Archive for August, 2010

Helpful Tips For Prospective Coffee Shop Owners

As a successful businessman with many years experience of running a shop fitting company and setting up and running coffee shops, Don Clarke knows the two most important factors for a successful shop are location, location, location and staff.

With regard to managing staff, Don quickly realized something that was contradictory to accepted beliefs: the customer does not come first – your staff should come first! If your employees are happy, then they will give excellent service to your customers, and your customers will be happy. So, it is worth taking note of the following points:

1. Teach your staff how to handle difficult situations. If you observe them handling a difficult situation badly, do not criticize. Tell them “I don’t know how I would have dealt with that problem – I’ll need to think about it”

2. Treat your staff with courtesy and respect. They will usually give the same in return.

3. Discuss your training requirements with your supervisors before you begin to train your staff, so that your management structure is cohesive and working towards the same goals.

4. Set weekly or monthly training sessions. Use these sessions to highlight strengths and weaknesses of your staff, and ask your staff if there are any points they wish to raise.

5. NEVER reprimand any member of staff in front of other staff or customers. If you have a complaint with their work, discuss this in private.

6. If you have a problem with a member of staff, raise the problem you wish to discuss and finish with praise. If you manage your staff with tact, they will listen to your complaint without resentment.

7. Finally, remember – you are creating a team, without your team you do not have a business.

With regard to the location of a coffee shop, many people overlook this starting point. They look for a shop that will cost them the least rent and tell themselves that their shop will be run so well that people will flock to it. But remember, consumers are fickle! And lazy! If your shop is not in the right place, whatever you do and whatever you offer, your business will be limited by its location.

So, don’t commit yourself to any premises until you know how many people will pass by your shop each day. You will be investing a huge amount of your time and money into your new business and you really won’t want it to fail. Put aside as much time as possible to find the best position for your shop. Take a clipboard and stand outside a popular coffee shop – count how many people walk past the shop and how many stop for a coffee. Do this at different times of the day, and different days of the week. Take a note of the nearby shops that are attracting shoppers – you need your coffee shop to be convenient for people who “shop ’til they drop” and then need refreshment.

On average, customers tend to spend around £4 a head in a coffee shop, perhaps slightly more in expensive areas. You can use this as a basis to work out how many customers you will need per day to cover your costs and make a profit. So, if your operating costs, which will include repayment of setting up costs, wages, food, utility bills and last, but not least, profits, require you to make £3500 per week, you will need at least 125 people per day spending a minimum of £4 each, to give you the £500 needed per day, based on a 7 day working week.

So remember – do the maths first and foremost and make sure your shop is in a location where it will have enough passing trade to cover your costs. Treat your staff well and you are on the way to turning coffee into gold!

Tracey Beaney has collaborated with Don Clarke, a former coffee shop owner and shopfitting designer to write a 136 page guide to setting up a coffee shop which is available in digital and printed form.? It has been favourably reviewed by trade magazine, Cafe Culture. The guide has been translated into Greek and Turkish, and a US version is also available.? For further details and a free newsletter, visit

http://www.howtosetupacoffeeshop.co.uk/

How to Choose a Coffee Shop Franchise

One of the most important reasons for choosing a coffee shop franchise is that when you purchase from a well-known company, the reputation which the company already has will go a long way in making your own coffee shop a success. As many people prefer to deal with companies they are familiar with, a coffee shop bearing a popular name will be very helpful in generating sales. Many people also prefer to buy products they are familiar with, so your coffee shop franchise will help you to gain customers based on the company’s quality products.

Although you may be tempted to think that a characteristic of a nationwide chain is that there are many, many of these same coffee shops everywhere which could translates to lots of competition, it can be quite an asset instead. People are naturally drawn to companies and products which they have tried and loved. This will make your coffee shop as attractive to customers who travel on business and pleasure, as well as those who live in your own neighborhood.

If you plan to purchase a coffee shop franchise, it is a good idea to find out in advance if there are other similar shops in your local area. Even though some companies which offer franchises limit the number they will sell to each specific territory, you should check to see if this is the case with the company from which you plan to purchase. Although familiarity is a strong point in doing business, having to compete with a similar shop nearby is rarely to your advantage.

