Entrepreneurial spirit
Waterbean Coffee and Unic on their decade-long partnership
In 2013, Tony Vo opened the first Waterbean Coffee shop in Cornelius, North Carolina, introducing the region to a new world of specialty coffee. Over a decade later, Waterbean has grown into a thriving network of 20 cafes, setting the standard for quality and consistency in the state’s specialty coffee scene. Central to this success has been Waterbean’s unwavering commitment to excellence, supported by a partnership with espresso machine manufacturer Unic that has spanned more than a decade.
From the beginning, Vo recognized the importance of investing in reliable equipment to deliver a consistent coffee experience across multiple locations. After training on a Unic machine during his barista education, Vo chose the Stella di Caffè for his first store and later upgraded to the Stella Epic as his business expanded. The Epic’s simplicity, reliability, and precision have become indispensable to Waterbean Coffee, ensuring consistent quality and seamless workflow across all its venues.
This case study delves into how Waterbean Coffee’s partnership with Unic—and its use of the Stella Epic espresso machine—has been a cornerstone of the company’s growth. From building customer trust with consistent, high-quality beverages to streamlining barista training and operations, the collaboration has exemplified the power of strategic partnerships in achieving long-term success.