Jack Foster and Mark Slinger: The Dynamic Duo Behind Crosby Coffee
Jack Foster and Mark Slinger, childhood friends who grew up on the same street in Crosby, have taken their passion for coffee and turned it into a thriving business. What started as a small roastery has now become a major supplier to some of Merseyside’s most popular cafes, bars, and restaurants. Their brand, Crosby Coffee, has quickly become a household name in the region, with its logo adorning windows of establishments across Liverpool.
The Journey to Success
Jack Foster, with a background in hospitality, found his love for speciality coffee while travelling the country as a freelance hospitality manager. It was during his travels that he realized the lack of high-quality coffee options in Liverpool compared to other cities. In 2014, Jack decided to open his own roastery to introduce speciality coffee to the North West while continuing to work freelance to build up the business.
Mark Slinger, on the other hand, comes from a property background, originally working as a building surveyor and later setting up his own estate agency. Mark’s expertise in building and financial decisions complemented Jack’s operational skills and green coffee sourcing, making them the perfect team to take Crosby Coffee to new heights.
Education and Community Impact
Crosby Coffee’s vision goes beyond just supplying coffee – they aim to educate their local communities about the art of speciality coffee. Jack and Mark believe in sharing their knowledge and passion for coffee with others, which led them to establish the Liverpool Coffee Collective. This initiative organizes free coffee events throughout the city to educate and inspire coffee enthusiasts and hospitality professionals.
The company’s commitment to education extends to its staff and wholesale partners as well. Crosby Coffee provides in-depth training to ensure that everyone involved in the coffee-making process understands the intricacies of creating high-quality blends. By fostering a sense of inclusivity within the coffee community, Crosby Coffee has become a hub for learning and innovation in Liverpool.
The Art of Coffee Blending
Creating the perfect coffee blend is a meticulous process that requires attention to detail and a refined palate. Jack Foster explains that the blending process starts with a clear vision of the end product – the desired taste, body, and aroma. Through cupping sessions and experimentation with different coffee samples, the team at Crosby Coffee crafts unique blends that cater to a variety of preferences.
After selecting the base coffee for the blend, multiple samples are cupped to determine the ideal ratio of each component. The team then roasts the blend on different profiles to find the perfect balance of flavors and aromas. By testing the blend across various brewing methods, Crosby Coffee ensures consistency and quality in every cup served.
Expanding Horizons
Despite their success, Jack and Mark are not resting on their laurels. Crosby Coffee has ambitious plans for expansion, with two new shops set to open in the next year. The company recently moved into a new roastery building, equipped with a larger roaster and advanced equipment to enhance quality control and consistency.
The upcoming Hightown shop promises to be a unique addition to Crosby Coffee’s portfolio, showcasing a different aesthetic while maintaining the brand’s commitment to excellence. With plans to open a fourth coffee shop in early 2025, Jack and Mark are excited about the future of Crosby Coffee and the opportunities that lie ahead.
In conclusion, Jack Foster and Mark Slinger’s journey from schoolfriends to successful business partners is a testament to their passion for coffee, dedication to quality, and commitment to community engagement. Crosby Coffee’s rise to prominence in Merseyside is a reflection of their hard work and vision for the brand. As they continue to expand and innovate, Crosby Coffee is poised to become a leading UK coffee business, setting new standards for speciality coffee in the region.