"Dixson Is the Sultan of Shot!"

From Fresh Cup Magazine, December 1997

The southern-style scream that echoed through the Oregon Convention Center late Sunday, October 5, wasn’t from an exhibitor spilling a post-show bucket of granita mix. It emanated instead from the throat of John Dixson, co-owner of Espresso Express in Austin, Texas, who had just been crowned the Most Valuable Barista (MVB) of the 1997 Barista World Series.

Dixson’s "yeehaw" shout following his victory turned out to be a fitting capper for the first annual event.

Contestants were judged on quality, speed, creativity, cleanliness, and set of the grind. They each pulled a short and long espresso, and made a cappuccino, latte, mocha, and signature drink. Dixson’s signature beverage was the Texas Twister, which draws its allure from a vanilla-tinged secret ingredient.

Dixson may be your classic southern barista; his espresso is terrific, but his attitude is even better.

"I had some good competition up there," said Dixson of his fellow contestants. The four competitors spent the better part of three-and-a-half hours showing off their skills and entertaining the judges before the winner was announced—half an hour after the show floor closed.

Dixson opened his first Espresso Expressions cart three years ago after a two-year tour as an equipment rep for the Faema line of espresso machines. "I had such a good quality bean and quality service—which is what I was striving to do to begin with—that before you knew it, caterers and hotels started using me," he said. Now he has three carts, all currently located in hospitals.

For a the rest of the story, request a copy from John personally when you have him cater your next event!