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EPISODE SUMMARY

What does it take to revolutionize an entire industry…multiple times?

Eric Broughton has been at the forefront of multifamily innovation for decades. Now, as CEO of OK2Charge, he is tackling the next frontier: integrating electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions into multifamily and vacation rental properties.

Eric’s career has been a masterclass in technology, leadership and adaptability-from leading acquisitions by RealPage and Expedia to shaping smart property management solutions.

Here’s what we explore:

This episode is ideal for property managers, real estate investors and multifamily tech professionals looking to stay ahead of industry trends.

Listen now!

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The owners of multifamily properties have long relied on amenities to set their buildings apart from their competitors. But as monthly apartment rents continue to rise, renters today expect even more amenities in their common areas. 

We interviewed Jonathan Treble, founder and chief executive officer of WithMe, Inc. about this trend. WithMe provides wireless printing and barista-quality coffee machines for multifamily properties and offices. 

Here is some of what Treble had to say about the power of common-area amenities and how they can help multifamily owners keep their properties full.

Ah, printers. They always promise so much: convenience, reliability, and the ability to print that one important document in a hurry.

But let’s face it—they’re the romantic equivalent of a flaky ex. Sure, they’re charming when they work, but more often than not, they leave you frustrated, out of ink, or desperately Googling “printer error code 39.”

It’s time to take a long, hard look at your relationship with your multifamily printer and ask yourself, “Am I truly happy?” (Spoiler alert: you’re not.)

Let’s explore why breaking up with your printer is the self-care move you didn’t know you needed—and how PrintWithMe is here to treat you right.

1. They’re never available when you need them. 

A resident needs to print something important—a school project, a shipping label, a work document—and, of course, they’re in a rush. They hit print and…nothing. Paper jam. Out of toner. Wi-Fi decided to take a personal day. 

It’s like the printer knows someone is counting on it and chooses that exact moment to self-destruct—leaving your team to play tech support instead of doing their actual jobs.

PrintWithMe, on the other hand, always shows up when it counts. Our printers boast 99%+ uptime, work wirelessly from any device, and require little to no troubleshooting from your staff. And if an issue does pop up, our expert support team is available 7 days a week to step in—so your team doesn’t have to.

Just easy, reliable printing—no emotional baggage included.

2. They demand constant attention.

You bought a printer for convenience, but somehow, you’ve ended up with a high-maintenance relationship. Between fiddling with ink cartridges and questioning why everything is suddenly printing in magenta, your multifamily printer demands more attention than your actual job.

PrintWithMe takes care of the hard stuff. Our printers are remotely monitored, and paper and toner are automatically shipped before you even realize they’re running low. 

3. They’re a financial drain.

Let’s talk money. Between overpriced ink, replacement parts and endless paper refills, your printer is the partner who insists on splitting everything 50/50—except you’re the one always covering the bill. 

And just when you think you’ve budgeted enough? Surprise! Another unexpected expense.

With PrintWithMe, you get a smarter, more cost-effective way to print. Our flat-rate pricing keeps expenses predictable, and with Print Allowance controls, you can curb indulgent printing—so you’re not footing the bill for 200-page PDFs of someone's vacation itinerary.

4. They’re stuck in the past.

While everything else at your property has been upgraded—your appliances, your locks, your Wi-Fi—your multifamily printer is still living like it’s 2009. (USB cords? Driver downloads? Really?)

And it’s not just the hardware that’s outdated—traditional printers haven’t kept up with modern data privacy standards. Many still lack encryption and compliance with regulations like CCPA and GDPR, putting sensitive information at risk, leaving your residents’ information vulnerable.

PrintWithMe brings printing into the modern era. No cords, no clunky drivers, no IT headaches—just effortless wireless printing that works from any device. Residents can print from their phone, tablet or laptop with ease, and our automatic software updates and built-in privacy protections ensure documents are handled securely and in line with the latest regulations.

5. They stress you out. 

A relationship should bring you joy, not rage-clicking the “print” button 12 times just to get a response. Yet somehow, printers always find a way to ruin your day—cryptic error messages, surprise breakdowns, and the classic “offline” status for absolutely no reason.

With PrintWithMe, printing is actually effortless—no IT meltdowns, no secret troubleshooting rituals, no last-minute supply runs. Just easy, wireless printing that works every time (because that’s literally its job).

