Basically, from what I’ve heard from partners who have participated, it’s following standards on drinks to the tee. They also test on speed, micro foam, temperature, and all the other drink aspects. There’s ways to get bonus points such as making latte art.

I always volunteered so I went straight to the district competition lol and there you had to made a flat white (bonus points for latte art). A white mocha, a PERFECT cappuccino. And a seasonal drink. Along with all of that you had to make a perfect pour over.

Throughout the entire process you explain the proper steps in making the drink to show off your knowledge in coffee. (What a perfect espresso shot should look like as well as proper steamed milk)

The first year they did it I went to the area level competition. At that level it was all coffee masters and I wasn’t a coffee master at that point. It was held at the corporate center in Seattle and was super fun! Though still a very serious competition. The girl they announced as area winner cried and it was actually super sweet. She had started in Japan and then transferred to the US and could do amazing latte art!

The way they did it the first 3 years (I quit in 2018 and just came back as a rehire this year so I’m not sure if or how much they’ve changed the process) there were two sections. The first one you make three drinks, it was a flat white, a caramel macchiato, and maybe a latte or cappuccino, I can’t remember the last one for sure. You have to stay in beverage routine and sequence, they look for quality of beverage (the way it looks and tastes) they also look at milk waste. You also have to be able to keep up a little conversation while making the drinks. Usually discuss characteristics of the beverages, who would order them, who you’d suggest them too, etc.

The second portion is a coffee tasting where you get a random scenario and have to prepare a tasting for it. Mine was “your customer has just returned from Hawaii and fell in love with Kona coffee, your store doesn’t offer Kona, what would you suggest for them?”

It’s worth entering at the store level for sure! You may end up making it to the district level and then onward from there! Just know they’re serious about quality and want you to have a great personality at the same time.

I competed and I had to make a perfect latte while explaining the steps!

Following this. I want to participate too

I think it could be fun!