Zachary Carlsen | Sprudge.com Austin Amento, founder of Augie’s Coffee House in the Inland Empire, holds his 1st place plaque at the United States Cup Tasters Championship in San Francisco. Amento brought the top prize home, defeating two dozen other competitors in the process.
Austin Amento, founder of Augie’s Coffee House in the Inland Empire, brought home the gold with his win at the United States Cup Tasters Championship in San Francisco in January.
Amento competed against tasters from top companies, such as Starbucks and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters in the national competition. Contestants tasted rounds of other coffee with only one different cup. They had to identify the different cup before the other two dozen competitors at the Bay Area competition.
“We are real big on community and it is a lot of fun to participate in these events, but also just be a part of that growing coffee community,” Amento said in an interview with Redlands Daily Facts. “This is a growing industry where new things are happening and where we take new pride and ownership with our presentations.”
Robb Pearson, general manager of the Augie’s chain, said winning the cup has been great national exposure for the shop.
Augie’s in Downtown Riverside is frequented by many California Baptist University students. The company also has store locations in Redlands and Claremont.
Customers can enjoy a wide range of roasts, different brewing techniques and flavored drinks at every location.
Pearson said roating their own beans in 2010 was a turning point for the company.
“They have the best coffee in Riverside, hands down,” said Neal Frank, graduate student studying higher education leadership and student development. “The community there is great.”
Amento will be traveling to Shanghai March 29 through April 1 for the World Cup Tasters Championship.
