Starting a coffee shop is a complex yet rewarding process that requires meticulous research, understanding of equipment, continuous learning about brewing techniques, and creativity in recipe creation. It’s a journey filled with excitement and opportunities for those passionate about coffee.
START YOUR OWN COFFEE SHOP – KEY TIPS TO SUCCESS
By Doim Hemingway
Starting a coffee shop is an appealing venture for many entrepreneurs, inspired by the thriving café culture in numerous cities around the world. To turn this dream into a successful business reality, one must delve into comprehensive research, learning about various aspects of the coffee industry such as product selection, coffee equipment, brewing techniques, and coffee drink recipes. This article explores these aspects in detail.
Researching the Coffee Product
When commencing a coffee shop, understanding the product is paramount. A high-quality coffee bean is the cornerstone of any successful coffee shop. The following areas should be thoroughly researched:
Coffee Origins: Learn about different coffee-growing regions and their flavor profiles. For example, Ethiopian beans are known for their fruity notes, while Colombian beans offer a balanced and nutty flavor.
Suppliers: Build relationships with local roasters or international suppliers. Companies like Stumptown Coffee Roasters and Blue Bottle Coffee provide high-quality beans and can be a great place to start.
Trends: Stay updated with the latest coffee trends, such as cold brew, nitro coffee, or specialty lattes. Your menu should reflect popular demand but also your brand’s unique identity.
Learning about Coffee Equipment
Investing in the right coffee equipment is essential for delivering a consistent product. Here’s how to get started:
Espresso Machines: Investigate different brands and functionalities. La Marzocco and Nuova Simonelli are examples of renowned brands in the industry.
Grinders: Understand the importance of a good grinder, as it plays a critical role in coffee flavor extraction.
Accessories: Equip yourself with necessary accessories like milk frothers, filters, and tampers. These tools help in crafting the perfect coffee.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance is vital to keep the machinery in top condition. Seek professional guidance or attend training on how to handle daily maintenance.
Brewing a perfect cup of coffee requires skill and knowledge. Here’s how you can learn:
Training Courses: Enroll in professional coffee brewing courses like those offered by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). Real-world examples like Barista Hustle also provide online training.
YouTube Tutorials: Platforms like YouTube have countless tutorials from professional baristas, a perfect place for beginners.
Practice: Like any craft, practice makes perfect. Experiment with different techniques and recipes at home before introducing them to your shop.
Creating Coffee Drink Recipes
Developing a unique and appealing menu requires creativity and knowledge of various coffee drink recipes:
Classics: Learn to make classic coffee drinks such as espresso, cappuccino, and latte. These will be the staple of your menu.
Signature Drinks: Create signature recipes that set your shop apart. Look at well-known coffee shops like Starbucks and their success with unique drinks like the Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Seasonal Offerings: Consider incorporating seasonal ingredients and offerings to keep the menu fresh and exciting.
In conclusion, starting a coffee shop is a complex yet rewarding process that requires meticulous research, understanding of equipment, continuous learning about brewing techniques, and creativity in recipe creation. It’s a journey filled with excitement and opportunities for those passionate about coffee.
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Article produced with the support of AI
The process of site selection bears striking similarities to the dating experience. By understanding the different stages, emphasizing clear communication, seeking legal counsel, and documenting agreements, you can navigate the site selection process more effectively and increase the chances of a successful, long-term location that maximizes your unit volume.
Finding the perfect location for your business is a lot like dating. You start by exploring your options, then progress through various stages of interaction before committing to a long-term relationship. In this article, we’ll highlight key phases of this process and emphasize the importance of clear communication and legal protection.
Exploring Options:
Just as in dating, the site selection process begins with exploration. You survey the market, research potential locations, and get a feel for what’s out there. This phase is crucial for gathering information and identifying viable prospects.
Casual Meetups (Showings):
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time for the casual meetups—the showings. Similar to going on dates, these meetings give you the opportunity to physically experience the space, envision your business there and assess its suitability.
Sizing-Up Phase (Letter of Intent):
After finding a promising location, you enter the sizing-up phase, which is comparable to the letter of intent (LOI) stage. Here, both parties—the owner and the tenant/buyer—begin to outline the terms and conditions of their potential relationship. Deal breakers and negotiable aspects are identified, setting the foundation for future discussions.
