bagpuss
Ok, guys here's something a little different for you, I hope you'll rack your brains and be brutally honest with me here.
I'm seriously considering opening up my own Coffee Shop (South West England), after some thought I've decided this would both serve my passion for creating my ideal venue whilst (at least I think) being realistic.
I'm not talking a "run of the mill" kind of place, I intend on putting together a very high class place, playing some very fine music (my speciality), and hopefully run till late at weekends (with various music themes). The location will either be town centre, or in a busy out of town community (almost like a mini town but with more local residents).
The key things that I intend to implement, that set me apart from similar businesses are the following (considering I'll be competing with both coffee shops (non alcohol) and bars/clubs when open late (alcohol):
"Milk Bar" combining a ‘loungey’ style coffee shop with a bar (non alcohol)
Specialising in desserts and fancy drinks (Ice cream, cakes, Smoothes, non alcoholic cocktails, specially flavoured coffee)
Playing music, daytime: background, evening: moderate volume (various classy themes including house and jazz),
note: no coffee shops have entertainment licences in this area, neither do they operate at late hours, whilst bars/clubs obviously have both, they aren't generally relaxing, sophisticated or offer a range of non-alcoholic drinks/cakes etc.
This is just a general theme I've come up with which has been derived from lots of other ideas, and although I personally love the idea, I can't be sure it will "sell", I can't be sure that people would visit this kind of place, would you?
This thread is part of my market research, so I want your feedback (especially from those of you in the UK), I hope you'll be honest and tell me what you think, I want to get it right as I can't afford to fail, so I'd happily change the "theme" of the place if that would mean greater success.
Your thoughts please :).
I'm seriously considering opening up my own Coffee Shop (South West England), after some thought I've decided this would both serve my passion for creating my ideal venue whilst (at least I think) being realistic.
I'm not talking a "run of the mill" kind of place, I intend on putting together a very high class place, playing some very fine music (my speciality), and hopefully run till late at weekends (with various music themes). The location will either be town centre, or in a busy out of town community (almost like a mini town but with more local residents).
The key things that I intend to implement, that set me apart from similar businesses are the following (considering I'll be competing with both coffee shops (non alcohol) and bars/clubs when open late (alcohol):
"Milk Bar" combining a ‘loungey’ style coffee shop with a bar (non alcohol)
Specialising in desserts and fancy drinks (Ice cream, cakes, Smoothes, non alcoholic cocktails, specially flavoured coffee)
Playing music, daytime: background, evening: moderate volume (various classy themes including house and jazz),
note: no coffee shops have entertainment licences in this area, neither do they operate at late hours, whilst bars/clubs obviously have both, they aren't generally relaxing, sophisticated or offer a range of non-alcoholic drinks/cakes etc.
This is just a general theme I've come up with which has been derived from lots of other ideas, and although I personally love the idea, I can't be sure it will "sell", I can't be sure that people would visit this kind of place, would you?
This thread is part of my market research, so I want your feedback (especially from those of you in the UK), I hope you'll be honest and tell me what you think, I want to get it right as I can't afford to fail, so I'd happily change the "theme" of the place if that would mean greater success.
Your thoughts please :).
Posted Thu 11 Oct 07 @ 8:49 pm
Rune (DJ-In-Norway)
Sounds like a GREAT idea, and similar venues here do extremely well, as it seems to be a trendy hang-out for modern urbanists.
Only thing I'd really consider, is applying for alcohol licence. If I understood you right, that you where not gonna do just that..
alcohol in classy way, is just as hot as trendy coffees and smoothes here... fruity drinks, mojito, daiquiri, cosmopolitan, Ice tea drinks etc.
Can be as classy as making smoothies.. and seems needed to keep crowds at late hours and weekends...
Keeping it "lounge" and low-key, will make it classy even if alchohol..
And another tip.. Those REALLY standing out here, are those where the bartender use raw materials and make the drink. In other words, user real fruits, chop it up there... both for smoothies and drinks... a classy, cool and gourmet kinda aproach. For those with good taste, and its urban and trendy :)
Just consider strongly to add alchohol to your idea...
Only thing I'd really consider, is applying for alcohol licence. If I understood you right, that you where not gonna do just that..
alcohol in classy way, is just as hot as trendy coffees and smoothes here... fruity drinks, mojito, daiquiri, cosmopolitan, Ice tea drinks etc.
Can be as classy as making smoothies.. and seems needed to keep crowds at late hours and weekends...
Keeping it "lounge" and low-key, will make it classy even if alchohol..
