”, a time during both lunch hours and is open to all students and staff. Robinson started The Coffee Shop in 2021, he wanted to start the program so students could get the hands
on experience of a business as he said, “I wanted an opportunity for students to get hands-on experience working through different aspects of a business. The set-up, supply inventory, marketing, and the accounting parts that every business owner deals with on a regular basis”.
Robinson said his favorite thing about coffee shops is watching his students grow throughout the semester. Each semester of students is a little different, but the overall experience stays the same. A challenge that he faces running coffee shop is staying fully stocked on items needed. Whether that’s cups or mixes, or milk, it’s not easy to find time to purchase and pick up items outside of school hours with so much other things going on.
I then asked why this program is good in a school and Robinson said, ”anything that allows students to use what they learned in the classroom and apply it to a real world setting is beneficial. Students are able to see the connection and build on their understanding from there”. As long as the school and district support the class, we’ll be able to keep it going. There may need to be changes along the way, but the general concept should be there.
What Happens in the Coffee Shop
When working the coffee shop you go in and get set up for that lunch hour. Everyone has specific jobs. “Barista 1”, “Barista 2”, and “Cashier”. The baristas make smoothies, frappes, blenders, and lattes. While the cashier takes peoples orders and pitches in where they need to.
According to AHS students the most popular drinks are the caramel frappe, cookies ‘n cream blender, strawberry banana smoothie, and a hazelnut latte. We also hand out punch cards to those who ask, the first five drinks you order you get 50% off a drink and at your 10th you get a free drink of your choice.
Stop by during lunch to support the Gold Standard Coffee Shop and remember it’s a class option at Andale High School under the business department!