The Importance of a Non-Legally Binding LOI:
It’s crucial to remember that the LOI process should be non-legally binding. Much like a pre-dating phase, it serves as a basic agreement on key economic terms. The LOI should explicitly state its non-binding nature, allowing both parties to proceed to the lease phase without undue legal obligations.
Focus on the Big Picture during the LOI Process:
During the LOI process, it’s important to maintain a focus on the big picture and not get bogged down in the minutiae. The LOI serves as an outline of the agreed-upon economics, while specific legal and contractual details can be addressed by your attorney. This approach ensures smoother negotiations and allows for a more efficient transition into the lease phase.
Documenting Agreements:
Always ensure that both parties sign the LOI. While non-binding, the signatures serve as a record of the agreed-upon terms before entering the lease phase. Memories can be unreliable, and having a documented understanding helps prevent misunderstandings and misinterpretations.
The Legally Binding Lease (Marriage):
The lease agreement is the legally binding contract that solidifies the relationship, comparable to a marriage. While the main terms from the LOI should be reflected in the lease, it’s essential to engage an attorney to safeguard your interests, similar to a prenuptial agreement. Legal counsel can ensure that your rights are protected and mitigate potential disputes in the future.
Navigating Challenges and Resolving Issues:
Just like any relationship, issues may arise during the course of the lease. If disputes occur and communication breaks down, both parties will refer to the lease to justify their positions. This underscores the significance of a well-drafted lease agreement and the need for effective resolution strategies.
Conclusion:
The process of site selection bears striking similarities to the dating experience. By understanding the different stages, emphasizing clear communication, seeking legal counsel, and documenting agreements, you can navigate the site selection process more effectively and increase the chances of a successful, long-term location that maximizes your unit volume. And working with a qualified real estate broker increases that likelihood even more. Remember, just like in dating, finding the right match is an exciting journey that requires careful consideration and proactive decision-making.
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David Simmonds founded RESOLUT RE in January of 2009 and has since built a massive, international, 3rd-party brokerage platform. RESOLUT RE has 6 offices across Texas (Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Austin/San Antonio, McAllen, Midland & El Paso), and serves the great states of Louisiana and New Mexico out of offices in Lafayette, Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
RESOLUT RE represents 68 tenants nationally/internationally. We have the ability to service our clients’ expansion needs anywhere in the United States and up to 130 countries around the globe.
RESOLUT RE markets over 800 projects and exclusively represents over 250 tenants regionally across Texas, New Mexico and Louisiana.
David is a member of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Columbia College/Columbia University in New York City.
A broker specializing in retail/restaurant real estate can be a huge resource in navigating through these puzzle pieces. And the landlords usually pay their fees, making this service free of charge to the business owner.
Finding the right location is one of the most important processes you will be engaged in for your business. Like the old adage goes: location, location, location. Many factors go into site selection for your business. In this article, I’ll discuss the factors to consider about the retail space itself.
Size of space needed
• Do you need an end cap, or are you willing to go in-line? Do you need a freestanding location and/or a drive-thru?
• Construction budget
• Anticipated sales projections Rent is always a function of sales, and most businesses want their rents to be between
6%-8% of their total costs to run the business.
• Rent/NNN budget…make sure that you are realistic about what can be achieved in the market/s that you are looking at
and how that compares to your budget
• Do you need referrals for a general contractor/architect/etc? Do you have a prototype for your layout?
• Which kind of tenants do you want to be around or stay away from?
Interior of the space:
• What size HVAC do you need?
• Do you need the space to come with equipment left behind by the previous tenant? 2nd gen restaurant space, for
example, could save a restauranteur a lot of capital. Or could you do new construction or a plain Jane retail space?
For example, if you would do a non-2nd gen restaurant space, how much would it cost to retrofit a space?
• Do you have to have natural gas?
• What size electrical service do you need?
• Do you need a grease trap or a vent-a-hood
• Does your space need to be sprinkled?
Selling yourself to landlords:
• What kind of credit will be going on the lease?
• Are you willing to personally guaranty the lease?
