Lavazza announced Thursday the opening of its training facility in Chicago. After two training center openings in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and Miami, Florida in late 2022, the brand is expanding its North American footprint. Existing training centers are located in New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto.
The newest center, certified as a Specialty Coffee Association Premier Training Campus, houses coffee equipment and tools to help inform the future of coffee making and support new and emerging trends in the space, according to Lavazza. Led by director of training, Frank LaRusso, the location will educate Lavazza staff, baristas, sales representatives, restaurant and hotel partners, and office coffee and away-from-home distributors on using Lavazza products.
"We are so excited to be opening a new training facility and further the expansion of our brand and its experts. We look forward to continuing our dedication to training and leading within the industry through our master classes and shared passion for all things coffee," said LaRusso in a statement.
Master classes will be available for coffee industry professionals. With both "Barista Training" and "Coffee Menu Management," participants will receive hands-on training and professional tips.
This center will also serve as a hub and gathering space for the coffee industry in Chicago, according to Lavazza.
"We hope that our new training facility serves the community of Chicago and fosters an environment for creativity, learning, and a shared passion for coffee," said Camille Vareille, VP and head of marketing for the Americas at Lavazza Group, in a statement.
Related: New York Lawmakers Consider Selling Wine in Grocery Stores; Riverside, Howard Park ShopRite Launch 'Fresh to Table'
Image: Lavazza