We encounter a diverse range of business operators, from large multinational organizations opening outlets to new entrepreneurs looking to blaze their own trail. While we enjoy working with all types of customers, as an entrepreneur myself, I particularly relish seeing a coffee-focused dream come to reality.
If you are considering opening a café, here are five key steps to be mindful of in your entrepreneurial journey:
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Invest Ample Time in Research and Planning: Understand your core market thoroughly, as it will impact everything from your location and café design to your target customers.
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Develop a Detailed Business Plan: Seek feedback from friends, family, and contacts to ensure your business plan is comprehensive. Anticipate potential pitfalls in the open market by actively engaging with individuals who challenge your plan.
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Determine Start-up Costs: Research and identify start-up costs to create a budget for build-out, equipment, and operating expenses. Consider adding some budget padding for unexpected expenses.
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Choose a High Traffic Location: Coffee is often a purchase of convenience, especially on weekdays. Selecting a high-traffic location ensures a steady stream of both regular customers and visitors drawn to nearby businesses. Destination coffee shops off the beaten path typically struggle, except on weekends.
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Create a Memorable Café Design: Develop an interesting and functional design that enhances the customer experience. An "Instagrammable" experience can fast-track your growth, making a design-focused concept essential for standing out.
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Nail the Coffee Program: Ensure excellence in your coffee program, from selecting quality beans to investing in reliable machines. Collaborate with a specialty roaster to guide you through this process and potentially provide cost savings on equipment.
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Practice Patience: Remind yourself that despite the considerable time and effort spent on developing your concept, the world knows nothing about you. Maintain a positive mindset, put in work on the front end, and consider working full-time in the shop, especially if it's your first concept. This firsthand experience will help you understand your customers and operations, allowing you to replicate the passion you have for your café.
Opening a new café is an exciting business venture, and with the right planning, team, and a bit of luck, you can have an amazing entrepreneurial experience. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have regarding opening your own coffee shop.