Thinking of Opening a Coffee Shop/cafe?

Question

I want to open something that serves simple coffee drinks, has a full breakfast menu (eggs, pancakes, waffles, donuts/pastries), and a small lunch menu (deli style sandwiches, grilled sandwiches, salads, etc.)

Also, ice-cream would be served and possibly there could be a window outside for walk-up orders in the summer.

Would this be successful? Do any of you own or work at something like this? If so, how is it run? (Sit down style or ordering at a counter)

If you don't own or work at something like this, would you want to come to a place like this?

Answer 1

I am currently watching fine dining restaurants drop like flies. If you think you can reinvent the wheel, you are wrong. Unless you are swimming in money, or have a kick butt location, you will likely not survive the year.

Answer 2

that sounds like a great idea. And maybe u can serve french toast to.

Answer 3

make it a place for conversations with friends.

Answer 4

Remember- there are 3 things necessary to have a successful eatery. Location, location, location!

Don't be concerned about how close you are to another eatery.

Competition is healthy for business.

Ever notice that when a McDonalds moves in there will soon be at least one more major burger chain that opens just a block or two way?

If you follow thru on your plans I can only tell you to be prepared for some long hours. You'll find that you'll be there from before opening to after closing every day. At least to start with(1st 6-8 mos.)

It's best to get some insight on how to start and manage a small business like the one you might be planning.

There will be menu planning, staff training, procedures developing, advertising, building layout, etc.

I would travel around to different eateries maybe outside of the area you plan to open your business to gather some ideas about what people are going for. Note what you like and don't like about others restaurants. Listen to other people about what they would like to see in a restaurant. Talk to someone who knows the business.

In essence, do your homework before making any moves. The more you know the better your chances are for success.

Answer 5

You'd be better off opening a health food store of some kind, maybe something that serves frozen health beverages (smoothies and such).  There are so many shops and cafes in the USA like the one you describe that I am afraid that the competition would swallow you alive and there would be more likelihood of me winning the Florida Lottery than you seeing any return on your investment.

Answer 6

I love the idea and have thought many times of doing exactly this, in the style you describe.  It's a place I would go myself, with friends and with family.  It certainly could work - whether it does or not depends on your area, what businesses are already there, what would the interest be in something like this and how well do you plan and execute.

Answer 7

i live in coffee shops..

just remember to get nice sofas

:)

Answer 8

that could be really successful a lot of people love things like that.  would you open it on or by a college campus?  that would be a really good idea.  if the food is reasonably cheap a lot of college students would love it.

Answer 9

I would. Sounds nice.

But remember that success would depend on the competition. Or the lack of competition thereof.

Are there similar coffee shops in the area where you plan to start it? Is there a Starbucks or Barista's outlet nearby? People tend to frequent these outlets more, so if there such coffee-chains nearby, you might have a difficult time attracting customers. Is it going to be located in a commercial area? If so, you might be able to attract the office-going lunchtime crowd.

I personally think that a sit-down business would be better than take-out/ordering at a counter. There is a personal touch involved in a sit-down business. A counter would be just another counter if the food isn't exceptionally great or outstanding. But if you can't afford it, it would be better to start off as a counter and expand into a sit-down as business grows. Remember that in this business, the food is what separates you from the rest. Best of Luck!