in my eyes, starbucks has no soul. everything about that chain is for show. All the shops designs are predetermined, the music is chosen by the corporation, and the baristas work to have a job, not because they like coffee. However, there has been a change for better quality in the past year. You also have to take in consideration that without starbucks there would be no place for smaller shops. People who dont like coffee will go to a starbucks for the first time (because it is accessable and less serious than a local shop) and might have an interest in coffee sparked. Whenever i'm not near a small shop i go to starbucks or caribou for a cup because i know their product is consistent.
I like a coffee shop where anyone can come in, get a quality cup of coffee or speciality drink, hear good music, and there is good mellow vibes. There should be a mixture of tables and chairs. Be extremely careful when hiring staff. Make sure they care about coffe and have good work ethic. You want people who can and will commit to the shop. I'd try in house roasting. There needs to be something special to draw people into your shop. That special thing is up to you.

i just wrote you the longest message and i somehow deleated it. Ill try again later.

Ok, here it goes.....

Ok, here it goes...
I enjoy the occasional Starbucks, Caribou Coffee when convenience is key and I can deal with a 'functional' drink. Functional drinks put me in my working mood and help me focus.
I dislike these places for the same reasons. In being convenient, multiple stores had to open and train people that may (or may not) care about coffee. I believe that corners had to be cut and since a number of things are more 'automatic' or 'instant' than they would have to be at a singular (possibly not so convenient) coffee house, I expect nothing more than a cup full of dark liquid with a bit o' sugar and enough cream to muscle it into my stomach.
Not wanting 'functional' coffee is self explanatory.

A coffee shop built out of perfection…hrmm. In its foundation, a solid crew that lived and breathed coffee, had a forward looking view on the ‘big picture’ for the coffee house. A crew that not only wanted to converse with the public about coffee, but also wanted to educate it. Lots of different beans AND lots of ways to serve the bean (different types of pour-over, a French Press etc.). Atmosphere, everybody has a fireplace, wooden beams, free wifi, snuggly couches etc. These components are okay, they cover the basics for comfort. The furniture and the social attitude of the crew will give customers the assurance they need to be vocal and converse with others in the coffee house and maybe stay awhile – instead of “Hi” , “Bye”, “thanks for coming”. If you can walk into a coffee shop and instantly feel comfortable with talking to everyone – you have accomplished this. The coffee house I frequent here has a similar atmosphere…not perfect….but similar.

For me to go and try another shop, it would need only to be open. In order for me to defect to another coffee shop, I wouldn’t even consider it unless my current place REALLY messed up, went under, or others that I’m loyal to defected also.

Hope this helps. :)

What I hate about Starbucks the automatic machines!!! I quit working as a barista for them after 5 years because of this. I want someplace with the real art of espesso! not the push button crap! Sure starbucks claims to be enviromentally concious yet they have to offer a fair trade blend! WTF is that I want a place that really is green and pays a fair price all of the time. does no one realize those poor coffee pickers have families too should they only be getting minimum wage as well?

ah, ok...i spose I wont become a regular customer..thats a ways from seattle..ha

I like a coffee shop where you can have and make friends, where you are comfortable being yourself, have time to enjoy savoring your coffee or other drink. You need excellent baristas who KNOW coffee. Music is a good thing, open-mic or established musicians both do well for a coffeehouse. Wi-fi is also a plus, many people like to get online while relaxing. Seating should be varied...couches, comfy chairs with side tables, and comfortable tables and chairs for working or playing games.

Oh, I was told you want your store such that the minute you open, you have someone wanting to buy it, no questions asked.

I go to a coffee shop for a treat - I want a drink to savor while chatting with my friends or working on my laptop. Being a coffee enthusiast, I go to all the coffee shops at least once, but I return to, and tell my friends about, ones with a variety of seating options (couches, tall chairs for people watching, cozy corners...) and ones with good baristas - they have to make good drinks & be good at customer service. Best of luck!

Hi, you asked me why I would drink coffee at Starbucks...well here is the deal, I guess i refuse to cut my nose off to spite my face, but when I am traveling i buy it...thats the only time. The reason being is that its soo so hard to find a little place when you are passing thru that has decent coffee...I at least KNOW what I will get from Starbucks and it will be better than someones 6 month stash of poorly roasted beans. I cant see what you wrote to me on here, so I will try to remember what else you asked me...I think was what I am looking for when I go to a shop, and what I like about it? I am looking for a friendly laid back atmosphere....a reverse snob is just as bad as a snob, if you get what I mean. Dont make me feel stupid if I am on my way to the gym and I accidentally wear my NIKE shirt in your presence. Its and old one and I am not gonna throw it out. Accept me for who I am. Use fresh beans, pull your shots correctly, be cheerful, I dont care if you remember my drink, just make what I order correctly, I dont need entertainment, I just want to hang with my buds. The truth is, I dont have a favorite shop where I live because there just isnt one available. Its too rural, (I make my own coffee)and when people are driving everywhere instead of walking everywhere I think they are less likely to stop in...if they walk past every day, they will. anyway..hmmm, this is a little disjointed, i hope it helps, if you want more feedback, just ask...good luck! What do you mean by south? south of what? I ask because I would love to try out your shop when you get it set up.

