How to Buy a Cafe

A café can be interchangeably used with the terms coffeehouse and coffee shop. The characteristics of a café combine the qualities of a local pub with a casual restaurant. A café will provide a tapas menu, international coffees and teas and possibly wraps or panninis. You will find pastries and other desserts to enjoy with your coffee and tea. A few cafes acquire a license to serve beer and wine.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Decide if you want to make the commitment a café will require of your time. The profit margin will be low until your business gets established so prepare to be your only employee.
2. Find a location that is high in traffic, that has more than adequate spaces to park and has no competition around you.
3. Write a business plan that includes financial projections, growth projections, profit and loss statements that are positive, yet realistic.
4. Search out a financial institution that you are comfortable with and who knows you as a business professional. The personal touch is still important in business.
5. Investigate the desires of the community you want to start your café in. Know what products they feel are missing and fill them.
6. Prepare to become an active part of the community. Sponsor little league teams, give to charities and join the Chamber of Commerce.

Tips & Warnings

• A banker you know is more likely to believe in you and provide financial backing for your café.
• Don't put a café where there is a franchise coffee shop.
• Don't spend more on marketing than your sales. Word of mouth is your best advertisement.