by Starting Up Cafe
When I first came up with the idea of opening my own cafe, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. All I knew was that I loved coffee, baking and bringing people together over good food and drinks. It took me over 6 months to find the perfect space, hire staff, get permits and prep the menu. The process of starting a business from scratch was extremely challenging but rewarding.
Setting up the interior was a Cafe of love. I personally painted the walls, put up shelves and hung artwork to make the space feel cozy and inviting. Sourcing quality espresso machines, blenders and other equipment within my budget also took some searching. Once the build out was complete, it was time for the grand opening.
The Daily Grind
No two days are alike as a cafe owner. Mornings typically start before 6am to get pastries, sandwiches and other items baked and prepped for the breakfast rush. By 7:30am, the cafe is buzzing with regular customers stopping in on their way to work or school. Coffee orders are non-stop during this period and keeping up with the flow takes focus and teamwork between baristas.
Between 10-11am is when things usually slow down a bit before lunch. This is when we deep clean equipment, restock supplies and plan menu changes. The lunch crowd hits around noon and runs through 2pm with specialty sandwiches, salads and baked goods being top sellers. Afternoons are more relaxed until afternoon coffee drinkers and students studying fuel another mini rush from 3-5pm.
Closing up at night takes another 1-2 hours to wash dishes, do inventory, cash out registers and finish cleaning. Bookkeeping, ordering supplies, menu planning and other admin tasks are usually tackled after closing or on days off. Finding time to sleep, exercise and spend time with loved ones can be challenging with the hectic schedule but so rewarding seeing happy customers each day.
People Cafe
Running a cafe is as much about managing employees and culture as it is about food and beverage. Hiring the right team who share your vision and values is key. I aim to foster an environment where staff feel respected, fulfilled in their roles and can develop new skills. Regular feedback, appreciation, learning opportunities and competitive pay all help with retention.
Staff meetings and team bonding activities outside of work also go a long way in building camaraderie and connection. Developing strong teamwork is crucial on busy days when everyone must work seamlessly together. I’m grateful for the friends I’ve made through this journey with some original employees still with me years later. Treating people well and they will want to work hard for your business.
Community Connection
Being plugged into the local community has been integral to the cafe’s success. We proudly support neighborhood schools, sports teams and non-profits by hosting fundraisers and giving back a portion of sales whenever possible. Regulars have become more like friends and I love hearing their stories over coffee each day.
Social media has also helped raise our profile and connect with new customers beyond our bricks and mortar location. Whether posting behind the scenes photos on Instagram or asking for feedback on our Facebook page, online engagement has enhanced customer loyalty. The cafe has become a gathering place where people linger for hours, collaborate on projects and run into familiar faces daily. Nurturing a strong sense of belonging inspires both new and returning visits.
While opening and running a cafe is not for the faint of heart, I wouldn’t trade this experience and community I’ve built for anything. Challenges will always arise from staff issues, profitability concerns or changing trends, but overcoming obstacles together is what keeps things interesting. My hope is to continue honing my craft, evolving the menu, giving back to others and fostering connections for many years to come. This journey has been the hardest yet most fulfilling of my life so far.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public Source, Desk Research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