6. They don’t support your goals and dreams. 

A good partner lifts you up, helps you thrive and definitely doesn’t derail your productivity every five minutes. But your printer? It’s a master of sabotage.

Every time a resident emails your team asking to print a document, it pulls them away from their actual work. And guess what? Research shows it takes 23 minutes (!) to fully recover from an interruption. 

Imagine what your team could accomplish if they weren’t constantly playing print concierge.

PrintWithMe empowers residents to print when it’s convenient for them, so your team can stay focused on what really matters (like leasing units, keeping operations smooth, and, you know, not getting sidetracked by a stubborn paper tray).

7. They don’t respect your boundaries (or your information). 

A good partner knows how to keep things private. Your printer? Not so much.

How many times have you seen sensitive documents—W-2s, social security cards, bank statements—left sitting in the tray for anyone to grab? Or, worse, a resident emails their document to the leasing office for printing, and someone forgets to delete the email—leaving personal information exposed?

And if that wasn’t bad enough, some printer manufacturers are actually collecting and selling personal data to the highest bidder. Today's printing technology isn’t just frustrating—it’s a security risk.

With PrintWithMe, printing is secure and controlled. Residents print independently and release their documents only when they’re at the printer, ensuring confidential information stays private. 

No forgotten emails, no misplaced paperwork, no wondering who saw something they shouldn’t have—just safe, stress-free printing.

Make the Break

Look, it’s not you—it’s your printer. You deserve better. And better is exactly what PrintWithMe delivers. 

Whether your residents are printing a shipping label, a resume or a permission slip, we’re here to make the experience simple, reliable, and…dare we say it…enjoyable.

So go ahead. Break up with your multifamily printer. They’ll probably try to win you back with a firmware update or a half-hearted promise to “never jam again,” but you’ll know better.

It’s time to move on. And PrintWithMe is ready to be the dependable, drama-free partner you deserve.

Peak leasing season is a high-stakes period for multifamily operators. With leasing teams trying to balance a surge in online inquiries, neverending property tours, application processing and resident requests—all while ensuring seamless access to multifamily amenities—inefficiencies can quickly add up.

And when operations aren’t optimized, those inefficiencies become glaring:

One solution? Centralization. 

By shifting essential functions from individual sites to a shared, scalable model, operators can increase efficiency, reduce costs, improve resident satisfaction and empower their teams to handle peak leasing season with greater ease.

Let’s explore how centralized multifamily amenities, leasing support and resident services are helping operators stay ahead when demand is at its highest.

Automating Multifamily Amenities to Keep Staff Focused on Leasing

Multifamily amenities are major selling points for prospective residents, but they also add complexity to daily operations. When leasing teams are pulled into managing amenities like coffee service, resident printing, and package handling, it takes valuable time away from touring and signing leases.

During peak leasing season, operators need every available resource focused on securing new residents. That’s why properties are turning to centralized amenities that require little to no staff involvement.

Case Study: A Portfolio-Wide Shift to Centralized Coffee Service

For six Chicago-based Class A high-rises, resident coffee service was a valued amenity but also a frequent operational headache. Leasing teams had to manage supply orders, troubleshoot machines, and address resident concerns—time-consuming tasks that took attention away from prospects.

By switching to SipWithMe, a fully automated coffee solution, these properties eliminated the need for on-site supply management and maintenance.

Results at a Glance:

✔ 49% average savings on coffee expenses
✔ $62,745 total annual savings across six properties
✔ 100% of properties reported staff time savings
✔ 22,520+ drinks served

With coffee service fully automated, leasing teams no longer had to oversee supplies or respond to resident complaints. Instead, they had more time for follow-ups, tours, and securing lease signings at the most critical time of year.

"We don’t have to order additional supplies, we don’t have to keep them in stock. It is just easier on the team." – Debbie Lam, General Manager, Left Bank

Reducing Disruptions by Centralizing Resident Printing

Peak leasing season means nonstop prospect engagement—but every minute spent on operational distractions is a minute lost on closing leases.

On-site printing is a prime example of an amenity that’s important to residents but frequently disrupts staff workflow. When leasing teams are responsible for restocking supplies, troubleshooting printer issues or printing documents for residents in the leasing office, it adds unnecessary pressure during an already hectic season.

Case Study: The Habitat Company’s Shift to PrintWithMe

To reduce distractions, The Habitat Company centralized its resident printing service with PrintWithMe, an automated printing solution that removed the need for on-site printer management.

