Decisions

Does the size of a coffee shop really matter? It really doesn’t even though there are plenty of people in the industry that would argue with that statement. While a large coffee shop can hold more people, it also takes more employees to operate. As a result the overhead expenses will increase.

No matter what size of coffee shop you have, there has to be customers willing to come in and buy things. Otherwise you are just going to have an empty building and it won’t matter what size it is. With this in mind you have to go out and attract customers. Next you have to make sure that they have the best experience so they will come back.

Customers have other criteria that they are concerned with than the size of the location. People even go to drive up ones if they offer the right elements. They include fast service that is friendly, delicious coffee products, good prices, and a nice atmosphere. All of these things can be found at a small independent coffee shop or a large chain business.

The atmosphere is very important though. Many people find it is more personal at a smaller sized coffee shop. They are able to get to know the people behind the counter. They are also warmly greeted by name each time they walk in the door. With a large coffee shop this may not be possible. There are simply too many people and too many different employees for it to work.

Larger coffee shops are often part of chain establishments. This does give them some advantages. For example they have the name people are familiar with due to their other stores around. They also have plenty of advertising in place. Yet all of that hype doesn’t mean much if the individual location isn’t able to live up to the image.

People don’t want to feel crowded, so that can be an issue to address with a small coffee shop. If people want to sit down and enjoy their drinks, it may not be possible due to the small number of tables available. You may be able to find a way to reorganize them though to give more room. Consider more tables for one or two people instead of larger ones as well.

When it is all said and done, the size of a coffee shop really doesn’t matter. As long as customers feel comfortable there and they get quality drinks it will work. They will also expect exceptional customer service. If all of these elements can be covered, you have nothing to worry about.

There are small coffee shops that continue to grow in the number of customers. They may decide to expand in order to better serve them. This is an individual business decision that could prove to be a good move. However, if your business is already struggling, making the coffee shop bigger isn’t going to solve your problems.

Karyn Lewis is passionate about great coffee. If you are thinking of http://www.coffeeshopprofits.com/buyacoffeeshop.htm buying a coffee shop,and avoiding the common mistakes new owners make, you can read more at her recommended at her http://www.coffeeshopprofits.com coffee business website.

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