French-Asian bakery-café chain TOUS les JOURS that its beverage research & development specialist, Alexandra (Alex) Hager has claimed the top spot at the US Coffee Championships in Boston in the “US Coffee in Good Spirits” category. The US Coffee Championships is the coffee community’s largest annual competition where professionals from around the country come together to show off their skills as baristas, latte artists, brewers, roasters, tasters and barkeeps.
Hager’s winning creations included two coffee cocktails that featured coffees from Dillanos Coffee Roaster – the official coffee roasting partner of TOUS les JOURS in the United States. She advances to compete at the World Championships later this year and will represent the US at the event in Milan.
“Everyone at TOUS les JOURS is so proud to see Alex win this prestigious award, and we will be rooting for her when she competes against the best in the world this summer. Her creations have both elevated and extended our lineup of beverage offerings, including many unique coffee drinks, and we love how her passion for developing artfully crafted beverages shines through in every drink we add to our café menu,” says Joon Kwon, marketing manager at TOUS les JOURS. “We are always eager to see what new innovations Alex concocts in her role at TOUS les JOURS, especially as the brand has placed a renewed focus and commitment to our coffee bars and beverage program.”
Since joining TOUS les JOURS, Hager has greatly contributed to the brand’s beverage lineup. Her two most recent creations – the Strawberry Latte and Strawberry Frappe from the brand’s new “Berry Sweet” Collection – are inspired by the color and flavors of fresh and juicy seasonal berries. The chain’s seasonal menus feature her innovative beverages like the Honey Lavender Macchiato & Tiramisu Latte, and she also oversees all training for new stores that feature coffee bars.
“Hospitality and craft beverages have been my passion for as long as I can remember, and I am extremely honored to see that passion recognized by the esteemed judges at the US Coffee Championships,” says Hager. “TOUS les JOURS is renowned for creating beautiful pastries and desserts and it’s a joy and a privilege to help further the brand’s reputation for creative excellence on the beverage side of the business, especially as everyone at TOUS les JOURS continues to support me enthusiastically – both in my work and professional growth opportunities like this competition.”