Setting Up and Launching a New Cafe: My Journey

Welcome to my day 1230 diary entry! Today, I want to share with you my experience of setting up and launching a new cafe business. If you're considering embarking on a similar venture, or just curious about my journey, then keep reading. Also, remember to subscribe, share, like, and comment on my channel, Runpreneur. Your support truly matters!

The Beginning: Seizing the Opportunity

Back in August of last year, I saw an opportunity that many might have run from: a chance to take the lease on a premises that had previously operated as a cafe. Despite the fact that this location had seen three different owners fail to make it work, something about the unit caught my eye. I had this gut feeling that it could be something special with the right approach.

I acknowledge that the previous owners may have had their own set of challenges—be it lifestyle circumstances or operational difficulties—but I believed that with a different angle, there was potential here. What excited me even more was the chance to partner with someone who excelled in the hospitality sector. Combining my business acumen with his expertise in food and restaurant management, we could turn this idea into a reality.

Assessing the Opportunity with the SENSE Model

Whenever I assess a new business opportunity, I rely on a framework known as the SENSE model, created by the US entrepreneur MJ Demarco. This model considers the following aspects:

1. S - Control: How much control do we have over the business?

2. E - Entry: What are the barriers to entry or the ease of entering the market?

3. N - Need: Is there a necessity or demand for what we’re offering?

4. T - Time: How much time will it take to set up and run the business?

5. S - Scale: Can the business be scaled up?

Upon evaluating these points, I found that while our business idea was weak in some areas, it met enough of the criteria to give me confidence. The risk was relatively low, especially since I would be sharing the financial responsibility with a partner. This balance of opportunity and risk supported my decision to move forward.

Partnering with the Right Expertise

One of the most crucial lessons I've learned through this experience is the importance of partnering with someone who has the expertise you might lack. In this case, my business partner excels in the cafe and restaurant sector, bringing valuable operational knowledge to the table. He was keen on transitioning from being a chef to building a business, which made our collaboration ideal.

Together, we can fill each other’s gaps. I handle the business systems, operations, and financials, while he manages the culinary and day-to-day operational aspects. Surrounding yourself with the best people is essential for any successful venture, and I believe this partnership ticks all those boxes.

The Effort Behind the Setup and Launch

While anticipating the official opening on 1 November, I've learned that setting up a cafe business demands significant upfront time and effort. However, I’m optimistic that once the initial setup is complete, the systems and processes we’ve implemented will make the business scalable and easier to manage.

Key Takeaways from My Experience

1. Opportunities are Everywhere: They exist, but few people are prepared to act on them.

2. Assess the Opportunity: Use a reliable process, like the SENSE model, to evaluate potential ventures.

3. Partner with Experts: If you lack experience in a sector, find someone who excels and work together.

4. Don’t Underestimate the Setup Time: The initial effort is immense, but it lays the foundation for a scalable business.

I hope you find these insights useful. If you have any questions or comments, please drop me a line. I'll be sharing more updates and details about this journey over the coming weeks, so stay tuned.

Thank you as always for your support. Remember to give this a subscribe, share, like, and comment. Together, we're also making a difference by supporting the challenge to save lives through the ultimate ultramarathon. You’ll find all the information about how to get involved in the links provided below.

Stay positive and stay happy.

Kevin Brittain