So you’ve committed to your New Year’s resolution of starting your very own café. Whether it’s still a forming dream or you’ve already started planning, opening a café is one of the most exciting things you will ever do.
But it’s not easy – we know, we’ve helped countless cafés in beautiful Melbourne get up and running. So here’s Conical’s crash course on how to start a café in 2018.
1. WHO DO YOU WANT TO BE?
This question is the core of your business and the answer is far more complex than it looks. Ask yourself:
What kind of café do you want to be? You might want an ‘old-skool’ coffee shop with a rustic feel, or a cutting-edge café dedicated to the newest crazes, or a little place nestled under the skyscrapers.
What kind of coffee will you offer? Whether that be local beans, incredible imports from oceans away or in-house roasts, it’s a key decision that will shape your business.
What kind of customers do you want to attract? Social-media- borne millennials, white-collar workers, seniors looking for a quiet spot, or all the above?
Now, consider what kind of atmosphere you want to create for them. How do you want them to perceive you?
Who you want to be is the heart of your business and, with thought-out answers, will form much of your appeal and distinguish you from your competitors.
2. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Your location will be dictated by who you want to be and your chosen customer base. If you’re after the younger generations, choose hip areas; if you’re after the coffee-craving office crowd, then the business district is for you.
It’s an easy equation, but be conscious of the practicality of the location. You must also take into consideration rent/purchase price, accessibility for deliveries, etc.
3. CREATE YOUR SPACE
Not every design fits every location so be mindful during this phase. The interior design of your café should be in line with the atmosphere, your customer base and your brand concept. For example, if you want to attract on-the-go office workers, don’t saturate your café with seating.
Interior design isn’t all about aesthetic: you have equipment to think of too! You’re spoilt for choice, with new equipment coming out every month in all shapes and sizes. Again, keep your brand concept in mind. Would a fancy American machine fit your atmosphere, or would a classy Italian machine be better?
Remember, your interior design and your equipment is an investment. Be confident in your purchase and be wise; they are expensive and hard-to-replace.
4. MENU AND STAFF
The day-to-day management of the café is just as important as the foundation you have laid. Consider your menu. Will you serve traditional or more avant-garde drinks? What kind of food will you serve? Will you have a full menu or baked goods to accompany the caffeine fix? Remember that you need to have a considerable profit margin so choose your recipes and suppliers accordingly.
Now consider who will be doing the selling. Skills can be learnt but attitude is a difficult change. When choosing your staff, think about what kind of individuals you want representing your business and build your dream team.
5. ADVERTISE FROM THE GET-GO
Building up the hype for your café is key for its success. Let the crowds know your name by advertising well in advance of opening day. It won’t put a hefty dent in your wallet: advertising is as easy as building a strong social media presence.
Take it a step further by holding a launch event and inviting local, social-media- savvy influencers: if they love your coffee, their thousands of followers will too.
It’ll build your own follower count and get your café talked about.
With passion and a good work ethic on your hands, starting your own café isn’t an impossible feat.
Let Conical help you get closer to realizing your dream by contacting us here!