For many, starting up your very own cafe is a dream come true. After years of working hard and doing things someone else’s way, you’re finally in a position to take charge and build something that’s personal to you. There’s no denying that this is an extremely exciting venture, however, it’s not without its challenges. Being the boss comes with a whole new set of responsibilities and further to this, it takes a lot to get a brand new business off the ground- so what’s the best way to approach this task?
Whilst there are countless things to think about when starting up your own cafe, we’ve made a list of just a few to ensure your business gets off to a flying start.
Create a simple business plan
Creating a business plan may seem like a daunting task, however, it doesn’t need to be overly complicated. Try to be clear and concise and include as much detail as possible in order to effectively map out the direction you want your business to go in. What are your objectives? Where will your business be located? What products will you be selling? These are just a few questions that will need to be addressed in your plan and, if you’re in need of a hand, you can always seek help from a friend or family member who owns their own business.
Pay close attention to your finances
From drink making equipment to food supplies, there are many things you’ll need to start up your own cafe and it’s essential to consider your budget carefully before going ahead with any purchases. To ensure you’re spending wisely, it may be an idea to hire an accountant sooner rather than later as you’ll be able to benefit from their knowledge from the start, giving your business a greater chance of succeeding.
Pick your staff carefully
Your staff members are the face of your business and with this in mind, it’s essential for them to represent what your company is about and share your passion. Rather than simply hiring staff members quickly for the sake of ease, it’s essential to take time during the interviewing process to ensure you find employees that are going to drive your business and generate custom.
The key is in the concept
When it comes to cafes, the competition is steep to say the least and with this in mind, it’s essential to ensure your business stands out from the crowd. Identify exactly what makes your company special and use this to your advantage wherever possible. Perhaps you could specialise in something unique to promote intrigue, or maybe you have a specific theme in mind for your venue. Whatever direction you’d like to go in, it’s important to establish your concept early and figure out how you’re going to convey this to your customers as this will give your business individuality.
If you’re in need of a reliable supplier for your new cafe, look no further than Freshways. In addition to supplying our own brand of products, we also supply items from everyday brands such as Tropicana, Hovis and Muller. To find out more about how we could help boost your cafe business, contact us today.