What do you like best in a coffeeshop?

Question

A friend and I are planning to open a coffeeshop/bar and I've been having a hard time coming up with a concept for the place. I'd really like some visual aids. We will be catering mostly to college students. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated: business, aesthetic, or otherwise. Thanks.

Answer 1

Room to work and wireless connectivity.  Have tables set up so that the students feel comfortable sitting and doing their studying and a few comfortable couches so they can study together.  Have coffee/water/soft drinks (bottled) and sandwiches (big overstuffed ones).  Have scones, muffins and other easy to eat snacks.  Have power bars so they can eat on the run.  Have yogurt and fruit cups that are healthy and easy to grab and go.  All of this can be done inexpensively but you can resell at a higher cost.  Another important thing in every business is having your servers make the customers feel comfortable and like they are welcome there.  I find many coffee shops have great coffee and snacks but the servers 'snooty' or unwelcoming.  Stay open late in the evening so the students have a place to meet and relax in a calm quiet atmosphere (as opposed to a bar).

Best of luck to you, I hope your business does very well.

Answer 2

I've just sold a coffee shop/cafe in Australia. To be totally honest with you, it was the worst financial investment ever and I worked my guts out for nothing. I was lucky to sell the cafe without going bankrupt. My cafe had the best reputation for great food but within a couple of months of opening up in a largely unexplored territory, 4 or 5 new cafes opened up.

I urge you to spend your money on another investment opportunity.

Answer 3

Starbucks used to have a drink called a Mocha Malt.  I loved it and bought it all the time.  It is now discontinued; find the recipe for that and you will be jammin!

Answer 4

a homey atmosphere and lots of character

A place where I'd feel at home.

Answer 5

I don't like those fancy coffee shops like starbucks. I prefer Dunkin Donuts myself,of course I'm way older than a college student. I think as long as your coffee is very tasty, you should have no problems.

Answer 6

coffee...:-)....u should make it look really furtureistic and cool.

Answer 7

cofee, cakes, comfy sofas and free magazines to read

Answer 8

coffee and sweets{baked goods}...comfy chairs and sofas and a candy bar...

Answer 9

great ambiance...feels like your just home...comfortable seats,and has a good background of music...serve some waffle,cookies,..and any other food that is great to be paired by coffee..dont forget mocha java..and also..the name of the coffee shop should sound good and different from others...

Answer 10

Dunkin Donuts .........is great but they also need wi-fi, great drinks not only coffee but tea's ect plus snacks like cakes pie's etc.  A nice place to sit with lots of room, a place that makes you feel good about being there.  Books and mag to read.  Plus great prices.  And great hours.  You need to be able to go there and easy to find.

Answer 11

great coffee, great sweets and treats...anything to read

and oh...free wi-fi is a BIG PLUS