What You Need to Know When Starting Your Coffee Shop

What do you know about work dynamics, portions and budgets? It's time to learn.

If you’re a coffee lover and an entrepreneur, I’m sure that starting your own coffee shop is not that far off your plans. It might even sound like the perfect alternative, and you’re absolutely right to think so! Coffee shops need much more than just passion for the brews, they need a functional setting to work within, and some extra tips that you’re about to find out. Want to make it a perfect place? Then read through!

What do you need to know for coffee shop business?

You should know that not all coffee shops are alike, so take these tips and instructions like a pinch of salt. Select the ones that adapt to your particular venture, and be sure to adapt them to what you really need. We don’t want something bad to happen to your own needs. Are you ready? Then let’s go!

Coffee makers should be durable, more than pretty

That’s right. You need to put aside your aesthetic needs for functionality. While you can find pricey choices that are both gorgeous and functional, these often cash you out. Sometimes, you need to concede to a not-so-pretty-one for durability, to avoid unexpected surprises.

Cleaning goes a long way

Investing in a system to clean your equipment is a must. Some companies offer specialized products that are as domestic as to be handled with little to no training when it comes to cleaning coffee shop appliances. This goes a long way for flavor, hygiene, and durability of your equipment.

You need to pick providers and stick to them

People love a business for their flavor. If you keep on changing providers, your customers will pick up the change. They will be displeased if you keep on changing your flavor, and are more likely to move to another establishment.

Be mindful of the pumps

While most businesses rarely confide this small secret, a perfect pump can save hours of work. For toppings, syrups and that kind of things, a sturdy and trustable pump reduce the amount of time used in less reliable units. And, if you keep them at bain-marie for example (in the case of chocolate topping) you can have a good-to-go service in seconds, instead of the minutes it takes to heat up individual pumps.

Always have snacks

Coffee is not a single thing, it’s a couple with a variety of elements. Sweet, savory, snacks, and so on. These are the perfect mate for coffee, why should you avoid making a good relationship of it? You need to think of this as something as important as coffee itself, so forget about opening without having a reliable stock of snacks for your customers.

Ready to take the step and open up your business? Here at That Coffee Roasters, we’re ready to walk the road with you. With specialty coffee made for top-of-the-line business, we’re sure to cater to your needs as a coffee shop owner.

Visit our website to know more.

Make something amazing by learning from your trusted roaster.

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That Coffee Roasters

Phone Number: (305) 821-8811

2697 W. 76 Street, Hialeah, Florida 33016

Facebook: That Coffee Roasters

Instagram: thatcoffeeroasters

Cash-Free Coffee Shops: A New Trend?

There are a few cafés that have adopted this method.

Technology has been dictating the way we live ever since we can remember. It had going like this: we discovered how to make paper, and then paper money came along. And now we’ve discovered how to stop needing cash, so it’s only a matter of time until we get rid of it once and for all. At least that’s what some coffee shop owners believe and why they’ve transformed their shops into some of the first cash-free cafes in the world.

And it’s weird because cash actually comes in handy when buying a cup of coffee on your way to work, right? It’s a good use for that extra money that you have laying in your pockets or your purse, right? Well, maybe we should think about it more carefully because there are good reasons as to why some cafés in countries like Sweden, Norway, United Kingdom and Australia are only allowing plastic as a form of payment now.

Why should cafes go cashless?

One of the reasons is efficiency. As there is no need to waste time with cash, orders can be taken quickly, without having to worry about counting or giving change. Using debit and credit cards can keep things running faster and smoother. It makes a daily activity as streamlined as possible, and it avoids adding errors at the end of the day.

It can also be safer. Chip technology has made electronic money a lot safer than carrying a lot of cash around. If there’s a robbery, your money won’t be at risk, and you won’t need to go to the bank with thousands of dollars on you.

It’s true that baristas and coffee shop workers won’t get tips anymore with this method, but you can raise their wages with the money you’d be saving yourself since bank deposit fees and staff cashing up would no longer be a problem.

If, in addition, you establish a method of payment where customers can order their own drinks without having to go to the cashier, you’ll be saving them time as well. Besides, it also gives workers a better way to run the coffee shop, since they’re not bound to walk to or stay at a certain point to take an order.

How can it impact revenue for coffee shops?

Making the best use of time, especially at busy hours, means you can serve more customers, which subsequently means your business will be making more money. However, not all people are ready to take the final step to a cashless world, and most coffee shop owners admit switching to a cash-free type of business has made them lost a few clients.

Nevertheless, they insist that it hasn’t really impacted their finances because tap-and-go card payments make things much more efficient and quicker. Besides, they believe that cashless economy will be eventually inevitable. They’re just doing it first. With time, people will come along.

