Feedback Wanted - Business Venture
My dh has to change careers due to a neck injury. For now he is a SAHD, and loving it I might add, but he'd like to start up another business - all his life he's been a contractor, self-employed.
He had a stint as a coffee shop manager years ago and always wanted to open his own place. We were thinking of giving it a go but with a twist - it would be something that caters to families with young children. We'd have the traditional coffeeshop fair; coffees, teas and a few pastries but then we'd also do kid-friendly things. Flavored, colored waters, fresh fruits and veggies, toast! The whole place would be designed with kids in mind - mixed height tables, plenty of play space and play stuff. Kid games, books etc.
We'd provide free meeting space for parents' groups (LLL, API, Neighborhood groups, etc.)
I'd have a spot on the side to sell some of my favorite products as well - carriers, diapers, etc.
So, if this sort of place existed, would you be a regular if the prices were right?
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So, if this sort of place existed, would you be a regular if the prices were right? Yes!!!! IF there were organic, natural options, that is. I think it's a great idea, and would suggest you offer some organic options for coffee, milk, cream, sweeteners, tea, and food, and stay away from artificial colors, flavors, etc. So much of what's targeted at kids is crammed full of unhealthy garbage like dyes, fake flavors, hydrogenated fats, etc., and I actively avoid them for my family, it would be great to have a family-friendly place that's also a respite from that onslaught. So yes, if I could go to a place like that and get a nice organic cuppa joe or tea and a non-toxic snack and drink for the kiddo, I would do so often. I would be willing to pay significantly more at a place like that if the offerings were organic, free of artificial additives, GMO-free, low in refined sugar, etc.
There's a coffee shop/bakery in a town near me that uses organic coffees and milk products, all organic flour in their baked goods (muffins, cookies, etc.), and has some natural and/or organic choices for sandwiches and salads. If it was closer to us, I'd go there more often. They have a play corner for kids with toys and one small table with chairs, but I think it would be great if the foods, drinks and environment was even more kid-friendly (without being adult-hostile, no Chuck E. Cheese please). They seem to be doing well, they've been steadily expanding the products they offer and have increased hours since they opened.
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I would very much be there. :) I haven't been to a coffeehouse in ages because they are generally so kid-unfriendly. There was one in Norfolk that I very much liked, but to reach it one had to climb a very steep series of stairs, and then it was a matter of keeping the toddler sitting relatively still in an uncomfortable chair. :angry
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I would LOVE it. And I know tons of parents who would love it. Might I suggest a train table and a magazine stand as well?
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What an excellent idea! Yes, I would go there often. :nod There is a place near me that is pretty child friendly - they have an area w/some toys and the owner has been very helpful to me when I have my hands full w/the kids. I make a point of going there just because of that. So if a place like yours opened up, you'd have to kick me out! Good luck on your venture. :)
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Oh boy, I would love that :love
I imagine that most mothers would. While your at it, how about moving to MI and opening one here? ;)
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I think it's a great idea!
Would we be regulars there? No, because we can't afford to be regulars anywhere.
But it's a great idea nonetheless!
Namaste!
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I think that sounds great!
We'd definately come if the childrens fare was something other that sugary stuff. If an establishement only offers junky kids stuff (donuts, sugary muffins, juice that is not juice etc...) we don't go, and actually avoid it.
I think it would be great to have a place to get together indoors, where the kids are welcome, and actually have fun, that doesnt' involve them consuming total junk food.
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:thumb every town should have a place like that !
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Sounds great. If you're someplace with a lot of families, and a lot of families with a little bit of disposable income for treats like going out to a coffeehouse, etc.
I like the part also about providing space to LLL and parenting groups. :thumb
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I would love something like that here. Let me tell you a few little secrects to opening your own business that may help you get started. Even if it is your husband that "owns" it put it in your name as a women business holder will get extra tax deductions as a minority, go to your local library and look through the Matthew Lesko book usually in the referance sectionthey have addresses where you can get special grants. Again especially if you a woman business holder. Your local small business association will also help you write up grant proposals, help with taxes, a business plan, and other legal issues for free or sometimes a small fee. Think aboout going INC. as this will help you with taxes and protect your personal property. (Someone gets hurt on the premisses ang the insurance does not cover enough they can come back and sue you civily if you are not incorparated or if the business goes banktrupt then if your inc. you yourself do not go banktrupt.)
Good Luck!!!
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Moved to TAO...
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If it offerred a section of gluten free pastries (even if they were pre-bought and sold to ensure no cross contamination) then our family would probably make a weekly visit to such a place!
We love coffee, but all the coffee pastry places don't cater toward our diets so we NEVER get to go to one anymore with the kids.
That would be a huge treat :)
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YES! And since I see you are in Denver, where are you thinking of opening? The last time I got coffee out was at Starbucks. DS wasn't exactly unwelcome, but I felt out of place. People were trying to relax and read, and DS was babbling and making a ton of noise. We didn't stay long, everyone kept looking at us. I bet you could make a killing in the Highlands Ranch area.