There are a number of variations in companies which offer franchises. One is the amount of capital they require. In addition to being sure you can afford it, knowing exactly what the company will provide to you is important. While purchasing a franchise includes obtaining the rights to use the company’s name, additional factors such as training may be included or may mean extra out-of-pocket expense to you. Finding out in advance exactly what is covered and what is not is essential.

Another variation is the degree of leeway you can have in your coffee shop’s appearance. While you will own your shop, having a franchise also means it will represent the company. Some companies require shops to conform to their specific design or decor, in addition to sporting its logo.

Regardless of how long you plan to own your business, you should also know the company’s policies about selling your franchise to someone else if you decide to do so in the future. Whether your business is not doing as well as you had hoped, or personal circumstances happen to occur, dealing with a company that will make it easier for you to sell or transfer it can help you to avoid unnecessary difficulty and expense.

Owning and operating a coffee shop franchise can be an excellent business. When the time and hard work you put into making it a success is backed by a company name that is known nationwide, this can greatly increase customer interest and sales. You will have the company’s fine reputation as your starting point; and this can be your first step toward a profitable business.

Author: Stewart Baker
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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How to Open Your Own Coffee Shop

The large number of daily coffee drinkers makes the coffee industry incredibly profitable. You can find money-making opportunities surrounding this caffeinated beverage virtually everywhere. Whether you start a coffee shop, do mobile espresso catering, open a coffee drink drive-through or sell coffee gift baskets through mail order, there are customers who want to buy what you sell.

If you love coffee, you can most likely find a lucrative coffee business opportunity that will fit your start-up capital and your lifestyle. You can start with a mobile service, upgrade to a kiosk or invest in a high-traffic storefront. In addition, you can partner with other companies to cut your expenses and grow your profits – such as event planning businesses, catering services or hotels.

No matter what type of coffee business you decide to start, free samples are always a good way to get your business name out there and get your foot in the door with prospective customers. With a café, you can entice new customers with special events that feature local photographers, painters or musicians. You can often provide this “entertainment” for free, as these artists welcome the opportunity to promote their own talents.

In addition to the traditional advertising opportunities you have in the yellow pages, local newspapers and radio stations, you can print low-cost coupons to bring in new customers. Hold monthly drawings for a “free coffee drink” to get customers to give you their contact information so you can build a mailing list. Another simple technique is to offer discount coffee cards (“Buy 8, get one free”) to encourage people to become regular customers.

Delivering free coffee to a radio station is another inexpensive way to get your business name out there – in front of lots of people. Submitting a press release is a great example – the media will promote you for free if you send them a great news story about your business. This could be as simple is having your friend write a review about your “Café Opening” and sending it to your local paper.

So how do you actually start your coffee shop?

1. Learn your business – different coffee flavors, the various ways of preparing coffee, caffeinated beverage trends and new and different coffee products. Your knowledge will help your business stay competitive and profitable. Get an inexpensive start-up guide on how to start a coffee shop or interview a coffee shop owner who can give you first-hand advice.

2. Discover who your customers are. Obviously, they are most likely caffeine addicts – but what else do they want, and what are they willing to pay for it? (i.e. social atmosphere, relaxing work space, fast drive-through service, healthy meals, late-night hours) When you can create a unique café that offers value to the community, you’ll find it much easier to win over customers.

3. Find out which licenses or permits you need from your local government office. Talk with an accountant, insurance agent and banker (you can get referrals from other local business owners or friends) to get helpful tips on financing, tax issues, insurance and business management that will save you time, money and hassles down the road.

Get Started!

Coffee is generically everywhere. People will pay for something a little different. Use your creativity to design a truly unique coffee service or café environment, and you’ll find that customers come flocking to your door. Businesses that provide coffee products or services can flourish even in a down economy, so if you want to start your business – go for it!

Sue Barrett has been the Director of Business Solutions at Home Business Center, Inc. for over 10 years. Specializing in small and home business issues, she can provide quality insight and reputable resources for those wanting to start, manage and grow their own home-based businesses. Go Here for more >> How to Open a Coffee Shop

The Top Three Coffee Shops in Columbia

The South Carolina Coffee Shop Guide provides important information on where to get your next cup of coffee. Columbia houses some of the best coffee shops.

