The title pretty much says it all. I'm starting to write a business plan for my own cafe, but I will be having to renegociate my wage at my current job, and I also (unfortunately) might be moving next year, in which case I'd have to find a job and wo
Read more…hey everyone. I thought it would be fun to start a thread where we can all list bands and CD's that are great for coffee bar atmosphere's. I'll start with a few favorites: Sam Prekop - Who's Your New Professor Wilco - Sky Blue Sky Peter Bjorn & John
Read more…Thousands of people search Google Maps each day. Is your coffee shop on the map? If not, did you know you can list it for free? You can even add photos, customer reviews, coupons, and a link to your website!
It only takes a few minutes to do and ca
Hello, I'm new to the site. I have 5 yrs hands-on barista/shift lead experience. I have been researching and working on a business plan to open a retail shop for a couple years now. I have seen many websites that offer business and barista training
Read more…Hey all! The GreenBean is in the process of getting things going online. Anyone out there who might be willing to drop ship to our customers? Contact us at greenbeancet@greenbeancet.com. Also any advice on advertising, SSL certificates, or anything e
Read more…Honestly - why do people go to coffee shops in your opinion? Is it because they genuinely love coffee? A fashion statement? because of the places' atmosphere? because they fancy the barista? because caffeine is addictive? Would be very interested in
Read more…Can anyone recommend some of the companies who offer (1) software to allow me to manage my WIFI service for customers (just purchase software without a contract) or (2) full-service management (where I pay a monthly fee for third-party support? I've
Read more…Has anyone built their specialty coffee house from the ground up? What advice do you have for someone trying to build the building (not just a drive thru) and start a specialty coffee house?
Read more…I just finished reading an article in COFFEETALK's May issue about 'Fuel or Food... the global hunger crisis'. It was quite depressing! My husband and I have been chasing this dream for nearly 5 years now. We are getting closer to seeing it become a
Read more…Alright - please weigh in ... all thoughts are appreciated. When it comes to credit card tips, how does your shop handle it? Some shops collect all tips and distribute >80% back to the barista, the remaining 20% goes to the house to cover CC fees, t
Read more…As I'm getting ready to open my shop, I'm looking at bags. Any suggestions on what kind of bags to get and/or where to get them? Sealers? zip? Tin tie? Something that won't hurt my profit margin? Thanks.
Read more…This one goes out to all of the Eastcoast BXers! What is the best Biscotti in the Northeast? I am trying to help someone who just recently lost their current supplier due to a closure. So, if you have any suggestions, let me know. Great quality and
Read more…Does anyone make their own chocolate covered espresso beans? I'm wondering how labor intensive it is and cost effective. If anyone has any thoughts, please chime in.
Read more…I have an opportunity to purchase a coffee business in Eastern, Wa and was curious what other expereinced business owners think. Is this a good time to buy, considering the economy and prices rising? What particulars should I look for?
Read more…Hi guys! We wanted to check to see if any of you might know someone who is wanting to open a coffee shop in the TN area. A great customer of ours has to close his doors after only 5 weeks of business...his job has been re-located and there just wasn
Read more…Anyone out there have a line on the iconic "We Are Happy To Serve You" nyc-style/Anthora paper cups? I'm finding online articles that show the original company (Sherri) sold the design to Solo, but (at least in the south) I can't find any Solo vendor
Read more…We are getting ready to open in a few weeks and I'm starting to panic - how and where do I find great employees? Most businesses in my area use the local high schools as their hiring pool, but I'm looking for people who are a bit more mature and who
Read more…HI, we are opening our first coffe house in a few months. We still can't decide on a location. Anyone has a store that is in a strip mall and not visible from the main street? What are your survival tips? We are in Miami, and real estate here is hard
Read more…Just wondering. If I were a business that was not a fair trade member or whatever, but had say some tea that had a fair trade label already on it, could I put that box in view of customers even if I wasn't certified? I mean, I don't have the little s
Read more…As an engineering student studying design, I spend a good deal of time asking “What if” questions. A few days ago, a classmate and I started tearing apart the coffee shop experience and asking “What if a coffee shop was like ____” questions. Here are
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