Wanted: Mentor

Wired

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Mar 29, 2004
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erie, pa
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Hello,
I am in the process of researching the possibility of opening a coffee shop here in my hometown. I have found a location, and have the prices for rent/utilities. Also, I can get a good estimate of what start-up costs will be required. However, I am having difficulty calculating an estimate of how much revenue I can plan for, or the gross margin of an average transaction.
If anyone anywhere in the country can answer some basic questions that I have, that would be wonderful. Basically, I'm looking for a mentor. Please IM, email, or PM me. I previously ran a different type of business, and had a mentor out of Michigan. He and I proved to be extremely valuable resources for each other. I'm looking for a similar relationship here. I don't want to ask questions of a local coffee shop owner b/c I think s/he will think I am spying on his business.

What is the average purchase amount? How much of that goes towards the bottom line to help calculate break even point? How many customers do you serve daily? These are the most difficult questions I have encountered. I plan on opening my shop in a mall, where the rent prices are incredibly high, so this information is extremely important to me.

Any help that you can offer is greatly appreciated in advance! :)
 

tmpowell

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May 16, 2004
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I also am wanting a Mentor

I am wanting to start a coffee shop and I also am looking for someone to Mentor me. I am in the Texas area and have no ideas where to begin this process. I am highly motivated and extremely coachable!!

Thanks!!!!
 

Coffee Guy

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Oct 19, 2003
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Seattle,Washington USA
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I don't know how far along in your quest that you to are in this venture, but it will be extremely difficult to find a mentor to assist you here. Wired it appears that you have done some homework in getting the ball rolling, however you must ask those questions of the person already owning a shop. If you don't ask you won't know. After all, what and who is a mentor? I'd say the same applies for tmpowell. Unless you are willing to put in your own time to work for someone before opening your business, and learning everything from drink preparation to operations of the business, then I would suggest hiring an experienced consultant to get you going, this way you have made an investment toward you business and not wasting your time with only dreaming. I usually ask all of my customers in the beginning stages before they have fully committed one simple question..."Are you a dreamer or dream maker?" It may sound like a harsh question, but it's direct.

I'm almost positive that no one else will respond to this post because either they don't want to waste time with someone wanting to milk information from them, they aren't in the business, or why would they help someone else when they didn't get help when they started.

If either of you are serious about wanting to pursue your ventures and have the capital to do so then send me a pm and I'll be happy to evaluate your situations.
 

True Sipping

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Jun 1, 2004
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Finally Made It . . .

Boy, what a trip from the Expressoforums . . . Nice place though.

Mentor? I agree with Coffee Guy 100%. There's somethin' 'bout coffee that attracts good people that want to open a biz. The mentoring idea is outstanding . . .TX contact me so we can talk. First, I'll try to talk you out of it, then we can get serious.

Have a few thoughts that just might put that little extra twist on the operation . . . would you believe PB&J?
 

Sinister703

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May 31, 2004
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Windsor,Ontario
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Hi, you might want to consider purchasing a thick book published by Bellissimo coffee consulting called ' Bean Business Basics '. It has separate chapters on a multitude of subjects about build out, menu, design, health regulations, lease negotiations, and administration. An important but often overlooked point by newbies is lease negotiation; hire a good real estate lawyer to negotiate your lease for you, it will save you SO many headaches later on and give you long-term peace of mind. This is the single most important legal form you will probably sign and be bound by.
 

GanoCafe

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May 25, 2004
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California
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I have the right Mentor for you!

Hello My name is Richard Manriquez,

Anyone still Looking for a Mentor ???

I am currently being Mentored by an outstanding leader, and business man. Jeff Balan, this man has been all over the world, he is a

author, public speaker, tv host, linguist, Millionairmaker, network specialist, and In-house trainer ...such as Management, sales & marketing, and team-building.

any questions regarding more information...email or pm me...

thank you,
 
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