And another tip.. Those REALLY standing out here, are those where the bartender use raw materials and make the drink. In other words, user real fruits, chop it up there... both for smoothies and drinks... a classy, cool and gourmet kinda aproach. For those with good taste, and its urban and trendy :)
Just consider strongly to add alchohol to your idea...
Posted Thu 11 Oct 07 @ 9:11 pm
bagpuss
Thanks for your helpful input there..
The alcohol factor is the one that's most important, the one that's most up for discussion at least, because not serving alcohol could be a disaster.., my initial idea was that not serving alcohol would promote a whole new way of going out, so people could relax and socialise whilst being away from the typical rowdy and sometimes anti-social bars and clubs, that those who don't "require" alcohol to go out and have a good time could have THEIR place :)..
But another part of me says that it would be much lower risk to serve very exclusive alcohol only, such as cocktails, wines and bottled beer only, fairly high priced, that way the venue "out classes" the "lets go out to get f****d as cheaply as possible" mob (those customers I wish to avoid), and promotes a more social/responsible drinking culture :)
I know that is probably one of the bigger decisions.
But in this case, what would be the operating hours? what would get people in during the day? (considering most of those about mon-fri during the day are generally elderly or unemployed, although busy and broad at weekends and during the summer season).
The alcohol factor is the one that's most important, the one that's most up for discussion at least, because not serving alcohol could be a disaster.., my initial idea was that not serving alcohol would promote a whole new way of going out, so people could relax and socialise whilst being away from the typical rowdy and sometimes anti-social bars and clubs, that those who don't "require" alcohol to go out and have a good time could have THEIR place :)..
But another part of me says that it would be much lower risk to serve very exclusive alcohol only, such as cocktails, wines and bottled beer only, fairly high priced, that way the venue "out classes" the "lets go out to get f****d as cheaply as possible" mob (those customers I wish to avoid), and promotes a more social/responsible drinking culture :)
I know that is probably one of the bigger decisions.
But in this case, what would be the operating hours? what would get people in during the day? (considering most of those about mon-fri during the day are generally elderly or unemployed, although busy and broad at weekends and during the summer season).
Posted Thu 11 Oct 07 @ 9:34 pm
TopHouse
Baggy, IM me, could pprob help you out a lot but it would be a phone conversation as too much to cover in here. We own 3 venues so i know a little.
Posted Thu 11 Oct 07 @ 10:32 pm
bagpuss
Thanks Toppy, consider yourself IM'd whatever that means hehe..
Posted Thu 11 Oct 07 @ 10:51 pm
IM = Instant Message (MSN, and other IM systems, chat)
But the term here would be PM = Personal Message
http://www.virtualdj.com/pm/
But the term here would be PM = Personal Message
http://www.virtualdj.com/pm/
Posted Thu 11 Oct 07 @ 10:54 pm
bagpuss
You see I thought IM meant "Ironic muppet"
My ass might but dumb, but I ain't no dumb ass!
hehe :), was wondering who'd take that literally hehe.
My ass might but dumb, but I ain't no dumb ass!
hehe :), was wondering who'd take that literally hehe.
Posted Thu 11 Oct 07 @ 11:02 pm
DJ Marcel_1
I would Go with a mix of Alcohol/coffee selections
I'm not sure about the UK but in Alberta some Alcohol permits are very specific to what hours you can serve booze.
You could do the Coffee shop during the day - and Ultra Lounge/martini bar it at night
Serve only premium liquor and Charge Accordingly
Also you might want to try what a couple pf places have tryed here, a Drink minimum. 3 drinks is the norm. Your clients pay cover at the Door and then must purchase drink tokens (changed nightly) for 3 drinks. After that It's cash on the dash. This keeps the "get pissed for cheap" crowd away.
I remember in BB Kngs Club in Menphis, the waitresses/doormen made it quite clear - If you don;t have a drink in your hand, you best be heading to the bar to buy one, or out the door to the next club.
I'm not sure about the UK but in Alberta some Alcohol permits are very specific to what hours you can serve booze.
You could do the Coffee shop during the day - and Ultra Lounge/martini bar it at night
Serve only premium liquor and Charge Accordingly
Also you might want to try what a couple pf places have tryed here, a Drink minimum. 3 drinks is the norm. Your clients pay cover at the Door and then must purchase drink tokens (changed nightly) for 3 drinks. After that It's cash on the dash. This keeps the "get pissed for cheap" crowd away.
I remember in BB Kngs Club in Menphis, the waitresses/doormen made it quite clear - If you don;t have a drink in your hand, you best be heading to the bar to buy one, or out the door to the next club.