Results at a Glance:

1,057+ unique users
50,290 pages printed
8/10 resident satisfaction score
550+ lbs of e-waste saved annually

For leasing teams, this shift meant no more time spent fixing printers or managing supply restocking. Instead, those valuable hours were redirected toward prospect follow-ups, leasing tours and resident engagement.

"It's an absolute game changer for anyone still managing resident printing in-house." – Steven St. Louis, Regional Manager, The Habitat Company

Increasing Leasing Responsiveness with Centralized Support

At a time when prospective residents are making fast leasing decisions, responsiveness is critical. Every unanswered call, delayed email or missed tour follow-up is a lost leasing opportunity.

The challenge? Leasing teams are already stretched thin, trying to balance tours, applications and resident concerns. Without the right systems in place, response times slow, leads slip away and properties lose momentum.

Leading operators are now shifting:

Leasing inquiries & follow-ups → to a centralized leasing hub that manages scheduling, lead nurturing and application processing.
Resident questions & maintenance requests → to a centralized support center that ensures fast responses while allowing on-site teams to focus on leasing.
Tour coordination → to a centralized scheduling system, reducing calendar management burdens on staff.

By offloading administrative tasks, leasing staff can focus entirely on closing leases, ensuring that no lead goes ignored.

Unlocking Cost Savings by Standardizing Key Multifamily Amenities

Operational inefficiencies become even more costly when leasing demand is high. Centralizing and standardizing multifamily amenities not only frees up staff—it also keeps costs under control during a time when marketing spend and operational expenses are already at their peak.

Case Study: Cost Savings from Centralized Coffee Service

For the Chicago Class A portfolio that implemented SipWithMe, standardizing coffee service across multiple properties resulted in significant financial benefits:

$62,745 in annual savings across six properties
Per-unit cost reduction from $4.39/unit (2019) to $2.27/unit (2022)

Similarly, properties that have implemented centralized maintenance scheduling, leasing support and resident services have reported:

✔ Lower staffing costs due to shared service models.
✔ Reduced supply waste by automating inventory and eliminating over-ordering.
✔ Greater operational consistency across multiple properties.

With rising costs in staffing, supplies and amenities, properties that standardize services before peak leasing season begins can maximize budget efficiency—freeing up resources for leasing incentives, marketing and staff training.

Centralization Helps Properties Stay Competitive During Peak Season

During peak leasing season, every decision either enhances efficiency or creates bottlenecks. Properties that implement centralized leasing support, automated multifamily amenities and standardized services create an environment where:

✔ Leasing teams stay focused on signing new residents

✔ On-site staff aren’t overwhelmed with avoidable administrative tasks

✔ Prospective and current residents receive faster, more consistent service

✔ Costs remain controlled without compromising amenity quality

By streamlining multifamily amenities and operations, properties ensure they remain competitive, responsive and efficient—even during the busiest months of the year.

At WithMe, we help properties save time, reduce workload and improve the resident experience with effortless multifamily amenities that don’t require extensive staff oversight.

Let’s talk about how we can help your team work smarter this leasing season. Get in touch today! 

National Irish Coffee Day, observed every January 25, offers coffee enthusiasts a chance to celebrate the timeless appeal of this beloved drink. Combining the boldness of coffee, the smoothness of Irish whiskey, and the indulgence of cream, Irish coffee is a heartwarming tradition that embodies hospitality and togetherness.

The Illustrious Origins of Irish Coffee

Legend has it Irish coffee was invented in 1942 in, you guessed it, Ireland.

The small town of Foynes, near Limerick, was home to an air base that had become a popular stop over for transatlantic flights. Many of these flights carried important public figures and celebrities. To create an elevated experience for these esteemed passengers, a restaurant was opened.

One winter evening, a Pan Am flight bound for New York had to turn back to Foynes midway through its journey. The restaurant’s chef, Joe Sheridan, decided to whip up something special for the cold and weary passengers to drink. He used sugar to sweeten some strong hot coffee, added a little Irish whiskey for good measure and carefully topped it with a delicate layer of cream. Local lore says a silence descended as everyone enjoyed this delectable drink, and Irish coffee instantly became an airport specialty.

In 1952, famed travel writer Stanton Delaplane introduced Irish coffee to the United States. He persuaded Jack Koeppler, then-owner of San Francisco’s The Buena Vista, to recreate the infamous beverage. As the story goes, the cream kept sinking when Koeppler tried to make the drink, so he literally traveled to Foynes to have Joe Sheridan teach him the proper way to craft the beverage.

