Coffee Shop Extension
Mells Village Shop and Post Office started trading on 11 April this year after a takeover and major makeover of a failing enterprise. This Community shop is turning over at the rate of about £200,000 a year at the 8 month stage. We want to build a Coffee/Tea shop extension to seat 20 max. Estimating gross profit margins, turnover as a % of total turnover etc is not a very exact science and we would be grateful for any data and any general tips.
Bobby Hanscomb
Hi Bobby
Here at Blockley we have a very successful cafe that really completes the business here. It uses staff time well, reduces wastage, adds well over £100k to our turnover at just below 70% GP.
I recommend putting a cafe into anywhere that can accommadate one. Longborough, Tewin etc. It is the real reason why Blockley is such a success. It adds so much to the atmosphere aswell. It can be done very simply, no naked flames (fire regs.), you'd be amazed how much you can do with a microwave, griddle and toaster. Staff needn't be scared. Bacon bap madness!!
20 is a good size for a cafe. If you're going to do it you must do it properly though with proper coffee etc. So many times it is just an add on and no one would want to spend any time in there. WIFI is a must. etc etc
I could go on for ages but get in touch to talk properly or come and visit if you can. Or get in touch with James Alcock at Plunkett and use the Making Local Food Work program and I can come and discuss / help with no expense to yourselves!!
01386 701411
Chris
Blockley
Chris of Brockley
Great to hear from you. I will be phoning up to plan a visit.
Bobby of Mells.
Hi Chris,
Mells, Somerset to Blockley, Gloucestershire is quite a trek but worth every inch of effort. Great visit, so many thanks for the time you gave me. I feel inspired on fining that what we hoped might be possible - a coffee shop - has been proved by you to be a 'must have' addition - if we get it right.. We have much to learn and for starters we would like our staff and the odd volunteer to get up there, don an apron and do some hands on work in the coffee shop and 'Servery'. January?
Yours
Bobby
We do not have room for an inside coffee shop.But we have two tables we put on our veranda at the front,under an awning,and they are very popular in the good weather.We also have benches on an adjacent green area.As we have wi-fi many users come for this,or simply to sit in their cars with a lap-top.
vv
Excuse my last comment which was a test. We at Feckenham would like to hear about experiences of opening a coffee shop area in an already established shop. Particularly regarding increased footfall, turnover and margins. Also we would welcome any advice on furniture style and suppliers (we may need folding chairs for outside).
Hi Feckenham
You are more than welcome to come and visit us here in Blockley as we have a very successful cafe and would be delighted to help you out
Hi Bobby,
You could try asking the North Curry Coffee Shop, as the name implies its just a cafe/tea room and has been open 2 years now I think, and its in Somerset!
We in Seavington are opening a cafe alongside our shop in June. It will seat 16-20. Yes the margins potentially are much higher than in the shop; I'd agree with others here that 'proper' coffee (ie an espresso machine)is a pre-requisite now, people's expectations are higher now. However they can be expensive to buy - we're going for a rented machine to test demand.
We were recommended the supplier for this by the Thorncombe shop and a hotel in Shepton Mallet. - the monthly rental includes an initial training session, maintenance and enough coffee beans for 400 cups. Drop me a line if you want details - obviously there are other suppliers out there.
Good luck!
Matt