What about you? Would you rather your favorite cafe to simply let you order your drink and make the payment by yourself? Would you like to be free from the need to carry cash with you at all times? Whether we like it or not, it seems that’s the road technology and humanity are taking! It’s alright, as long as our cups of joe are as good as That Coffee Roasters’ coffee, it should all be worth it.

Would you ban cash from your shop?

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That Coffee Roasters

Phone Number: (305) 821-8811

2697 W. 76 Street, Hialeah, Florida 33016

Facebook: That Coffee Roasters

Instagram: thatcoffeeroasters

Things Your Coffee Shop Can Do Better this 2018

Be sure to set realistic goals.

It’s finally that time of the year when we make wish lists hopefully expecting that this time we’ll be able to accomplish at least some of them in 2018. It’s not that simple, sadly. Life gets in the way, and then life gets in the way again, and then life gets in the way some more until you realize it’s December and your list remains mostly unchecked. Many times, this happens because we set unrealistic goals according to our circumstances. So whether you’re making a personal or a professional list, be honest with yourself before anything else. If you’re a coffee shop owner or worker, then we’re right here to back you up and give you some achievable ideas of how your coffee business can improve and grow this 2018.

Invest in automated systems

Having an automated inventory system can save you a lot of time, which is a good thing because time is money. Keep track of how often you need to replenish your stock (like coffee beans, cups, syrups, sugar and more), so you can use this data to invest in a program that can reorder supplies automatically. If you understand your ordering habits, you can save money by reducing how often you purchase less popular items and instead focus on buying the most-used products in cost-saving quantities.

In general, technology can be a great ally. Baristas and cashiers can save a lot of time if you offer them an updated Point of Sale. It can also help you keep track of inventory and save you up to 10% simply by reducing theft and order errors.

Encourage last-minute purchases

Take a look at how businesses like Starbucks always invest in their exhibitions. You can earn a lot of money if you encourage the desire to acquire more products when people are about to pay. Invest in good design and merchandising so you can offer a top-notch product. Exhibitions are great because they usually sell by themselves, as you don’t need any sellers to stand at the point of purchase. You can ally with other brands or make a brand of your own. What’s a better way to promote your business than to sell merch that portrays your colors and logo? But remember, just like we said, watch out for good design and quality.

Improve your social media strategies

Coffee shops are as social as the very social media platforms can be in 2018, and even more, because you get the benefit of the face-to-face interaction. That means that your café can exploit all the advantages of a good social media marketing strategy. If you’ve created an experience that's worth sharing, then all you need to do is encourage consumers to share it all across their social media profiles. This way, you’ll start communicating an identity that feels alive, real, and humanized. If people happen to catch some of that up on Instagram, they’ll be instantly tempted to visit you!

Customers are your best marketing allies

This is especially true when we’re talking about coffee shops. This 2018, don’t forget your customers! Ask for their opinion on new items to be added to the menu or listen to what they have to say about their favorite and least favorite beverages and meals. Make sure to provide a good service, because most people visiting coffee shops for the first time have actually done it motivated by a close friend’s recommendation.  You can even bribe them a little by giving them a free treat if they bring a friend to your cafe for the first time. Read your reviews and pay attention to what they’re saying about you on social media. Make them part of the experience!

There’s so much more you can do this 2018 to make your coffee shop’s experience truly unforgettable! Have you thought about your goals for this new year to come? Follow That Coffee Roasters on social media to learn more about how we can work together to give the best of the coffee world to our clients!

With hard work and good strategies, you can accomplish all your goals and more!

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That Coffee Roasters

Phone Number: (305) 821-8811

2697 W. 76 Street, Hialeah, Florida 33016

Facebook: That Coffee Roasters

Instagram: thatcoffeeroasters

DIY: 5 Crazy Uses for Coffee Grounds You Can Try In Your Everyday Life

If you're obsessed with coffee, learn how to include in your everyday activities!

How do people invent new uses for things? Coffee was first consumed as a fruit, then as a beverage. We thought there were no other uses for it. But we were mistaken. Along the way, it seems like there were people bored enough (or smart enough) to start using coffee grounds in some really unusual ways... and it worked splendidly for them! For those little experiments, we’re now thankful.

Because if you love coffee, then you’ll probably want to take the most out of your daily cup into other activities in your life. Here are a few ways to do it yourself at home!

Flea repellent for dogs

We have no idea who came up with this, but it seems like someone found out that fleas don’t like coffee. Good for them! However, you need to be careful if you’re going to try this because dogs can’t consume coffee. It’s toxic to them, so don’t let them lick it. While bathing your dog and after applying shampoo, rub coffee grounds thoroughly all over its body and coat. Then, rinse off and let your dog dry as usual. It will help to keep the fleas away!

