Can I Have a Coffee Shop and a Pampered Chef Business?

[Teresa Lynn]

the little local coffee shop here is called the daily grind they serve all the fancy coffee & tea, wraps, salads muffins and desserts

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

Isn't it funny how the brain works? I kept getting ideas on the way home that this would be a great "theme" for a coffee shop. Casablanca is in Morocco, which is also a big tea-drinking country. So there's your tie-in for serving tea!

OR... for a completely different theme. Have a signature baked good: banana bread or banana muffins. And then go with "Grounds for A-Peel" as the shop name.

That works if you're next to the courthouse.

 

[AJPratt]

Thanks for all of your great suggestions!

 

[AJPratt]

UPDATE: Its been a loooong time since we discussed this. I have received a loan commitment from a bank, meet with the architect tomorrow and sign the lease on Friday. We can take possession whenever we want. Its just an empty retail space that we'll have to do the entire build out ourselves, but I like the idea of a blank canvas.

Thanks for all of your encouragement, I truly appeciate it.

I'm NOWHERE near open, but with any luck I will be by Sept!

 

[ChefNic]

WoW!
I can't tell you how many times I've wondered what ever happened to this..if you were still doing it!
I'm so excited for you!
Good luck, and post pics when the construction is done!

 

[heat123]

Cool Anne, I posted(hijacked) on some random thread about how it's coming along so far! I'm soo envious you are doing this, I soo would love to open up a shop of myown someday! Good luck and keep us posted on your progess!

 

[AJPratt]

Thanks! I posted this in another thread, but here's the link:

http://pub5.bravenet.com/photocenter/album.php?img=111450&usernum=367756525

 

[yummybytes]

I am so proud of you for making your dreams a reality!!!
Wishing you all the best with this endeavor!! Name a frothy drink after us. Cuppa Success!!

 

[pckrissy]

Congrats Ann! Good luck, definately keep me posted, I can't wait to come in and have a cup of coffee!!!

 

[heat123]

Thanks! I posted this in another thread, but here's the link:

http://pub5.bravenet.com/photocenter/album.php?img=111450&usernum=367756525

ooouuuhh that looks great! When you are done with the outside as well as inside please post more pics of the finished product!!!

 

[dianevill]

Congratulations, Ann! My aunt and uncle opened a cafe in our small town 6 years ago (Perks), and they've certainly overcome some obstacles, but they're doing well. They have grown, too, from being "just" a gourmet coffee shop - they serve salads, soups and sandwiches for lunch, cater small events, and do "brat fries" on the weekends. I know you said in another thread you were looking at roasters - Alterra is awesome! I don't know if they're nationwide, so if you haven't heard of them and you're interested, let me know and I'll get you the info.

One unsolicited piece advice - ADVERTISE!!! There are still people here in our small town that have never heard of Perks, and it's right on the main drag. Get your name out there!

Can't wait to see more pictures and hear about your progress! Congrats again!

 

[DebbieSAChef]

Congrulations Anne!!Wow this sounds so exciting. It's so wonderful to have a dream and then see it being fulfilled. I know there will be obstacles and lots of hard work ahead of you, but if anyone can do it, YOU CAN!!

We believe in you Anne and I can't wait for an update in September about your grand opening. Of course keep us posted about different ideas for your business while you are in the creative stages. I want to hear everything. Designs, color for your walls, items for sale, etc....

Debbie

 

[Cassie1037]

Congrats!

 

[mommyhugz1978]

I am a part owner of a tax office with the rest of my family and I sell PC as well.. it can be done just a matter of balancing your time between each. Good Luck Anne!!

 

[mommyhugz1978]

Congrats ANNE!!

 

[AJPratt]

Thanks for all of your feedback! Its really moving to have so much support. Some people have just flat out said, "Bad idea." So, its nice to see the good feedback. I may lose my shirt over this, but I would rather work 80 hours a week for myself than to spend another week at the current place. As most of you know, they fired my husband, and its just been difficult to work there. So, this is something I never thought I could to. Its scary, crazy, fun, overwhelming, all at the same time. But I have people willing to help me and its amazing--sort of like PC--complete strangers wanting to help you succeed. If you are ever in Hartford, CT, stop into Jojo's Coffe and Tea (on Pratt Street, no less). Bill there has been such a great help for me! Tell him Anne from NJ says HI! I have a great guy I am using for roaster in Lambertville (NJ) until I am comfortable roasting on my own--which is my goal.

Thanks again for all of the suggestions and thoughts. I have a notebook I am using to jot down all of these great ideas.

I can't wait for everyone to come in--those who can travel to it! And, we're not far from Atlantic City or Philly, so it could be a detour, too!

Here's a blog I started for the coffee thing... I update it as often as I can.

http://phob.bravejournal.com/

 

[lacychef]

How exciting Anne! I am so happy for you What a cute building it is too! I'm not a coffee drinker, but if I'm ever in your area.....someday!

 

[ChefNic]

Wow!!
That looks VERY nice!
I LOOOVE coffee!!!
Congrats!

 

[chefann]

We'll need to plan a CS road trip for the grand opening!

 

[Teresa Lynn]

Anne,
I was in our Michaels craft store a few days ago and they had clearanced some of their summer stuff it was 90% all of their "kitchen" line it had signs, canisters etc. Don't know if you are looking for anything like that but it was soooo cheap pennies on the $

Are you also going to have a small retail area?
I was at Marshalls yesterday and they had the cutest gift sets of pyramid of tea I think it was called. They are the type of things I buy when I visit little tea rooms/coffee houses.


Wish we were closer to help you get it ready, we'd have you open mid July.

 

[chefann]

OMG! Can you imagine a whole crew of CSers descending on the place to help paint, decorate and set up?

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

It would end up looking like a set from Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In.

 

[chefann]

Yeah- we'd all have our own opinion about what color and how to do it. And then it would degenerate into just a big social hour.


Of course, if Rae were in charge, she'd just kick ankles until people did things her way.

 

[kaceyleigh2]

Congratulations Anne! I read this thread for the first time today and as I was reading through the posts I was hoping to see what happens! I don't drink coffee, but if I'm ever in NJ I will stop in!

 

[nikked]

Too funny...but seriously, you know we would show up if we could!

I've just recently been wondering what the status of this adventure was. Glad to hear you are following your bliss and doing it! Sounds like things are off to a great start and lining up the way they should be.

Congratuations, thanks for the inspiration, and HAVE FUN in the midst of all the craziness to come!

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

It would end up looking like a set from Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In.

http://www.timvp.com/laughin5.jpg

 

[AJPratt]

Thanks, everyone! I met with the architect this morning and he said, "You have really done your homework." So, that made me feel good. I would love for you ALL to come by at any time!

 

[luvs2sellit]

Very exciting Ann! I am glad it is all working out for you. I have always wanted to have my own business of some kind. Maybe one day.

 

[chefann]

You DO have your own business - PC!

 

[Shawnna]

It is wonderful that you are moving ahead Anne. When my husband lost his job and was out of work for a year, I didn't know what we would do. When he told me he was going to start his own catering business I told him he had lost his mind. Now 3 years later we own a restaurant, have a major contract with The Choctaw Nation to supply barbecue to all of their convenience stores, plus he caters at least 2 parties every day. Our business has skyrocketed. I have since quit my job to help him.

With the right people behind you and a strong determination to succeed you can do anything. It is a lot of work and some days you want to throw in the towel, but it really does get better and better.

I wish you the best with your new business.