To this day, the Buena Vista serves upwards of 2,000 Tullamore D.E.W. Irish coffees each day!

The Original Buena Vista Irish Coffee Recipe

If you’re celebrating National Irish Coffee Day, there’s no better way to honor the drink than by using the authentic Buena Vista recipe. 

Ingredients:

Steps:

  1. Preheat Your Glass: Fill a 6-ounce heat-proof glass with hot water to warm it up. Once warm, discard the water.
  2. Add Sugar and Coffee: Place two sugar cubes in the glass and fill it 3/4 full with brewed coffee. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Incorporate Whiskey: Add 1 1/3 ounces of Irish whiskey and stir briefly to combine.
  4. Float the Cream: Lightly whip heavy cream and float a layer over the coffee by pouring it gently over the back of a spoon.
  5. Sip and Enjoy: Drink the coffee through the cream for the perfect blend of flavors.

Source: Liquor.com

Tips for Celebrating National Irish Coffee Day

Spirited coffee holidays like National Irish Coffee Day offer countless ways to engage and connect with your community. Here are some creative ways to celebrate this iconic drink:

  1. Create Signature Irish Coffee Mocktails: Offer a non-alcoholic twist on the classic recipe by swapping whiskey for a flavorful syrup, such as vanilla or caramel, and garnishing with nutmeg or chocolate shavings.
  2. Host a "How-To" Demo: Bring in a local barista or mixologist to teach residents the art of making the perfect Irish coffee, including tips for that signature cream float.
  3. Irish Coffee and Dessert Pairing: Collaborate with a local bakery to pair Irish coffee with desserts like Guinness brownies, Irish cream truffles, or shamrock-shaped cookies.
  4. Luck of the Irish Coffee Raffle: Include an exciting raffle or giveaway with coffee-themed prizes, such as high-quality beans, Irish whiskey, or specialty creamers.
  5. Irish Poetry & Coffee Corner: Combine culture and coffee by hosting a poetry reading featuring Irish poets or encouraging residents to share their favorite verses over a cup of Irish coffee.
  6. DIY Irish Coffee Photo Booth: Design a photo area with props like oversized coffee mugs and leprechaun hats, encouraging attendees to capture and share the moment.
  7. Outdoor Fire Pit Gathering: If the weather permits, set up a cozy fire pit area where residents can sip their Irish coffee while enjoying warm blankets and outdoor seating.
  8. Spotlight Irish Music: Hire a local musician to perform Irish tunes or curate a playlist featuring traditional and modern Irish music to set the ambiance.

These creative ideas will elevate your National Irish Coffee Day celebration and create memorable experiences for your community. For even more inspiration to plan the ultimate coffee-themed resident event, don’t miss our “Power of Coffee” webinar

Raise your glass—filled with Irish coffee, of course—to a day of flavorful celebration and community warmth!

Celebrating National Irish Coffee Day with SipWithMe

National Irish Coffee Day is a reminder of coffee's unique ability to bring people together and create memorable experiences. 

With the right amenity, your property can create a welcoming space that encourages connection and supports resident retention. Whether it’s an everyday pick-me-up or a special celebration, SipWithMe helps you craft coffee experiences that bring people together.

We’re passionate about transforming multifamily properties with premium coffee solutions that not only delight residents but also help property management teams reduce costs and simplify operations.

Celebrate National Irish Coffee Day with an amenity upgrade that adds warmth, indulgence and connection to your community every day. Contact us for a demo or pricing today.

In recent years, apartment amenities have been extravagant and elaborate. Luxury properties, specifically, have seen a rise in features ranging from screening rooms to golf simulators, crystal lagoons, and podcast recording studios.

But that could be changing.

“As the cost of living continues to rise, residents are placing greater value on amenities that bring convenience and utility to their everyday lives,” Jonathan Treble, founder and CEO of WithMe, a multifamily amenity solutions company, told ApartmentBuildings.com. Golf simulators and cold plunges can be a lot of fun. “They don’t necessarily simplify or improve day-to-day living for most residents,” Treble added.

Additionally, Treble noted that the demand for convenience-based amenities versus luxury options continues to “reshape amenity offerings across all classes. ”

CHICAGO, IL - January 7, 2025 - WithMe, Inc., parent company of leading multifamily coffee service provider SipWithMe, announces a series of product updates and innovations set to transform the customer experience for multifamily property managers and their residents. 

