Coffee/Smoothie Cafe. Would fresh coffees & smoothies pull you in off the street, & what would U like &expect

Question

As part of my Business course I,m building up a Business plan for opening a Smoothie/Coffee shop/Cafe and would like some feedback on what all you young dudes out there would like to see and expect from such an entrepanise. Your thoughts would be much appreciated,.

Answer 1

First good luck to you in your venture...and gathering information...
You mentioned young dudes...i don't qualify but used to work in a bookstore/coffeeshop and it was the best job in the world!

When young people from the local colleges would come in for their drinks and to chat and study with their friends it was so interesting to be there to wait on them and see what made them happy.

They were usually on a budget so it was important to have drinks and food that was available that didn't break their bank account.

Plus, have some good seating for small groups and larger ones.

If I were planning a cafe I'd have it divided into different sections where there are some brighter spots and some more subdued areas. Some customers want to be secluded and others want to be in the middle of the action.

Music is also an important ingredient, we used to play soft jazz in the background. It seemed to work better than any other types of music.

We had guest musicians come in on the weekends that brought in more customers. They were usually small bands or singles with guitars..that were soft for the bookstore and coffee shop atmosphere.

Now days people are watching more than ever what they eat and drink so if you have more healthful...fat free and sugar free or low sugar and low fat products to make your drinks and foods with it will also bring in more customers plus give everyone a choice.

Living in a warm climate our ice coffee and frozen frappes were very hot sellers. they were basically milk, or half and half cream double coffee in strength...or syrups made for the coffee or sugar. Depending on the recipe. Some syrups are sugar free...so that is another plus if you make one batch for the health concerned customers..

We had mugs to sell and teeshirts...and books about coffee and there are also magazines to subscribe to we had for sale...during the holidays we sold coffeemakers for home use espresso mainly. bags of coffee ground for you ..or whole bean.

I think I better close now I've said enough for one reply...

Best of luck and enjoy your JOE

Sincerely,
Mama Jazzy Geri

Answer 2

I'm an older dudette, so would you like my opinion???

It sounds like a great idea! Have coffee beans for sale - the ones you would use in your shop. Chocolate coated coffee beans YUM! Have low fat versions of your smoothies. Offer samples of the different types of smoothies you would sell. This is a great way to minimise wastage - like when you make a smoothie and there is some left in the blender - use this as samples. Wendy's do this and I find that I am a little reluctant to buy a smoothie that I have not tasted before, so by having a 'taste' first I'm more likely to buy another flavour.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

HI
I love a place I can go and they have the flavoring I can add to the coffee myself ,like hazel nut, mocha, vanilla, cinnamon. there use to be an orange julius that was delicious and went over good at the little shop by my house. It was a foamy orange juice drink yum! The peach smoothes are good but sometimes the stores add too many fruits that don't go well together in their smoothies so keep it simple. Also I love the Italian cookies and short breads to dip in my coffee like biscotti, Try a hot Tea that is something I always thought was missing but make it sweet.
Lammy

Answer 4

I like both. A nice cup of good quality coffee is great in the morning and I'm happy to pay a premium price if its good.

As for smoothies, i love those too. To be different I think you should have them made to order and not pre-packed. That way people can see it being made with lovely fresh fruit or veg and they can have exactly what they want.

Answer 5

I personally don't like coffee, but if these smoothies were great flavours & good value then i would probably spend most of my time in there because i love a good smoothie! I would expect it to be friendly & look quite cheerful in the place but still look stylish!

Answer 6

The seating layout is important. I don't bother going in if it doesn't look like a relaxing place. Don't forget to cater for us stay-at-home moms....you'll be wanting business during the working week too I assume. Space around the seating for buggies, high chairs, and changing facilities that are kept clean. Also, service is important. We can manage to order and pay at the till, but when manoevering a buggy, it is nice to have the staff offer to bring your tray to the table for you. Smoothies are great for kids too. They all love them. Maybe offer a kiddy sized smoothie on the menu.

Answer 7

no it would not pull me in off the street. Why? Because coffee shops/cafes with or with out smoothies have been over done for the last decade and have pretty much saturated the market.

Answer 8

i would have the smoothies made to order,have lots of fresh fruit,yogurt,ice cream options on display.a few smoothie ideas and a DIY option so people can choose there own.

for coffee have loads of coffee options, latte, mocha, iced etc

snacks such as panninis,wraps, biscuits.
good seating and lighting are also important.

Answer 9

I only drink decaf and like skimmed milk and only Starbucks does actual skimmed milk but their decaf coffee isn't great. Which means I either have to have Americano or deal with Starbucks coffee.

Therefore, I think getting a decent decaf blend and doing proper skimmed milk options would really impress me.

Also, with smoothies, wouldn't it be much nicer to be able to chose your own flavours. So maybe have a list of fruits, yogurt, cream choices and you just build your own. That would be great.

Answer 10

Its simple, us young people like places where we can "hangout" and do exactly that. An atmosphere similar to starbucks but less expensive? coffee, smoothies, hangouts, great seating arangements, an open uncrowded area, and wireless setups.

it really is the perfect setting.

bring this to my city immediately.

people will get addicted quickly.