Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) franchise and perennial over-achievers, Soul Origin are gearing up for their 2018 National Barista finals to be held in Sydney this week.

This year has seen the largest network participation yet, with 154 baristas from across the country competing in the Barista and Latte Art events.

The finals will be held in Sydney’s Martin Place with the top 10 baristas and top eight latte artists being flown in to compete.

Sam Taylor, Soul Origin National Barista Trainer said the franchise was keen to bring their brand of coffee experience to Sydney’s city centre.

“Soul Origin is very excited for our National Barista finals in Sydney, we would love for coffee lovers and Sydney-siders to come along and check it out,” Taylor said.

“We have a stellar line-up of judges attending, a fantastic selection of prizes on offer for our talented finalists and some great entertainment with giveaways for the public.”

Finalists will be critiqued by a panel of industry elites including former World Barista Head Judge, Ross Quail, Australian Specialty Coffee Association President and World Accredited Latte Art judge, Brent Williams and Australian 2018 Latte Art Champion Shinsaku Fukayama.

In addition to the prestigious title of Soul Origin Barista Champion, the winner will also receive an all-expenses paid trip for two to visit the New York Coffee Festival in October.

The second prize winner will receive an extensive tour of a coffee farm in Northern NSW including education on growing, processing, roasting and development of coffee farming.

Third prize is a tour of Melbourne’s coffee hotspots and an intimate education session at Soul Origin’s coffee roasting and processing facility.

Off the back of successful championships in the past, Soul Origin will be hoping this year’s bigger and better event will attract new customers and new franchisees.

Soul Origin has quickly become one of Australia’s fastest growing franchises, establishing over 90 locations across the country in just over four years.

Taylor believes the brand’s dedication to quality products and customer-centric approach has been key to developing a strong franchise culture.

“Investment in the best coffee, technology and training is what helps Soul Origin stand out as a leader in coffee and we look forward to showcasing this and celebrating the best in the network at our finals,” Taylor said.

“We have been so impressed with the extremely high standard of competitors this year which reflects Soul Origin’s focus on delivering consistently excellent coffee to each of our customers.”