[Boostslut]

Hey guys,

So i'm opening a cafe in Richmond, and was wondering what people here in Revscene want in a cafe?

What sort of beverages would you like other than the usual latte's and brewed coffee? What coffee's (beans, flavor profiles ect..) do you like?

Any activities you would enjoy? Ex: book clubs, debate nights, discussion groups, board game nights, things like that.

It's a smaller place, so it won't be huge, or have 20 investors like Cafe 10134928 (whatever it's called). It's basically me, and a few other employee's. I have over 10 years of coffee experience, and i'm a pretty good people person, so I want a place that people can come and enjoy themselves, but not like a Starbucks. I want a good cafe experience, with quality being paramount.

I'd love to hear what you think would make a good cafe experience. Thanks in advance!

Cheers!

[SumAznGuy]

Toonie Tuesdays like Captain happy bubble.

:troll:

[carisear]

did someone say café lu?

[LP700-4]

http://www.bornrich.com/wp-content/uploads/s3/images/2009/06/29/racing-simulator_BVyYw_48.jpg

[punkwax]

Free LiFi! :alonehappy:

[dragondragon99]

did someone say café lu?

cafe dumb

[kkttsang]

Will there be food also?

[SkinnyPupp]

High quality freshly roasted, from various single origins. Not just a bunch of different fruity Ethiopian beans either - though they can be good. Have some good African, South American, Central American, and Asian beans of different roasts - light, medium, dark - and vastly flavour profiles. At the very least, have something like 3 different flavours - fruity/acidic African beans, bold/aromatic Columbian beans, and savory/woodsy Indonesian beans.

Offer different brew methods - espresso is a must of course, but also pourover, siphon, aeropress, etc.

Also don't try to be too clever and hipsterish with decor/naming/etc

That's what I would like, but I doubt that would go in line with what Richmond likes

[kr4l]

Honestly, opening a coffee shop in Richmond is a terrible idea. Your clientele will be 99% Asian. The older crowds drink McDonald's / timmys and the younger crowds drink crackbucks / blenz / waves.

[underscore]

Make a coffee version of CHB and it'll be packed with RSers

[320icar]

I don't mean this in a rude way, but please make it Caucasian friendly. As a white male who's grown up in Richmond, I'd say 70% of restaurants I would never even consider going in to without bringing a mandarin speaking friend.

So yeah. I know coffee places and bbt spots are usually pretty good, but just remember not everyone can read other languages

[Boostslut]

Thanks for all the responses so far. You guys are awesome!

Don't know if it matters, but I myself am Caucasian but am married to a lady from Hong Kong so there is a bit of influence there also. I spent a few years in Melbourne and they have amazing coffee culture that I would love to bring over here. It has been evolving over here over the past 5 years which is amazing!

Cafe Lu, not going to happen you DON'T want to see my in a bikini!

Driving Sims? Go to E Spot thanks, I don't quite have enough space for $$$.

Free Wifi? All day Err day!

Food?.. we'll have pre-made stuff from a high quality bakery. I don't have enough space in my coffee house to have a full on kitchen that can produce food.

MG1, thanks for the great answer. I can't totally see where your coming from, and i'll do my best to take people on a great journey of different coffee's from around the world. I want to be able to have the time to tell customers the history, facts, and interesting things about coffee. I have a coffee roaster lined up that it all about getting high quality coffee's from around the world, in small batches. I hope I can get you to come down when i'll be open in January - Feb 2016. Oh ya, I've got a name. It's in Richmond, i'm sure many people here have driven by it all ready, and maybe even noticed it.

Twoonie Tuesday? Sounds interesting actually. I can work it into it somehow. Maybe an RS discount?.. Hmm..

My coffee house will only have about 24 seat's max also.

Thanks again yo!

[H.Specter]

Also don't try to be too clever and hipsterish with decor/naming/etc


http://i.imgur.com/hYmN3Iu.gif

[tiger_handheld]

pastries.. decent affordable pastries. Not a $8 donut named pumpkin apple glaze.

will your shop have tea or is it just coffee?

lots of power outlets!!

decent lighting - maybe with individual dimmers?

unisex washroom x 2
dyson air blade in washroom

non-hipster! ie. if it's on pinterest..no!

[Boostslut]

Oh ya, TEA also! Good stuff too..

[320icar]

I like the idea of board game nights, but with 24 seats you have to remember about turnover rate. From a profit side of things you might not want to cater to a blends crowd (akroyd specifically) that buy one coffee, then sit there for 5 hours writing an essay. It's not like a bar where people buy beer after beer.

So things like mahjong, risk, monopoly, card games like magic or wtv. They are long and technical. Where as sorry, guess who, uno (cater do dem Asians yo), scrabble. They are all fairly quick to pick up. Yahtzee or jenga are fun but are quite loud sometimes. So that's up to the establishment.