Coffee is the most loved drink because of the rich aroma and delightful flavor it offers. The caffeine content also drives people to drink more coffee. The state of South Carolina particularly in Columbia is home of several coffee shops. The cafes here serve different types of coffee and have their own specialties. They are worth visiting and trying their unique coffee mixes.

Jammin Java Music & Coffee House
The perfect place to have a cup of coffee is in Jammin Java Music & Coffee House. It is located in 1530 Main Street Columbia South Carolina. This nicest and best Columbia’s coffee house is not only a coffee house but as well an art and music venue.

The Jammin Java Coffee House is committed to serve the public a complete menu. They have teas, hot and cold deli sandwiches, garden salads, soups, and entrees, various kinds of desserts and most especially specialty and gourmet coffees. And Jammin Java’s coffee beverages are made of hot, iced, frappe blended; and caffeinated, decaffeinated, in whole, skinny which is made with skim milk or soy milk.

There are also souvenir items for sale available at the coffee house. These include handmade coffee mugs, sweatshirts, t-shirts, compact discs, magazines, and books. They are open to serve as venues for special events, private parties, live music and artist showcases.

And some of the artists or bands who are frequent in Jammin Java to have their live performances include Hannah Miller, Red Perspective, ZuZus Petal, Don Russo, Patrick Davis, Like Father Like Son, and more.

The coffee house is opened Monday to Friday from 7am to 3pm. It is closed every Saturday and Sunday.

Coffee Beanery Limited
The Coffee Beanery Limited is a café known for great coffee in a warm relaxing environment. It is located in 100 Columbiana Circle Columbia South Carolina. It serves specialty coffees and coffee drinks as well desserts.

The Coffee Beanery specialty coffees are developed exclusively. This means it is Right Roast Registered. Among their exceptional coffees include Flavored Coffees, Origins and Blends, and Decaf. The Flavored Coffees are basically hand flavored. They use only the finest ingredients. Their mixes do not contain alcohol, sugar and or calories.

The Origins and Blends are processed through Special Proprietary Roasting Process. This method is able to result to a roasted coffee that consists of best quality, Right Roast. And their Decaf Coffees are processed through the Swiss Water Process and thus the coffee does not contained chemicals at all.

Some of the top favorites of Coffee Beanery are the Cafe Carmel, Amaretto, Banana Nut Cream, Chocolate Raspberry, Cinnamon Holiday Blend, Double Dutch Fudge, Michigan Cherry, Sinful Sundae, Espresso, Colombian Supremo, Breakfast Blend, Beanery Blend Decaf, Butter Rum Decaf, Crème Brulee Decaf, English, and Toffee & Cream Decaf.

The Coffee Beanery also offers merchandise at affordable prices such as mugs, teapots, gift sets, and coffee makers and accessories.

Iron Brew Coffee
The Iron Brew Coffee situated in 1047 Berea Road Columbia South Carolina is distinguished for small batches of wholesale or retail of Arabica beans. Their Arabica beans are came directly from Cerrado Estate Farmers in Brazil. This Cerrado region is famous for producing some of the finest best quality coffee beans in the world. Such coffee beans described as smooth, aromatic, and rich in flavor.

This Iron Brew Coffee employs the very old methods of roasting their coffee in batches. The methods ensure that the essential oils are captured from the hand picked, naturally processed beans.

For more information on Coffee Shops in USA and New Mexico Coffee Shopsplease visit our website.

The Continued Popularity of Coffee Shops and New Opportunities

If you want to trace the history of coffee shops in the world, you will need to go back a good five hundred years.  In those days, while locals gathered in Mecca, Imams were concerned about the negative consequences which might arise from so many citizens meeting together.  Coffee shops were already a force that could not be ignored.  Their popularity and influence on society has only increased over five centuries.  English monarchs were worried about them in the 1800s; musicians and hippies gathered in them in the 1960s; today just about everyone passes through the doors of a coffee shop every month.

By fitting a little bit of each century into modern coffee shops, they remain a force to be reckoned with.  Two friends can find a quiet place there to have a real conversation, away from the din of the pub.  Others go to sample the best coffee in the neighborhood and catch up on some reading.  Meanwhile, all of the freelancers and telecommuters enjoy the ability to work with an internet connection and have the same type of social element they left when they gave up on the traditional office environment.

