Tim Allen Jr.
Regular Contributor
Hi guys,
I've recently introduced myself on that forum and i was wondering what's your thought on Coffee Shop, is it scalable or is it a dead end and a direct way to the slowlane ?
I've been a Barista for 4 years now, i know everything about coffee history and coffee industry, i'm a manager in a Coffee Shop and i run it besides the owner (my parents own it) so i know everything about how to manager suppliers, H.R, Financial ressources and everything who goes with it (Communication, Social, Events)
I deeply think that opening a Coffee Shop is too simple and that if it's too simple, everyone can copy it and maybe do better than me, and if that happen', i would be kind of stuck..
Everything i see on this forum is about bringing value to people, got no expectations from anyone, i've already got that mindset as my parents taught me it all my childhood but i'm stuck with that idea that Coffee Shop was scalable at the time where Starbucks wasn't on the French Market but market is kind of full with Starbucks who's opening like EVERYWHERE.
I could bring value in this domain because i got the knowledge and i care about my customers, my team, as much as i care about my product and quality, even if speed is the assets...but everywhere i go (coffee shop), i don't see creativity, i don't see quality, you got my point..The Sugar Franchise..Starbucks!
The only thing is, i want to create a business that can be franchisable, not that i care only about money, but money can buy your new parents house in the seaside, that's my motivation...
What's your thought on that ? Any suggestions ?
I'm good at what's from italian culture so if you got an idea(coffee,cooking,pizzas...), don't hesitate.
Thank you for taking the time to read
A couple of ideas - I know a couple of people who owned and operated multiple coffee shops. Also, these ideas are based on if your parents allow.
1.) What about focusing on increasing revenue at your parents spot.
- If you can do this, you can look for shops that you feel are underutilized and instead of starting from scratch, go in knowing that you can increase revenue.
2.) Rebrand (if your parents allow) the coffee shop. This will start to get you immediately on the path of doing what's needed to franchise your business. Think marketing material, cups, plates, napkins... if you can't do that, what about paint color, aesthetics, quality control. Apply for a franchisee for another company - just so you can see what goes into 'creating a franchise'.
3.) Ask your parents to take over EVERYTHING for a week or so (again if they allow). The mental exhaustion that comes with truly having to 'run' your own business is something you are not prepared for unless you're doing it. This way you have a full picture of what you can and can't do well and where you know you'll run into trouble.
4.) Try incorporating different products to sell to see how good you are with innovating new items into an established shop. You mentioned creativity, you have an easy opportunity to test before you jump (invaluable).
5.) Remember - creativity is only valuable if your consumers find it valuable - this goes with above, but unless you know with some degree of certainty that 'your' creativity is wanted, be careful.
6.) Look back on anyone who you 'hired' - how did they work out - hiring will be crucial to your endeavor, identify where you suck and fix it immediately before you do your own thing. This really applies to anything, lol.
7.) Try cutting costs at your parents shop by 1-5%. This again will force you to think of ways to save on expenses that you will have to do when you do your own thing. Also, if you can do this as well as #1, you open another world of locations because you've proven to yourself you can increase sales and reduce expenses in even less than ideal 'locations'
8.) Look for unique opportunities that lessen your risk. For instance: property managers hate leaving spaces open, i've known people who were able to negotiate great rent just by pitching them 'your place wont be empty during crucial summer months'. Office buildings, hospitals, libraries, universities.... unique opportunities to start small and scale.
It can def. be fastlane.... if done right..... but very possible. Good luck!
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