These enhancements include the introduction of SipWithMe Signature, a stylish and efficient coffee machine, the launch of convenient auto-shipment services for coffee and supplies, and the rollout of a new Express Service Guarantee in select markets.

SipWithMe Signature

The new SipWithMe Signature option brings a new level of sophistication to communal spaces, combining a sleek, modern design with the ability to create over 12 barista-quality beverages, making it the perfect centerpiece for lobbies, coworking spaces, and more.

While the Signature option will take center stage as SipWithMe’s flagship offering in 2025, the company will continue to offer SipWithMe Elite, a larger machine that offers more than 20 beverage options.

Automated Supply Shipments

Equipped with real-time monitoring, SipWithMe machines now automatically reorder and auto-ship coffee, powders and other essentials before they run out. This feature eliminates the need for manual inventory management and ordering, providing property managers and on-site staff with peace of mind and time back in their days, and ensuring residents always have access to their favorite beverages.

Express Service Guarantee

WithMe launched its Express Service Guarantee to ensure on-site service within one business day, reflecting the company’s goal of delivering support to client locations in less than 24 hours.

This enhanced service is available in markets including Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Miami, Minneapolis, Nashville, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Antonio, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.

For immediate support of residents and on-site property teams, WithMe’s Titan Business Award-winning customer service team delivers seven-day-a-week remote support via phone, chat or email.

"Our mission is to make premium coffee service simple and seamless for our clients," said Jeff Lail, COO of WithMe. "The launch of SipWithMe Signature, automated supply delivery and our express service guarantee allows us to deliver reliability, convenience and tailored coffee experiences."

Both SipWithMe options offer flat-rate packages that can be customized to suit the needs of any property. Plan options include Pay-Per-Cup, Cup Allowance, Morning Unlimited and All-Day Unlimited. 

SipWithMe is dedicated to ongoing innovation, and will continue to expand its coffee amenity options and features. To learn more about how SipWithMe can transform your property’s coffee experience, visit withme.com/sipwithme or email marketing@withme.com.

About WithMe, Inc.
WithMe, Inc. makes lives better every day through convenient, technology-powered amenities for the multifamily industry and beyond. WithMe’s PrintWithMe and SipWithMe solutions make resident printing and coffee simple, helping property management leaders deliver an elevated living experience while decreasing spend, controlling costs, and saving time for staff.

PrintWithMe powers printer amenities at thousands of multifamily, cafe and coworking locations across all 50 states. SipWithMe, available in major markets, is disrupting the coffee amenity category.

WithMe is an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company, appearing on the list for the past four consecutive years, as well as a 2023 Inc. Power Partner and a 2024 NAA Top Employer.

Imagine losing $4,000 every time a resident walks away - not because of a bad view or noisy neighbors, but because you missed the mark on what they actually want. 

While properties are busy photoshopping glamour shots of unused poolside cabanas, residents are silently plotting their escape. 

Here's the truth: 75% of multifamily property managers feel renter expectations have increased. Yet, many still completely misread the room. And with rising inflation pushing cost-conscious residents to scrutinize every expense, traditional multifamily amenities like game rooms and golf simulators sit empty while practical, tech-enabled solutions deliver daily value.

Forget flashy. Forget fancy. Resident retention is about frictionless, intelligent, life-enhancing services that look good and work brilliantly.

Remote Work Changed Everything - Your Amenities Need to Catch Up

Apartments are no longer simply havens for sleeping, eating and binge-watching your favorite shows .They're command centers. They're business hubs. They’re makeshift workstations.  

Over one-third (35%) of U.S. workers who can work remotely are doing so, choosing to ditch traditional offices altogether and join Zoom calls in business tops and pajama bottoms. Tamina Sheikh, President of Property Management at PCP, says 20-30% of residents work from home on any given day. That's a massive shift in how your property functions.

These folks are no longer asking for permission. They're demanding solutions that match their new reality. When 82% of residents consider printing an “essential” amenity, that lobby waterfall starts looking pretty useless. And with coffee consumption hitting a 20-year high — up 40% since 2004 — residents want more than a dusty drip maker in the corner.

Savvy multifamily owners and managers are catching on. They’re designating spaces specifically for tech-enabled amenities during the design phase, recognizing that modern multifamily properties need infrastructure that supports remote work. Because here's what your work-from-home residents won't tell you: They're silently comparing your amenities to their old office perks. And if you're not measuring up? Well, there's always that property down the street.

