Dead Start-Up Walking

Few things are sadder for me than to see a new company that you know is going to die, they just do not get it.  You may even make a few attempts to try and steer them in the right direction, but the owner gets angry and since they are the entrepreneur they know what is best for their company.  Fair enough, but soon your location will be for rent again.

I am referring to a new coffee shop in my hometown.  They opened it with minimal renovations, equipment, and signage.  Fine thats great for bootstrapping, but it has no atmosphere.  They have a minimal product offering, not price competitive, limited hours, and the principal owner is not very friendly. 

I have been visiting this coffee shop almost daily because supporting local business is important to me.  However, I have had a few not so great experiences over the past week with them.  Today, my stepfather goes in to buy a coffee and a bagel (due to my recommendation of the place) and the owner walks outside to talk on his cell phone for 10 minutes while my stepdad waits to be served in an empty coffee shop.  He ends up leaving and ends up getting into an argument with the owner who is then convincing him to stay...sigh.

Hopefully I am wrong and this place will survive...but at this rate I can't see them pulling through.

Maybe the owner should have read Andrew Hetzel's 12 Fundamentals of Coffee Business Success (It's free!)

Comments

[Jason Duncan]

Dan,

I think there are many people who have this dream of opening a coffee/tea house and think it is not going to be the same kind of work, planning, and time as some other big time venture.

Sad to see it happen to others in my industry but planning is key. Maybe they can realize their mistakes and save the boat before it capsizes.

..be bold