Barista Training Classes in Minneapolis
Tiny Footprint Coffee

Tiny Footprint Coffee offers fun, hands-on, and interactive barista training classes for every skill level — from beginners to seasoned veterans at our Twin Cities, MN Roastery. Our classes deepen your knowledge, strengthen your technique, and bring even more joy to the craft of coffee and espresso beverage creation.

The specialty coffee market has become a global phenomenon, and more people than ever are discovering the joy of learning from top-tier cafés. As demand for high-quality coffee continues to rise in Minnesota, skilled baristas are essential to delivering the perfect cup. Whether you're an aspiring home brewer or an experienced coffee café professional, ongoing training is key to standing out in the industry.

Today, a barista isn’t just someone behind the counter — they’re a creator of memorable, craft coffee experiences. That’s why continuous professional development is vital for anyone looking to grow in this field.

Ready to take the next step?

All barista training courses are available on Eventbrite - all the links take you there

Location:
Tiny Footprint Coffee
6840 Shingle Creek Parkway Suite 7
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430

Class Descriptions

Barista 1 

Our Barista Training Level 1 course is designed for anyone who wants to get started in the coffee industry. Whether you're a complete beginner or someone looking to brush up on the basics, this hands-on class will guide you through every step of the coffee journey. By the end of this course, you’ll have a solid foundation to start your barista lessons journey and pour the perfect cup of coffee!

Topics Covered

• History of Coffee: Understand the origins of coffee and its cultural significance.
• Espresso Basics: Learn how to brew a rich, flavorful espresso shot.
• Milk Steaming Techniques: Master the art of steaming milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
• Equipment Handling: Get comfortable with essential coffee-making tools.

Latte Art

After completing barista training course Level 1, or if you already have some barista experience, Latte Art Level 1 is the next step. This course will help you perfect your latte art and explore free-pouring techniques. With extensive practice time and expert guidance, you’ll gain the skills to craft beautiful designs on your coffee drinks.

Topics Covered

• Milk Texture Perfection: Achieve the ideal creamy texture for art.
• Free-Pouring Techniques: Learn how to pour elegant, intricate designs.
• Creative Design Execution: Develop your personal flair for latte art.

Brewing Pro

For those who already have brewing experience and want to take their skills to the next level, the Coffee Brewing Pro course dives into advanced brewing techniques. Whether you’re using a Chemex, Kalita, or exploring cold brew systems, this class will help you refine your brewing methods to perfection. 

Topics Covered

• Brewing Methods: Master Chemex, Kalita, cold brew, and Nitro brewing.
• Science of Extraction: Learn the chemical principles behind coffee extraction.
• Water-to-Coffee Ratios: Understand how to fine-tune your water and coffee measurements for the perfect brew.

Cupping

Cupping is how coffee professionals taste and select the best coffees. This class teaches you how to taste coffee for quality and analyze its flavor profile. If you want to expand your palate or enhance your ability to select the best coffees for you or your cafe, this course is for you. 

Topics Covered

• Flavor and Aroma Analysis: Learn how to detect subtle notes and aromas in coffee.
• Coffee Descriptions: Understand how to properly describe coffee flavors.
• Blind Tasting: Practice tasting coffee without knowing its identity to eliminate bias.

Coffee Biz: How to Open a Coffee Business

Dreaming of running your own coffee shop? The Coffee Biz Course provides everything you need to know to open and operate a successful coffee business. From ideation to implementation, this course covers business planning, financing, marketing, and more.

Topics Covered

• Business Planning
• Sourcing Sustainable Coffee
• Equipment Selection
• Marketing Strategies
• Customer Engagement

Class Descriptions

Barista Training Camp

One-day immersive and intimate experience to complete four courses back to back Whether you're refining your skills or starting fresh, this is the most efficient and fun way to get trained and skilled in the world of coffee. Limited to just 4 attendees, this intimate workshop delivers personalized guidance tailored to your level, from beginner curiosity to pro refinement. 

Additional Tips for Aspiring Baristas:

Experiment with Different Brews: Don't stick to just one brewing method—experimenting with different methods like Chemex, AeroPress, or Kalita can help you discover your ideal cup.

Understand Coffee Varieties: Learn about different coffees, their origins, how they are processed and their flavor profiles. This knowledge will help you select the best coffees for your coffee drinks.

Keep Practicing: Barista skills improve with practice. The more you practice your milk steaming, espresso shots, and latte art, the better your results will be.

Which Course is Right For Me?

“I’ve never made espresso before.”
 Start with Barista Training Level 1 to learn espresso, milk steaming, and how to make classic café drinks.

“I want to learn latte art."
 Take Latte Art Level 1 to practice milk texture and free-pour designs like hearts and rosettas.

“I want to brew better coffee at home.”
Try Coffee Brewing Pro to learn Chemex, Kalita, cold brew, and Nitro brewing techniques.

“I want to taste coffee like a pro.”
Join a Cupping Class to develop your palate and learn how professionals evaluate coffee.

“I’m thinking about opening a coffee shop.”
The Coffee Biz Course covers the fundamentals of starting and running a café.

Still unsure? Start with Barista Training Level 1 - it’s the best foundation for most people.

Have Any Questions?

We are here to help.