MEET THE 2005 NWRBC CHAMP!

Jennifer Prince
Zoka Coffee Roaster & Tea Co.
Seattle, Washington

Unlike many baristas who go on to compete, Jennifer Prince knew exactly what she was getting herself into when she took a job as a barista at Seattle’s Zoka Coffee Roaster & Tea Co., in 2002. The company’s reputation for being a top finisher in national and international barista competitions preceded it—Zoka Proprietor Jeff Babcock was one of the first to follow the lead of European barista champions who saw competitions as a way to not only increase their company’s visibility, but to promote specialty coffee to consumers.
Prince took her position at the company’s second location, University Zoka, and ran with it, proving herself not only worthy of the title Lead Barista, but of the rigorous barista competition training regime through which Zoka channels its best and brightest.

After months of training, Prince made her first competition appearance at the 2004 Northwest Regional Barista Competition (NWRBC), earning an admirable fourth place. She went on to compete at the 2005 USBC in Seattle, her performance earning her a spot in the semi-final round.

When Prince appeared as the NWRBC Champ at the United States Barista Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina, however, she had already secured a spot in the semi-final round by way of winning regional champ status. As usual, Prince impressed the judges with her charisma and technical excellence, and executed her longtime signature drink, the Speckled Chipotle, brilliantly. She won 20th overall in the competition.

“ The level of professionalism has increased in how more baristas are presenting with an articulate demeanor (and an) emphasis on customer service,” says Prince.

But it’s a development she applauds. “Competitions stimulate connections and the sharing of knowledge between members all over the barista community,” she says. “It’s all about promoting quality in the end.”