Discussion
I live above a cafe.
The guys that used to run it were fantastic. Always partying and samba lessons and book clubs and sh1t. I liked them a lot.
The couple that had it before them were really nice, mainly vegie and lentils and sh1te.
The thing they had in common was their 'landlord'.
I've found out since, he owns a lot of property in the area, makes himself out tobe a jolly, aimiable sort of chap.
He is in fact, a tw@ of the first order.
That's why everyone want to leave his properties.
The new 'latin' types have just taken their last van full, and the cafe is empty again.l
Question is...
I'm suddenly really passionate about opening it - it's in a prime area, I know I can make it work, I'm a fooking good cook, I know a couple of people that are up for the arsey running, managing sh1te so,
Do I make the guy an offer and buy it (not sure he'll sell though).
Or do I bite the bullet and deal with a cretin that's too greedy for his own rent book...?
(oh, and how do I run a cafe - there's very little on the internet - I ran a busy pub for a year, so hard graft isn't a problem...)
Waddya reckon?
Go'er?
The guys that used to run it were fantastic. Always partying and samba lessons and book clubs and sh1t. I liked them a lot.
The couple that had it before them were really nice, mainly vegie and lentils and sh1te.
The thing they had in common was their 'landlord'.
I've found out since, he owns a lot of property in the area, makes himself out tobe a jolly, aimiable sort of chap.
He is in fact, a tw@ of the first order.
That's why everyone want to leave his properties.
The new 'latin' types have just taken their last van full, and the cafe is empty again.l
Question is...
I'm suddenly really passionate about opening it - it's in a prime area, I know I can make it work, I'm a fooking good cook, I know a couple of people that are up for the arsey running, managing sh1te so,
Do I make the guy an offer and buy it (not sure he'll sell though).
Or do I bite the bullet and deal with a cretin that's too greedy for his own rent book...?
(oh, and how do I run a cafe - there's very little on the internet - I ran a busy pub for a year, so hard graft isn't a problem...)
Waddya reckon?
Go'er?
Smashin', I'm 99.9 % certain that he won't sell - I'm buying the flat... which kind of puts me at an advantage (objections to others applying for late licenses etc...), but if everyone who has tried before has got sooooo pissed at the guy that they simply left - despite the advantages - great position, bohemian/arty type/middle class hippies with money area, loyal clientèle, I'm struggling with this one - my heart says DO IT
Both the previous occupants seemed to have one thing in common - shit.
Or was that a euphimism for something else?
What do you know about the cafe business?
Have you any cooking or food retailing knowledge?
Are you aware of the various health, safety and hygeine regulations with which you must comply?
How successful were the previous businesses?
Just a few things you would need to find out before leaping in.
Or was that a euphimism for something else?
What do you know about the cafe business?
Have you any cooking or food retailing knowledge?
Are you aware of the various health, safety and hygeine regulations with which you must comply?
How successful were the previous businesses?
Just a few things you would need to find out before leaping in.
) As long as you're sure that's whay they left, and not cos trade wans't good enough, then why not. but you have to think that if two groups in a row couldn't deal with the landlord could he potentially be enough of a tw@ to turn your dream into a nightmare? (and the missus would etll you that isn't a good thing!)
Erics points are all valid but hardly deal breaking. a friend works for Rushmoor government as health and safety officer (in fact he's a member on here) so could easily provide you with the basic rules and what you need to comply with.
I guess you need to have a very realistic understanding of what the typical profit might be...and whether that would satify you and your lifestyle before doing it. I udnerstand you clearly have no problem with hard graft, but working 14 hour days for a tenner might begin to wear a bit thin! (obvioskly I have NO idea of what potential profit a cafe can realise)
Night
Erics points are all valid but hardly deal breaking. a friend works for Rushmoor government as health and safety officer (in fact he's a member on here) so could easily provide you with the basic rules and what you need to comply with.
I guess you need to have a very realistic understanding of what the typical profit might be...and whether that would satify you and your lifestyle before doing it. I udnerstand you clearly have no problem with hard graft, but working 14 hour days for a tenner might begin to wear a bit thin! (obvioskly I have NO idea of what potential profit a cafe can realise)
Night
Is it in the right location and do you have enough passing tradeto bring the punters in?
You can estimate your outgoings easily enough but have you got enough trade to balance the outgoings and make a profit too?
If it's your dream then do it but make sure that this is the right place to do it in - if you see what I mean.
Best of luck either way....
You can estimate your outgoings easily enough but have you got enough trade to balance the outgoings and make a profit too?
If it's your dream then do it but make sure that this is the right place to do it in - if you see what I mean.
Best of luck either way....
In order to run a cafe you need to be registered as a food trading outlet with the local council/EHO. I would recommend getting at least an intermediate food hygiene certificate, and employers liability insurance!
Lots more info if you're really serious about it - it'll be very hard work, no holidays, and little return...Sorry!!
Lots more info if you're really serious about it - it'll be very hard work, no holidays, and little return...Sorry!!
singlecoil said:
Another thing to remember about any catering business is that you are at the absoulute and total mercy of your staff. What will you do if you a.can't get any or b. don't turn up or c. are rude to the customers or d. steal from you?
I'd have thought pan-frying various body parts (theirs) infront of them may put a stop to any of the above...
Would it help if we came in and swore at you a la Gordon Ramsay...?
Passion is vital but the numbers must still add up - will your savings last until the money comes in? Can you survive if the place is only 1/3 full?
Also remember that the main reason why new ides fail is because the inventors have too much confidence in them, so be your own harshest critic. Be anti: Put your business model on the floor and stamp on it a few times; kick it about the room. Does it die or bounce back?
Passion is vital but the numbers must still add up - will your savings last until the money comes in? Can you survive if the place is only 1/3 full?
Also remember that the main reason why new ides fail is because the inventors have too much confidence in them, so be your own harshest critic. Be anti: Put your business model on the floor and stamp on it a few times; kick it about the room. Does it die or bounce back?
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