Starting A Coffee Shop

Thinking of starting a coffee shop? Tips for success with the Joe

In a tightening economy, starting a new business can be risky business. Luxury items may not be the business of choice. You want to stick with products and services that people need and can afford. In America, it's rare to find an individual who can start the day without the morning cup of Joe. They need it, they want it and will buy it if you don't out price yourself. Starting a coffee shop can be a lucrative business for these times.

A coffee shop venture can be successful, for the simple reason that people will indulge themselves in the smaller pleasures when times get tough. If your potential customers can no longer buy that pair of designer shoes or the hounds tooth sport coat, they may well console themselves with a good cup of Joe and a tasty pastry treat.

When compared with the up front costs of starting a restaurant, starting a coffee shop can be done on a shoestring. The coffee shop does not require the larger space of a restaurant, nor all of the commercial cooking equipment and inventory you'd need to serve your customers. What you do need is a great cup of coffee at a reasonable price, a selection of treats to accompany the Joe, bistro style tables and ambience. The ambience, next to the coffee, is perhaps the most important component to starting a coffee shop that prospers.

Ambience comes largely from your imagination. A well designed coffee shop need not be expensive, but it must have an enticing atmosphere. Your customers are looking for a cheap thrill, where, for a few bucks, they can spend an hour or so kicking back, enjoying a couple of cups of Joe in a relaxed environment, before they hit reality.

In order to create an appealing environment, look to the tastes of your community. Is your town the artsy seaside type, filled with artists? Starting a coffee shop that these folks will gravitate towards isn't hard and doesn't cost much. Populate your walls with fine art reproductions, a library of interesting books and trade magazines, provide lots of wood accents and bouquets of dried flowers at each table. Classical, ethnic and rock music selections complete this picture. When in Memphis, do as Memphis does. Posters of the country stars and music to suit creates instant ambience. Tailor your furnishings to cater to this market segment.

In short, you need to satisfy your audience. Starting a coffee shop can be a lucrative and satisfying business. As for the coffee, choose Arabica beans for the best flavor. Make your own blends, from mild to dark roast eye openers. Follow this formula and prepare for success!