coffee shop (Chicago, Evanston, Metropolis: sale, renting, how much)

[golden0721]

I live in Jupiter Florida and have been thinking about opening a green coffee shop but I don't think it would work down in south Florida. I have been to Chicago twice on vacation and really like the city there. I would sell from organic coffees, teas and pastries to using recycle paper products etc. I would like it to be cozy and hip for all ages to go. With maybe Wi-FI hook up for your computer. The decor with used furniture and recycle fixtures to make it a little unique. Also maybe on different day at night have someone come play music other nights something different and maybe serve wine at night. I am trying to think of different ideas that are not like a Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts. A place where the community can come hang out and meet. Does anyone think there is a market for this kind of business and what areas?

[surlycue]

Put it within walking distance of the FAU honors college, keep late hours, offer free wi-fi and offer hookahs after 8 pm. Business model solved.

May also want to consider renting space on the walls to local artists for a monthly fee or percentage of eventual sale and keep a small display of locally made hang bags, clothing and jewelery. College aged hippies with daddy's money eat that stuff up.

[lil bit o' tone]

with the economy the way it is i would be very reluctant to open any business unless you have BIG buck$, AND time to burn. especially in the USA.

i base my opinion on gut feelings, and alternative journalism.

libertyradiolive.com

[long101]

I find it hard to believe that a business like this could remain profitable. I realize that markup on a cup of coffee is huge, but everyone that comes here to sit and relax will be spending a max of what 5 bucks? If your coffee is good hopefully you could catch the morning crowd. That should hopefully make up for all of the people who will sit on a couch for 3 hours sipping a coffee that cost a buck

[Janinele]

Hi,

maybe on your next trip to Chicago, check out Metropolis in Edgewater, New Wave Coffee in Logan Square or the Unicorn in Evanston - they pretty much sound like your idea of coffee shop - and they seem to work. go for it!

[Venom]

Coffeeshops arnt for me.

[missnew2nc]

I am also thinking about opening a coffee shop.
How much money would you say it cost to get started?

[Avengerfire]

I really do not recommend being a long distance owner without overseeing it in person for a few years and only after finding a manager or two you can trust.

If some people find out you live a thousand miles away they will rob you blind.

[Selmahouse]

Originally Posted by golden0721

I live in Jupiter Florida and have been thinking about opening a green coffee shop but I don't think it would work down in south Florida. I have been to Chicago twice on vacation and really like the city there. I would sell from organic coffees, teas and pastries to using recycle paper products etc. I would like it to be cozy and hip for all ages to go. With maybe Wi-FI hook up for your computer. The decor with used furniture and recycle fixtures to make it a little unique. Also maybe on different day at night have someone come play music other nights something different and maybe serve wine at night. I am trying to think of different ideas that are not like a Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts. A place where the community can come hang out and meet. Does anyone think there is a market for this kind of business and what areas?

There is a huge coffee shop called Mercury Cafe on W. Chicago Ave. near Eckhart Park, it's like what you are talking about, they also sell used books, have a communist/alternative/LGBT library, and have a little stage for alternative events and readings etc. I'd prefer a rowdy beer hall with right-wingers though, how about one of those?!!

[surlycue]

^^Well, you're in luck. Mercury shuttered its doors earlier this month. Maybe a right-winger bar will open in its place.