Planning to add an Espresso station?

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There are thousands of shops with excellent potential for espresso sales all over the country. They could be anything from fast food/deli/sandwich shops that don't even open in the morning hours, to drive-thru cleaners and book stores. Many of them could increase their daily sales from $200 to $1000, depending on the location, marketing, the espresso setup and the taste of the product.     However, you  won't have an "espresso business" by just purchasing an espresso machine and installing it in your present  operation. Unless you have an effective MARKETING PROGRAM that includes a proven menu and knowledge on how to sell and properly prepare the new drinks, you won't make any money.     Here are the steps that you will need to follow if you want to make any money by serving espresso based drinks: Determine if your location is suitable. I will be happy to advise at no cost or obligation.   Check with your local health department, the restaurant inspection division, if you can do that in your present business and what will be required. If you are already a food establishment, you may waive this step. If you are prepared to meet all the requirements of the health dept., the next step would be to determine what would be the best concept for you, placing a self contained "turn key" espresso cart or to build an espresso work station. You will need a marketing strategy to introduce your espresso: outside sign, menu, pricing structure. You will need the right equipment and products: coffee, syrups, chocolate, cups. If you are already in an "espresso educated" market, and want to attract customers from the competition like Starbucks, then you must demonstrate that you are serious about the business by having a menu that makes sense, speedy service by properly trained employees, and better tasting drinks than your competition. If you are in a new area, where customers are not familiar with espresso, your espresso station should be attractive enough, your menu and pricing should make sense to a new customer, and your product should be liked so they come back for more the next day.  How much all of this will going to cost you? A fully equipped espresso cart from $10,000-$25,000, to build an espresso kiosk or work station within your store, taking up from 100-150 S.F., with all the equipment, around $20,000-30,000. Of course, if you are a food establishment , you will have most of the equipment already and all you will need is an espresso machine, grinder, menu, and counter space. Note: Don't waste your time or money on equipment if you are not prepared to do all of the above.  My book, "Espresso Business Success Program" will show you what to do and how to do it. The best way to assess whether or not your business is suitable for espresso addition is by calling me now. No cost or obligation. Alex Fisenko 503-590-9423, Pacific time 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Return to main page.