Former USBC Champ Pete Licata Joins Kansas City’s Parisi

2011 National Barista Champion Pete Licata has returned to his hometown of Kansas City from Hawaii to join Parisi Artisan Coffee as Quality Assurance Manager. In his new position at Parisi, 34-year-old Licata will be responsible for Parisi’s customer and employee coffee education programs, as well as the tasting and testing of all Parisi Coffee products.

Pete Licata

“Now, more than ever, we want barista staff to learn proper coffee preparation techniques, while at the same time gaining knowledge about coffee production, growing conditions, varietal characteristics and various processing methods,” Licata said in an announcement from Parisi. “That’s why this position at Parisi Coffee is a perfect fit. I’m pleased to join such a strong local brand that has created an impressive product.”

In addition to his 2011 USBC championship, Licata took second place at the world barista competition in Bogota, Columbia, competing against the top baristas from 54 countries.

Parisi Coffee was founded in 2006, serving local grocery and restaurant clients. It also operates a cafe at Kansas City’s Union Station, and it is soon to open a cafe at Park Place in Leawood, Kansas. All Parisi coffees are small-batch and drum roasted at the company’s Kansas City production facility.