Cafe Business
Transcript: How to start a Cafe Business By: Laken Reed PLACE YOUR LOGO HERE Things to consider: 1. Define your vision 2. Create detailed business plan 3. Choose a location 4. Find the best suppliers Agenda 5. Source commercial equipment 6. Design your cafe 7. Create a menu 8. Hire the right people 9. Market your cafe Research the Coffee Business Research the Coffee Business Opening a cafe takes a big investment in both time and money. It’s essential that you spend time now understanding what it takes to run a successful cafe. This means reaching out to coffee business owners and learning from their experience; finding out what works, and what doesn’t. And here’s the fun part — it also means visiting lots of cafés to get an insight into what you want your business to be like. Consider what you will take from other businesses and what will make you different. Learn about your customer base. Who will they be? What are their needs? What time of the day will be busiest? Knowing your customers well will assist with planning, creating a menu, price points — everything really! Define your Vision A company needs to define their vision to describes the company;s purpose. It provides a focal point for goal-setting and business planning a sense of purpose and direction for the business. Company Vision Strategy Create a detailed Business Plan Strategy In reality, the real benefit in putting together a business plan is less about the final document, and more about the process. The process of writing a business plan helps you really understand your local market and take a close look at the numbers you need to make the business successful. A business plan will guide you through each stage of developing and managing your coffee shop, and will serve as a road map for how to structure, run, and grow your new business. Choose a Location Choose a location Location is critical to the overall success of any cafe business. Before you make a decision, spend some time in the areas you’re considering. Pay close attention to how many people are moving about on foot, and how much parking is available. Is the location visible enough? Is there enough foot traffic around to sustain your café? What does the location mean in terms of demographics? What kind of things do the local community like to do? Are you near lots of other cafés or in your own little alleyway? Remember you’re going to be spending a lot of time here, so you want to make sure you really understand what makes the locals tick. It’s also vital to understand the details of the retail lease, the terms of this document will affect the profitability and the resale value of your business down the track. It’s wise to talk to a lawyer who specialises in retail leases before you sign anything. Find the Best Supplier Find the Best Supplier Finding good, reliable suppliers is a key component of any business success. Depending on the type of café you’re opening, the major suppliers are usually coffee, milk, bread, fresh produce and groceries. You’ll also need cups (paper and porcelain), napkins, coffee stirrers, teapots, syrups… the list goes on. Start by making a list of all the supplies you need, being as detailed as you can. The list may seem overwhelming, but getting down to the nitty gritty (from pastries to napkin holders) will ensure you’re prepared for anything. From there, you can begin researching suppliers until you find ones you love and who fit with your business philosophy. Source Commercial Equipment Source Commercial Equipment When it comes to sourcing equipment, you have a few options: • Buy equipment outright using your own finance (or cash) • Lease equipment through a provider like Silverchef or FlexiCommercial • In the case of coffee equipment, many cafes are also able to get this on loan from their coffee roaster — a bit like having a mobile phone plan. You’ll also need to invest in a commercial blender, refrigerator, dishwasher, cash register… and so on. Again, make a list and be as detailed as you can (download our checklist for a detailed list). You may not need all these items right away, so prioritize and keep in mind what’s coming. Design your Cafe and Give it a Character Design your Cafe and Give it a Character The design of your café is crucial for drawing customers in and enticing them to return. The concept will largely depend on your target audience. Will it be modern? Retro? Sophisticated? Family-friendly? Health-focused? Understand the tastes of your customer base and design your café with them in mind. Again, don’t try to please everyone; choosing one theme and sticking to it will make for a much stronger identity. Consider storefront design, signage, furniture and lighting. Evaluate the efficiency of the layout from both an employee and a customer perspective. Can the barista work methodically in the space allotted? Can your staff get quickly across the room? Will customers understand the ordering process upon entering your coffee shop? I know it’s expensive,
Prezi Present
Prezi Video
Prezi Design