A friend of mine goes to McDonalds when she wants to relax w/ coffee. :LOL It's the only place that her daughter can play and she can sit and read. I know she'd really love someplace where the chairs were comfy and the food wasn't so bad for them both!
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YES! And since I see you are in Denver, where are you thinking of opening? It will be in Denver proper, most likely central Denver. We are going to start looking a commercial property this weekend hopefully. I also have a friend in the used rest. equip. business to help us out with estimates. First thing we need to do is put a business plan together so we can start looking for funding and I have no idea about what kind of start up costs we'd be looking at.
I've been reading the sba web site and plan to use their services. Ideally we'd want to locate in one of the many small business district areas tucked into neighborhoods. I'd assume that the sba can provide demographic info for us. If not, I can more than likely tap into our marketing info at my office.
wrt food - We'll definitely go organic wherever possible, both financially and supply wise. It would be a must in our area. While we'd have a few classic coffeshop items (pastries) the majority would be kid-friendly foods and for me that means fresh, low/natural sugars, etc. The fair would be quite simple.
My husband has pretty much always been a business owner so he knows a lot of the ropes. I appreciate the woman-owned business advice!!! We will definitely incorporate. We didn't with his last business and while it's not huge issue we are stuck with some personal debt from that - as opposed to business debt. He was injured in the third year and while he was making good money we still have some of the start up costs still hanging out there.
We also need to visit some of our local coffeeshops. We slowed our visits pretty much when Bilal became mobile. Now we rarely go. You can't relax. I know of a few with a small area for kids but I can't think of anything along these lines. It would definitely be a niche market. In the right neighborhood, it would do quite well I believe.
Thanks again for all the feedback...and keep it coming!!!!
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Abso-frickin-lutely!!!!!!!!!!!!! :thumb I love love love the idea. Think organic too!!!!
Best of luck! Can't wait to say, "Hey, I knew them when......" someday!!! :wink
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It sounds like a wonderful idea...before I had kids I had no idea how un-kid-friendly most places are!
There used to be a restaurant around here that was super-kid-friendly. They had a supervised play area for kids 3 & over. There was a sand box and tons of fun toys/crafts/activities. If the kiddos were under 3 a parent had to be with them. We LOVED that restaurant. They also had their tables covered with paper and crayons and toys scattered throughout. We would go weekly if they were still around! I'm not sure why they went out of business as it was always packed!
Good luck - sounds like a great business idea!
More Topical:
He had a stint as a coffee shop manager years ago and always wanted to open his own place. We were thinking of giving it a go but with a twist - it would be something that caters to families with young children. We'd have the traditional coffeeshop fair; coffees, teas and a few pastries but then we'd also do kid-friendly things. Flavored, colored waters, fresh fruits and veggies, toast! The whole place would be designed with kids in mind - mixed height tables, plenty of play space and play stuff. Kid games, books etc.
We'd provide free meeting space for parents' groups (LLL, API, Neighborhood groups, etc.)
I'd have a spot on the side to sell some of my favorite products as well - carriers, diapers, etc.
So, if this sort of place existed, would you be a regular if the prices were right?
^_^:
So, if this sort of place existed, would you be a regular if the prices were right? Yes!!!! IF there were organic, natural options, that is. I think it's a great idea, and would suggest you offer some organic options for coffee, milk, cream, sweeteners, tea, and food, and stay away from artificial colors, flavors, etc. So much of what's targeted at kids is crammed full of unhealthy garbage like dyes, fake flavors, hydrogenated fats, etc., and I actively avoid them for my family, it would be great to have a family-friendly place that's also a respite from that onslaught. So yes, if I could go to a place like that and get a nice organic cuppa joe or tea and a non-toxic snack and drink for the kiddo, I would do so often. I would be willing to pay significantly more at a place like that if the offerings were organic, free of artificial additives, GMO-free, low in refined sugar, etc.
There's a coffee shop/bakery in a town near me that uses organic coffees and milk products, all organic flour in their baked goods (muffins, cookies, etc.), and has some natural and/or organic choices for sandwiches and salads. If it was closer to us, I'd go there more often. They have a play corner for kids with toys and one small table with chairs, but I think it would be great if the foods, drinks and environment was even more kid-friendly (without being adult-hostile, no Chuck E. Cheese please). They seem to be doing well, they've been steadily expanding the products they offer and have increased hours since they opened.
^_^:
I would very much be there. :) I haven't been to a coffeehouse in ages because they are generally so kid-unfriendly. There was one in Norfolk that I very much liked, but to reach it one had to climb a very steep series of stairs, and then it was a matter of keeping the toddler sitting relatively still in an uncomfortable chair. :angry
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I would LOVE it. And I know tons of parents who would love it. Might I suggest a train table and a magazine stand as well?