The bubble tea shop in Richmond has seemed to do quite well so far (under superstore in Richmond). Bubble tea place that feels like t was started by a bunch of friends, not sure if that was the case. Big washroom, lots of trinkets and stuff to buy while you're standing in line. Stand up arcade machine and easy to read menu's. Only thing is the consistentsy of drinks has been not great. Some bbt will taste watered down versus the last visit. But I will assume bumps will be ironed out the longer they are open

[kr4l]

I like the idea of board game nights, but with 24 seats you have to remember about turnover rate. From a profit side of things you might not want to cater to a blends crowd (akroyd specifically) that buy one coffee, then sit there for 5 hours writing an essay. It's not like a bar where people buy beer after beer.

So things like mahjong, risk, monopoly, card games like magic or wtv. They are long and technical. Where as sorry, guess who, uno (cater do dem Asians yo), scrabble. They are all fairly quick to pick up. Yahtzee or jenga are fun but are quite loud sometimes. So that's up to the establishment.

The bubble tea shop in Richmond has seemed to do quite well so far (under superstore in Richmond). Bubble tea place that feels like t was started by a bunch of friends, not sure if that was the case. Big washroom, lots of trinkets and stuff to buy while you're standing in line. Stand up arcade machine and easy to read menu's. Only thing is the consistentsy of drinks has been not great. Some bbt will taste watered down versus the last visit. But I will assume bumps will be ironed out the longer they are open

It's actually started by my fiancé and myself :) we have been in the food business all our lives plus been owners of a cafe/coffee shop in Vancouver for 6 years prior. I'm a chef by trade, fiancé is a pastry chef by trade. Also good to hear the consistency is off. Will definitely grill my staff on it. If you're ever unhappy with your drink, let my staff know and they'll remake it for you. We're all about customer service and quality. Also, that RS discount :)

@boostslut Sorry to hijack the thread a little there, but if you have any questions regarding opening, I can try to help you out as best I can. Although it's only my opinion that I think it's not a great idea, if you believe in it, by all means do what you love to do.

[Boostslut]

Thanks again bro's!

kr4l, thanks for your help. I might just do that, or get you to drop by during the process to see how it's going. Or maybe, we can hit up your place and have a nice little chat! Personally, i might be totally wrong here and delusional but I thought in the area that i'm going up, it's such an up and coming area with a lot of younger people there it'll be a great area soon! I'm thinking about 2 years out at least.

Board games do sound like a lot of fun also. Also, i want some sort of intellectual conversation sort of nights also. I have some writer friends that might be able to help me out, and would be cool to get people have good conversation about the world, current events, books, and interesting topics.

And, i'm also quite sure that i won't have bubble tea in my shop either. Sorry!

Cheers!

[G]

Maybe have a wall of board games and cards that people can use. It's hard to find a good chill place for small groups to go, hangout, and have a nice cup of coffee/tea and play some board games.

[thebrownboy]

You could do slam poetry nights or something. I know it's pretty hipster but you have to cater to the demographic

[heisenberg]

I feel like Richmond has a strong night life. So open late and have a couple of non caffinated drinks. Hot chocolate, coffee flavoured stuff, milk shakes. Home made coffee flavoured ice cream. Maybe USB ports everywhere or built into the seats where the seat meets the back rest.

[Boostslut]

I feel like Richmond has a strong night life. So open late and have a couple of non caffinated drinks. Hot chocolate, coffee flavoured stuff, milk shakes. Home made coffee flavoured ice cream. Maybe USB ports everywhere or built into the seats where the seat meets the back rest.

Not sure if serious! Seriously though, i've already bought all the seats, and I didn't install USB's in them! ARGH! I'm taking them back! Honestly though, they are wicked awesome seats. USB plugs all over seem to be popular, i'll see and hopefully I can afford them!

[DavidNguyen]

I wanna be able to drink coffee and chill with dogs in a cafe.

[thebrownboy]

You can now buy electrical outlets that have USB ports built into them. The cost of buying and replacing them, shouldn't be too high, might be worth it.

[thebrownboy]

https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.combination-duplex-receptacle-and-usb-charger-15-amp-white.1000806312.html

These one's are a bit on the higher cost side but if you contact an electrical store like Nedco or something they usually have better prices

[Boostslut]

I wanna be able to drink coffee and chill with dogs in a cafe.

I have two dogs at home, i can bring them in for you if you like. One of them will lick your face off, and the other one will just lay there like a couch potato. Let me know when your coming in!

[320icar]

Don't forget that if you ask an electrician buddy, lots of them will have accounts with local hardware or interior stores that can net you massive discounts

[Galactic_Phantom]

Not exactly something I want, but something you should consider. I know it sounds easier than it is, but try to think of a signature drink or product that is eye-appealing and could strike up a fad. Something that could be trending on facebook/instagram. Try to make it cool or cute as possible.

Think 720 Sweets and their dry ice in a cup ice cream. Everyone is rushing there to go take pictures and post it on instagram. Hell, I even saw an entire ice cream thrown out in the trash. Dumb lgs just want to be 'in' and farm for likes on fb/ig.

Another example would be the SeeNay pizza at Steveston Pizza. It was once a $120 pizza with lobster, white truffle, caviar etc. and nobody knew shit about it. Once mainlanders started to pay attention, they jacked the price up to $850. Eight hundred fucking fifty dollars for a pizza. Why? Because mainlanders see posting it on social media as a social status thing and don't give a flying fuck about shelling that kind of money on something that ridiculous. Point is, make a fad that will catch on, and you'll have endless supply of dumb sheeps lining up to buy it.

[Expresso]

Honestly, opening a coffee shop in Richmond is a terrible idea. Your clientele will be 99% Asian. The older crowds drink McDonald's / timmys and the younger crowds drink crackbucks / blenz / waves.

Fresh Press in Richmond seems to do ok, so i dont think you can just generalize.

Keep it 3rd wave and offer lots of Ethiopian varieties. :)

Forget the gimmicks, just make good coffee.

[meowjinboo]

Location Location Location. Brew good beans (Milano does an awesome job)

Really hipsterish decor, home made pastries (try and be different, even some packed krinos spinach spiral pies and cheese pies would be good).

I am white and live in richmond, and go to asian businesses. If you make a comfortable coffee shop where I can dress like a filthy fashionable hipster that I am, I will be there everyday.

Good luck.

Also I really hope you are opening it in steveston village... asians suck here.

[kr4l]

Thanks again bro's!

kr4l, thanks for your help. I might just do that, or get you to drop by during the process to see how it's going. Or maybe, we can hit up your place and have a nice little chat! Personally, i might be totally wrong here and delusional but I thought in the area that i'm going up, it's such an up and coming area with a lot of younger people there it'll be a great area soon! I'm thinking about 2 years out at least.

Board games do sound like a lot of fun also. Also, i want some sort of intellectual conversation sort of nights also. I have some writer friends that might be able to help me out, and would be cool to get people have good conversation about the world, current events, books, and interesting topics.

And, i'm also quite sure that i won't have bubble tea in my shop either. Sorry!

Cheers!

If you by chance come down to Richmond or wanna chat, Im always up for it. However, I'm really fucking blunt and stubborn so don't take me super serious. I'm also not at the shop all the time so drop me a pm before hand.

Also for the electrical outlets and stuff, you guys are describing the 3 big coffee chains. If you are in the market to compete against them, good luck.

Coffee sales are about turnover. How much is that one seat worth in sales to you? If you have a 4 top and 1 guy buys a $3.00 Americano and sits there for 5 hours, you're not making much money off of it. If it don't make money, it don't make sense.

Your highest cost is not the rent, but your labour. I have 16 staff which is ridiculous, but I sacrifice some profit to get drinks and food out fast so customers don't have to wait.

Your clientele in Richmond is 99% Asian. If it's not, you're going out of business, fast. Trust me on this one. Hell even Vancouver, your main focus should be Asian. You need something that makes you different from other places. Richmond is a different beast compared to Vancouver. (My experience)

[westopher]

Host thursday night meets.:pokerface:
For me it would come down to some good snacks. Have some muffins, donuts, croissants that you can't just get anywhere.

[kr4l]

Fresh Press in Richmond seems to do ok, so i dont think you can just generalize.

Keep it 3rd wave and offer lots of Ethiopian varieties. :)

Forget the gimmicks, just make good coffee.

What's ok? No one will understand unless you're a business owner. Just because you see a place packed when you're there for 30 minutes doesn't mean it's doing great. Come to my store Saturday night at 9pm in the summer and you won't find a seat or a place to stand. Doesn't mean it's all good during December when it's freezing cold and my place is empty.

My plan to open a business is not to make a shit ton of money, but to buy myself time to live my life comfortably without having to work as hard. Also to work smart, and not hard. If the owner works 12 hours a day, 7 days a week and makes a decent wage, is it worth it? Trust me, I've owned and operated 2 businesses at one time, working 16 hours a day.

In the end, what is yours goal? If it's to make a ok wage, why risk spending $100k on a Reno for a coffee shop which 99% of the time will close down. Why not just work a 9-5 and get a cheque every two weeks. What's your risk tolerance? What happens if this idea flops?

[v_tec]

I'm not sure if by-law / building allows, but maybe open later...and close later (11pm-2am) or even 24 hours.

[IfUCare]

Hi K4rl,

you might want to train your staff to do a better job with the coffee, the last two time i had a latte and americano it tasted liked burnt plastic.

sorry, didn't mean to derail this threat.

[Expresso]

I feel like everyone's suggestions is to open a bubble tea shop lol.

[fishCak3s]

I would agree with opening late. After the morning and after lunch/afternoon rush, people usually bunker up with their books/laptops and stay for hours.

Pet friendly would be great, or at least allow an owner to bring their pet in to grab something then leave instead of leaving them in the car.

Free delivery within a certain distance if they reach a certain $ amount? Collaborate with companies taking care of their coffee runs? Just thinking out loud here.

Will it be all to go cups? Standard bring your own mug discount, daily specials, RS discount :)

waffles...yummmmm......

[kr4l]

Hi K4rl,

you might want to train your staff to do a better job with the coffee, the last two time i had a latte and americano it tasted liked burnt plastic.

sorry, didn't mean to derail this threat.

Thanks for the critique. Will definitely check on that. I'm not sure why it would taste like burnt plastic unless it is from our beans. Let me know next time you come in and your order will be on me.

[kr4l]

Something you need to ask yourself is, what is around your location? Residential? Commercial businesses? What's your clientele? Competition?

Is your business mainly based Monday - Friday sales or just weekends? Lunch time? Dinner? After dinner? whats the minimum you need to make a day to stay afloat? Food cost? Labour cost? Fixed costs? Rent?

[kr4l]

Also pet friendly is not up to the business, and it's actually not sanitary to have pets inside food establishments. It's ok until you get caught by the health inspector or some asshole eating at your place decides to call Richmond health.

[mk1freak]

if you follow your sn and call it coffeeslut....i'd come. (that and make sure there's parking....)

[snails]

0 wifi
0 wall plugs

so people cant sit on their laptops all day.

i actually avoid certain starbucks because i cant go in and sit down because all seats are taking by people just sitting on laptops..

maybe it will encourage people to.. talk to eachother! its a crazy idea i have but it could work!

best of luck with your shop!

[mk1freak]

i'd talk to you snails...but only through facebook messenger :lawl:

[ZN6]

kid's size, small, medium, large.

I've had enough of people not knowing what size they are ordering and turn it into a fucking science project. Also had it with 20 variations of pronouncing "grande"

I've heard so many and here are some of the top picks: Gran-dee, Gran-duh, Grand-day, gran-doo, great, granola, god damn.

[ZN6]

0 wifi
0 wall plugs

so people cant sit on their laptops all day.

i actually avoid certain starbucks because i cant go in and sit down because all seats are taking by people just sitting on laptops..

maybe it will encourage people to.. talk to eachother! its a crazy idea i have but it could work!

best of luck with your shop!


BUT BUT BUT...... How are people supposed to work their play-writes or novels?

[kr4l]

0 wifi
0 wall plugs

so people cant sit on their laptops all day.

i actually avoid certain starbucks because i cant go in and sit down because all seats are taking by people just sitting on laptops..

maybe it will encourage people to.. talk to eachother! its a crazy idea i have but it could work!

best of luck with your shop!

Problem is, that's what people want. Are you going to not offer it because that's not what you want?

It's about making money. Why do you think Starbucks is a billion dollar company? Cause it works. I personally think you'd be asking to close down if you don't at least offer wifi. I do agree with people not talking to each other nowadays

[tdeweyn]

+1 for board games

[snails]

Problem is, that's what people want. Are you going to not offer it because that's not what you want?

It's about making money. Why do you think Starbucks is a billion dollar company? Cause it works. I personally think you'd be asking to close down if you don't at least offer wifi. I do agree with people not talking to each other nowadays


they are a billion dollar company because their grande coffee cost 53$..


and the wifi thing was a stretch. but they are also losing money having people buy a single coffee and then loiter for 5 hours.

i know im not only speaking for myself when i say that when seating is limited its extremely annoying when everyone is sitting there on a laptop so thay can watch fcking netflix, write a screenplay or w/e

and yes i do get that some actually go there to do homework and for whatever reason they dont have a home.. or internet. but thats not the majority at all

[kr4l]

they are a billion dollar company because their grande coffee cost 53$..


and the wifi thing was a stretch. but they are also losing money having people buy a single coffee and then loiter for 5 hours.

i know im not only speaking for myself when i say that when seating is limited its extremely annoying when everyone is sitting there on a laptop so thay can watch fcking netflix, write a screenplay or w/e

and yes i do get that some actually go there to do homework and for whatever reason they dont have a home.. or internet. but thats not the majority at all

I get what you're saying and that was exactly my point in one of my points above about a 4 top and having a single person sit there for 5 hours buying a $3.00 Americano.

