The Story Behind DOCR Academy
Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters has been a staple of Metro Detroit's specialty coffee community since 2009. Over fifteen years, what began as a single cafe has grown into a multi-location operation with four cafes, a full-scale roastery, an in-house baking program, and a dedicated Wholesale, Consulting + Education Department that has become a recognized force in Michigan's coffee industry.
DOCR has maintained an active presence in national specialty coffee spaces for well over a decade. Our public education program has introduced thousands of folks to specialty coffee, and our work has earned multiple Hour Best of Detroit awards for Best Coffee Shop from 2023-2025 and newly added in 2025 for Best Coffee Brand.
In 2026, Roast Magazine named DOCR a Roaster of the Year finalist, recognition that not only reflects the quality of coffee we roast, but the integrity of how we operate at every level.
Our commitment extends far — from the farms where the coffee is grown to the educators who teach our communities about its origin. That full chain of accountability is what DOCR Academy is built on.
DOCR EDU DEPT —
Where the discipline of science and knowledge
meets the beauty of art and community.
Why should you choose DOCR Academy?
Since establishing our Education Department, DOCR has worked to make professional coffee education accessible, and not just as a marketing effort, but as a core function of who we are. It's unequivocally a pillar of our brand — DOCR Academy is an extension of that work, mission, and continued dedication.
DOCR Academy's curriculum serves both the industry and the public. Students will receive individualized instruction from our Coffee Educators, hands-on time in our dedicated Training Lab, and a structured path to certification.
In parallel, our Education Department continues to offer consulting and training services to wholesale partners, grow our public class offerings, in-house certification for our own growing team, and ongoing professional development for our Coffee Educators. We continue to hold ourselves to the same standard we set for our students.
Spot the difference — DOCR Academy vs. Public Classes
DOCR Academy
The DOCR Academy curriculum was specifically developed with the intention of offering more curated theory, in-depth workshops with one-on-one time between students and DOCR's Coffee Educators. We also wanted to offer a more well-rounded, hyper-focused coffee education for those already in the industry or those passionate about receiving certification in specialty coffee. No prior experience is necessary for any classes.
DOCR Academy will include anywhere from half-day to three-day classes with a half-day being 4 hours and a full day being 8 hours long. Classes are available for purchase here.
Here is our current planned curriculum:
- Advanced Latte Art Class — Half Day
- Espresso Masterclass — One Day
- Filter Brewing Masterclass — One Day
- Origin to Cupping Table — One Day
- Espresso & Milk Masterclass — Two Days
- Barista Masterclass — Three Days
Public Classes
DOCR's Education Department Public Classes, listed below, are specifically formulated and engaging educational classes with a target audience for those who are curious about coffee and wanting to learn more.
These classes are fun, hands-on, and include anything from coffee tastings to beginner latte art in specifically set sizes of students in a relaxed, laid-back environment. They are casual and composed classes that lean more toward an entry-level set of students. The intention is rooted in our community attending these classes are learning more about how DOCR operates and the approach we take to serving coffee.
Our Public Classes are available to purchase on Eventbrite. Our curriculum is below:
- Where in The World Does Your Coffee Come From?
- Beginner Latte Art
- Intermediate Latte Art
- Brewing Specialty Coffee: Immersion & Filter Brewing
- Hands-on Brewing: Espresso Mastery
- Hands-on Brewing: Filter Coffee Mastery
- Palate, Sensory & Cupping
- Inside The Drum: A Roastery Tour
- The Tasting Room: A Guided Coffee Study & Demonstration
SOME MINOR DETAILS —
Learn more about DOCR's Educators
Meet the team
