The Student Conundrum
My husband and I are relatively new owners of a coffee shop in an upscale, suburban location. The shop is open 24 hours and our busiest time of day is in the evening, from 7pm - 1am. While every seat is packed the major demographic is college students, who all too often, purchase one beverage and then proceed to use the free WIFI for hours on end. Our shop is also located immediately next store to a community movie theater (8 screens).
Our struggle is this: All too often movie goers will try and stop in only to find no seating room and leave. This is unfortunately as they likely wouldn't think twice about spending $10 on baked goods and beverages. At the same time we want to support the local community and don't want to disenfranchise the students.
We've given consideration to changing seating (currently a mix or high and low tables), creating a "study free zone", limiting the WIFI, etc.
Anyone else encounter a similar dilemma? Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance for any and all creative thinking!
Best,
Lisa Spicko
Our struggle is this: All too often movie goers will try and stop in only to find no seating room and leave. This is unfortunately as they likely wouldn't think twice about spending $10 on baked goods and beverages. At the same time we want to support the local community and don't want to disenfranchise the students.
We've given consideration to changing seating (currently a mix or high and low tables), creating a "study free zone", limiting the WIFI, etc.
Anyone else encounter a similar dilemma? Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance for any and all creative thinking!
Best,
Lisa Spicko
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Dave Crothall on
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I have a shop in a student area and similar problems. All we did was create No Study tables at any time of day and it seems to be sorted out. Students still try to sit there sometimes when all the other tables are full, but we just let them know (nicely) that they will have to move (unless there is at least one other table free for a non-student customer). It seems to work ok and the students respond well to it. We also make sure that the most popular student tables (ones next to plugs) are kept open to students.
Other ideas include creating a lot of single person seating either at bars or in comfy chairs. We also encourage students to share tables and often facilitate moving people to share.
Good Luck!
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Permalink Reply by Brandon on
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I obviously don't know the specifics of this space, but I wonder what would happen if you played around with the outlets and furniture to have one area obviously appeal more towards students and one more towards customers. A low couch and low table are horrible for writing and laptop usage and no outlets would probably discourage students while still being nice and comfortable for customers. Conversely, really nice laptop tables or writing friendly tables in a corner with outlets might appeal more and they can sort themselves out. I think it's obvious you want to promote both groups and it sucks students only buy drinks to use the space, but it still gets customers and no one wants to kick out hard working students. Maybe try the espresso bar thing too with counter seating.
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