Coffee has long become not just a drink, but a reason for informal communication. Organizers of various seminars, conferences, trainings, as well as corporate meetings and brainstorming sessions took full advantage of this. They proposed breaking up events with short breaks, called coffee breaks. Gradually, certain rules, traditions and style of such breaks were formed. What is a coffee break, what should be the correct organization of a coffee break and what is the traditional menu for it?
History of origin
The tradition originates in the town of Stone, Wisconsin at the end of the 19th century. The wives of Norwegian immigrants were the first to arrange such a break. Local residents later founded the Stoughton Coffee Break festival, which has been held annually since 1880. The Pan American Coffee Bureau popularized coffee gatherings to raise awareness of the beans in America. In 1936, after an advertising campaign, Americans began to take coffee breaks during business negotiations. Over time, it began to be arranged in Europe. In Russia, such events spread in the late 1990s.
General information about coffee breaks
A coffee break is an important part of the working day during business meetings, scientific conferences, symposia, etc.
At formal meetings, it is carried out at strictly designated times. A table with drinks and various snacks is set in the conference room or special room. In offices, such breaks can be held for employees in the morning and evening in the rest area.
Purpose of the event
During formal events, the need to process large amounts of information and the sitting position quickly drain the body. Therefore, the organizers arrange a coffee break, the purpose of which is to restore strength with a cup of aromatic drink. This time can be used to comprehend the knowledge gained, communicate with other participants, and relax.
Blitz survey about coffee break
First, let's get answers to the questions that arise when getting acquainted with a new type of break.
| Question | Answer |
| When do you have a coffee break? | After two to three hours of intense mental work during seminars, presentations, symposiums, conferences and other official events |
| What is it for? | For a break from hard work, refreshment with snacks and drinks, free, informal communication |
| How many breaks can there be during the event? | Depends on the organizers, usually 1 - 3 |
| What is its duration | 30 - 40 minutes, every 2 - 3 hours. Possible 2 – 4 breaks if the meeting lasts a long time |
| Conducting style | Buffet. Guests choose their own drinks and snacks and stand and have a snack in a relaxed atmosphere, chatting with each other. There is no entertainment during the event |
| Where are the treats located? | On tables that have easy access. Serving is simple, the main thing is that cups, plates, napkins, treats are easy to reach |
| What snacks are offered? | The choice of products depends on the budget; usually event participants will find the following on the tables: Cold appetizers: sandwiches, canapés, meat, fish or cheese platters; Fruits; Desserts: mini pies, buns, bagels, cakes, muffins, cookies |
| What drinks are offered? | Sticks with coffee, sugar, bags of black and green tea (coolers with hot water are provided), assorted juices, and mineral water are provided. For coffee - milk and cream. There is often a coffee machine for making fresh espresso or cappuccino |
| Table setting | Cutlery is not provided. Cups, glasses, plates, napkins in the required quantity. The decoration of the tables corresponds to the status of the event. A high level of participants requires beautiful dishes, a large selection and sophistication of treats, expensive drinks, including good alcohol. It is served at the final stage of the event |
| How to spell "coffee break" | Two hyphenated words, separate words “coffee break”, as well as the combined spelling “coffee break” are erroneous |
Please note: the coffee break menu also depends on the time of year. For example, in winter the emphasis is on hot drinks, pies, and hot dishes are also possible. In summer, mineral water, juices, jellies, and fruits are held in high esteem.
Event Rules
When planning a coffee time-out, the status and number of participants and the duration of the event are taken into account. Typically, a maximum of 40 minutes is allocated for it. Tea, coffee and light meals are provided.
Etiquette
Organizing an event begins with choosing a venue. For a small number of guests, you can allocate a seating area in the room where the event is taking place. If there are more than 15 people, it is better to choose another room.
When holding a coffee break, adhere to the following rules:
- A period of 15 to 40 minutes is enough to take a break, but not enough for complete relaxation.
- Coffee breaks are arranged every 2.5-3 hours. If a long event is planned, interruptions are made 3-4 times.
- In addition to tea, coffee and other drinks, light snacks (canapés, sandwiches, sweet pastries) are served.
- The first coffee break takes place at the beginning of the meeting, the last - a buffet - after the end of the negotiations or conference.
- A pause involves communication, so music, TV and entertainment in the room will be unnecessary.
- You cannot take snacks with you into the meeting room.
