While in the coffee shop, the students were split into two groups (not based on LBS level) and each group operated the coffee shop one morning per week. Sometimes students had two mornings in the coffee shop if there were not enough in attendance to allow the split group. The coffee shop was only open two mornings each week.² Although there was demand from the customers and some students to open the coffee shop five mornings each week, the instructors were reluctant because of past experiences. When the program was first developed, students spent two and sometimes three mornings in the coffee shop, but many complained that they were missing too much classroom time and a couple of students left the program because of this.

From 9:00 am until opening at 10:15 am the students prepared baked goods, set up the counter and serving areas, made coffee, labeled and displayed the day's baked goods, and prepared a float for the cash register. During the 85 minutes that the coffee shop was open, they served customers, operated the cash register, finished baking, replenished the coffee, began washing dishes, prepared for the following day, and kept the serving area clean. They also arranged to take a break at some point in the morning. When the coffee shop closed, the following activities were undertaken: the cash was counted and recorded; leftover baked goods were stored; expiration dates were checked and old food was discarded; serving trays were cleaned; the counter where customers added milk and sugar to their coffees was cleaned and items were put away; ingredients that were used or nearly used were added to a shopping list; aprons, tea towels, and dish rags were washed; all ingredients and baking tools were put away; dishes were washed and left to air dry; and finally floors were swept and the counters were wiped and disinfected.

² A third day was added during the study in order to provide a job placement experience for students who were not able to go into a placement site in the community. There is no instructor presence on this third day.