Thinking Environment
If you are starting your own coffee shop, there is only one thing that will set you apart and let you succeed. The environment that you set it up in.
No matter what type of coffee you are selling, how you want to set up the equipment or what location you decide to go in, it’s what is on the inside of your shop that will get the people coming. The environment that you consider should include thoughts on some of the following:
1. Lighting. If the light is too dim or too bright, it’s going to drive people the other way. Because coffee shops are now a popular place to work, read or mingle, having the lights too low will not help your customers. However, having neon lights or fluorescents are going to drive away the masses.
2. Think of themes. What will really set your coffee shop apart from others is if they can remember you outside of the name. Putting art on the walls, having a theme to go with the coffee and branding your entire shop to be unique will appeal to those who want to experience a little atmosphere.
3. Comfort first. There was one time where I went to a coffee shop that had all wooden benches and chairs, some of them wobbly, most of them uncomfortable. Make sure that you have the lounge areas and couches combined with the tables that will work for good conversation or work combined with comfort.
4. Put in the extra. If you have a coffee shop that has the games, free wireless, books, magazines and the things that people love to do when they are lounging and relaxing, you are going to drive more people to your front door. Don’t do this just through the quiet things, but allow the shop to become a community area with performances, classes and things that will attract the right people. Don’t be afraid to invest in the small conveniences that let people think of a coffee house as home away from home.
5. Thrive off of the smell. One of the most important things about a coffee shop is having the right smell. Even though this sometimes can’t be helped because of the aroma of coffee, it can still be controlled. If you sell homemade food, don’t cook it in the front. If you are making a stronger coffee, cover up the espresso machine after it’s done in order to stop the strength of the coffee from taking over the place.
A few small things for starting your coffee shop can result in a great place where kids and adults alike love to be a part of. By making the right environment, you are allowing those who are in the community to have a place of comfort, relaxation and joy.