The smell of freshly brewed coffee is enough to brighten up any morning. For entrepreneurs it also smells like big business. The $45 billion US coffee shop industry proves coffee isn’t just a pick me up – it’s a very profitable business.
Seattle coffee icon David Schomer shows how a small passion project can turn into a big money maker. Schomer turned his small Espresso Vivace coffee cart into a coffee brand with multiple locations and 7 figures in annual sales.
In this guide we highlight the key takeaways from Schomer’s journey to help you brew up coffee shop success. Follow these 8 steps to turn your coffee dreams into a business:
Watch The Video
Table of Contents
- 1 Watch The Video
- 2 1. Brew a Strong Foundation of Coffee Passion
- 3 2. Start Small to Minimize Risk, Maximize Potential
- 4 3. Brew Distinctive Quality that Captivates Customers
- 5 4. Invest in Equipment for the Ultimate Coffee Experience
- 6 5. Never Stop Innovating in the Ever-Changing Coffee World
- 7 6. Location, Location, Location – Where You Brew Matters
- 8 7. Build an All-Star Team with Barista Perks
- 9 8. Grow Without Sacrificing Quality
- 10 Conclusion
1. Brew a Strong Foundation of Coffee Passion
Like the best cups of coffee, a coffee business starts with a strong foundation. For Schomer, it began by immersing himself in all thing’s coffee – its history, flavors, brewing methods. His early passion for the craft turned into a business that combines coffee excellence and profit.
Before you get into entrepreneurship, get to know coffee inside and out. Sign up for cupping workshops and barista crash courses. Tour facilities to learn about roasting. The more you know as a coffee snob the more your business will resonate with others who are coffee snobs too.
2. Start Small to Minimize Risk, Maximize Potential
Entrepreneurs often rush into big operations only to find their grand ideas aren’t commercially viable. Schomer took a slower approach by starting small with a single coffee cart. This minimized upfront costs and risk and allowed him to test the market and refine his offerings.
By having a scalable business model focused on quality over quantity Schomer could grow into a respected brand – a model for coffee startups to follow. Follow suit with a mini-MVP like a coffee cart or kiosk. Once your concept takes off size up strategically and expand your menu, location and team accordingly.
3. Brew Distinctive Quality that Captivates Customers
With 32,000 coffee shops in the US, standing out from the coffee crowd is tough. Rather than getting lost in the sea of generic options Schomer differentiated himself by specializing in Northern Italian espresso roasts. This unique style and exceptional quality-built Espresso Vivace’s brand and loyal following.
Create your own unique brand with an artisan roast style or proprietary bean blend. Deliver best in class coffee and customers will come back. Small batch roasting and sourcing high-end beans can help you produce a cup worthy of customer loyalty.
4. Invest in Equipment for the Ultimate Coffee Experience
For coffee snobs, poorly made drinks are unacceptable. That’s why Schomer says investing in professional top-of-the-line equipment is key to making perfect cups. Quality espresso machines, grinders and refrigerators may cost more upfront but pay off through delicious, consistent coffee that wows customers.
Don’t skimp on subpar equipment that spits out bad drinks. Invest in commercial grade equipment designed for high volume while maintaining flavor. Keep equipment in top shape with regular maintenance, repairs and upgrades as your business grows.
5. Never Stop Innovating in the Ever-Changing Coffee World
Complacency is trouble in the food and beverage industry. To stay ahead Schomer made continuous learning and innovation part of his business. Through self-education, global travel and experimentation he became a coffee master.
Follow Schomer’s lead and make continuous education part of your business whether that’s researching coffee trends, taking new training courses or keeping an eye on the competition. Try out new bean varieties, brew methods, espresso combinations. Innovation and adaptation will help you be the “next big thing” in coffee before everyone else catches on.
David works with regional brokers and samples roast crops from around the world to select the best beans.
6. Location, Location, Location – Where You Brew Matters
When looking for locations Schomer suggests urban city spots where coffee connoisseurs drive demand for quality over convenience. Espresso Vivace did well in Seattle neighborhoods filled with educated professionals who would pay a premium for great drinks.
Research demographics, income and local taste when selecting real estate. Find areas with high foot traffic that match your target market. For premium coffee visible storefronts in downtown business districts, trendy neighborhoods or near college campuses tend to do well.
David thinks it’s important to have a clean and attractive business sign.
7. Build an All-Star Team with Barista Perks
The behind-the-scenes heroes of great coffee shops? Passionate baristas serving perfect cups with personality and pride. Schomer realized investing in top talent meant offering competitive pay, perks and professional development opportunities. This created talented, loyal employees who drove the business.
From training programs to incentive plans, put baristas first. Hire those with brewing knowledge and guest service skills. Give staff coffee seminars, bonus structures and clear career paths. When your team feels valued, it translates directly to customer satisfaction.
Companies can retain employees by creating jobs that match their passions, cultures that support them and reliability through regular schedules and systems.
8. Grow Without Sacrificing Quality
Instead of rushing to cash in on demand Schomer didn’t franchise quickly, he feared rapid growth would compromise quality controls and customer experience. He expanded through corporate cafes and strategic partnerships, focusing on deliberate growth that matched Espresso Vivace’s brand.
As your own coffee concept grows consider slower, more thoughtful expansion that maintains quality across all locations. Invest in infrastructure to support system wide consistency whether you’re expanding through corporate stores or franchises. By brewing success slowly, you can enjoy the returns for years to come.
Conclusion
Coffee success has an intoxicating aroma that can make any entrepreneur’s mouth water. Follow the above and you’ll turn your coffee passion into a business that pumps out perfect cups and profits.
From combustion engines to computers, history shows some of the world’s biggest innovations started small and changed the world. Your coffee concept could be the next big thing…one cup at a time.