Your Residents' Private Data is Probably Walking Out the Door

The Washington Post sounded the alarm in 2023: Most third-party printing services treat your residents' confidential documents like social feeds - reading, storing and sometimes selling the juicy details. Tax returns, bank statements, medical records - all fair game. That ancient printer in your leasing office? It's a liability nightmare waiting to happen.

For managers of multifamily properties, PrintWithMe offers an easy-to-use solution. We're talking about high-speed, high-quality printing accessible from any device. No software to install. No drivers to update. No IT degree required. Just hassle-free printing without all the drama.

PrintWithMe Protects Resident Data

But PrintWithMe isn't just another printer in your lobby. This is security meets resident convenience. Every print job gets encrypted the moment it's sent. Documents stay locked down until residents physically show up to collect them. Then? Nuclear deletion. No lingering files, no data breaches, no 3 a.m. panic calls about exposed social security numbers.

"When you combine the positive resident impact with the cost savings for our properties and the reduced liability from our on-site teams who may have been helping residents by printing their private documents, it is simply a no-brainer," says LuAnne Acton Ross, Partner and Executive Vice President at Asset Living. Especially when you consider how quickly individual printing requests pile up across a large property portfolio.

The best part? This centralized solution practically runs itself. Automated supply reordering means no more emergency paper runs. Remote monitoring catches issues before residents do. And with 99%+ uptime, your staff has more time to focus on what matters most instead of playing printer tech support. This all leads to a consistently exceptional experience for residents. 

Turn Your Dead Space into a Buzzing Coffee Hub

Nearly three in four Americans (73%) drink coffee every day, per the 2024 Coffee Statistics: Consumption, Preferences, & Spending Report - and they're proving it with their wallets. Twenty-eight percent of people surveyed spend $21 to $40 on coffee at shops each month; another 14% spend over $40. 

Unlike unreliable DIY setups with consumer-grade Keurigs, SipWithMe spices up the resident experience with barista-quality beverages in under 60 seconds. 

But this isn't just another coffee machine. The machines feature sleek, modern designs that transform dead spaces into social hubs. "Our residents love the SipWithMe coffee and machine. I have received multiple compliments on the variety of brews they can select from, how the machine is easy to use, and the flavor of the coffee," says Sherry Haney, Senior Property Manager at Security Properties.

Apartment Coffee Drives Resident Engagement

The numbers speak volumes: 33% of residents save at least $20 monthly compared to café visits, while one in five saves 15-plus minutes per coffee break, according to a recent WithMe, Inc. survey. In student housing properties and luxury multifamily communities alike, that's the kind of practical value that drives retention.

Plus, property managers love the Cup Allowance technology, which controls costs while keeping the coffee flowing. No budget surprises. No supply headaches. Just automated monitoring, remote maintenance and 24/7 support — all while delivering up to 60% operational expense  savings compared to a traditional coffee service.

Make Your Property Impossible to Leave

Modern residents don't need meditation rooms or infinity pools. They need practical solutions that power their daily lives. 

While other properties chase trends, give residents what they really need: secure printing that protects their data and premium coffee that fuels their day. All without adding to your team's workload.Ready to improve your resident retention numbers? Let's talk about making your property the one residents never want to leave.

National Gingerbread Latte Day, celebrated every December 15, is a time to honor the cozy flavors and traditions of the holiday season. A perfect blend of bold espresso, creamy milk and warming gingerbread spices, this festive beverage has earned its place as a holiday favorite.

Rooted in centuries-old traditions, the gingerbread latte combines the rich history of spiced gingerbread with the comforting allure of a latte. It’s a drink that bridges past and present, inviting us to celebrate the season with a blend of nostalgia and creativity.

A Blend of History: Gingerbread and the Latte

The History of Gingerbread

Gingerbread has a history as rich as its flavor. Its roots trace back to ancient Greece and China, where ginger was prized for its medicinal qualities. By the 11th century, European bakers began incorporating ginger into bread, and over time, gingerbread became a beloved holiday treat. Its association with festive cheer grew stronger with the introduction of intricately decorated gingerbread houses in 16th-century Germany.

The Rise of the Latte

Meanwhile, Starbucks revolutionized holiday beverages when it debuted its Gingerbread Latte in 2000. Combining espresso, gingerbread syrup, steamed milk, whipped cream and a dash of nutmeg, this dreamy drink quickly became a winter favorite, filling people with coziness and lifting holiday spirits. For over 20 years, it has been a staple of the Starbucks holiday menu in the U.S. 

