Recently myself, Nicholas Stone (Founder / CEO) , Jon Krieger (CDO) and Jai Lott (Coffee Director) were lucky enough to leave the big apple and represent Bluestone Lane in Melbourne at MICE – Melbourne International Coffee Expo.
The purpose was simple – to find some of the most talented Barista’s and Hospitality professionals that may be eligible for a 12 month NY Visa.
The most logical place to start… the silicon valley of the coffee world. Melbourne.
MICE itself was fantastic. We were quickly over-caffeinated, trying some of the best coffees the world has to offer (as well as offering our own espresso with roasting partners Niccolo Coffee) and we were blown away by some of the new technology the coffee world is beginning to use. Speaking with coffee’s heavy hitters Ben Morrow, Caleb Tiger, Jibbi Little and Toby Smith really helped understand where coffee is right now and where we are heading.
Each morning and afternoon we toured the best of the best in coffee and food around Melbourne City and suburbs and were subjected to inspired offerings from all over. Melbourne is leading the way in the industry and the creativity behind the food offerings, coupled with the professionalism of staff and the execution of espresso and alternative brewing methods is a thing I have personally not seen matched anywhere in the world.
We spoke with hundreds of eager applicants to come and work in New York and we are very excited to see what happens next!