The format of the event depends on the status of the participants and the type of meeting. At business negotiations, seminars or at work over a cup of drink, guests communicate in an informal setting, so it is better to organize self-service.
International meetings require a coffee break, which resembles a banquet with a high level of service.
Coffee break: purpose and menu features
In the modern business world, maintaining effective partnerships is impossible without the practice of collective discussion of surveys. Meetings must be organized and conducted according to certain rules. This will allow a meeting of any format to be held with maximum efficiency, benefit for the participants, and according to the agreed time frame. Effective coffee breaks allow you to successfully solve a business problem or find a group solution to a problem thanks to the well-thought-out organization of the meeting. During the break, participants will be able to relax in an informal atmosphere, establish and strengthen business relationships.
Subtleties of organization
When preparing such a holiday, the menu and table setting are taken into account. The higher the position of the event participants in society, the more expensive the products. When creating a menu, you must remember that you are planning a snack, not a full lunch. Much attention is paid to the quality and quantity of drinks. For high-level meetings, natural coffee and tea are required. To keep them warm, you can use restaurant thermoses.
The choice of dishes depends on the nationality of the invited persons and the level of the event. For Europeans, hygiene is important, so they buy disposable plates and cutlery in individual packaging. Russians perceive such serving as a sign of economy. For influential people, choose porcelain, glass or crystal dishes.
For large events, baristas and coffee ladies are hired, whose duties include preparing and serving drinks.
Organizing a coffee break
A large company can organize a popular break during a work meeting. It is enough to buy food, prepare dishes and equipment, set the tables according to the buffet or buffet principle and invite guests to have a good time: relax, eat, chat with each other.
Most organizers prefer to involve professionals and order an on-site coffee break. This type of service in the catering industry is called catering. This is a whole industry of contract catering. Catering companies and restaurants offer ready-made solutions for holding a coffee break, but you can make individual adjustments to them.
Preparation and process
The most convenient option would be to arrange cocktail tables and buffet lines in a separate room. Due to the lack of utility space, the coffee break is prepared in the same room where the event is taking place. For this purpose, a special area is allocated, fenced off with screens or furniture. This option is less convenient, since meeting participants will be distracted by the preparation process and delicious smells.
Having chosen coffee break catering, the organizing party will have to:
- discuss the menu with the company preparing the coffee break, taking into account the status and schedule of the event;
- negotiate the delivery of furniture and equipment;
- resolve the issue of table decoration and serving;
- prepare financial documents;
- meet company employees and provide them with a field for activity.
Since the main principle of coffee breaks is self-service, the functions of waiters include cleaning dishes after use by guests and maintaining order on tables and buffet lines. At higher-status events, waiters move around the room with trays and offer drinks to guests. Coffee and tea are prepared by guest baristas or coffee ladies, but more often this process is self-service.
According to statistics, prices for services from catering companies vary from 600 rubles per person for economy service, from 1000 rubles for standard service and from 2500 rubles per person for a premium option. The price includes: menu, professional service, logistics costs.
There are many catering companies in big cities; there is plenty to choose from and organize a coffee break correctly, including at the highest level.
Menu options
Different menus are developed for seminars, international conferences, and business negotiations. They differ in the number of positions and types of drinks. The basic set includes serving coffee and tea with sweet pastries. During the coffee break, important people are given additional water, juices, and a lot of cold snacks.
Basic
Be sure to offer black and green tea bags and instant coffee. Additionally, lemon, cream, and sugar are placed on the table. Sweet pastries are served with drinks: muffins, cupcakes, chocolate and shortbread cookies.
Economy
This option is suitable for feeding office workers. In addition to standard drinks, the budget menu includes berry and fruit juices. Guests are offered canapés with various fillings (pate, cucumbers, ham, cheese), chocolates, and pastries.
Traditional
Such a pause is arranged at conferences or important business negotiations. Preference is given to more satisfying dishes compared to the budget option. The traditional menu contains sandwiches (with chicken and lettuce, boiled pork, salmon, salami), canapés and 2-3 types of cheese on skewers.
The list of drinks includes coffee beans, several types of tea (in bags), juices, sparkling and still water. For dessert, croissants, sweets and fruit are served.
Premium
The menu is developed for events where guests with VIP status gather. A small mistake can cost the organizers their reputation. They often hire catering companies to turn their leisure time into a mini-banquet.
