The coffee business is a crowded field, with options for consumers seemingly on every corner. The “three-headed monster” of labor, supply chain and inflation challenges only make it tougher. Despite these hurdles, there are coffee operators enjoying success today. We look at a few top tips from the experts at the Texas Coffee School, a leader in growing and supporting coffee entrepreneurship.
Values on the menu
“These days, every dollar spent is a vote for something. Is what you offer a fit with my values and the things I care about? The best coffee shops know that they’re not just selling coffee, they’re selling experiences, and a sense of belonging.”
-Tom Vincent, President, Texas Coffee School
Do your patrons care most about sustainability or fair trade when it comes to coffee? Does responsible sourcing tie into the rest of your brand? Looking for certifications and evidence of social responsibility from your suppliers is an important step. Segafredo Zanetti’s “Care in your Cup™” program is one example and can help you communicate your values to the guest.
Road to success
While creating a sense of belonging and in-store experience is key to winning some customers, others crave convenience and speed – possibly even the same guest on a different day. It’s no accident that delivery coffee orders doubled in 2021, according to the annual GrubHub Year in Food report, and cold brew delivery even more so. Having your coffee program available for delivery, pick-up or drive thru can add transactions without disrupting your current business.
Low-labor, fast-service solutions like Segafredo Zanetti’s premium ready-to-drink cold brew coupled with convenient dispensing options eliminate the need for overnight brews, ensure less out-of-stocks, and deliver speed of service, freeing up your employees to provide the personal touch that keeps customers coming back.
The rise of the hybrid
No, we’re not talking about electric vehicles here. More and more, hybrid-model coffee businesses are taking root and finding success. This can mean adding coffee to an existing business, or the opposite; think barber shop + coffee, or coffee + floral, or coffee + prepared meals. The complementary business adds transactions and shares overhead costs like rent and utilities, while giving you a new platform (and possibly, day part) for bringing in customers.
“One piece of advice to coffee entrepreneurs is to build diverse revenue streams for a higher average transaction. You’ll have less exposure to volatility and will be bringing in new audiences as you differentiate your concept.”
-Tom Vincent, President, Texas Coffee School
Specialty Drink of the Month:
Apple Crumble Latte
While the popularity of pumpkin spice is far from over, even the big names are starting to differentiate their fall offerings with alternative flavors, most notably apple. This recipe from Segafredo Zanetti can flex easily to a cold brew version, and it’s a great pairing with fall pastries.
Operations Notes:
If you don’t have apple syrup, apple juice can stand in and will reduce your sugar levels as well. You might also experiment with cider, cutting the acidity with warm spices or by mixing it with apple juice. We love the oat milk pairing here – it’s rich and creamy, and the flavors are a natural match. For a 21-and-over version, add a splash of apple brandy or whisky and serve like an Irish coffee. Don’t forget the whipped cream!
Message us for the full recipe and request a free coffee consultation for drink menu development!