Maybe the biggest difference between old fashioned coffee houses and their modern counterparts is the coffee itself.  These days, besides the improvements on the part of farmers (in both growing and storage), the global character of the business world has brought the best coffee available to the hands of any company willing to do the homework and pay the import prices.  Bringing this coffee into local shops has only increased the popularity of the café.

For investors considering putting money into a franchise, coffee shops are one of the businesses that are likely to succeed.  Looking at the profitability of domestic and international coffee suppliers, the numbers are encouraging to any investor.  While the trend began with high quality coffee in a comfortable environment, the role of specialty drinks has definitely increased.  Elaborately designed coffee beverages which could rival specialty cocktails in complexity are now pulling in considerable prices with an excellent profit margin.

A quick tour through any community will bring to light a number of potential spots for a coffee franchise.  Many brands have the potential to have an impact immediately.

Anyone looking to open a coffee franchise should have the ability to create a welcoming, interesting atmosphere.  Whether it’s putting together a series of events or getting the right staff to work for you, the right feeling in your coffee shop makes all the difference.  You might want to consider live music or spoken word performances as ways to attract attention.

Setting the right tone for your café is important, as it will become a social center before you know it.  Customers of all ages should feel welcome, from teens who aren’t ready for the pubs to anyone looking for a lively, relaxing place.

Damian Papworth’s favorite place is his local cafe. He recently set up the One Cup Coffee Makers website. He also needs a new 5 cup coffee maker.

What is a Sell-Able Coffee Shop

A coffee shop that is sell-able, self-sufficient or self-sustaining is a business that offers you the freedom to travel, create more businesses, pursue a hobby or offers you the peace of mind that you can sell your coffee house for maximum profit and retire when you want to. When you have created a business that is self-sufficient you have created a business that runs efficiently without you, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Is your business enslaving you?

Can your business operate and produce quality consistently without you?

What will happen to your business and your income if you fall ill?

What will happen to your coffee house and your family if you die today?

Can your staff work without your supervision?

The purpose of your coffee house:

  • Is to work for you without your constant presence; the purpose of your coffee shop is to be a money machine that brings in passive income month after month.
  • An asset that grows in value that creates expected and steadfast income.
  • An asset that you or your spouse can sell at a huge profit knowing that it will continue to work efficiently for the new owner, many businesses go bankrupt when the new owner takes over, and that is not a feather in your cap, it is a loss to the economy in general, to your town and to the people that was employed by your business.
  • A source of financial security for you, your staff and the other companies that deal with your coffee shop, such as the coffee bean company, the sugar company and the advertising company.

In order to have a sell-able, self-sufficient and self-sustainable coffee shop you must systemize every aspect of your business. Write down the various tasks of your business including the ones that you fulfill.

Start with the smallest of tasks for example, clearing a table, sweeping the floor or how every client is met as they enter your business. Closely scrutinize these functions as part of the greater whole, namely your coffee shop, your turnover, your pension fund, your future and you will quickly realize how important each of these actions are.

Answer the following questions:

Is that table being cleared the way I want it done?

Is the waitress smiling while she is clearing the table?

What is she saying to my clients as they leave?

Is that what I want her to say?

Will what she is saying to them right now make them return soon with friends?

Can you begin to understand the importance of dictating the details in your business in order to create your dream business?

If you can see the importance of every detail of your business and how it affects your future but do not know where to start, the E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber is not only a great read, but it will give you step by step instructions to accomplish the goal of owning a business that gives you every possible freedom.

Author: Erne Manowarda
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Find The Best Coffee Shops in Denver!

Whether you are a native to Denver or just visiting the beautiful city, it is important to find out exactly where to get your cup of Joe as soon as possible. Denver is a diverse and complex city full of different styles and cultures, meaning that you can find a number of interesting choices in coffee houses to tantalize your taste buds.

One great choice if you are in the Capitol Hill area is Pablo’s Coffee, which is found on 6th Avenue. This is a neighborhood coffee house that also works as a roaster, so you can count on finding incredibly fresh roasts brewed for your pleasure. This coffee house also offers teas and baked goods to snack on, and it is easy to find at its corner location. You will find the service to be friendly and involved in helping you choose the best brew for you, including answering any questions you may have.