The premium menu contains many items:
- natural coffe;
- black, green tea;
- juices;
- fruit drinks, lemonades from fresh fruits and berries;
- water in glass bottles (with or without sparkling water);
- meat and vegetable sandwiches;
- tartlets (with caviar, shrimp, cheese);
- canapés with different fillings;
- cheeses, fruits on skewers.
Guests can enjoy small cakes, pastries (strudel, charlotte, profiteroles), chocolate mousse, and sweet mini-pies. In addition to drinks, in addition to the basic set, honey, jam and sweetener are served.
Alcohol
Alcohol is included in the coffee break menu at semi-formal meetings or at the end of an event. In addition to standard drinks and dishes, it includes hot snacks and table wines.
Menu types
Correctly selected dishes will help to successfully implement the functions of a coffee break, satisfy the feeling of hunger, ensure a comfortable state of guests and a favorable emotional background. Several menu options have been developed, which are chosen based on the scale, specifics of the event, the number of participants, and the special needs of some of them (additional fructose is included for diabetics, freshly squeezed juices for vegetarians).
| Coffee break menu options | Peculiarities |
| Base | Includes a basic set of snacks - baked goods (muffins, cookies), less often small sandwiches, sandwiches. The drinks most often chosen are bagged tea and coffee granules, supplemented with sugar, milk, and lemon. |
| Economy | The menu consists of a budget set of dishes. Customers can order canapes with herring, tapas on crispy toast with smoked ham, sausage, bruschetta with cheese, croissants with tuna, salads in tartlets. The top places are occupied by meat, fish, vegetable, cheese tiny sandwiches, small sandwiches (bruschetta or croissants). Plate salads are popular - with baked chicken breast and fried champignons. The list of drinks is complemented by juice and dessert - chocolates. |
| Traditional | Often includes products such as a chicken sandwich on a lettuce leaf, meat canapés, and cheese wedges on a skewer. For dessert - sweets, puff pastry bagel. |
| Premium | This type of menu contains the maximum number of items, which allows the guest to choose the most delicious product for themselves. All types of canapés, meat sandwiches, salads in cups, and fruit slices are popular. For dessert, in addition to cookies and sweets, they offer small pies, cakes, and mini baskets with cream and berries. |
Popular drinks include traditional tea, coffee, mineral and sweet water, as well as juice, berry juice, and mulled wine (with or without alcohol).
One of the basic functions of a coffee break is to provide an opportunity to relax, get closer to interesting people, and make the atmosphere light and comfortable. Properly selected dishes and drinks will allow you to successfully achieve your goals and win over the participants of a seminar or business meeting. It is important to pay due attention to serving - plates should be accessible from anywhere, they are placed “in a circle”, that is, from cutlery, napkins, the guest moves on to appetizers, hot dishes, and then to drinks. This approach will make it possible to rationally use space and avoid crowds.
Coffee break traditions from around the world
Residents of different countries set aside a few minutes every day to drink a cup of aromatic drink. For Ethiopians, such a holiday is an ancient ritual with many rules. Americans and Germans continue to work during the coffee break. Residents of Latin America, Sweden and Austria are accustomed to drinking coffee leisurely in the company of friends or colleagues.
USA
The phenomenon became widespread in the country when trade unions were allowed to give workers rest during the working day. Coffee timeout occurs every 1-1.5 hours, but Americans do not have a special break. They do not interrupt work or negotiations, so they prefer light snacks. You can use standard dishes (including paper glasses). 2-3 types of drinks made from natural grains are enough.
Ethiopia
For Ethiopians, buna tetu, which translates to “drinking coffee,” lasts about 3 hours. They do not welcome quick coffee breaks and do not limit themselves to 1 cup. Here, preparing and drinking a drink is a ritual that shows respect and welcome towards those invited.
The ceremony is carried out in compliance with the following rules:
- Before roasting the beans, incense is burned to ward off evil spirits.
- The youngest woman in the house does the cooking.
- The roasted grains are given to all guests to smell so that they can feel the aroma.
- The drink is prepared in a jebene, a vessel for brewing coffee.
- The eldest member of the family tries it first.
- Each guest drinks 3 cups. Ethiopians believe that the first gives a taste, the second brings good luck, and the third blesses.
- During such a break it is not customary to discuss business.
Guests are offered several varieties of different strengths. The aromatic drink is poured into cups made of bamboo, ceramics or porcelain. They do not have handles, so you need to hold them by the rim. Buna tetu can be held 3 times a day.