Problem is, that's what a coffee place is. To go surf the web/homework and lounge around for hours having a single coffee. But if you don't offer that, people will go to one of the big 3 for it.

You'll then say, hey that's not my clientele. Ok cool, what is your clientele? If you're telling me your clientele is the other xx% of the population that want what you offer, cool. As long as xx% is more than the other percentage of people that want a place like Starbucks.

In the past few years since I've been in business, I've only seen 1-2 Starbucks close down. That's a pretty damn good ratio of success to failure so I doubt they are losing money.

Ironically, one of the locations that closed down was in Aberdeen centre in the heart of Richmond. Another one was on Robson where there was 2 across from each other, and it was because of a rent dispute.

Edit: again im sorry if I sound like a total ass, but I hate seeing businesses close down because owners don't know what they are getting themselves into. It's a 99% chance your business will fail. Why we try I have no fucking clue.

[Berzerker]

Thanks for all the responses so far. You guys are awesome!

MG1, thanks for the great answer. I can't totally see where your coming from, and i'll do my best to take people on a great journey of different coffee's from around the world. I want to be able to have the time to tell customers the history, facts, and interesting things about coffee. I have a coffee roaster lined up that it all about getting high quality coffee's from around the world, in small batches. I hope I can get you to come down when i'll be open in January - Feb 2016. Oh ya, I've got a name. It's in Richmond, i'm sure many people here have driven by it all ready, and maybe even noticed it.
!


Looks for MG1 post......... Dafuq?

Berz out.

[SkinnyPupp]

Looks for MG1 post......... Dafuq?

Berz out.
I was wondering that as well lol, I think he was responding to me

[meowjinboo]

where is your coffee shop kr4l?

[Boostslut]

I was wondering that as well lol, I think he was responding to me

Fuck, sorry my bad!

[Boostslut]

Coffeeslut, that's smart!

Would be fun to host Thursday meets here actually. I have a parking area that can hold maybe 30 cars'ish? Under cover too!

kr4l, I like your style and how you explain things. It's straight to the point, and honest. Lot's of people don't want to hear it like that, but i really appreciate it a lot. So thank you. I thought I can be successful because I can put a heart ontop of your latte? Looks like i'm shit out of luck. Darn! Jokes aside though, i'm not looking to become a millionare with this right now, I want to come in a show people a good coffee experience. to be continued.. :)

[kkttsang]

Will u have condense milk, I don't know why Starbucks don't have condense milk for the coffee, I started using it and I like it.

[Boostslut]

I'm opening a business in Richmond, so I don't think i have a choice! LOLOL

[kkttsang]

When's the opening and where I'll be happy to come by.

[kr4l]

where is your coffee shop kr4l?

The Bubble Tea Shop under Superstore on 3 road. Not really a coffee shop haha but I do have it. My old coffee shop I had for 6 years was on West Broadway and Oak. I sold it in July because I was working way too fucking hard, not smart

Yeah let us know when the opening is. I'd love to drop by and chit chat

[alwayslive]

Personally, I would go to a coffee shop that has a very chill vibe that has enough outlets and great food for me to hang out and work for hours. Been looking for a shop like that lately but haven't really been able to find one besides waves or Starbucks.

Being a marketer, I would definitely say that you want to have at least one thing in your store that is sort of "gimmicky". Create a social media campaign focused on this one thing months before your store opens and it will be packed. Look at Catfe for example, they have a progress bar showing exactly when they are going to be open so people can follow them in somewhat real time, and their idea is gimmicky enough that they have over 8k followers BEFORE they even open! Other examples would be soft peaks and 720 sweets. Social media is here for a reason, utilize it to its fullest potential!

Goodluck and definitely let us know when it opens! I'll be one of the first customers! :)

[heisenberg]

offer coffee styles around to world?

A Cute Animated Guide To The Many Ways To Brew Coffee - Digg (http://digg.com/video/coffee-brewing-techniques)
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DJPXoKMNONA/UEMaTUv6QjI/AAAAAAAABb0/fiKorQjkydM/s1600/Screen-Shot-2012-08-21-at-11.23.08-PM.png

[Liquid_o2]

Something you need to ask yourself is, what is around your location? Residential? Commercial businesses? What's your clientele? Competition?

Is your business mainly based Monday - Friday sales or just weekends? Lunch time? Dinner? After dinner? whats the minimum you need to make a day to stay afloat? Food cost? Labour cost? Fixed costs? Rent?

These are all very important points that should be taken into consideration. I do retail consulting (from a locational and development standpoint) and there are many many variables that can provide you success or failure for your business.