• Where is your source of funding coming from to do this new location?
• Your Resume: Have you worked for a competitor in the past, or do you have existing stores? If so, how long have you
been in business? If not, do you have a resume showing your operations prowess?
Use a professional broker
A broker specializing in retail/restaurant real estate can be a huge resource in navigating through these puzzle pieces. And the landlords usually pay their fees, making this service free of charge to the business owner. When hiring such a broker, engage in a meaty interview process:
* Ask for and check References
* How many similar-type deals has that agent closed in the past week, 30 days, 60 days, and YTD?
* If he works in other commercial real estate verticals, such as office, industrial, land (not related to retail), farms & ranch, medical or investment sales, for example, how much time does that agent spend working in those verticals versus retail/restaurant?
I highly recommend a broker who specializes in the retail/restaurant field. That broker will have the expertise, knowledge, and relationships in the market to get you the best space for your business. It’s an exciting journey you are embarking on…you’ll never forget it!
David Simmonds founded RESOLUT RE in January of 2009 and has since built a massive, international, 3rd-party brokerage platform. RESOLUT RE has 6 offices across Texas (Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Austin/San Antonio, McAllen, Midland & El Paso), and serves the great states of Louisiana and New Mexico out of offices in Lafayette, Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
RESOLUT RE represents 68 tenants nationally/internationally. We have the ability to service our clients’ expansion needs anywhere in the United States and up to 130 countries around the globe.
RESOLUT RE markets over 800 projects and exclusively represents over 250 tenants regionally across Texas, New Mexico and Louisiana.
David is a member of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Columbia College/Columbia University in New York City.
What Are Common Area Maintenance Charges In A Commercial Lease?
Most commercial retail leases are triple net leases. The “triple” stands for (i) taxes (ii) insurance and (iii) maintenance.
Taxes: This is pretty straightforward, as the landlord will simply pass on to the tenant the real estate taxes proportionately based on the size of the overall property and the size of the tenant’s location.
Insurance: This is calculated in a similar manner based on the landlord’s insurance cost for the overall property, not the tenant’s specific insurance.
Maintenance: This is the big variable and is also called CAM or “common area maintenance.”
Basically, under a triple net lease, the landlord will pass through all of the expenses to maintain the property including landscaping, cleanup, snow removal and minor repairs to each tenant on a pro-rata basis. The CAM charges in a commercial lease are typically added on to base rent as additional rent (in addition to the taxes and insurance cost). This is an area fraught with danger for the unwary tenant. A landlord typically will try to pass through as much of their expenses as possible through CAM charges, and if not negotiated upfront, these expenses can grow and grow over the life of the lease.
Gather data on the type of people living in the area. For example, if you’re planning to open a hip hamburger joint, you want a younger demographic, which might be present near a college campus. Do the people in the area like the type of cuisine you’re going to serve?
How many times have you seen new restaurants open their doors only to close them six months later? Ever wondered why? Among the top 3 reasons is improper location selection. The most successful restaurants are not only those with a great concept, outstanding food, legendary service but also the perfect location.
Here are some critical points to evaluate when selecting a restaurant location.
Conduct a Thorough Location Analysis To be a successful food service establishment, the restaurant must fit the demographics; the restaurant needs to be accessible to the type of guests that live and work in the market it serves. Location analysis is an in-depth look at the general area you’re considering for your establishment. Gather data on the type of people living in the area. For example, if you’re planning to open a hip hamburger joint, you want a younger demographic, which might be present near a college campus. Do the people in the area like the type of cuisine you’re going to serve? Going back to the same example, an upscale seafood restaurant is probably not going to be a popular choice for most broke college students. Examine what types of businesses have been in the location you’re seeking in the past. It’s essential to understand why those previous restaurants failed to ensure you don’t repeat their mistakes.
David Simmonds, recommends “Know who your customer is- what he/she looks like from a demographic and psychographic perspective. One can accomplish this from the analysis of customer data from existing locations, or one can make as educated of a guess as possible. We recommend hiring a qualified professional who has access to different platforms of data that identifies the many characteristics and behaviors of people in defined areas.”