Sweden
Relaxing with a cup of coffee is called fika. It is part of everyday life for Swedes. In offices, universities, schools, breaks are taken at least 2 times a day for 10-30 minutes. Locals drink a fresh drink in the company of friends and colleagues. Fika is a reason to relax and take your time, so business conversations are not allowed at this time.
Scandinavians add fresh beans to the grounds to brew coffee a second time. That's why in Sweden they prefer low roasting. Traditionally, they offer 7 types of homemade pies. Swedes drink coffee with a piece of cake, a cinnamon roll, chocolate chip cookies or savory snacks. They often add alcohol to the drink.
Latin America
In the region, it is customary to take a break in the afternoon, called Merienda. This is a light snack between a hearty lunch and dinner. It includes coffee, tea, hot chocolate, alcohol. For snacks they offer sliced fruits, cookies, and yogurt. In summer, hot drinks replace cocktails and juices. Argentines and Paraguayans rest around 5 pm. They drink mate or herbal tea with toast, buns, and cake. Honey, butter, and jam are always placed on the table.
Austria and Germany
In these countries, a second breakfast is served from 10 to 11 am. Many people prefer a natural drink, which is served with a large number of snacks in separate plates. Austrians don't like to drink it in a hurry. Over a cup of strong coffee with cream, they talk with friends and read newspapers. In Austria, it is always served with a glass of water and a bagel. There are no long coffee breaks in Germany. During working hours, Germans rest 2 times a day for 5-10 minutes. They drink coffee without interrupting their work and relax during lunch.
Coffee break menu calculator in excel
| Name | Price |
Hot drinks | Price |
| Italian brewed coffee lavazza prepared using the drip method 1/200 | 40 ₽ |
| Coffee from an automatic coffee machine (Americano, cappuccino and espresso) | 100 ₽ |
| Brewed tea black, green 1/180 | 30 ₽ |
| Tea box with 12 types of tea served in teapots | 120 ₽ |
| Coffee syrups 10ml per cup | 10 ₽ |
Cold drinks | |
| Lemonade Homemade lime-lemon refreshing | 30 ₽ |
| Sweet berry lemonade | 30 ₽ |
| Bottled mineral water still / sparkling 1/500 | 40 ₽ |
| Mineral water drinking with lemon in jugs 1/200 | 20 ₽ |
| Restaurant-made berry fruit drink 1/200 | 40 ₽ |
| Orange and apple juice 1/200 | 40 ₽ |
| Yeast dough pies | |
| Pie with apple 1/50 | 30 ₽ |
| Meat pie 1/50 | 35 ₽ |
| Pie with cabbage 1/50 | 30 ₽ |
| Fish pie open 1/40 | 40 ₽ |
| Envelope with ham and cheese 1/50 | 35 ₽ |
Bruschetta Italian Ciabatta and Pesto sauce | |
| With tomatoes and basil | 30 ₽ |
| With pesto sauce and semi-hard cheese | 40 ₽ |
| With sweet peppers, pine nuts and parmesan cheese | 40 ₽ |
| Bruschetta with bacon and sun-dried tomato | 50 ₽ |
| Bruschetta with boiled pork and sauce | 50 ₽ |
| Bruschetta with salmon and ricotta cheese | 70 ₽ |
| Bruschetta with herring in Russian style with onion and herbs | 40 ₽ |
| Bruschetta with canned tuna | 50 ₽ |
| Bruschetta with mozzarella, tomato and basil | 60 ₽ |
| Bruschetta with fried mushrooms | 50 ₽ |
| Bruschetta with smoked turkey and iceberg lettuce and anchovy sauce | 50 ₽ |
| Bruschetta with shrimp | 90 ₽ |
Fresh puff pastry | |
| Mini croissant 1/35 | 35 ₽ |
| Briout with spinach and cheese 1/50 | 60 ₽ |
| Puff pastry with mushrooms and potatoes 1/50 | 30 ₽ |
| Puff pastry with cheese and herbs 1/50 | 30 ₽ |
| Maple Pecan Braid 1/50 | 90 ₽ |
| Mini croissant vanilla 1/35 | 40 ₽ |
