On the podcast this week we're exploring the Head of Coffee function in different hospitality businesses and finding out what it takes to succeed in this crucial role.
In conversations with Ryan Garrick, Head of Coffee, WatchHouse, Christopher Jordan, Group Head of Coffee Caffè Nero, Jennifer Salamone, VP of Operations and Antonia Petaccio, Head of Coffee Training DC, at Tatte Bakery, we unpack the broad set of responsibilities that fall under the Head of Coffee role, from leading the sourcing and roasting to barista training and managing external partners. We also discuss the career progression to become Head of Coffee and share advice for baristas looking to take the next step up.
Credits music: "Don't" by Marley collaboration with The Coffee Music Project
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Guests

Chris Jordan
Group Head of Coffee, Caffe Nero
With over 25 years in the coffee industry, Chris Jordan is a globally recognised leader with in-depth experience in sourcing, sustainability, roasting, quality, marketing and product development across diverse geographies. Jordan is currently the Group Head of Coffee for Caffe Nero, leading the companies’ sourcing, roasting, product development and coffee training teams.

Ryan Garrick
Head of Coffee, WatchHouse
Ryan Garrick is Head of Coffee WatchHouse, a boutique specialty coffee business with over 10 locations across London. A qualified coffee Q-grader, Garrick leads the development of WatchHouse’s green coffee program in-store and online working closely with producers and small importers and exporters to source unique specialty coffees based on quality and flavour.

Jennifer Salamone
VP of Operations, Tatte Bakery
Tatte Bakery was founded in 2007, originally selling baked goods at a farmers market in Boston and now has 30 bakeries around Boston and Washington DC. Born and raised in Boston, Jennifer Salamone joined Tatte in 2015 as assistant to the founder Tzurit Or. Salamone now leads cafe operators for Boston and supports on Taste’s coffee programme.

Antonia Petaccio
Head of Coffee Training DC, Tatte Bakery
Antonia Petaccio joined Tatte Bakery in 2022 as a barista and worked on new cafe openings before joining the Learning & Development team as a Coffee Trainer. Petaccio is responsible for all coffee related training for the DC market baristas and managers and is involved in all new cafe openings in the market.