Vic and I have been thinking about the pub more and more. The closing of the Encore (weekdays) has made me wish we were ready to open tomorrow. After reading Laura's blog, some thoughts were solidified that have been rolling around my head.
The first one is that of input. Input from those who are interested. We not only plan to listen to employees (if there are any) but to anyone who cares enough to type a line or two. Input can be on any topic, but there is one big one that we need help with before we can "get going".
Here's the deal. 2Brews is to be a coffee shop/pub that encourages hanging out but not overindulging. A place where you would feel completely comfortable walking in to see who's there without buying anything. While this sounds cool - it does not sound profitable , and that's OK with us. But here's the problem:
From the research that I've done it will take an estimated $80k - $100k min. of remodeling, furniture and equipment to have the place ready to open. The problem is obvious: If we borrow/spend that much money, we would need a more profitable model than the one we want.
So how can we do it? What should we do next? This Blog exists almost purely for comments - so if you care at all - type a line or two.
4 comments:
you could find 16 to 20 friends willing to invest 5k for a long term investment
I've told you about the business-plan I drew up 15 years ago for a coffee shop. Although it was obviously immature and amateurish, the thing I liked about it best was the partnership/no-profit-taken aspect. Whether that looks like Eric's idea, or a combination of partners/friends/family willing to work for free, it still allows for all the money to be dumped into nothing but the initial investment.
Knowing from Laura what it cost to outfit the Cafe with tables and chairs and such, you could skip that and stock those needs with throw-outs, current family owned items, or yard sale purchases. This only works if your layout isn't depended on the "look". If so, disregard this paragraph.
Sam - We definitely wont disregard. this is the kind of thinking we are trying to work through
I went to a coffee shop out of town not too long ago that was furnished just like what Sam mentioned: mismatched yard sale furniture. As long as the stuff isn't dumpy and disgusting, it can work. This place looked very open and non-assuming, which kind of sounds like the kind of place you want.
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