What are the demographics of the area? How is it growing over the next five years? What are the culinary preferences of the potential clientele and are you able to meet them? Is there a lot of current competition? How far out is your primary trade area that you will try to capture from? Is it a 1km radius? Or is this a destination that will pull people from around Richmond?

From a location standpoint... is the leased space easily accessible? Is there a critical mass of commercial space around the cafe? Many businesses fail when they are isolated from other commercial uses. Does it have good visibility from the street in both directions? Is there a lot of pedestrian traffic or is it mainly vehicles? Parking is a huge issue for many cafes/restaurants, do you have enough? People will avoid certain places if they can't park.

On the other hand, if you create a destination that everyone loves to go to and is unique, then many of these questions can get thrown out the window because people will make the effort to go. But these types of places are rare.

Just some things to think about other than the coffee you are serving.

[kr4l]

may have spotted your shop under construction. not sure why I didn't notice earlier since I drive past that area often and live quite close. is it across from a td bank? called '12 something something"?

[Soundy]

I wanna be able to drink coffee and chill with dogs in a cafe.
I hope you're talking about dogs just hanging out... otherwise I'm steering clear of the Korean BBQ.

Cafe Lu, not going to happen you DON'T want to see my in a bikini!
You gotta rock that beach bod, bro. Chicks dig guys with confidence!

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/4030692/yj/bikini/45936_10153009260865391_314397170_n.jpg

#sorrynotsorry

[Mining]

open a business that caters to the republic of marijuana...

where you can toke up with snacks with friends and watch dumb ass shit like rick and morty on comfy ass couches lol

[Gtrr33]

GT5 championship night...... well you did ask in an automotive forum..

[kr4l]

open a business that caters to the republic of marijuana...

where you can toke up with snacks with friends and watch dumb ass shit like rick and morty on comfy ass couches lol

Next trend will be a restaurant that makes all food with marijuana. You heard it here first!

[TOS'd]

@bcrdukes

[Boostslut]

hahaha.. that will go over well with my old school hong kong family in law's! lol!

Your saying I should have many tv's there? I was thinking of one or two, how many is good?

[Marshall Placid]

Any plans to franchise the business out?

If you are going to open up a coffee shop, you'll have to think big... as in 5 or more company-owned, or 20+ franchised.

IMHO, a coffee shop's financials is similar to a convenience store, and it's a hard business.

Restaurants and coffee shops are among the hardest types of businesses to start.

If successful, it'll be a one shop thing (and like kr4l mentioned, he was working his butt off), so plan ahead and think about expanding right from the get-go.

Get a coffee-concept going that differentiates yourself from competitors and duplicate in the Lower Mainland with 10 to 20 stores.

There is where your 10+ industry experience comes in.

It's going to be risky by differentiating, but this is up to your risk-tolerance level.

The key is to manage (work smart, not hard), but you can't do this if you only have one shop, so there is where opening more than 1 shop comes into play.

You can use your previous experience (you mentioned in your first post) AND this successful (hopefully) new coffee shop (after 1 or 2 years of financials) to:

1- Get franchisees
2- Shop around for investors to invest in your corp. to open more coffee shops.

Good luck.

[tiger_handheld]

Any plans to franchise the business out?

If you are going to open up a coffee shop, you'll have to think big... as in 5 or more company-owned, or 20+ franchised.

IMHO, a coffee shop's financials is similar to a convenience store, and it's a hard business.

Restaurants and coffee shops are among the hardest types of businesses to start.

If successful, it'll be a one shop thing (and like kr4l mentioned, he was working his butt off), so plan ahead and think about expanding right from the get-go.

Get a coffee-concept going that differentiates yourself from competitors and duplicate in the Lower Mainland with 10 to 20 stores.

There is where your 10+ industry experience comes in.

It's going to be risky by differentiating, but this is up to your risk-tolerance level.

The key is to manage (work smart, not hard), but you can't do this if you only have one shop, so there is where opening more than 1 shop comes into play.

You can use your previous experience (you mentioned in your first post) AND this successful (hopefully) new coffee shop (after 1 or 2 years of financials) to:

1- Get franchisees
2- Shop around for investors to invest in your corp. to open more coffee shops.

Good luck.

LOL 2 years of operations and then franchise??? Take it easy there dragon!
it's a coffee shop, not a tech venture with VC's angels and seed money.
everyone throws around scaling like it's motherhood and apple pie, but look what happened to Target. Now look at Nordstrom.

[kr4l]

LOL 2 years of operations and then franchise??? Take it easy there dragon!
it's a coffee shop, not a tech venture with VC's angels and seed money.
everyone throws around scaling like it's motherhood and apple pie, but look what happened to Target. Now look at Nordstrom.

