Café & Bookstore Dream
Hey everyone! Here’s a quick update from me. I was recently laid off, and this has given me the chance to rethink my life and career. Corporate life has never suited me, and I’ve always envisioned a future where I work for myself—after all, if I’m going to be stressed, I might as well do it on my own terms! 😅
My parents are nearing retirement and are eager to explore new ventures. Since I was a child, we’ve dreamed of opening a coffee shop, but I’ve always imagined it as a combination café and bookstore. After researching the coffee shop scene after college, I realized that simply selling coffee and pastries isn’t enough for a sustainable business.
Fast forward six years: I’m now an author with solid industry connections, but still tied to a full-time job that isn’t very rewarding. I’d like to bring my passions together in one cohesive space.
Here’s my vision:
A café and bookstore dedicated to community engagement and representing marginalized voices. The café would serve a variety of offerings: coffee, baked goods (which I excel at baking), soups, pasta, and sandwiches. I’m a decent cook, and my recipes use multifunctional ingredients to keep the menu diverse. We’re also considering a liquor license to provide beer and wine.
The bookstore would stock bestsellers to attract customers, and thanks to my connections, I could have signed editions from “TikTok famous” authors and host launch parties and events for local writers and book clubs. My husband plans to organize quarterly networking events, and my mother, a realtor, would help curate special gatherings at the shop. Plus, we’d have board games available and host live music nights. I understand the author side of book marketing but am still learning about retail, so I’m open to advice from seasoned booksellers.
We’d also offer merchandise related to literature and our shop—think mugs and products from local businesses.
In terms of location, I’m based in Atlanta, where there’s a strong coffee culture, with several successful local coffee shops nearby. I’ve spotted a vacant space down the street, previously occupied by two businesses—one that moved and another that failed due to poor customer service. Despite the competition, the area is bustling, suggesting there’s still room for another café.
My husband’s income allows us to be comfortable, and with no kids in the immediate future, I’m ready to take on a significant role as the on-site manager while splitting responsibilities with my parents to ensure I can take days off. I plan to hire a team: two full-time and two part-time staff. I’ll prepare baked goods, soups, and sauces on off days, so everything is ready for staff to easily cook and serve.
I want to approach this venture thoughtfully, especially given the current economic climate. I envision taking the time to apply for grants and explore financing options before launching.
I’m reaching out to hear your thoughts. Are we aiming too high, or is this vision realistic? Am I still dreaming, or can this idea turn into reality with hard work? I was a project manager before my layoff and am used to multitasking and managing budgets. I’ve also worked as a server and bartender throughout college, so I have some food and beverage experience, though I plan to take barista courses to truly hone my skills.
I’d love to hear your feedback!
2 Comments
What an exciting and ambitious venture you’re considering! It sounds like you have a strong foundation with your background in writing, community connections, and food service experience. Here are some thoughts and suggestions that might help you refine your plan:
Concept Validation: Your idea of combining a café with a bookstore that focuses on community and marginalized voices is truly unique and timely. Given your connections with authors and the literary community, you can leverage that for events, signings, and promotions that will attract customers. Consider conducting some surveys or informal interviews in your community to see if there’s enough interest and to refine your offerings based on what potential customers are looking for.
Market Research: Since you’ve noted that there are several existing coffee shops in your area, it might be worthwhile to analyze what makes them successful. Are there particular menu items, events, or community ties that draw people in? This can help you carve out your niche and differentiate yourself from competition.
Location Strategy: The location you mentioned has potential, especially since you’re already familiar with the area. Explore whether the demographics of the neighborhood align with your target market. If Decatur is less saturated but more expensive, consider the long-term advantages of being there versus a busier area. Sometimes, more foot traffic can balance out higher rental costs.
Financial Planning: Since you mentioned wanting to apply for grants, look specifically into grants and funding programs for small businesses that focus on diversity, arts, or community development. Also, creating a detailed business plan will help you project costs, forecast income, and guide your decision-making process.
Test Your Model: Before going full-scale, consider pop-up events or collaborations with local farmers’ markets or community fairs. This would allow you to test your café menu and book offerings while also building a customer base without the heavy commitment of a lease.
Collaboration & Staffing: Having your parents involved can be a great strength, given their willingness to support you. It might also be beneficial to seek out staff who share your passion for literature and community engagement. Hiring people who are enthusiastic can foster a positive work culture, enhancing customer experiences.
Avoiding Overextension: While it’s great to have a wide array of offerings (liquor, baked goods, events), be mindful not to spread yourself too thin. Start with your core offerings, and as you establish your brand and customer base, you can gradually introduce new items or events.
Continuous Learning: Taking barista courses is a fantastic idea, and maybe consider looking for local coffee roasters who offer training as well. Not only will this help you master the trade, but it might also create relationships that can be beneficial for sourcing and collaboration.
Remember, every successful business begins with a dream, but it takes dedication, flexibility, and market awareness to make it a reality. Your experience as a project manager will serve you well in managing multiple responsibilities and staying on track. Best of luck as you embark on this exciting journey!
What an inspiring journey you’re on! Your ambition to combine a café and bookstore with a community focus is truly commendable, especially in today’s landscape where local businesses are starting to thrive as community hubs.
It sounds like you have a solid foundation to build from, with your passion for food and books, along with your connection to the literary world. One suggestion I have is to consider incorporating a strong digital presence to complement your physical space. Perhaps starting a blog related to books and coffee could not only engage your customer base but also promote the events you plan to hold. This strategy could build a loyal online community, keeping your customers engaged even when they aren’t in the café.
Additionally, engaging with local influencers or bookstagrammers can help amplify your reach, particularly when hosting events. The idea of offering merchandise is also fantastic—locally made products can draw in both community members and tourists alike.
Lastly, regarding your concern about feasibility in a competitive area, conducting a thorough SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) might provide clarity on how to position your café/bookstore effectively. Understanding what differentiates you from competitors can help carve out your niche and attract a loyal customer base.
Best of luck on this exciting venture! It sounds like you have the dream—and the skills—to make it happen!