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Permalink Reply by Brian Chaitman on September 16, 2009 at 11:58pm

Always try and look for the things that can go wrong and if you have those covered move forward. If you can live with the consequences of failure then the risk becomes less

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Permalink Reply by David Lee on September 17, 2009 at 6:47am

Hi Jennifer,

My name is David and I own and manage a small independent coffee shop (Sun Cafe) in Hull, England.
I can advise u from a British perspective.

I presume you will be doing a coffee shop or not a delivery service?

I would definitely suggest doing an intensive barista course before starting your business or buying any equipment. We did several courses at Lavazza and Gaggia before starting on a path to own our coffee shop.

Also in England we are required to take a food hygiene course (by law) if we are to handle or prepare food.

There also a lot of books on Amazon about starting a coffee business which I recommend you buy and read.

Let me know if you have any other questions,

Regards,
David

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Vaaler on September 17, 2009 at 11:02am

I have taken a couple Espresso classes at a local Roaster. I have worked at various cafe's the past six years and very familiar with the industry and business side. There is a food hygiene course here as well and I plan on taking it.

I want to start out at a coffee catering company then build up to a cafe'. I already have a business plan started for the cafe' itself.

Thanks for the advice!

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Vaaler on September 17, 2009 at 11:03am

I understand the risks involved. This is all the more reason to enjoy the challenge of the business. I am very motivated and driven to achieve this. I also know how to market myself once things get going.

Brian Chaitman said:

Always try and look for the things that can go wrong and if you have those covered move forward. If you can live with the consequences of failure then the risk becomes less

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Permalink Reply by Mike Funk on September 17, 2009 at 11:39am

Hello Jennifer,

I have built carts and espresso vehicles for a catering, Some of them have been able to generate a lot of business by contacting local food catering companies and sub-contracting barista equipment and services. You could probably go through the yellow pages and make a lot of calls to access the viability and competative landscape before you invest in a startup. The SBA can help write a business plan and also help with financing options.

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Permalink Reply by John Walker on September 17, 2009 at 1:59pm

We have found that developing a 'point of difference' helps us stand out. Especially with food. And it can be really simple things.
Eg, make some things yourself instead of buying them in. Not because of any price edge or presentation, but because you can develop a point of difference.
Make your own 'grandma' style scones, sometimes sweet and sometimes savory. Or your own vanilla cheesecakes with real vanilla bean seeds in it.

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Permalink Reply by Stephen Vick on September 18, 2009 at 2:14am

jennifer-

i would recommend talking with wes and christine of espresso arts catering in portland, oregon. they run one of the nicest coffee catering services I know of and are very nice people: http://www.espressoarts.com/

--stephen

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Vaaler on September 18, 2009 at 5:32pm

Thanks. I definitely will.

Stephen Vick said:

jennifer-

i would recommend talking with wes and christine of espresso arts catering in portland, oregon. they run one of the nicest coffee catering services I know of and are very nice people: http://www.espressoarts.com/

--stephen

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Permalink Reply by Will, Brett , Michelle on September 21, 2009 at 8:22am

You have what it takes!!

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Permalink Reply by Will, Brett , Michelle on September 21, 2009 at 9:37pm

Jennifer,
my name is Brett. Before you spend any money call in on our morning talk show. It's free and you are welcome to take advantage of the tutorials we have on my page. Several people are working directly from home because of the high out of pocket expense and over head associated with it. If you do your due diligence either way will work for you

Coffee Break Call-In RADIO SHOW Every Morning Mon-Fri 10:30am CST (347) 855-8377

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