Well, everyone, I received a huge amount of really good advice and support.
I thank everyone who weighed in with their opinions, facts, ideas and
support.
Just so that everyone knows, this is not a whim....not an "I've been home
roasting so I think I'll open up a shop". This is a dream that I've had since
college. Back then, it was to open up a place where people could go, be
comfortable, chat, meet new folks, and not be a bar or meat market. As the years
went by (and by and by) I looked around for just the right location. Over
time, I, like most folks, started out at Star$$$'s, thinking their coffee was
just the best. Bought a Barista machine. Then, upgraded to a Solis. And
then a nice grinder. Then Ms. Silvia. About 3 years ago, I began home roasting
and resurrected the never buried coffee house (note, coffee HOUSE not coffee
shop) idea. Since then, I've been roasting while writing a business plan
and looking for the right place while waiting for the right time. Well, in a
convergence of events including but not limited to my only daughter getting
ready to head off to college (hence, freeing up a LOT of time....but not $$$'s
:)) as well as a really great site opening up, I decided to look more
seriously at this idea. I spent countless hours in the local 'Bucks counting
customers and what they were ordering. Spent 8 months researching and writing a
business plan. Even right now, I'm writing my responses to the prospective
landlord's "Letter of Intent" (precursor to a lease). It's still not a done
deal, by any stretch of the imagination. I'm not going into this blindly or
with stars in my eyes. If it comes off, I think it will be a huge success. If
the lease issues can't get worked out, then I walk and wait a while longer.
Don't rush....
Now, if I can consolidate most of the responses, I come up with a lot of
really sound advice. Most of which, I was ecstatic to find out, I had
incorporated in some fashion in my business plan. However, because of the response, I
am going to revise it for my internal use to emphasize some of the items
even more.
1. Customer Service
2.. Emphasize the coffee. The best damn coffee you've ever had. Period.
3. Customer service. Better yet, competent and friendly customer
service....even more, extremely well trained, professional, helpful and informative
customer service.
4. Don't try to match Star$$$'s but don't ignore the drinks they serve that
are incredibly popular....Frappacuino, etc.... Come up with BETTER
alternatives.
5. Customer service
6. Customer Service.
If anybody has any other ideas, or comments, please don't hesitate to send
them to me on or off list. I'll let everyone know what's happening as I move
forward (or, if I don't).
Thanks again, everyone!
Michael
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