^_^:
What an excellent idea! Yes, I would go there often. :nod There is a place near me that is pretty child friendly - they have an area w/some toys and the owner has been very helpful to me when I have my hands full w/the kids. I make a point of going there just because of that. So if a place like yours opened up, you'd have to kick me out! Good luck on your venture. :)
^_^:
Oh boy, I would love that :love
I imagine that most mothers would. While your at it, how about moving to MI and opening one here? ;)
^_^:
I think it's a great idea!
Would we be regulars there? No, because we can't afford to be regulars anywhere.
But it's a great idea nonetheless!
Namaste!
^_^:
I think that sounds great!
We'd definately come if the childrens fare was something other that sugary stuff. If an establishement only offers junky kids stuff (donuts, sugary muffins, juice that is not juice etc...) we don't go, and actually avoid it.
I think it would be great to have a place to get together indoors, where the kids are welcome, and actually have fun, that doesnt' involve them consuming total junk food.
^_^:
:thumb every town should have a place like that !
^_^:
Sounds great. If you're someplace with a lot of families, and a lot of families with a little bit of disposable income for treats like going out to a coffeehouse, etc.
I like the part also about providing space to LLL and parenting groups. :thumb
^_^:
I would love something like that here. Let me tell you a few little secrects to opening your own business that may help you get started. Even if it is your husband that "owns" it put it in your name as a women business holder will get extra tax deductions as a minority, go to your local library and look through the Matthew Lesko book usually in the referance sectionthey have addresses where you can get special grants. Again especially if you a woman business holder. Your local small business association will also help you write up grant proposals, help with taxes, a business plan, and other legal issues for free or sometimes a small fee. Think aboout going INC. as this will help you with taxes and protect your personal property. (Someone gets hurt on the premisses ang the insurance does not cover enough they can come back and sue you civily if you are not incorparated or if the business goes banktrupt then if your inc. you yourself do not go banktrupt.)
Good Luck!!!
^_^:
Moved to TAO...
^_^:
If it offerred a section of gluten free pastries (even if they were pre-bought and sold to ensure no cross contamination) then our family would probably make a weekly visit to such a place!
We love coffee, but all the coffee pastry places don't cater toward our diets so we NEVER get to go to one anymore with the kids.
That would be a huge treat :)
^_^:
YES! And since I see you are in Denver, where are you thinking of opening? The last time I got coffee out was at Starbucks. DS wasn't exactly unwelcome, but I felt out of place. People were trying to relax and read, and DS was babbling and making a ton of noise. We didn't stay long, everyone kept looking at us. I bet you could make a killing in the Highlands Ranch area.
A friend of mine goes to McDonalds when she wants to relax w/ coffee. :LOL It's the only place that her daughter can play and she can sit and read. I know she'd really love someplace where the chairs were comfy and the food wasn't so bad for them both!
^_^:
YES! And since I see you are in Denver, where are you thinking of opening? It will be in Denver proper, most likely central Denver. We are going to start looking a commercial property this weekend hopefully. I also have a friend in the used rest. equip. business to help us out with estimates. First thing we need to do is put a business plan together so we can start looking for funding and I have no idea about what kind of start up costs we'd be looking at.
I've been reading the sba web site and plan to use their services. Ideally we'd want to locate in one of the many small business district areas tucked into neighborhoods. I'd assume that the sba can provide demographic info for us. If not, I can more than likely tap into our marketing info at my office.
wrt food - We'll definitely go organic wherever possible, both financially and supply wise. It would be a must in our area. While we'd have a few classic coffeshop items (pastries) the majority would be kid-friendly foods and for me that means fresh, low/natural sugars, etc. The fair would be quite simple.
My husband has pretty much always been a business owner so he knows a lot of the ropes. I appreciate the woman-owned business advice!!! We will definitely incorporate. We didn't with his last business and while it's not huge issue we are stuck with some personal debt from that - as opposed to business debt. He was injured in the third year and while he was making good money we still have some of the start up costs still hanging out there.
We also need to visit some of our local coffeeshops. We slowed our visits pretty much when Bilal became mobile. Now we rarely go. You can't relax. I know of a few with a small area for kids but I can't think of anything along these lines. It would definitely be a niche market. In the right neighborhood, it would do quite well I believe.
Thanks again for all the feedback...and keep it coming!!!!
^_^:
Abso-frickin-lutely!!!!!!!!!!!!! :thumb I love love love the idea. Think organic too!!!!
Best of luck! Can't wait to say, "Hey, I knew them when......" someday!!! :wink
^_^:
It sounds like a wonderful idea...before I had kids I had no idea how un-kid-friendly most places are!
There used to be a restaurant around here that was super-kid-friendly. They had a supervised play area for kids 3 & over. There was a sand box and tons of fun toys/crafts/activities. If the kiddos were under 3 a parent had to be with them. We LOVED that restaurant. They also had their tables covered with paper and crayons and toys scattered throughout. We would go weekly if they were still around! I'm not sure why they went out of business as it was always packed!
Good luck - sounds like a great business idea!
More Topical: