From March 5-8, the Oregon Convention Center in Portland is hosting the United States Barista Championship. Leading up to the USBC, Food GPS is showcasing baristas who placed in the Top 6 in their respective region and decided to compete for greater glory. Here’s a contender for the American coffee crown:

Jared Truby
Verve Coffee Roasters – Santa Cruz, CA
Western Regional Barista Competition Finalist

1. Did anything surprise you about the WRBC?
Yes, my girl Sara [Peterson] making the top six was a really nice surprise. I knew she could do it but it was her first competition so did not expect it of her!

2. Will adjust your approach for the United States Barista Championship? If so, how?
I will adjust, mostly minor tweaks here and there, maybe a sig drink re-vamp. We’ll see, hopefully I’ll bring the A game!! Kidding, I’ll bring the A-game!

3. What is your goal at the USBC?
Top 10

4. What did you learn by competing at the WRBC?
That you can have fun and compete, you don’t have to present like your teaching a community college class…

5. What’s your training schedule like until the USBC?
Something like this: Train Baristas, Train wholesale, manage retail coffeehouse, practice in your free time…what’s free time??

6. What’s a coffeehouse you didn’t know about before the WRBC that you now plan to visit?
I honestly knew every coffee house and plan to visit all of them when I get to travel the states.

7. What’s your approach in choosing the music that plays during your performance?
I choose music I think the audience will enjoy, as well as music I can really have fun with. Judges and spectators just sit and watch, it can feel like your watching a community college coffee class if your music is not entertaining. So I’m tryin to help everyone out by startin a party in everyones ears!!