Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Devon on March 12, 2009 at 7:07am

Andrew,
ADA requirements are something I have been trying to research online but so far I'm coming up dry. Do you have a good site for this? I live in Chicago - not sure if they require anything additional.
Thanks!
Devon

Andrew Jensen said:

These are just a few questions to keep in mind while you’re also researching restroom requirements, parking regulations and ADA requirements.

It seems there is more to this than just good tasting coffee, but hopefully that is the end result :)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jon Mitchell on March 12, 2009 at 7:54am

I'd check with the local planning commission office. You could start there and they'd put you in touch with the right people to talk to.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jon Mitchell on March 12, 2009 at 7:58am

Since we're talking about "Just Getting Started" here I'd like to ask if some of you can describe the order of steps that you went through to get from "vision" to "opening". I mean I know the business plan part but I need sort of an ordered checklist to go through. When certain things need to be accomplished or completed and in what phase of the process. Does that make sense?

For instance, do I need to have my business plan finished before I start discussing lease options with a property owner or should I be doing that while doing my business plan but before I have my financing secured? Don't things have to happen in a certain order?

Does anyone know what I'm trying to get at?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Devon on March 12, 2009 at 8:21am

I have been wondering that very same thing! Do I find a location and figure out how much it's going to cost before seeking financing or do I seek financing first so I know how much I can spend on a location? Great question, Jon!
Devon

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Andrew Jensen on March 12, 2009 at 9:29am

ADA requirements do vary from state to state, just like all codes. The main areas of concern are typically restroom sizes, corridor widths, counter heights and accessible ramps. Your local building department will be able to point you in the right direction, or speak with an architect or designer who has worked in your area.

Devon said:

Andrew,
ADA requirements are something I have been trying to research online but so far I'm coming up dry. Do you have a good site for this? I live in Chicago - not sure if they require anything additional.
Thanks!
Devon

Andrew Jensen said:

These are just a few questions to keep in mind while you’re also researching restroom requirements, parking regulations and ADA requirements.

It seems there is more to this than just good tasting coffee, but hopefully that is the end result :)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Andrew Jensen on March 12, 2009 at 10:00am

Your location should be the driving force. That is of course after a business plan has been generated. Find a potential location, then start your design work. Your menu should dictate how your floor plan comes together. Review your plan with a consultant, local building and health departments, and a general contractor. If you do your homework before you sign the lease, you may negotiate with your landlord build-out allowances or tenant improvements. The more complete you have things on your end, the more likely the bank will grant you financing.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jon Mitchell on March 12, 2009 at 11:18am

So in list format you're saying:

1. Business Plan
2. Location (determine where)
3. Design location layout (ergonomics)

So would your agreement with a property manager be a signed lease with the contingency that you can pass building codes and requirements, get licensed, and obtain financing?

Sounds like some dollars will have to be spent before the lease is even signed or financing is even secured. Is that right? It costs money to talk to consultants, designers, contractors etc......

Andrew Jensen said:

Your location should be the driving force. That is of course after a business plan has been generated. Find a potential location, then start your design work. Your menu should dictate how your floor plan comes together. Review your plan with a consultant, local building and health departments, and a general contractor. If you do your homework before you sign the lease, you may negotiate with your landlord build-out allowances or tenant improvements. The more complete you have things on your end, the more likely the bank will grant you financing.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Andrew Jensen on March 12, 2009 at 12:09pm

They say spend your money where it will be best utilized. Nothing like stating the obvious:)
I agree that there can be some up front costs, consider them investments.
Would you rather pay rent before you're open because you got into a lease too quickly? Or change orders from contractors for items not included in their original bid?
Planning ahead should prevent more expensive mistakes from happening down the road.

Jon Mitchell said:

So in list format you're saying:

1. Business Plan
2. Location (determine where)
3. Design location layout (ergonomics)

So would your agreement with a property manager be a signed lease with the contingency that you can pass building codes and requirements, get licensed, and obtain financing?

Sounds like some dollars will have to be spent before the lease is even signed or financing is even secured. Is that right? It costs money to talk to consultants, designers, contractors etc......

Andrew Jensen said:

Your location should be the driving force. That is of course after a business plan has been generated. Find a potential location, then start your design work. Your menu should dictate how your floor plan comes together. Review your plan with a consultant, local building and health departments, and a general contractor. If you do your homework before you sign the lease, you may negotiate with your landlord build-out allowances or tenant improvements. The more complete you have things on your end, the more likely the bank will grant you financing.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Brady on March 12, 2009 at 7:53pm

Jon Mitchell said:

So in list format you're saying:

1. Business Plan
2. Location (determine where)
3. Design location layout (ergonomics)

So would your agreement with a property manager be a signed lease with the contingency that you can pass building codes and requirements, get licensed, and obtain financing?

Sounds like some dollars will have to be spent before the lease is even signed or financing is even secured. Is that right? It costs money to talk to consultants, designers, contractors etc......

Your list looks right. Your business concept will narrow your choice of location for you - how much business do you want? What kind of traffic? What kind of customer? How much rent can you afford?

Regarding the contingencies you listed, I'm not sure those exist in commercial leases, but could be wrong. Property owners will review your ability to pay the lease before they approve you, I doubt you'd be approved unless you had your funding lined up. I also doubt they'd give you leeway on the licensing and approvals... its more like a requirement with penalties if you haven't opened within a certain timeframe. Things may have changed of late though...

Timing is your enemy in upfit. Everybody requires leadtime, and if you single-track everything you'll run out of time (and end up paying rent on a store that isn't open). You are correct in trying now to figure out the complicated sequence of events - there are so many intersection points, and a missed sequence will cost you time. Just try to figure out whatever you can as early as you can and prepare to adapt as you go. Find someone that can step you through the permitting and inspection process for your city/county early in the process and develop your plan from there.

Good luck.

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• Next ›
• Page