Coffee paste for dark circles and bags

If you get into the science of dark circles and bags, you’ll know that they’re there because your blood vessels are swollen. So can coffee help you get rid of them? According to this blogger, it can. Because coffee is diuretic, it helps “draw water away from puffy cells.” Brew your coffee like you always do, then mix the grounds with water and rub them softly all around your eye area (don’t let it get inside your eyes, of course). Let it sit for 15-20 minutes and clean thoroughly. Let us know if it worked!

Make aromatic candles

If you can’t smell the sweet aroma of coffee can you tell if is it morning yet? We don’t think so. Make this incredible candles and take coffee's aromas out of your cup and into your entire house! You can try this great recipe for which you’ll only need old candles and coffee grounds. Check it out here!

Shiny hair and beautiful skin with coffee

Coffee is really good for your hair and skin. You can make your own coffee scrub and use it for exfoliation, make your own soaps or just rub it all over your hair. The final result will be a shiny, invigorated hair and clear skin! Coffee is also great for hair growth. Is there anything our beloved beans can’t do? We think not! Always remember to use cold coffee grounds and let them sit in your hair for about half an hour. Find some great recipes for coffee scrubs and soaps right here and here.

Garbage disposal cleaners

Coffee is perfect to keep bad odors away. You can use your coffee grounds to clean  your sink and make it smell great. Look at the recipe right here, it’s fairly simple and you probably already have all ingredients at home. Coffee is also great to scrub off grime out of your stove or pans. Just mix it with your cleaner and give it a go!  

If you know how to use it, coffee can make your life easier! It’ll wake you up in the mornings, it’ll relax you in the afternoon, and it’ll make a perfect ally for cleaning, gardening, taking care of your skin, and so much more! Follow That Coffee Roasters on social media to find out all how coffee is the best thing that ever happened to us.

Coffee never disappoints you!

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That Coffee Roasters

Phone Number: (305) 821-8811

2697 W. 76 Street, Hialeah, Florida 33016

Facebook: That Coffee Roasters

Instagram: thatcoffeeroasters

Should You Offer Free WiFi Connection in Your Cafe?

Many cafes offer WiFi connection, but is it truly the best choice?

You enter your favorite coffee shop. It’s full of people working on their laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Sounds of fingers hitting keys and texts notifications popping up are subtly camouflaged by the cashier’s voice taking orders, the espresso machine doing its magic, and the mild conversations taking place in some of the tables. Does this sound familiar to you?

It’s already been many years since technology made its way into our lives and our everyday activities. Around 2010, coffee shops started offering free WiFi connection to their customers. It worked wonderfully for franchises like Starbucks. Because of it, and ever since then, this practice has widely spread and many cafe owners started thinking of it as a competitive rule. They think you should offer free WiFi because that’s what everybody wants.

Well, what if we told you that’s changing? Many cafés are actually starting to ban Internet usage in an effort to encourage face-to-face interactions and provide an environment free from communication technologies. It might seem a little hipsterish at first. After all, it’s true that offering free WiFi can attract many potential customers, such as freelancers, to your store. The problem is: it also implies the risk of turning your cafe into an office.

No one stays in a coffee shop for five hours straight, but if they got a report to finish and free connection to use, they might. So offering free WiFi can encourage customers to stay longer, but that will only be useful if they keep ordering. And that’s not one hundred percent bound to happen. That's why you’ll probably feel the need to keep your customers coming and going.

Do you remember when cafés were about meeting with your friends and having conversations? Yes, that still happens. But does a workplace environment inspires that feeling? Probably not. That’s the reason why so many cafés are changing their approach around WiFi connections and are trying to offer something that can be seen as unique nowadays: a place to talk and engage in real-time human interactions.

This does not mean that you shouldn’t have free WiFi. It depends on what your close competition is doing, your customer's needs, and which kind of experience you’d like to offer them. Many coffee shop's owners feel like offering this service is a true perk that inspires their visitors to choose them over other places.

But you should unquestionably think it thoroughly and not do it only because you feel you have to. There are many costs associated with a stable WiFi connection, and if it starts to fail because of lack of maintenance, it can turn into a reason for your customers to complain and get angry. It’s better not to offer it at all if it’s barely going to be usable.

What do you think? Do you feel like coffee houses' mystic aura has been lost due to technology? Do you prefer to have a place where you can rest from the digital world and engage in meaningful conversations while enjoying your favorite cup of coffee? Trends are always changing, so it’s important to keep a record of what customers prefer! At That Coffee Roasters, we’re always looking forward to giving our clients the very best. If you have that in mind, you’ll probably succeed no matter what your choice is!

