Lavazza invests on new specialty coffee association premier training facility in Chicago
May 23 - 2023
Coffee Geography Magazine
Lavazza has opened the new training facility on the Magnificent Mile in Chicago, IL. The Chicago training center will be hosting to a series of exciting events during its opening weekend. Coming off the heels of two successful training center openings in West Chester, PA and Miami, FL in late 2022, and existing training centers in New York, Los Angeles and Toronto, the world renowned, family-owned brand is continuing to expand its footprint within the North American market.
The newest training center, which will be classified as an SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) Premier Training Campus, houses Lavazza's premiere coffee making equipment. In gaining SCA certification, the training center is receiving global recognition for its dedication to making coffee better. Led by Director of Training, Frank LaRusso, the location will serve to educate Lavazza staff, baristas, sales representatives, restaurant and hotel partners and office coffee and away from home distributors on the art of using Lavazza products. This center will also serve as a hub and gathering space for the coffee industry in Chicago. Lavazza's trainers are qualified to the highest level of certification within the industry, as SCA Authorized Specialty Coffee Trainers (AST), and will be onsite to train and certify others with the wide range of equipment available to them at this facility.
"We are so excited to be opening a new training facility and further the expansion of our brand and its experts. We look forward to continuing our dedication to training and leading within the industry through our master classes and shared passion for all things coffee," said Frank LaRusso, Director of Training.
Frank LaRusso, Director of Training
The center will also offer master classes for those looking to accelerate their coffee business. With both "Barista Training" and "Coffee Menu Management," participants will receive hands-on training and professional tips. Led by some of the brand's expert trainers, these classes will teach the art of various brewing methods and management of a coffee menus as a way to increase appeal and profitability.
"With the opening of our new Chicago training center we are showing our dedication to perfecting coffee and commitment to training professionals who can deliver the Lavazza experience we are globally renowned for worldwide," shared Camille Vareille, VP - Head of Marketing Americas at Lavazza Group. "We hope that our new training facility serves the community of Chicago and fosters an environment for creativity, learning and a shared passion for coffee."
Lavazza, founded in Turin in 1895, has been owned by the Lavazza family for four generations. Today the Group is one of the leading players on the global coffee scene, with turnover of over € 2.7 billion and a portfolio of top brands that lead their respective markets, such as Lavazza, Carte Noire, Merrild and Kicking Horse. It is active in all business sectors and has operations in 140 markets, with 8 manufacturing plants in 5 countries and about 5,500 collaborators all over the world.