tips for running a successful cafe?

Answer 1

1. Check out cafes that you consider to be successful and see what they're doing right.
2. Really take into account the neighborhood that your cafe is in if you are counting on your customers being walk-ins or people who work in the area. Figure out times that your cafe could attract a lot of people and plan accordingly--for example, express lunch specials or express breakfast specials for people to brownbag it back to the office or a nearby park, in addition to people filling the seats that you have.
3. As others have suggested, really think about having events in the evenings and weekends to give people a reason to pick your cafe over other places they could be going to. You could also have a bulletin board feature with a twist--for example there was a cafe that was famous for matchmaking--people could fill out questionnaires and have their pictures taken and put into several binders in the cafe.
4. Offer loyalty specials--some cafes give punch cards out. After 10 purchases you get a muffin or specialty drink free, or a dollar off your next purchase.
5. Be a good neighbor. Get involved in neighborhood events. Look into crosspromotions with other local businesses.
6. Make sure that the people who work for your cafe are happy to be there! Oftentimes what kills it for me at a cafe is getting someone surly behind the counter.
7. Host rotating art displays featuring local artists. They can also have an opening for their shows. That creates an event, has people promoting your cafe and you can split the proceeds from any art sales!

Answer 2

Cater to the customer. Make sure you know the regulars buy name and give them special treatment. Make sure your customers know that your chef's are willing to prepare something not on the menu if it is posssible. Use the freshest of ingredients and let people know how fresh your ingredients are. Make sure your appearence is very good. Having personalized containers, signs, etc., while expensive, makes your business look better. Get a company to make plastic and paper bags with your name on it for take out. Make the storefront as attractive as possible, no matter how expensive. If you provide sandwiches and salads to local business workers, provide delivery on large orders. This way, people will go around the office and get people to buy stuff from you that wouldn't normally buy it. Provide daily specials that are different from the regular menu. Regulars get tired of the same thing all of the time. The two most important things though are the quality of the food and the service that your employees provide to the customer. ALWAYS be willing to go above and beyond what is expected in terms of the level of service you provide. If you listen to your customers and your competitors customers, you will quickly find out what they like and what they don't like.

Answer 3

Create a tempting, yummy menu with reasonable prices. Select comfortable seating and dining room furniture. Don't cramp up the space too much. If it can only hold two tables, don't put in three. Hire friendly, knowledgeable staff. Get a good location. And advertise!!!! I can't stress that enough. If people don't know you're there, they won't come. So have some sort of grand opening, have sales, etc. If you have a big enough space, you might want to consider doing some sort of "open mike" night where local musicians and poets can gather and play.

Answer 4

Make it about the customer, not you. Most cafes fail because they build them as effigies to them selves. I go to be pampered. Why pay 4 bucks for a cup of coffee?
Get to know your customers and ask them what they need.

Answer 5

Having a successful man(me)helping you(-;

Answer 6

Diverse menu and a good chef!

Answer 7

Good food, good decoration, and keep it clean and neat

Answer 8

make real coffee not ice cream or milkshakes like starbucks.

Answer 9

good food prepared by a good CHEF

Answer 10

good food and something that brings customers back always......a smile.....a thank you for coming.....ambience etc.....think about what makes you keep going back to your favorite place......peace and good luck girl