Wanting to open a cafe! Go figure! :)

[Cobby]

I talked with the former owner of the coffee house that used to be in my neighborhood. I learned a lot and got some good tips and positive feedback on what I'm planning to do. I also got advice on some of the local suppliers, costs, and sales forecasting. We discussed some espresso machine models, and he gave me three that he recommended buying, depending on the type of machine I want. They are the following:

Super Automatic- Franke- evolution model

Traditional- La Marzocco OR
Nuevo Simonelli

Due to the fact I'm new to the business, he was leaning towards the super automatic as the best bet for me, because it will give me the ability to produce a consistent shot and it allows you to multitask a lot better. However, he said in the long run, the Simonelli might be a better choice. I don't know much about espresso machines. What do you guys think?

[Coffee Forum]

[Mr Shave]

I talked with the former owner of the coffee house that used to be in my neighborhood. I learned a lot and got some good tips and positive feedback on what I'm planning to do. I also got advice on some of the local suppliers, costs, and sales forecasting. We discussed some espresso machine models, and he gave me three that he recommended buying, depending on the type of machine I want. They are the following:

Super Automatic- Franke- evolution model

Traditional- La Marzocco OR
Nuevo Simonelli

Due to the fact I'm new to the business, he was leaning towards the super automatic as the best bet for me, because it will give me the ability to produce a consistent shot and it allows you to multitask a lot better. However, he said in the long run, the Simonelli might be a better choice. I don't know much about espresso machines. What do you guys think?

Cobby - this question is fairly common when people are in the process of opening a cafe. What it comes down to is what you want your cafe to be known for. Simonelli and Marzocco are both top of the line. Others will argue that there are other machines that are just as good, with out the premium. Couple of key things to consider: 1: How does the service / support network look for the machine you will ultimately choose? 2. do you want to be a cafe that is regarded in the specialty coffee industry bringing education and quality to your community or do you just want to make money?

It is possible to have a successful cafe with ANY machine out there. An experienced barista will be able to produce a better product on a manual machine. In my experiences, it is easier for me to compete on quality and service versus price. For example I sell a 16 oz. cold brewed ice coffee or hot 12 oz. for $2.86, this works for me. I would not be able to, nor would I want to, compete with the 7-11 McDs Burger Kings of the world at their price points.

Your espresso machine is going to be the single most expensive piece of equipment you buy... do your research.
I have also seen a lot of really nice machines getting dumped off on ebay / cl lately. There are some good deals to be had if you are patient and know what you want

Based off your questions a barista school or class would probably be highly valuable for you.


As for me, I'm a Marzocco fan boy

[Cobby]

Cobby - this question is fairly common when people are in the process of opening a cafe. What it comes down to is what you want your cafe to be known for. Simonelli and Marzocco are both top of the line. Others will argue that there are other machines that are just as good, with out the premium. Couple of key things to consider: 1: How does the service / support network look for the machine you will ultimately choose? 2. do you want to be a cafe that is regarded in the specialty coffee industry bringing education and quality to your community or do you just want to make money?

It is possible to have a successful cafe with ANY machine out there. An experienced barista will be able to produce a better product on a manual machine. In my experiences, it is easier for me to compete on quality and service versus price. For example I sell a 16 oz. cold brewed ice coffee or hot 12 oz. for $2.86, this works for me. I would not be able to, nor would I want to, compete with the 7-11 McDs Burger Kings of the world at their price points.

Your espresso machine is going to be the single most expensive piece of equipment you buy... do your research.
I have also seen a lot of really nice machines getting dumped off on ebay / cl lately. There are some good deals to be had if you are patient and know what you want

Based off your questions a barista school or class would probably be highly valuable for you.


As for me, I'm a Marzocco fan boy

I see what you're saying. I understand the importance of quality and service in the operations of a coffee shop. I did a survey of residents in the neighborhood, and those were the two highest ranked choices they picked in what influences their choice of coffee shop. I know it sounds bizarre, but I'm not sure this is a neighborhood that wants to be educated on coffee and what makes it taste so great. I grew up here and I think whats more important is that its just a place where they know they can get a good product, where the staff is friendly, and the environment is welcoming. Think of it this way, this neighborhood in relation to other ones, is what like the bar Cheers is to other bars. And I'm serious about this, everybody knows everybody's name. Its just a close knit community, that people who don't even live in it have even come to love and enjoy. So this cafe, won't be like a turn em' and burn em' operation. (Except for the morning rush for people going to work, etc..) I'm not in it expecting to make hundreds of thousands of dollars (that would be nice though). I just want to make a living, and be able to provide my community a place to get together and have a nice cup' o joe and some breakfast or dessert. As for training, Ive got a knowledgeable barista whom I can consult with, and will help educate me. I do plan on taking some classes in the near future, and I do feel as if am lacking on my knowledge of coffee and the industry. However this forum has helped a bit. :P

[Cobby]

So I'm meeting this weekend with a contractor at the location I want, to get a bid on how much it will cost to put a kitchen into the place. Things are slowly coming together. I still need to figure out a few other costs like insurance and professional fees. You guys have any tips on what to look for when buying used equipment, like espresso machines? What kind of things do you need to look for that might be broken or overly worn?

[pebelanger]

Best of luck to you! - Pat

[malkaNjeff]

Hi
I may have missed it but were you planning on opting for a cause related coffee theme which would distinguish your shop. I wholesale fair trade organic coffee if you are interested.

[jeffjives2java]

Hi Cobby,

Hope your project is going strong! What's the latest? I'm sure your list here has grown (exponentially!), but I wanted to comment on something you seem to have exempted from the list, tied in specifically with the importance of Social Media. There are actually emerging a few tools in the Point of Sale space (obviously, your point of sale or register will be a key hardware component for your operations to function smoothly) that actually integrate with Social Media Tools to keep that buzz strong even after you open. One great example is Own Point of Sale. They're being used at a place called Green Bean Salads in St. Louis, but my focus here is that they actively integrate with Facebook, Twitter, FourSquare, etc. to encourage and aid new Owners in customer retention and tracking activity not only during a transaction but pre- and post- transaction, and keep you with a firm pulse on who is following you, how much, and why. Check it out and let us know how the project is going!

[Rodsboots]

One thing to check on.. What's your menu like? if you're only going to sell Sandwiches soups etc.. go with a panini grill then you won't have to drop a huge wad on a griddle or vent and Fire Suppresion system etc.. and there's not huge greasy mess to clean up.. (just a little one). I'm in the final stages of opening my Mobile business and it's been in the works now for 4 months! and we've been busy!. Don't rush.. Don't cheat.. and Best advise I've received.. Ya get what you pay for!. It cost a little more but I am now the proud owner of a Nuova Simonelly Appia 2 group work horse..
the best thing I've done hands down.. Business Plan. it's not just for getting money but it's exactly what it says.. it's a plan that shows you know what you're doing, it shows your weak points and where you need more work but it also gives you that slight warm fuzzy feeling that you just might make it..lol
Good Luck..