If you are in the Littleton area of Denver, then you will want to check out Calder’s Coffee. This is a bright and fun surprise within a strip mall, and it has a pleasant and warm atmosphere. If you are a book lover, you can find a variety of books on the bookshelves, including board games to entertain yourself as you wait for some friends. This coffeehouse location has free WiFi available, and it also features large and comfortable couches, so you can curl up and get your work done without any interruptions. If you are interested in learning more about latte art, then this is certainly the place to go. Their latte art is an impressive addition to your drink order, and they also have snacks and food available!

Common Grounds is certainly a hot spot in the downtown area, and it is a great place to grab a cup of Joe on your break from work. It is found on Wazee and 17th St., and it is an ideal place to relax and people watch amidst the downtown hubbub. They also serve pastries, pies, ice cream, and teas, and you can purchase whole coffee beans to take home. Free WiFi is available, and this coffee shop has a nice and comforting atmosphere with a number of windows, wood floors, and a bright feel to the place.

Peaberry Coffee is a fantastic choice in the Cherry Creek area, and it was also voted the best coffee shop in Denver in 2004. This shop has a friendly atmosphere with free WiFi, and they also offer a huge variety of roasts, including organic selections. Just as a point of reference, peaberry coffee is a rare and coveted roast by coffee connoisseurs alike, so make sure to try a cup when you visit this location! This is a coffee house local to Colorado, and it provides a warm place to stop and relax when you are in the Cherry Creek area.

The bottom line is that Denver is a diverse city full of incredible coffee house locations to relax with your cup of Joe!

Chuggin McCoffee is a coffee enthusiast and expert who has dedicated his career to researching and discovering the optimum flavors and tastes in all coffee beans and varieties. His site offers an unlimited amount of coffee supplies and Bunn Filters at www.thecoffeebump.com for the true coffee lover in you!

Starting A Coffee Shop-Choosing Your Location!

This is the second in my series on “How to Start a Coffee Shop”.

This issue is going to focus on location.

Location, location, location.

If you watch baseball, have you ever noticed how many times the announcer would say something like, “It’s not how hard you throw the baseball but where you throw it.”

Truth is, a major league hitter can hit a baseball no matter how hard you throw it. However, if you throw it at just the right spot, he can’t touch it.

The same is true for starting a coffee shop. You can put up the fanciest coffee shop in the whole world, but if your location is all wrong, your business is going nowhere.

Okay, so what do you want to look for as far as location goes?

Well, for starters, you want an area that is accessible to some form of transportation. If you’re in the middle of a busy intersection with lots of through traffic, this is ideal. But what if you can’t get such a location? A next best choice would be an area that is at least walking distance from public transportation, whether it be bus or train.

If you can afford the rent, a great location for a coffee shop, as I am sure you have seen, is inside a crowded mall. Malls not only get the folks that drive in but the ones that take the buses and trains as well.

Another thing to look for is an area where there are a lot of businesses. Why is this important? Because lots of businesses mean lots of people who work and need coffee breaks. If you’re near a large office building, this is an ideal location.

But probably the most important thing of all is checking out the location of your nearest competition. If you think you’re going to put up a successful coffee shop in an area that already has a Starbucks AND a Dunkin Donuts, you are going to have your work cut out for you…not to mention if there are already diners and other cofffee shops in the area.

So make sure you carefully examine the area where you are thinking of putting your shop.

A bad location can kill your business right from the start.

Interested in Opening a Coffee Shop? Get your free start up guide at http://StartaCoffeeShop.biz

What You Need to Know Before Setting Up a Coffee Kiosk Franchise

A coffee kiosk franchise may be the business opportunity you have been waiting for. When you consider the factors involved in this particular type of business, you can see that they will add up to success.

One of the most significant points of a kiosk is its placement. This will give you options which you would not have from other forms of business. Your coffee kiosk can be located in a specific area which is the most convenient for you. Even more important to your success is you can choose a location which will result in the most business. You will have a higher rate of sales when your kiosk is located in an area where there are the most potential customers.

