In the world of hospitality and food service, online reputation has become a key factor in attracting new customers and retaining loyal ones. Often seen as a detail, coffee is in fact a strategic element for the reputation of cafés, restaurants, and hospitality venues — especially because it’s the last flavor that lingers in the customer’s mouth… and memory.
Why Reviews Matter
91% of Customers Read Reviews Before Choosing a Venue
According to a study by BrightLocal, 91% of consumers read online reviews before deciding on a café or restaurant.
Platforms like Google, TripAdvisor, and TheFork have made customers more discerning, more critical, and more easily influenced.
Reputation is built review after review — and sometimes a small detail, like a poorly made espresso, can ruin an entire experience.
How Coffee Impacts Post-Meal or Breakfast Reviews
Coffee, typically served at the end of a meal, leaves the final impression.
When it’s well-balanced, flavorful, and nicely presented, it strengthens a positive experience.
If it’s burnt, cold, or poorly handled, it can overshadow everything else, turning a potential 5-star review into a disappointing comment.
Coffee as the Final Touch of the Experience
The Espresso Is Often the Last Memory the Customer Takes Away
Customers may forget what was on their main course, but they will remember the espresso served afterward.
Coffee is not just a habit; it’s the closing signature of the experience.
In a market where businesses compete on quality, speed, and atmosphere, that final cup plays a strategic role.
Poor Coffee = A Negative Final Impression
A poorly served coffee — made with little care or a low-quality blend — signals neglect.
A customer who may have just paid a premium bill could leave feeling disappointed at the last moment. And that feeling often finds its way into their review.
Reviews Confirm It: What Customers Really Say
Reviews speak clearly: coffee is often mentioned even when it’s not the main offering.
Analyzing feedback on TripAdvisor and Google My Business, recurring keywords emerge, such as:
“burnt espresso,” “bitter coffee,” “well-presented cup,” “excellent crema,” “impeccable presentation.”
Clear indicators of how much coffee quality influences overall judgment.
How to Improve the Coffee Experience in Your Venue
Choose a Blend Consistent With Your Offering
Your coffee blend should always be of high quality and should reflect the style of your venue and the preferences of your clientele.
Regional habits also matter: for example, southern Italy tends to prefer blends with a higher Robusta content, while northern Italy favors Arabica-dominant blends.
Standardize Extraction and Train Your Staff
Quality comes from consistency.
Training staff to keep the equipment clean, correctly dose, and respect extraction times is essential.
To consistently deliver high-quality espresso, it’s crucial to understand the coffee itself and how to bring out its best during extraction.
Pay Attention to Presentation and Service
A carefully selected cup, a uniform and persistent crema, latte art on a cappuccino — these are the details that convey quality and care.
In an increasingly visual world, appearance matters too.
Communicating the Value of Coffee in Your Online Strategy
Photos, Storytelling, Coffee Menu: Content That Makes a Difference
A dedicated coffee menu, social media posts about the origin of your blend, or a perfect espresso photo: storytelling around coffee creates value and drives engagement.
Consumers are paying more attention to premium, distinctive raw materials that set a business apart.
Using Coffee to Generate Positive Reviews
Encourage happy customers to leave reviews: sometimes a perfectly brewed cup is all it takes to receive positive feedback on social platforms or review sites.
And every positive review is free, credible advertising for your venue.
Conclusion: Invest in Coffee, Reap the Rewards in Reputation
A cup of coffee is not just a detail — it’s a strategic asset in shaping your venue’s image.
With a selected blend, well-executed service, and consistent communication, espresso can become a powerful tool for branding and customer loyalty.
Choosing ORO Caffè means partnering with a company that combines quality, consultancy, and training.
Through the Oro Caffè Academy, professional baristas and coffee machine technicians can access dedicated training courses.
