Opening a café: 7 tips for getting started successfully and lasting!

The favorite drink of Americans, coffee, is consumed daily by nearly 90% of them. If the United States is the most dynamic region channeling the opening of new establishments, these modern agoras tend to disappear throughout the United States, against the population's advice. Here are our 7 seven tips for opening a profitable and lasting café!

1. A solid business plan to convince potential investors

Before opening your business, you must define a guideline and clearly defined objectives to develop a project that will last over time. A coffee shop business plan will detail the concept, the necessary investments, the expected benefits, the possibilities of financing until your future marketing strategy. To which can be added information on the target customers, the location, and a competitive study.

2. A choice of location crucial for your success

An ideal location is an easily accessible place in the roaming area of ​​customers, especially in the morning. Out of 85% of American fans of daily coffee, 80% indeed consume it for breakfast. Before committing to signing a lease, spend time-on-site and measure the passage at different times of the day and on the day of the week. This will help you determine whether there are enough potential customers, whether the establishment is visible and how the competition performs. The rent amount must not exceed 10% of sales; the premises must be large enough to offer adequate seating, fairly wide corridors, space for production and storage areas, etc. Note: the premises on the street corner generate around ⅓ more income than traditional locals!

3. Win the battle of red tape

In particular, we will consider the regulations on drinks, hygiene and safety standards, the license to operate a restaurant, legal display obligations, etc. These elements influence the choice of location, offering, and financial planning. In catering, it is recommended to serve alcoholic drinks; you will need a liquor license from the start. Get the opinion of the branch of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

4. Different funding possibilities

There are different ways to finance your coffee. Local banks traditionally provide funding to present your project, depending on the relationship of trust established with your bank and your proposal's credibility. Starting a company would generally necessitate contributions from personal investments, donations from friends, crowdfunding, or support from outside investors. The upstream research work will allow you to understand how the market works, the competition, and to find niche markets to exploit. Your research will also convince investors with your expertise and preparation.

5. Clear processes and good organization

A good organization and structuring of your processes will guarantee the success and the growth of your coffee. If the service is efficient, customers will be satisfied and come back. Your staff must be briefed; everyone must know their role and know how to use the cash register and other equipment. The food and drink preparation method must be developed and of high quality in compliance with safety and hygiene standards.

6. Good suppliers for quality products

The atmosphere, the service, and the products make an establishment's success, customers wanting to live a unique experience. Calculate your costs and prices well; offer qualitative and exclusive products. In this environment, having good suppliers is essential because exceptional coffee beans are worth gold. Building a partnership of confidence with your vendors can take time, but it will promote the work in the long run; you will secure deals on bulk orders and quicker delivery. Also, investing in quality equipment will allow you to offer a unique taste experience for a long time.

7. Build customer loyalty through marketing

How to draw attention to your cafe on opening day? Start by handing out flyers so that residents are aware of your arrival. Invite local businesses and the press on an opening day. If the target lends itself to it, consider offering discount coupons in limited quantity and duration. Have your cafe added to Google Maps, you will appear on interested parties' Google searches with photos and information such as your opening hours. You will also need a website or a Facebook page to retain and inform your customers; this will allow you to create events, special offers, present your new products and build a solid customer database.