Posted Fri 12 Oct 07 @ 1:07 am
Tear Em 'Up
dj-in-norway wrote :
And another tip.. Those REALLY standing out here, are those where the bartender use raw materials and make the drink. In other words, user real fruits, chop it up there... both for smoothies and drinks... a classy, cool and gourmet kinda aproach. For those with good taste, and its urban and trendy
I knew there was a reason why we got along....your a man who appreciates a good drink too..... ;-)~
Posted Fri 12 Oct 07 @ 1:21 am
mp3jrick
Now I'm ready......you wanna WHAT?????
Seriously Bren, start early and chase it hard and you will succeed.
Go for it
r
Posted Fri 12 Oct 07 @ 1:28 am
SBDJ
Whereabouts are you looking at area-wise?
Sounds different to me, and my friends and I were having a conversation earlier this evening about how we wish we would see some variety around town these days! Could definately be interesting :)
Regards,
Scott
Sounds different to me, and my friends and I were having a conversation earlier this evening about how we wish we would see some variety around town these days! Could definately be interesting :)
Regards,
Scott
Posted Fri 12 Oct 07 @ 3:48 am
kaoz99
Bagpuss wrote :
Thanks for your helpful input there..
The alcohol factor is the one that's most important, the one that's most up for discussion at least, because not serving alcohol could be a disaster.., my initial idea was that not serving alcohol would promote a whole new way of going out, so people could relax and socialise whilst being away from the typical rowdy and sometimes anti-social bars and clubs, that those who don't "require" alcohol to go out and have a good time could have THEIR place :)..
The alcohol factor is the one that's most important, the one that's most up for discussion at least, because not serving alcohol could be a disaster.., my initial idea was that not serving alcohol would promote a whole new way of going out, so people could relax and socialise whilst being away from the typical rowdy and sometimes anti-social bars and clubs, that those who don't "require" alcohol to go out and have a good time could have THEIR place :)..
Bagpuss,
I agree, but you should still aquire the alcohol license, even if u dont use it at the intial stages you will at least have it there to use as a backup.
I am currently dj-ing in a trendy coffee / lounge bar, playing funky disco house (nothing heavy) and believe me Cocktail hours go off on Friday & Sat Nights :P
And it also attracts the Girls, which in turn attracts the Guys, who then spend the money over the bar to buy the Girls drinks (it a viscous circle)
Cheers
Kaoz
Posted Fri 12 Oct 07 @ 4:05 am
bagpuss
Thanks for that guys,
Where am I planning on doing this? England, Devon, Torquay :).
I'm considering a partnership, if I find the person who shares the passion, has some knowledge and is of course trust worthy.
I guess this place is sounding more like a "cafe bar" than a coffee shop at this stage, but specialising in a range of desserts (served til closing) would make it original (For this area).
I'm wondering what opening hours would be suitable, as being open all hours is costly and would probably require savoury foods during the day, which creates another challenge in its self.
Where am I planning on doing this? England, Devon, Torquay :).
I'm considering a partnership, if I find the person who shares the passion, has some knowledge and is of course trust worthy.
I guess this place is sounding more like a "cafe bar" than a coffee shop at this stage, but specialising in a range of desserts (served til closing) would make it original (For this area).
I'm wondering what opening hours would be suitable, as being open all hours is costly and would probably require savoury foods during the day, which creates another challenge in its self.
Posted Fri 12 Oct 07 @ 10:05 pm
listen2
Just throw in some free WIFI and people will come.
Why not have morings open for coffee and breakfast things then when the afternoon come introduce lunch/snacks and then by evening put an alcohol license to good use.
it might be hard deciding on a steady plan but visit local shops and spy, see what works for them, then beat them at their own game.
Why not have morings open for coffee and breakfast things then when the afternoon come introduce lunch/snacks and then by evening put an alcohol license to good use.
it might be hard deciding on a steady plan but visit local shops and spy, see what works for them, then beat them at their own game.
Posted Fri 12 Oct 07 @ 11:38 pm
Rune (DJ-In-Norway)
listen2 wrote :
Just throw in some free WIFI and people will come.
.
.
Good point. Those that offer wireless has lots of customer early day here... Ranging from students to business men
Posted Fri 12 Oct 07 @ 11:55 pm
DJ-ALF
Bren, I vote for non-alcohol variant since I don't consume it and I like places where is nice and neat, no drunk guys yelling or singing ;) At my town there is no bar that doesn't have alcohol in there, but I choose classy and nice ones before others ;)
As owner of my own business (Computer Shop and PC Service) prepare to work a lot and even more than when you work for others ;)
As owner of my own business (Computer Shop and PC Service) prepare to work a lot and even more than when you work for others ;)
Posted Sun 14 Oct 07 @ 7:31 pm