Although the I agree with what you're saying to an extent, if you don't start your business with the mentality of opening more or franchising, it'll be very hard to make it happen later on. You should train your staff right off the bat like a franchise would, and have standard recipes, creating a brand etc etc. instead of implementing it when you decide it's time to franchise or grow. When your staff have been doing things one way, and you decide to change the way it's done to make it franchisable, it's actually very hard to implement that into your staff.

Also set goals for yourself. For example. When I opened my shop, after the experience I had with my first cafe and working like a dog, I said ok after 3 months I need to have everything standardized. After 6 months to be hands off. After 1 year, I need to expand to a second store. 2 years 3 stores. So far so good.

However, franchising a coffee establishment is damn near impossible with all the other easy accessible options available.

Failure rate for the food business is also close to 99%. Our old commercial real estate agent was like top 1% yadda yadda sales guy. Awards. All that jazz. Turns out, he keeps selling the same businesses over and over because they all fail and each year he would come visit me and ask if I was selling. I told him I was $xx and he straight up laughed in my face. I ended up finding a buyer on Craigslist for close to asking.

[unit]

i dont spend time in richmond these days, but somewhere comfortable.
the coffee house near my house has awesome coffee, decor, design, personality, etc.... but its not comfortable. the seats basically all suck and i never want to be there for more than 20 minutes.

[kr4l]

i dont spend time in richmond these days, but somewhere comfortable.
the coffee house near my house has awesome coffee, decor, design, personality, etc.... but its not comfortable. the seats basically all suck and i never want to be there for more than 20 minutes.

its part of business. They probably want the turnover and make money. That's why they put shitty seats in there. So you won't stay longer than 20 minutes.

[unit]

^if i want to catch up with a friend id rather go to starbucks or waves. this place actually loses business from me despite them serving better coffee. not sure if thats really a winning strategy.

[Boostslut]

I got some pretty pimp chairs actually, my bar stools on the other hand i'm sure will be replaced after a few months. I'm hoping they break, they are horrible!.. not my choice! I will only have 24 or so seat's so it's not the hugest place in the world.

[Boostslut]

So, specifically what coffee beans and from where to people like here? And how do you like your coffee? Drip, pour over, espresso, latte'ish beverages?

[miss_crayon]

It's actually started by my fiancé and myself :) we have been in the food business all our lives plus been owners of a cafe/coffee shop in Vancouver for 6 years prior. I'm a chef by trade, fiancé is a pastry chef by trade. Also good to hear the consistency is off. Will definitely grill my staff on it. If you're ever unhappy with your drink, let my staff know and they'll remake it for you. We're all about customer service and quality. Also, that RS discount :)

@boostslut Sorry to hijack the thread a little there, but if you have any questions regarding opening, I can try to help you out as best I can. Although it's only my opinion that I think it's not a great idea, if you believe in it, by all means do what you love to do.

Kr4L, there are no words for how much I adore your shop. My brother and I drive over from North Burnaby every now and then (if we're not having lunch with our parents in Rich already) just for you guys. It's insane, but we love your drinks. Wish it closed a little later though and a little closer.....(any chance you'd be interested in opening up in BBY in the future? :p)

OP, congrats on such an adventure! I'd agree with most people and their points. For me though, I'm all about the experience. From the moment I walk in to the very moment I leave, I always ask myself would I come back. Factors including customer service (huge in my books), variety/options of drinks, price, and comfort. A place I actually quite like (and reminds me of the idea you're going towards) is on Cambie, called Moii cafe. Something about the environment, the people working there, the vibe...it just makes me feel so relaxed.

[kr4l]

Kr4L, there are no words for how much I adore your shop. My brother and I drive over from North Burnaby every now and then (if we're not having lunch with our parents in Rich already) just for you guys. It's insane, but we love your drinks. Wish it closed a little later though and a little closer.....(any chance you'd be interested in opening up in BBY in the future? :p)

OP, congrats on such an adventure! I'd agree with most people and their points. For me though, I'm all about the experience. From the moment I walk in to the very moment I leave, I always ask myself would I come back. Factors including customer service (huge in my books), variety/options of drinks, price, and comfort. A place I actually quite like (and reminds me of the idea you're going towards) is on Cambie, called Moii cafe. Something about the environment, the people working there, the vibe...it just makes me feel so relaxed.

Thanks!! It's very much appreciated. We actually looked to opening in Burnaby, however, we have something in the works for Vancouver right now. Hopefully late next year or 2017 we will head towards Burnaby. It's only been a year so I'm still playing with closing times. Definitely this summer we will close later every night

[Boostslut]

Thanks Miss_Crayon I appreciate your post! I'm pretty ace when it comes to customer service, its my thang! I'm good with drink making as well, and the place should be pretty chill i'm hoping! Now only if all my workers will get their shit together and put my shop together that would be nice. Argh! Waiting sucks!