Sophie,

Not gonna lie, I'm with Ryan. Friends don't let friends drink Starbucks. Personally, my "regular" coffee spot is a laid back lil' spot where the barista's really take pride in what they do and give a shit about the products their customers get. As a long-time barista myself, I like going to places where the people behind the counter mirror my own personal values when it comes to drink prepping. To me, a perfect coffee shop is a relaxed environment where the barista's take their time with the drinks. I'd rather get a divine concoction that took 30 seconds longer to get than a rushed drink that could have been better given a little more time. It would be playing music that everybody seemed to enjoy, but that didn't interfere with having a private conversation. The coffee would be something to write home about. Use good beans!!! Factor good training for your barista's into your opening costs.

What would it take for me to go into a new shop? It would need to be conveniently located first...as in, I would need to walk by it in my everyday errands. I'll try anything once. All it would take for me to stay would be an exceptional drink. I'll suffer a shitty environment for a great cup of coffee. But, the heart and soul of a coffee shop are the barista's. They need to be happy about their work environment, so you should do your best to make that happen. Keep the machine running smoothly and give them the proper equipment to do their job and things should go well for you. Best of luck Sophie.

Cheers,

Matt

Couple things hit me reading your response back. Again, these thoughts came to mind. First, coffee will be your bread n' butter. Meaning, that needs to be the focus, not card trading. Second, nice environment isn't good enough. It has to be "HOT". Hire a local creative designer for conceptual look that you want. Not talking about floor plan. I hired a fungShui (sp) designer to get into my head what I wanted. She came back with a design totally opposite. Then we set out to build it and of course there were a few changes but the "experience" of the design remained the same. Again, work with a creative designer as it will really move you forward. Your store should be unique from the others. Obtain a counter and sit outside those 3 coffee stores (inc. Strbk) and count how many people go in between open and 11 am., then 12-4pm., and evening if they are open. No need, really, to talk to people. They will always say what you want to hear. Is the building that you are considering attractive or is it unappealing? If you have to put an A-frame out on the corner for visibility this could be a problem. so, look to see if you will have good sign exposure. Also, start creating a logo. A logo and name that if it were to go National, would it would land. Ya gotta come out of the gate smokin'! First day of opening has to be HUGE!!! It sets the tone.

Im in the same situation as you, only i'm trying to open one in los angeles county. I know you must cater to your locals. That being said, my idea is to open a shop that caters to the latin comunity as well as coffee enthusiast who may want to try their drinks in the traditonal way they are served in latin countries. I hope we both can share any ideas you may have.

Hi Sophie,
Thanks for dropping by my page. Caffe' D'arte is strictly a wholesale specialty coffee roaster,
However we do own two espresso bars, one in Seattle and one in Portland, Ore
Our espresso bars were opened to allow us to sample all of our coffee blends
to the consumers, so that they recognize our special coffees. Additionally we
have a well educated and knowledgeable staff. (From bean to Cup) These top
baristas showcase how we train other cafe's and coffe bars to prepare and
serve our coffee.
That being said I have helped many owners get started in this business by
sharing things they need to do before they buy a business. Part of this is
recommending that they attend certain schools (ABC-Bellissimo), certain
business help organizations (SBDC), and other educational material. It is
just like going to a school before you begin a job.
The other thing I do is to show them similiar operating businesses that
resembles what they are wanting to open. Next, I discuss the red flags to
opening a business. I will be glad to field any questions that you may have.

not to sound snobby, but if you want to open a coffee house, the first thing you need to do is find quality coffee. this means fresh roasted. once you have found a place that'll roast coffee for you, the rest is easy. check out quality fresh roast coffee somewhere around you and the rest will be easy.

SOPHIE--
1) Never be afraid of Starburnt! :) I kick their butt in Plymouth and they know it! Starburnt actually helps me out.
For ex. when a person walks by my place with a cup of burnt crapocoffee I call them out and say "hey tell you what, I'll take that throw it in the garbage and let me make you a real drink. If you don't like it I'll refund your money for the cup and keep the one I just gave you. "
I WIN THEM OVER JUST LIKE THAT.
You see if you focus on Q/P= QUALITY+PERSONALITY you will be the best around!
2) Ditto to what RAY PECK said! :) You build relationships everyday in this business. If your not a people person DON'T DO IT!
Ray hit it right on the spot.
For ex. remember the t.v. show Cheers--well--THATS WHAT YOUR COFFEE SHOP SHOULD BE LIKE! When the customer comes in you should get to know :
1) name
2) drink
3) family
Plain and simple.
I even give out free doggie bones to the customers because 80% have their dogs waiting in their car for them. I'll run out there and feed them some cookies. That's personality and 100% positive customer experience!

A good place to start in looking at what sales revenues you need to produce is a formula someone gave me...10X rent = $needed on a monthly basis. If you have a Strbk in your market area that could be good as they have already built the interest.
What is your vision, market area? This may help more directly answer your questions.

I just threw a bunch of money at an idea I had and then went out and built a bunch of relationships with people. Then when they started to come in for coffee everyday and I felt comfortable with how things were going, I went out and built relationships with people that were not coming in. Then, I make sure they have an experience they can find at no other. I will get back to you on your other questions later. You got me to thinking.

Hi Sophie! As one of the sponsors here, I'd like to welcome you to bX! If there is anything we can help with, let me know.
mike@selbysoft.com
800-454-4434