International Starbucks locations have even introduced a Chocolate Gingerbread Latte, adding a decadent twist to the classic, blending the best of hot chocolate and gingerbread flavors. 

How to Celebrate National Gingerbread Latte Day

Bring the warmth and joy of the season to your multifamily property by turning your communal spaces into cozy havens of holiday cheer. These simple, festive ideas will delight residents and make National Gingerbread Latte Day an unforgettable celebration!

1. DIY Gingerbread Latte Party

Set up a DIY gingerbread latte bar with all the essentials: fresh espresso, a variety of milk options, gingerbread syrup, whipped cream and a selection of festive toppings like cinnamon, nutmeg, crushed cookies and candy sprinkles. Enhance the party vibe with cozy seating, holiday music and warm lighting to create an inviting atmosphere. 

      If your property features a SipWithMe coffee amenity, make it the centerpiece of the event by showcasing its ease of use and versatility. Engage residents with a hands-on demonstration of how they can easily create their own café-quality gingerbread lattes (recipe below), making the experience interactive and fun.

      Add an extra layer of excitement by including gingerbread-themed treats, like cookies or muffins, and consider giving out small holiday favors, such as recipe cards or custom mugs, to make the event even more memorable. This party isn’t just about the coffee—it’s a celebration of the season and a great opportunity for residents to mingle and enjoy the holiday spirit together!

      2. Gingerbread Decorating Challenge

      Unleash creativity and foster community spirit with a gingerbread decorating contest! Provide residents with pre-assembled gingerbread houses or cookie kits, complete with icing, candies and sprinkles. Add a competitive edge by offering prizes for categories like “Most Creative” or “Best Overall Design.” This engaging activity doubles as a fun way to build connections among residents while embracing the holiday spirit.

      3. Gingerbread Latte Photo Booth

      Elevate the fun with a themed photo booth that screams holiday cheer! Include props like oversized coffee cups, gingerbread characters, festive hats and twinkling backdrops. Encourage residents to snap and share their photos on social media, tagging your property for added exposure. This activity not only fosters resident engagement but also highlights the vibrant community lifestyle your property offers.

      4. Interactive Gingerbread Workshops

      Take the celebration up a notch by partnering with a local baker to host an experiential workshop. Residents can learn tips and tricks for baking gingerbread cookies. Hands-on activities like these bring people together, provide new skills and create lasting memories—all while highlighting your property’s commitment to offering unique and enriching experiences.

        DIY Gingerbread Latte Recipe Featuring SipWithMe Espresso

        Whip up a SipWithMe gingerbread latte with this easy recipe from The Big Man’s World:

        Ingredients

        Directions

        1. In a small saucepan, add all your ingredients, except for the whipped cream. On medium heat, bring to a simmer. Once the mixture begins to simmer, reduce to low and stir regularly. Remove from heat after 2 minutes.
        2. Pour into a cup and top with whipped cream.

        Enjoy this cozy beverage as part of your Gingerbread Latte Day celebration or anytime you need a little holiday magic!

        Celebrate National Gingerbread Latte Day with SipWithMe

        National Gingerbread Latte Day invites us all to sip into the spirit of the season. From the comforting blend of gingerbread spices to the warmth of shared traditions, it’s the perfect excuse to embrace the holiday cheer, one cup at a time.

        With SipWithMe, you can bring the magic of premium coffee experiences to your community, making every day feel like a celebration. Whether it’s teaching your residents to craft a perfect gingerbread latte or exploring other seasonal favorites, SipWithMe makes it easy to spread joy.Ready to spice up your coffee amenity? Request a demo or get pricing today and discover how SipWithMe can make every moment memorable.reach out today to see how SipWithMe can transform your coffee amenity.

        As the seasons change, so do your residents’ needs and desires. Providing amenities and planning events that align with these shifting demands can be a game-changer for property managers. In fact, resident events have been shown to boost satisfaction, improve online reviews and impact lease renewal decisions, making them an essential tool for long-term property success.

        According to WithMe Inc.’s 2025 amenity outlook survey, which gathered insights from senior multifamily professionals at the country’s top property management companies, including Bozzuto, Greystar and Willow Bridge, there is a rise in resident demand for multipurpose spaces where they can relax, connect with neighbors and work.

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