The Parallels Between Cuban Cafecito and UF Cafecito’s Core Values
Cuban espresso, a.k.a cafecito, stands alone in the coffee world with its high caffeine concentration, making it a strong, fast, and reliable option for daily coffee drinkers. A few of the main characteristics that separate cafecito from a standard cup of coffee include:
Fast and Easy to Drink and Make – Cuban cafecito is known for its quick preparation process, allowing for an almost instant boost of energy. Unlike traditional drip coffee, which can take several minutes to brew, Cuban cafecito is brewed in a matter of moments, making it an ideal option for those in need of a fast caffeine fix.
Stronger Flavor – With its bold and rich taste, Cuban cafecito offers a unique coffee-drinking experience. The dark roast coffee beans create an intense and slightly smoky flavor, making every sip a powerful and satisfying one.
Caffeine-Rich for a Quick Jumpstart – Due to its concentrated nature, Cuban espresso provides a rapid and effective caffeine boost, perfect for busy students and professionals who need to stay alert and focused throughout the day.
Our core values at UF Cafecito are centered around speed and efficiency. Within those core values, we aim to embody the characteristics of Cuban cafecito by providing fast and convenient service to the busy community here on campus at the University of Florida. Whether students are hurrying to class or taking a short break between study sessions, our goal is to provide them with high-quality Cuban espresso without disrupting their schedules.
Speed and efficiency are two of the main characteristics that make Cuban cafecito so special, so we took it upon ourselves to inherit those same characteristics in our business model to make Espress-Go special as well. Our commitment to speed and efficiency is central to our decision-making and operating processes as a provider of Cuban cafecito. Some of the ways that Espress-Go emphasizes speed within our daily operations include:
Pre-made Espresso Shots – To decrease wait times, our team prepares shots of cafecito before customers approach, ensuring a seamless purchasing experience. This allows customers to receive their coffee quickly and get back to their busy schedules.
Rotating Espresso Machines – By using a rotation system for our espresso machines, we minimize downtime for cleaning and reloading. This ensures that there is always a fresh batch of Cuban cafecito ready to serve at any given moment.
Prime Location – We are strategically located in the heart of the University of Florida Warrington School of Business, allowing students easy access to their caffeine fix without having to go out of their way. This ensures that they can get their coffee quickly and continue with their day without delay.
As for efficiency, Espress-Go embodies the efficient nature of Cuban cafecito through various strategic decisions:
Efficient Business Meetings – To maintain our focus on efficiency, our team meetings are no longer than 30 minutes. This ensures that discussions remain productive and to the point, allowing us to maximize our operational effectiveness without unnecessary distractions.
Optimized Hours of Operation – We operate during peak morning hours, the time when students and faculty members need a shot of cafecito the most. By concentrating our efforts during these high-traffic periods, we maximize our ability to serve as many customers as possible.
Streamlined Payment Methods – In an effort to make transactions as quick and effortless as possible, we accept online payments through Venmo and Zelle. This eliminates the need for cash transactions and reduces wait times, allowing for a smoother purchasing experience.
Another central characteristic of Cuban espresso is the social tradition. In Cuban culture, cafecito is typically enjoyed with friends and family as a morning or mid-afternoon pick-me-up. It serves as more than just a beverage—it is a moment of connection and a shared experience. At Espress-Go, we aim to capture this sense of community by creating an inviting space where students can take a brief mental break, engage in quick conversations, and recharge before heading to their next class. As students pass by and pick up a quick cafecito, we hope to take their minds off their busy schedules and foster an environment where they can connect with one another, even if just for a few moments.
Ultimately, Espress-Go is more than just a coffee stand—it is a reflection of the Cuban cultural experience. Through speed, efficiency, and a commitment to community, we bring the essence of cafecito culture to the University of Florida, providing students with a convenient and enjoyable way to fuel their day.
The next time you're hustling through campus, make a quick pit stop at our Cuban cafecito stand for a coffee-drinking experience unlike any other!
