If you have an inline coffee shop, this is a fun event for your staff and your customers.
Encourage your baristas to create their own specialty drink and to perfect it.
This is another marketing opportunity to promote your coffee shop, baristas, specialty coffee, and your customers can register for drawings.
Your baristas will improve their skills and […]
The big day has arrived and you are excited and stressed at the same time.
Checklists and lots of help are important. Be sure to recruit competent help and delegate.
Be sure you have all the supplies and product you need and that you are well-staffed.
Promote your specialty drinks - you need at least a hot […]
Now you need to run your coffee shop smoothly. Do you feel comfortable leaving for a couple hours, days, or even a week? With with competent staff and established operations policy, your coffee shop should run smoothly with or without you present.
Your operations manual should include opening and closing procedures, cleaning and maintenance […]
How many hours per day do you plan to work at your coffee shop? My experience has been it is vital for the owner to have a strong and visual presence to develop the personality of the shop. Customers love to see the owner working and to know you.
You also need to have […]
Your coffee shop is nearly set up and ready to go. Now you need to get the word out so you aren’t the “best kept secret in town”.
There are several things you can do and the success of each will depend on your and your area. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Join […]
Just when you have the equipment selection completed, you breathe a sigh of relief. Well, the fun has just begun.
Coffee, tea, syrups, blended drink mixes, pastries, chocolates, sandwiches, and the choices continue when deciding what to carry in your coffee shop.
Once again, you must determine who your market. Are you in a business […]
We can’t forget about some of the miscellaneous supplies and equipment for running a coffee shop.
You will need a cash register. The next important decision is whether or not you will invest in a point of sale (POS) system. I particularly recommend a POS if you will have employees. Even if you […]
You will want to keep a notebook to write your findings for all aspects of your coffee shop startup. And especially when you are shopping for equipment and supplies.
I recommend an excellent quality espresso machine and grinder. You can’t skimp there.
Next in line is your blender. If you will be offering lots […]
Espresso machines are currently a hot topic. Howard Schultz of Starbucks is even reconsidering the use of the super-automatic espresso machines. These machines make training easier and help insure consistency in drink making. But, at what cost? Do you lose the authenticity and romance of the art of espresso making?
Consider the […]
Have we exhausted this topic yet? Probably not. It is an important issue.
Are you in a commuter area? Do most of your potential customers drive to work, shopping, school, or the health club?
Check in with the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) for statistics on who the coffee drinkers are and how […]