How can I create a unique coffee shop concept?

Reverie’s main cafe, 2202 E Douglas Ave in Wichita, KS.

Creating a unique coffee shop concept starts with you, the entrepreneur. Just serving great coffee isn’t enough. You must create a unique concept that fulfills the needs and desires of the audience you wish to attract and serve. Reverie Coffee Roasters has helped over 20 coffee shops in the last few years open in one way or another. We consult operators on coffee equipment and maintenance, bar layout, menu design, training and more. As a coffee bean and equipment supplier, we have acquired knowledge and talents to support coffee businesses at all stages of implementation.

One thing that we have learned over the years is that the #1 thing that separates ALL coffee shops from the competition is YOU, the owner. It is your character that will influence the success of your business more than anything else. You can just buy great equipment, procure great coffee, and poof, you have a successful business. And it is even more than the work ethic you put into the job you do. Working hard is only great if you are focusing on the right work.

What inspired you to create a coffee shop? What things are you interested in? Can you find a group of people who are into the same things? Being honest with yourself is important. Is what you are thinking (or doing) different than anyone else in the area?

If success is like a big pie, product quality, great service, clean and inviting atmosphere may be slices making up about 50% of the outcome. It is our estimate that your attitude and how you conduct yourself each day to your staff and customers makes up the other 50% of the pie. And it is this where your uniqueness comes into play. When customers and employees feel the difference in your shop is when you know it’s different. This is difficult to explain, but it is important.

So, when you work on your business plan, be sure to spend equal time developing the heart and soul of your business as much as the physical details. Explore the Why’s of your business as much or more than the What’s and the How’s.

If you are interested in exploring this, I recommend checking out author Simon Sinek’s book Start With Why and its companion book, Find Your Why. These books have been great resources for helping Reverie think through our meaning and purpose.

To connect with a member of our team to explore what would make your existing or future coffee shop unique, give us a shout. This is one of the most fulfilling part of our jobs. Helping owner/operators such as you is a big part of why we do what we do.