Also, the size of the local population is essential. You need to assess the number of customers you’ll need for your restaurant to remain profitable. Can the area sustain those numbers? The individual restaurateur can find many of these demographic data points, but Simmonds states: “While there are databases of comps available to people within and outside of the commercial real estate industry, nothing beats a CRE professional who is very active in the subject market and has relationships to obtain comps that are recent and pertinent.
Don’t Forget The Basics In addition to the location analysis, there are some critical fundamental factors also to consider. Unless you’re going to open your restaurant in an extremely high foot-traffic friendly part of town, you’ll need an easy access parking lot as close to your restaurant as possible. Additionally, the side of the street you’re on relative to the traffic flow matters as well. If people need to make a left turn ten feet from a busy intersection to get into your parking lot, they may go elsewhere. Customers love convenience, so you must build that into your restaurant footprint.
Other things that matter include the overall safety of the area, as well as whether the entrance to your restaurant is openly handicap accessible. Your patrons need to feel safe and secure, and they need to be able to easily access your building, even if they require the use of a walker or wheelchair. You need to diligently go over each one of these factors when examining possible restaurant locations in your area.
Everything is Negotiable To lease or to buy? This can be a tough but crucial question. You need to seriously weigh the pros and cons of leasing space or buying one outright. It may come down to your budget and how much you plan to spend on the remodeling and to set up your new space, as well as how much you have available to pay as rent or a mortgage. There are pros and cons to both leasing and buying. Leasing is a much more flexible option as far as the future of your business is concerned since it enables you to change locations (depending on your lease, of course) without having to worry about resale values or investing large sums of cash as a down payment. However, leasing requires knowledge in a lease negotiation. When asked about what can be negotiated, David Simmonds points out, “Absolutely, everything is negotiable, in theory. Of course, the extent to which landlords are negotiable depends on the type of business being talked about for the space, the credit and financial history of the person or entity that would be signing onto the lease, local market conditions, and each landlord’s current position in the property and goals for it.”
Another negotiable point is how much free rent time you can secure from the landlord so you can build out your space without paying rent. Simmonds answers it bluntly, “As much as you think you can get away with, without aggravating the landlord enough not to respond at all. Again, this is where a qualified professional with a thumb on the pulse of the market earn their money.”
Exclusivity For Shopping Center Locations If you’re considering opening your restaurant in a shopping center, you’ll want to negotiate some measure of exclusivity with the landlord. This will prevent another restaurant featuring the same cuisine from opening in the same shopping center. I asked David if this is a realistic expectation from a restaurant tenant. He explains it explains this way: “Typically- yes, but again, this will depend on a myriad of factors: type of restaurant, credit/financials on the lease, local market conditions; meaning how much of a landlord’s market it is, how big the center is and what tenant mix the landlord would like to see in the center.
On the other hand, if you can afford to buy a piece of property or an existing building, you won’t have to deal with any potential landlord issues or rent increases. It’s important to weigh all factors specific to your situation and location before signing a lease or buying space.
Take Your Time to Secure the Perfect Spot Using a professional commercial broker can accelerate the process, but patience is a necessary component. Though it may be difficult, don’t rush through the process. It’s completely normal to feel pressured into finding a space and jumping right in, but settling for a location that seems to be just “good enough” simply won’t cut it. The perfect space for your restaurant is out there, so if it’s a success you’re seeking, wait to find the right location, then snap it up!
ABOUT: David Simmonds
David Simmonds founded RESOLUT RE in January of 2009 and has since built a massive, international, 3rd-party, brokerage platform. RESOLUT has 6 offices across Texas (Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Austin/San Antonio, McAllen, Midland & El Paso), and services the great states of Louisiana out our Lafayette office, and New Mexico out of our offices in Albuquerque and Sante Fe.
RESOLUT RE represents over 40 tenants nationally, in Mexico and in Canada. We have the ability to service our clients’ expansion needs anywhere in the United States and up to 77 countries around the globe.
RESOLUT RE markets over 800 projects and exclusively represents over 250 tenants regionally across Texas, New Mexico and Louisiana.
David is a member of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Columbia College/Columbia University in New York City.
George can help you move out of the city and into a spacious home in the suburbs or find the perfect business location. text George at 201-245-3550 for a private consultation.
