Search for best Wimpy barista

Wimpy Bari-Star - Mpumalanga winner Promise Chicuamba from Wimpy Illanga Mall celebrates with her colleagues.

Described Africa's largest franchise barista competition, it will test the skills of all current baristas working within the 500 stores nationally. Each restaurant in the 24 participating regions will nominate one barista to compete regionally culminating in the final during the annual conference in April 2011, where the six regional finalists will battle it out to reveal the ultimate Bari-Star.

According to Russ Sidelsky, Ciro marketing manager, the challenge will be structured similarly to international barista competition standards. The regional finalists will be instructed to prepare two premium blend espressos and two premium blend cappuccinos in 10 minutes. The two companies will supply one technical judge and two sensory judges, who will look at aspects of preparation, taste, visual appearance as well as total impression.

The top two participants will receive cash prizes, a trophy and professional coaching to compete at the National Barista Championship. The winners will also receive Wimpy Bari-Star clothing to easily identify them in the restaurant as well as sponsorship and mentorship entry into the National Barista Championships for 2012.

The winning store franchisee will receive a framed accolade to be placed in the restaurant announcing to all who enter that this is where to find the crowned Bari-Star.

"The focus of the challenge is to up-skill, motivate and identify the store's top baristas, as well as maintain the excellent reputation that the brand's premium blend coffee has come to enjoy," commented Clint Ducie, operations executive for Wimpy.