| Mini canapes from 20 pcs. | |
| Teriyaki-glazed smoked eel on ripe mango slices 1/35 | 70 ₽ |
| Tender chicken breast roll with dried Spanish apricot 1/35 | 30 ₽ |
| Canapes with homemade boiled pork | 30 ₽ |
| Beef canapes 1/35 | 75 ₽ |
| Canapes with dry-cured balyk and butter 1/40 | 50 ₽ |
| Chef salted salmon with mild mustard and dill sauce on wheat toast 1/25 | 40 ₽ |
| Cheese cubes with olives or grapes on a bamboo skewer 1/25 | 30 ₽ |
Sandwiches | |
| Sandwich with boiled pork, gherkins and lettuce | 50 ₽ |
| Sandwich with fresh salmon, sauce and green salad 1/80 | 90 ₽ |
| Sandwich with chicken, sauce and green salad 1/80 | 70 ₽ |
| Sandwich with fried bacon, sauce and green salad 1/80 | 70 ₽ |
| Sandwich with tuna, corn and green salad 1/80 | 80 ₽ |
| Sandvis cheese 1/80 | 50 ₽ |
| Vegetarian sandwich with falafel and vegetables | 80 ₽ |
| Ham sandwich 1/80 | 60 ₽ |
| Sandwich with cheese and ham 1/80 | 60 ₽ |
Cookie | |
| Sand classic 1/15 | 15 ₽ |
| Oatmeal with chocolate pieces 1/25 | 20 ₽ |
| Curd with sugar crumbs and cinnamon 140 | 45 ₽ |
| Italian Cantucinni, Biscotti and Amaretti assorted 1/10 | 15 ₽ |
Dessert | |
| Juicy with cottage cheese 1/40 | 30 ₽ |
| Gourmand with cottage cheese 1/50 | 50 ₽ |
| Mini eclair 1/25 | 50 ₽ |
| Mini cake 1/40 | 40 ₽ |
| Seasonal cut fruits 1/100 | 100 ₽ |
| Berry mousse | 70 ₽ |
| macaroni Italian Cookies 1/20 | 40 ₽ |
| Mousse Chocolate | 70 ₽ |
Additional positions (when compiling the menu, they are filled in by the manager, if necessary) | |
| Waiter service | 3 500 ₽ |
| Chef's job | 4 000 ₽ |
| Transport costs within KADSPB | 4 000 ₽ |
| China | 50 ₽ |
| Furniture for guests individual calculation if necessary | 100 ₽ |
| TOTAL: |
In the photo: coffee break for a ceramics salon in St. Petersburg
Have you chosen this menu?
| Name of dish (composition) | Output gr. | Price, rub. | Qty | Sum | Yield g/ml per person |
| Name of dish (composition) | Output gr. | Price, rub. | Qty | Sum | Yield g/ml per person |
| Canapes with ham (tender turkey ham with cheese and olives) | 25 | 65 | —+ | ||
| Canapes with jamon (jamon, melon and basil) | 40 | 165 | —+ | ||
| Canapes with gorgonzola (garganzola, caramelized pear) | 30 | 155 | —+ | ||
| Canapes with crispy shrimp (on a bed of pineapple) | 40 | 190 | —+ | ||
| Canapes with cheese (Maasdam cheese with grapes on a skewer) | 25 | 65 | —+ | ||
| Canapes with lard (tender lard with pickled cucumber on Borodino bread toast) | 25 | 95 | —+ | ||
| Canapes with mozzarella cheese (baby mozzarella with cherry tomato and green basil on a skewer) | 25 | 85 | —+ | ||
| Jamon canapes (savory Jamon roll with pear pulp and Dor Blue cheese) | 60 | 165 | —+ | ||
| Camembert cheese canapes (delicate Camembert and strawberries on a skewer) | 25 | 135 | —+ | ||
| Smoked eel canapé (smoked eel on wheat toast with delicate avocado mousse) | 25 | 135 | —+ | ||
| Salmon canapes (salmon rosette on wheat toast) | 25 | 95 | —+ | ||
| Beef tongue canapes (with bell pepper and spicy sauce) | 25 | 80 | —+ | ||
| Canapes with boiled pork (on wheat toast with aioli sauce) | 25 | 80 | —+ | ||
| Canapes with turkey (turkey fillet with grapes) | 25 | 80 | —+ |
December 24, 2018
The rich aroma and bitter taste of coffee have won the hearts of most people. He entered into all spheres and turned relaxation into coffee minutes. The drink became not just a tasty drink, but also a reason to meet and chat. Nowadays, talking over a cup of coffee has become an obligatory ritual.
