Week One Reflections on Launching Our New Café Business

Welcome back to the blog! Week one of our new café venture is officially in the books, and I wanted to share some key learnings from this whirlwind experience. We've operated for five full days now, and it's been an eye-opening journey thus far.

Firstly, let me set some context. While I have an extensive business background, primarily in the property space, the hospitality sector was unknown territory for me. Partnering with someone who excels in this area was paramount. Enter Ben, a professional chef with a rich history in running cafés. We've known each other since we were fifteen, bringing a unique blend of trust and expertise to the table. His knowledge of procedures and operations in the hospitality industry has been invaluable.

Transferable Skills and Systems

One of the most significant lessons I've learned is the transferability of business skills. Whether it's finance, operations, or customer service, the core principles remain the same across different sectors. Each business may have specific nuances, but the need for systemization and documentation is universal.

In my prior ventures, documenting processes and implementing systems have been crucial to scaling efficiently. The same applies here. Even though the products and services differ, the operational backbone—be it handling finances or setting up operational procedures—remains largely transferable.

The Hard Work Underestimated

Never underestimate the sheer volume of work involved in setting up and growing a new business. Automation and outsourcing can ease the workload eventually, but setting them up takes significant time and effort. The initial phase is labor-intensive, requiring meticulous attention to detail and hands-on management.

Handling Challenges

Challenges are inevitable, especially in a new business. It's how we deal with these hurdles that will define our success. For instance, dealing with staff who lack confidence due to inexperience is a current challenge. Mistakes happen, and what's crucial is how we rectify these mistakes with our customers. Owning up to errors, apologizing, and fixing them promptly not only resolves the issue but often enhances our reputation.

Customer Feedback is Gold

Lastly, customer feedback is pure gold. Understanding what our customers want and adapting quickly can set us apart. Having a system in place to capture and process this feedback is vital. When customers feel heard and see that their suggestions are implemented, they're more likely to become repeat visitors. This is particularly crucial in a local community setting where word-of-mouth can significantly impact your business.

Moving Forward

Overall, our first week has exceeded financial expectations, but now the challenge is to maintain and build on this initial success. The objective is to make exceptional service a regular occurrence, ensuring that our café becomes a staple in the community.

Thank you for following along in this journey. Your support, comments, and feedback are invaluable. If you're thinking of embarking on a similar venture or just curious about the process, I hope these insights prove useful.

Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, stay happy!

Best,

Kevin Brittain