More Bins for More Beans

The Coffee Fixture Story

This may be a little late, but we wanted to tell our members the story behind the new bulk coffee fixture across from the Deli counter. Simply put, the old coffee fixture and its bins were worn out. Replacement bins to fit the old fixture were not available on the market. As coffee sales have soared since we installed the old fixture, we also needed new bins that could hold more beans than the old ones (back stock space at the Wedge is at a premium) and a fixture that could hold more varieties of coffee. And all of these problems had to be solved without taking up any additional space! That is called a design challenge.

Fortunately, the Wedge staff is up to the challenge. Like many of our staff members, Mary Garvey of the Grocery Department has talents that you might not see in her daily work on the sales floor. Mary's previous careers included architectural drafting and working with feed mill designers. As our coffee buyer, she is in touch with what our members want in their coffee choices.

Mary set to work designing the fixture to make maximum use of the space. Knowing the values of Wedge members, Mary's design uses sustainable and non-toxic materials. The cabinet is built of wheat board with a sustainably-grown oak veneer. There are no toxic glues, formaldehyde or volatile organic compounds in any of the components.

We are most pleased with the result. The new fixture has space for four additional coffee varieties. There will be at least once special coffee per month in each of the three organic Fair Trade lines we carry. The south side of the fixture will feature information from the roasters about their growers' communities and how Fair Trade has benefited them. The decaf varieties are all together on the north facing, and there is now room on the base for some packaged ground coffees and coffee filters.

Lastly but very importantly, the staff want you to know that the new bins pour out the coffee beans REALLY, REALLY FAST! So just pull the handle gently and be prepared to shut the flow off quickly. Thanks - and enjoy!