Hi Everyone, I hope you all are having a great summer. The weather has been amazing. I am usually not one to complain but I do not love the gray skies of Wisconsin in the winter but these glorious summer days seem to push those memories far away. I am thankful for each of these amazing days.
In this update:
- Shorewood Cafe Remodel – Grand Opening
- Workshop Wrap-Up
- Employee Council – Summary and Communication
- Inclusion Survey
Shorewood Cafe Remodel – Grand Opening
As I type this update (Thursday evening) the tech team and the retail team are putting the finishing touches on our new space at our Shorewood Cafe. I am thankful for the work of these teams along with our Products & Implementation team who have also worked for months getting ready to add the last layer to the cafe. The cafe will reopen for customers on Friday (today) July 8th. Please swing by to see the beautiful wallpaper, the living walls, the new seating and the new service area. Grab a drink and come say hello.
Workshop Wrap-Up
Three weeks ago we completed four Never Stop Learning workshops. Thank you all for your participation and your open, honest sharing and feedback. Please see a few of the themes that emerged. Next week the leadership team will be reviewing all the comments and commitments taken as we work to execute against all needs we heard.
Hot: Love it!
- Summer launch items, seasonal decaf and new sweet foam recipe.
- Sample bag popularity
- Merry Chef installs
Not Hot: Work areas
- Review of syrup batch sizes as it relates to frig space.
- Troubleshooting how we fill sample bags more efficiently.
- Product lines (and menus and square) have become quite robust and somewhat complex.
Employee Council – Summary and Communication
This past Tuesday we held our July employee council meeting. We meet every other month.
In the meetings every other month we have a chance to talk about what is Hot and What is Not Hot from the team’s perspective.
First, I would like to thank the members of the employee council who regularly speak-up about what is working and what is not. This work is super important and helpful to me in my role as the leader of the company. I get a chance to hear directly from team members and learn about their work. I have shared with the council that I love these meetings but they can also be a tad overwhelming as we talk through the many things that need improvement. However, after each meeting the workload is always manageable and the Never Stop Learning culture is strong.
In the council this week we discussed how we could do a better job communicating the work we do and the commitments we make to the rest of the company. We decided that we would publish the commitments we make in the employee newsletter we send to all employees. Please expect to see this soon.
Inclusion Survey – Open Until July 19th!
At Stone Creek Coffee we recognize that it’s not enough to say that we are inclusive. We have to engage in difficult conversations, occasionally feel a little uncomfortable, and analyze our behavior.
We understand that our team members are a diverse group of individuals who have unique voices, backgrounds, and perspectives, and speaking up and sharing how we feel can be difficult.
This is why Stone Creek Coffee has developed this anonymous survey. We strive to Never Stop Learning about you and your experiences in order to grow as a diverse, equitable, and inclusive employer.
Take the Survey HERE.
Summer Pay & Performance Reviews
During the month of July everyone should be having their Pay & Performance reviews with their team leader. These meetings, three times a year, are a great opportunity to both receive feedback and to give feedback to your team leader. Improving each team and work space at SCC is a group effort. My hope is that each team member at SCC leaves these meetings in consensus with their team leader about their path for performance development and their pay development. If at any point you want to receive coaching on how to prepare for these meetings, or if you are not happy with this process or how your review went, please reach out to Rachel, our Director of Employee Care (rperik@stonecreekcoffee.com). You are also always welcome to reach out to me or Drew (dpond@stonecreekcoffee.com) directly. We will always make time to ensure you are heard and supported.
Have a great weekend.
Eric
eresch@stonecreekcoffee.com
Eric
Managing Director
eresch@stonecreekcoffee.com