*in northern virginia
2006-12-11 05:19:09 · 4 answers · asked by TasyN 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.
I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.
Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.
Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:
* Ultimate Guide to Specialty Retail: How to Start a Cart, Kiosk or Store -- by Patricia Norins
* Start and Run a Coffee Bar by Tom Matzen, Marybeth Harrison
* Coffee Basics: A Quick and Easy Guide by Kevin Knox
* How to Open a Financially Successful Coffee, Espresso & Tea Shop by Elizabeth Godsmark
* ESPRESSO! Starting and Running Your Own Specialty Coffee Business by Joe Monaghan
There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.
Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
2006-12-12 02:48:16 · answer #1 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
find a nice location that doesn't already have a coffee place around. this might be hard since Starbucks are freaking everywhere.
pick a downtown sort of place, near bookstores, maybe.
get some couches instead of impersonal seating.
wireless internet will draw in a crowd.
give yourself a little room to set up a stage if necessary in case you want to have an open poetry night or small acoustic show.
advertise at local colleges/community colleges/high school hangouts
2006-12-11 05:27:40 · answer #2 · answered by Kendra G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't have any major chains to compete with (starbucks,seattles best,coffee bean) just make it cozy offer a wide variety of hot/iced coffee, hot chocolate,cookies brownies.
2006-12-11 06:14:58 · answer #3 · answered by simplydelicious 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have big cozy chairs and if you can afford it a fireplace !!! Bookcases with lots of old and new books and magazines.
That's my idea of a coffee cafe
2006-12-11 05:27:11 · answer #4 · answered by No one 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