Do you want to start your dream cafe? Maybe a place where people can enjoy a good cup of coffee, chat with friends, finish home works after school, or just relax? Starting a cafe is exciting, but it also takes a lot of hard work, patience and planning. Let me share a few things I’ve learned after a year of running Big Bang Coffee here in Tarlac City – a neighborhood cafe that is also a barbershop that is loved by students, freelancers, families and our neighbors.
1. Start with why
The first step of opening a cafe is to ask yourself, “Why would I bother myself owning a cafe?” Is it because I love coffee? Is it because it sounds cool? Or do you want to create a hangout spot in your neighborhood? For me, I wanted to give people a place where they could grab a coffee, chill with friends, and get a fresh haircut without going through the city traffic. On top of that, I wanted to learn how to run a cafe so I could help others run their own. Having a deep why for opening your cafe will help guide all your decisions.
2. Location, location, location
Choosing the right location for your cafe is super important. You want a place where people can easily find you. When we started Big Bang Coffee, we were lucky to be near a carwash, a gasoline station, and a laundry shop. It’s not just about the foot traffic – think about the market you want. Are they students, professionals, or people on the go?
3. Create a menu customers will love
Your menu is what makes your cafe special. At Big Bang Coffee, we focused on simple, tasty drinks and snacks that our neighbors and students could enjoy. You don’t need to have a huge menu – just make sure the food and drinks you serve are something people will come back for. Over time, we learned what our customers liked and added items they asked for. From just selling drinks, we added cookies, cheesecakes, and chicken wings.
4. Managing the costs
Starting a cafe isn’t cheap. There are lots of things to pay for – like rent, equipment, ingredients, and more. It’s important to plan your budget well. When we opened Big Bang Coffee, we found ways to save, like buying equipment directly from the supplier and working with local vendors. It is also important that you have an emergency fund. Remember, keeping costs low while maintaining quality is key to surviving the first few months or year.
5. Spreading the word
Before you open, you need to let people know about your cafe! At Big Bang Coffee, we used social media to get the word out. We posted about our cafe, showed off our coffee and haircuts, and even shared behind-the-scenes stories. You can also partner with nearby businesses. We naturally teamed up with the carwash and laundry shop next door, so people could enjoy a coffee while waiting for their car or clothes!
6. Running the cafe
Running the cafe isn’t just about serving the coffee – you have to make sure that everything runs smoothly. At Big Bang Coffee, we had to learn how how to handle stocks, where to buy the coffee and kitchen supplies, and making sure that the cafe always looks clean and inviting. It can be challenging, but with time, you’ll find a way that works for everyone.
7. Learning from mistakes
No cafe owner is perfect. We all make mistakes, but the important thing is to learn from them. In the early days of Big Bang Coffee, we had a few slow months and realized we needed to adjust our opening hours to match when customers were around. Small changes like that can make a big difference. Just keep going and don’t be afraid to adapt!
A journey worth taking
Opening a cafe is a rewarding journey filled with creativity, community, and growth. It’s a chance to bring your vision to life, but it’s also a serious business that requires careful planning, patience and execution.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking for a head start with a franchise, the path to cafe ownership is filled with exciting opportunities. If you’re ready to take the leap, Big Bang Coffee franchise could offer the support, tools, and experience to make your cafe dream a reality.
