How Hermanos Saved 10% on Coffee and Elevated Their Offering with Artefact

Maintaining a reputation for excellence while managing the rising costs of hospitality is a delicate balancing act. For Rupert and James at Hermanos, the decision to switch coffee suppliers wasn't just about the bottom line—it was about community trust and quality.

By switching to Artefact Coffee, they managed to reduce their wholesale outgoings by 10% without compromising on the specialty standards their regulars expect. Here is how they did it.

Finding the Right Fit

Hermanos had been with the same roaster since they opened. When they decided it was time for a change, they turned to their team of baristas for feedback.

The search led them to Artefact. The connection was immediate: Dan (owner of Artefact) was a local who already visited the shop, and the baristas were already brewing his coffee at home. Choosing a roaster that the staff and customers already trusted made the transition feel like a natural evolution rather than a risky change.

Managing the Transition

A common fear for any established café is that changing the "house blend" will alienate regulars. Hermanos navigated this by involving their staff in the process.

The transition was seamless because the baristas were trained on the new recipes and roasting processes. Their genuine excitement for the new coffee translated across the counter, creating a "buzz" around the new era of coffee at Hermanos rather than a concern over the change.

Balancing Quality and Cost

In the current economy, effective spending is vital for small businesses. However, Hermanos refused to sacrifice quality for savings.

Switching to Artefact allowed them to maintain their exemplary specialty standards while reducing costs by 10%. This saving proved instrumental, allowing the business to absorb other inflated industry costs and balance their overall outgoings.

Support and Training

Adjusting to new beans requires technical precision. To ensure the coffee was served in its best form from day one, Artefact provided on-site training on extraction and machine volumetrics. Having a roaster who is "just a phone call away" gave the team the confidence to replicate high-quality results every single day.

Navigating Hospitality’s Unpredictability

Footfall in hospitality is rarely static. One of the biggest advantages Hermanos found was the flexibility in ordering. By working closely with Artefact, they can adjust delivery volumes and frequencies based on real-time demand—whether that means rushing an extra order after an unexpectedly busy weekend or delaying a delivery during a quiet spell.