A high-traffic location is ideal for a coffee kiosk. While malls are becoming an increasingly popular spot, you may also wish to consider office buildings and other similar places where business people, students, or tourists are plentiful on a regular basis. In addition to a large number of people becoming prospective customers, the kiosk itself is an ideal way to generate business. Many people who would not have the time in their busy schedules to go into a sit-down restaurant for coffee will be much more likely to appreciate a quick coffee break when there is a coffee kiosk nearby.

Coffee kiosks which are located in parking lots, parks, and other outdoor areas, are also gaining popularity. Whether you prefer a drive-through or traditional walk-up style, these present the most convenience for customers, and can result in high-volume sales for you.

In addition to the convenience factor, the overall theme of the coffee kiosk will help to generate business. A coffee kiosk franchise from a well-known coffee company will gain business simply due to customers being attracted to the name and their preference for the company’s products. Not only will you bring in many regular customers, but the well-known name and design will bring in business from travelers who recognize it and prefer to deal with a company and products which are familiar to them.

If your coffee kiosk franchise is connected to a lesser-known company, you may have more options for themes. You can build your business around a theme that is appropriate to your location and the customers you wish to serve. Although companies vary in their requirements, you will generally have more leeway in designing your theme if you are dealing with a lesser-known company.

A coffee kiosk franchise is definitely a money-making venture. Not only will you be offering products which most people will easily fit into their everyday schedule, you will be presenting them in both a location and manner which is most convenient. Almost everyone loves coffee; and most people appreciate not needing to go out of their way or take time out of their busy schedules to enjoy it. A coffee shop is well worth the investment, as it is one of the easiest ways to generate sales by meeting the growing demand and lifestyle needs of your customers.

Author: Stewart Baker
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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7 Tips For Getting The Very Best Interior Design For A Successful, Profitable, Coffee Shop

Let’s face it – give people the choice of having a coffee in their local “greasy spoon” café for £1.50, or in the local Starbucks or Costa coffee shop for £2.80, and they will invariably choose the latter. So why do people choose to pay almost double the price for that cup of coffee?  And why are they prepared to pay more even in these recession hit times?

Well, good, trend setting interior design may have something to do with it!  And the fact that a visit to the coffee shop is a social occasion which people are happy to pay for.  So take advantage of your customer’s willingness to part with their money, and give them what they want – good design and comfortable surroundings!

Here are some tips for choosing and then working with your coffee shop designer:

Research the market for coffee shop designers – visit catering trade shows and ask exhibitors for their recommendations.  If you visit a coffee shop where you are knocked out by the design, ask the manager for the name of the design company. Subscribe to catering magazines, and study the design articles.
Remember, your future customers have had many years to become accustomed to expert design, and they will be looking for this in your shop.  So make sure you will have access to enough funds to provide the high design standards they will expect.
Do not scrimp on the design.  If you compromise on the design to save on your budget, you risk wasting all of your money, as customers will not return if they are unimpressed with your coffee shop.
Your designer should provide you with realistic costs for a design that can compete and even improve upon the high street chains.  Remember, your designer will have designed for many other businesses and knows what sells.  Keep this in mind if his quote seems very high!

Ask if your design company works with a quantity surveyor so that they can provide you with detailed project costs before any major work begins.  Arrange for regular updated costs to be provided on a regular basis throughout the project so that you have time to react if further funding is required.  Remember, many building projects involve unforeseen costs which only become evidence once work has commenced.

As the new coffee shop owner, you will be in control of most of the areas of your business.  In dealing with a designer, you will have to ‘take your foot off the throttle’ and trust in his/her knowledge and skills.  A good designer will be studying design trends around the world and will need a certain amount of freedom to come up with a fresh, creative design for your business.

Once you have the agreed design for your coffee shop, ask your designer to design the graphics for your company website so that it complements your business.

Tracey Beaney has collaborated with Don Clarke, a former coffee shop owner and shopfitting designer to write a 136 page guide to setting up a coffee shop which is available in digital and printed form. It has been translated into Greek and Turkish, and a US version is also available.? For further details and a free newsletter, visit http://www.howtosetupacoffeeshop.co.uk/newsletter.htm

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