It will all depend on your customers' needs.

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That Coffee Roasters

Phone Number: (305) 821-8811

2697 W. 76 Street, Hialeah, Florida 33016

Facebook: That Coffee Roasters

Instagram: thatcoffeeroasters

Secrets Behind a Successful Coffee Shop

Open the coffee shop of your dreams.

Many people fantasize with the idea of leaving their jobs someday to open their own cafe or restaurant. The possibility of creating a unique and independent space that’s both profitable, fun, and full of personality sounds terrific. Having all this while enjoying and sharing with everyone one of the things you love the most (a good cup of coffee) looks like a dream come true.

But owning a business that should be customer-service focused at all times is not as simple and enchanting as it might seem at first. Many challenges and details are often underestimated about coffee shop’s market. That does not mean owning your own cafe can’t be incredibly rewarding and a successful endeavor, but if you’re a beginner and you don’t know what it takes to start in this world, then you should look for as much information as you can.

Some tips are more obvious than others but are overlooked just as often. So stay humble and keep an open mind.

Create an experience worth living!

Think about what you look for when you go to a cafe. It’s definitely more than just drinking coffee. You’re searching for a place where you can relax, spend some quality time with friends, work on your next project or have a business meeting. This means that one of the most important things about opening a coffee shop is creating an inviting atmosphere and an experience worth living.

Make your customers feel good. That goes from having a trendy decoration and an excellent service, to an ergonomic design. Go to your favorite cafes and think of what you love the most about them and what makes you want to stay there aside from their menu. Create your own style and own it: this is the kind of feeling you want to convey to people and that will guarantee you’ll stay open for business.

Coffee is not always everything

Coffee prices are not always as profitable as we wish they were. Maintaining a coffee shop can be expensive, so you need to find new ways of increasing your profits. Selling pre-made food and desserts is an excellent way to do so keeping it simple, without losing too much time. Don’t overextend your menu's variety. People don’t need to have that many options. They just need your advice and recommendations on what they should try and what goes best with their latte.

Put market’s expectations and customer's experience over profit

Many people tend to make the mistake of overthinking about how much money they can make from what they’re selling. With cafes, this balance is especially complicated. You should stick to prices people expect to see and not to the maximum profit you can make from a cup of coffee.

In the long run, it will be much more rewarding to earn your customers’ fidelity thanks to your exceptional service and hospitality than just charge them for what you think they should be paying.

If you’re new in the business, lowering your prices can help. Of course, we know you still need to make money. A good alternative is to put a higher price on a special dessert (or any other type of added value) that only your cafe offers.

Find a place with good traffic

It will be hard to attract new customers to your cafe if they can’t find it. That’s why it’s vital to find the perfect balance between good traffic and reasonable rent. You also need to understand how your typical customers behave.

Do people go to a coffee shop out of impulse? Or do they plan their visits? The answer is: cafes don’t belong in the impulse-purchases category. Most of the time, people will make plans with friends or colleagues before going. That means that you won’t necessarily be more successful if your cafe is located in a zone where people pass by in a hurry every day. Instead, you should pick a location in an accessible place with little competition around you.

Invest in people!

Customer service is one of the hardest areas of this business due to how important it is to understand people’s needs and desires. That’s why you should invest in workers who know good service's value and who meet your customers' expectations.

Don’t leave them alone! If you can’t be present at all times, find a good manager who can. Being in the first line of the battle right along with your employees will be extremely motivating. You’ll know your business like no one else and will understand what you need to keep growing and achieve success.

Serve excellent quality espresso, but remember to stay consistent

If you want to start your own cafe, chances are you want to serve a good quality product. This doesn’t mean that you have to hire as many roasters as you can or offer a huge variety of coffee's types. Coffee owners often forget that what most people want is to eat and drink something delicious.

However, buying good coffee is not enough. If you’re not an experienced barista, maybe you should start considering becoming one. The more you learn, the more you’ll understand what needs to be done to transform a good quality product into a great cup of coffee and an unforgettable experience.  

Once you become successful, remember to keep consistency. Always look for new ways to improve your products and services. That way, you won’t give customers the chance to say “this place used to be great, but not so much anymore…”.

In That Coffee Roasters, we have all the excellent quality products and services you need to make your dream come true and own your cafe. The road to success can be challenging, but the best advice we can give you is: work hard and keep learning. We believe in you!

Follow these tips and remember to have fun with your project!

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That Coffee Roasters

Phone Number: (305) 821-8811

2697 W. 76 Street, Hialeah, Florida 33016

Facebook: That Coffee Roasters

Instagram: thatcoffeeroasters