[320icar]

It's actually started by my fiancé and myself :)

For fucks sake, install some fans in here bruh!!!! It's -3 out right now and I'm melting like a snowman in here

[kr4l]

Haha my bad. There is an issue I'm dealing with the landlord about the a/c. The wall the thermostat is attached too is too cold which won't allow my a/c to turn on even though the temperature is high. I'll need to find a new place for it

Did you come in today? The amount of people in there doesn't help neither. Hope you got the RS discount

[godwin]

A USB Decora plug costs $20 retail.. vs a normal plug that is $3? If you have a surge, the USB part can go since they are quite fragile, so you have to replace the whole plug. I don't think it is worth it.

If you want USB you mind as well have the table to have the USB.

As for the number of plugs, you each circuit can do 5 plugs? You are limited by the age and the size of the premises.

You can now buy electrical outlets that have USB ports built into them. The cost of buying and replacing them, shouldn't be too high, might be worth it.

[Expresso]

Where's the location?

[G]

Oh damn kr4l, didn't know the BBT shop had RS discount... I went there recently and despite having good food and drinks, I was kinda pissed off by some other customers and the number calling system.

Long story short, they called my number, I was about to put my hand up and a bunch of mainland girls just grabbed it out of the servers hand out of no where and I got shafted.... Maybe next time check to make sure they have the number? I ended up having to go up to the counter and explain everything and wait for the next one...

@Boostslut, hows the progress!!!

[jinxcrusader]

@G
That happened two fucking times when I was at BBT Shop back when they first opened. I haven't gone back since. It sucks when you waited like 15 minutes and nothing is there. That's disappointing to hear it's still something that happens.

[HonestTea]

RS discount @ BBT Shop?!

[kr4l]

Oh damn kr4l, didn't know the BBT shop had RS discount... I went there recently and despite having good food and drinks, I was kinda pissed off by some other customers and the number calling system.

Long story short, they called my number, I was about to put my hand up and a bunch of mainland girls just grabbed it out of the servers hand out of no where and I got shafted.... Maybe next time check to make sure they have the number? I ended up having to go up to the counter and explain everything and wait for the next one...

@Boostslut, hows the progress!!!

I'm sorry to hear about that. I'll definitely make a note of it Sometimes it's hard to keep track as my staff are usually quite busy but I'll definitely look into a better solution.

Also if that ever happens, just go to the side area and talk to one of my staff. I'm sure they'll help you out instead of going to the front and waiting in line again.

And of course there's RS discounts. Support the forum by showing us a lanyard etc etc and I'll hook you guys up

[heisenberg]

^^ looks like your shop is hiring :D

[kr4l]

^always looking for great staff to take under my wing. I guarantee I treat my staff better than anyone else. That's only if you make the cut tho

[G]

@Kr4l

Seems like a reoccurring problem given jinxcrusader had the same issue. Maybe a solution is to have those mini clip on flags that have their order number so that your staff can just easily find the table?

http://www.nsfsales.com/media/catalog/category/classic_table_number_holders1_5.jpg

That being said, other than that issue, everything else was good. :)

[Skittlez160]

Philz Coffee (http://www.philzcoffee.com)

If the experience is anything close to Philz Coffee in San Francisco, then I'll be your #1 customer lol.

Basically a selection of quality coffee and all orders are individually brewed and customized to each customer.

[whitev70r]

Anyone else dig Umbra coffee?

[bcrdukes]

Holy fuck, Philz Coffee. Fuck that place to hell. That place is the biggest shit hole for any kind of work flow and customer service. No, no, and no.

[kr4l]

@Kr4l

Seems like a reoccurring problem given jinxcrusader had the same issue. Maybe a solution is to have those mini clip on flags that have their order number so that your staff can just easily find the table?

http://www.nsfsales.com/media/catalog/category/classic_table_number_holders1_5.jpg

That being said, other than that issue, everything else was good. :)

Thanks for the suggestion. Problem with that is I'll have 30 of those hanging around at the counter and the space is pretty limited as is.

not to mention lost numbers or proper taking them. I can get a number box that lights up but I doubt that'll change the chaos

I'll definitely need to look into a solution. Maybe names? Or my expo make sure the right people are getting the right drinks

[Expresso]

OP, did you open up yet?

Was wondering if this newcomer was you.
https://www.instagram.com/faebrew/

[ilovebacon]

^ that facility looks really nice!

[bcrdukes]

I don't think that is OP.

Facility where OP planned on opening did not materialize.

[trollguy]

i stumbled upon that place.. minimum $12 a cup for coffee.

unless his prices have changed.