When to Open?!?!
- Thread starter MokaMan
- Start date
John P
Active member
- Jan 5, 2007
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There are definitely times when it may seem better to open, but it's like trying to time the birth of a baby--it's never going to be exactly when you want.
Another point is: You're going to be open all 12 months of the year, while I wouldn't recommend shooting for mid-summer, you have to be able to do it every one of those months. In the end, it really doesn't matter.
Another point is: You're going to be open all 12 months of the year, while I wouldn't recommend shooting for mid-summer, you have to be able to do it every one of those months. In the end, it really doesn't matter.
cherylann324
New member
- Mar 8, 2007
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Hi,
I think you should open in August, then hope for a real month in September. September is the first real month for coffee, and it should get much better after that. But opening in August is a chance to get to know your regulars.
I would think, not knowing any better, that October would be a good month to start a coffe shop and have great sales. But starting earlier would be a practice and and help you get everything in order. November should be the real pick-up month, so September and October will help you get ready and be really READY for real SALES!!!!
I am only a novice that LOVES coffee with marketing skills, so I may be wrong.
I think you should open in August, then hope for a real month in September. September is the first real month for coffee, and it should get much better after that. But opening in August is a chance to get to know your regulars.
I would think, not knowing any better, that October would be a good month to start a coffe shop and have great sales. But starting earlier would be a practice and and help you get everything in order. November should be the real pick-up month, so September and October will help you get ready and be really READY for real SALES!!!!
I am only a novice that LOVES coffee with marketing skills, so I may be wrong.
cherylann324
New member
- Mar 8, 2007
- 68
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No one will care, but sales do increase for every coffee shop in the fall and winter months, no matter how bad or good you are!
cafemakers
Member
- Nov 3, 2004
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Open for business as soon as your menu is stable and staff is trained. Announce that opening a few weeks later; perhaps in this case as you enter your peak season.
John P
Active member
- Jan 5, 2007
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cafemakers has made the most sensible reply.
cherylann...
please reread my post, I think we're on a different wavelength (cue weird music) :?
(i.e. City officials, vendors, CONTRACTORS, Health Dept., etc. ---THESE are the people who "don't care" about your schedule, but whom you need things from in order to open) We scheduled to open within a week of Spring semester at the University here... While pushing things through, as much as we could... We opened in August.
After helping start multiple businesses, and finally starting one of my own, this story is echoed by hundreds of new owners everywhere.
Open when you are ready. It won't happen until then anyways.
cherylann...
please reread my post, I think we're on a different wavelength (cue weird music) :?
(i.e. City officials, vendors, CONTRACTORS, Health Dept., etc. ---THESE are the people who "don't care" about your schedule, but whom you need things from in order to open) We scheduled to open within a week of Spring semester at the University here... While pushing things through, as much as we could... We opened in August.
After helping start multiple businesses, and finally starting one of my own, this story is echoed by hundreds of new owners everywhere.
Open when you are ready. It won't happen until then anyways.
cherylann324
New member
- Mar 8, 2007
- 68
- 0
John P.
Thank you for the enlightenment, however my response was not intended to you. Indeed, weird music.
MokaMan, it seems that the responses are centering around the fact that the opening will be largely affected by forces outside of your control But as cafemakers said, opening when your menu is stable and staff is trained makes good sense. Permits and other issues will probably delay you from any set date, but after the first cup is served then you can schedule a Grand Opening.
Was there a particular reason you were shooting for November?
Cheryl Ann
Thank you for the enlightenment, however my response was not intended to you. Indeed, weird music.
MokaMan, it seems that the responses are centering around the fact that the opening will be largely affected by forces outside of your control But as cafemakers said, opening when your menu is stable and staff is trained makes good sense. Permits and other issues will probably delay you from any set date, but after the first cup is served then you can schedule a Grand Opening.
Was there a particular reason you were shooting for November?
Cheryl Ann
I was reading through the posts, do you suppose a coffee shop open first (when the menu is stable and staffs has been trained) and then have the grand opening?! For some odd reason i assumed... it was done by having the grand opening the same day you open for business.. or doesn't it have to work that way? :?
cafemakers
Member
- Nov 3, 2004
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LNSC said:
Nope... it's called a "soft opening." When everything is in place, quiety remove the "coming soon" signs and open the doors for business. As soon as you've got all of the kinks worked out (or there is some event or seasonal traffic from which you can benefit), you schedule the ribbon cutting ceremony and press to announce the grand opening. It's pretty common in the food business.
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