running a cafe

[jimmyb]

Iv been asked to run a cafe, its only open weekends though and i dont know how many people will be getting through for a while.

question is, where should i get my coffee from? Is it worth talking to a roaster now or should i see how much i go through first. Although i do want it to be good so i guess i should start out right no matter how many cups im making.

thats the other question, where is a good place to get cups and glasses from?

Thanks.

[lucinda]

Re: running a cafe

What state are you in Jimmy?

[scoota_gal]

Re: running a cafe

Sounds like youre starting a cafe, not running one! I think you really need to do yourself a favour and seek professional advice, not just opinions from an internet forum.

Id be recommending that you call either Talk Coffee or any of the other esteemed sponsors, Jimmy.

[luca]

Re: running a cafe

Is it worth talking to a roaster now or should i see how much i go through first. Although i do want it to be good so i guess i should start out right no matter how many cups im making.

Well ... if you dont talk to a roaster, what are you going to use when you open?! You probably want to nail down the coffee that you are using before you start - you cant be changing blends in the first few months. Youll need to be consistent to keep customers.

thats the other question, where is a good place to get cups and glasses from?

Ceramic and glass can usually be had from a number of hospitality suppliers. In Melbourne, Hotel Agencies and Cedar Hospitality Supplies are usual suspects ... but, of course, it would be good to know which city youre in so that residents there could give you advice! Generic takeaway cups can be had from those places or from the manufacturers themselves if you want to buy enough. Branded takeaway cups or ceramic cups will obviously come from the roaster.

I think you really need to do yourself a favour and seek professional advice, not just opinions from an internet forum. Id be recommending that you call either Talk Coffee or any of the other esteemed sponsors, Jimmy.

Good advice!

Cheers,

Luca

[askthecoffeeguy]

Re: running a cafe

Personally I would want to already know the answers to the questions that you are asking, before you even consider the position.

Seems to me that if there is a real likelihood of this happening, then you have some serious homework to do, not in the least obtaining a written brief from the current owners, so you can be sure what your boundaries are, and how much leeway you have when it comes to making purchasing and operational decisions.

I speak from experience as a former trouble shooter for a hospitality group.

Theres nothing worse than going in all guns blazing, only to find out that you have run out of ammo!

P

[robusto]

Re: running a cafe

Sorry to be unhelpful and negative here, but as a general point, and from the point of view of a customer....I would expect that anyone in a position to run a cafe would have those answers down pat to start with.

If it seems daunting to you, it doesnt auger well for yourself or the potential paying customers.

--Robusto

[jimmyb]

Re: running a cafe

thanks for the replies, im in south QLD.
I probably didnt explain myself to well as to what Ill be doing.

Anyway, most of my questions have been answered over the weekend. I was probably more thinking out loud, sorry.

[askthecoffeeguy]

Re: running a cafe

dont apologise, most of the responses were probably just an externalisation of your own thought process anyway!

If your in South Qld, maybe you could have a chat to NZroaster of Pioneer Coffee, as theyre in the neighbourhood anyway!

Good luck with whatever you decide

Pat

[jimmyb]

Re: running a cafe

funny you should say that, i was going to head up there on friday or saturday

[Coffee_Kid]

Re: running a cafe

Where abouts in SE Queesland? Brisbane somewhere?

[pie_in_ear]

Re: running a cafe

funny you should say that, i was going to head up there on friday or saturday

Hi Josh, Definately can help you out with all your questions as well as some coffee ideas. Best bet is to give me a call to arrange a time to meet ( We have 2 cafes as well as a wholesale bussiness to run) and Im not always in. You can get in touch with me on 07 5446 8099. If you give me a call I will try and be at the roastery at a convienient time for you.

[jimmyb]

Re: running a cafe

funny you should say that, i was going to head up there on friday or saturday

Hi Josh, Definately can help you out with all your questions as well as some coffee ideas. Best bet is to give me a call to arrange a time to meet ( We have 2 cafes as well as a wholesale bussiness to run) and Im not always in. You can get in touch with me on 07 5446 8099. If you give me a call I will try and be at the roastery at a convienient time for you.

I dont know if Ive missed this somewhere but who do i ask for?

[jimmyb]

Re: running a cafe

Where abouts in SE Queesland? Brisbane somewhere?

redcliffe, if my house ever settles

[pie_in_ear]

Re: running a cafe

Hey Josh,

I sent you an email but if you read this first give me a call.

Cheers,

Jason