Coffee shop business plan Essay

1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Inspirational Grounds will provide a relaxing, Christian-focused, neighborhood-centered place with freshly roasted coffee, specialty drinks, good books, and music. Inspirational Grounds is the answer to an increasing demand. Our target market wants: Neighborhood businesses in South Central Minneapolis Great coffee at a competitive price A comfortable place to socialize with others with similar interests Inspirational Grounds’ goal is to provide the community with a social, entertaining atmosphere where Christian neighbors can meet each other in a neutral, non-denominational setting. Inspirational Grounds is incorporated as an S corporation. This will shield the owner from issues of personal liability and double taxation. This proposal is prepared to obtain financing in the amount of $80,000. The supplemental financing is required to prepare the selected site, purchase equipment, and cover expenses during the first year of operation. The owner will invest $15,000 of her own into the business. This financing will allow Inspirational Grounds to successfully open and maintain operations. The large initial capital investment will allow  Inspirational Grounds to provide its customers with an inviting atmosphere and quality products. A unique, upscale and innovative environment is required to provide customers with an atmosphere that will create socialization. Successful operation in year one will provide Inspirational Grounds with a customer base that will allow it to be self sufficient in year two. Even with our conservative sales forecast, we will maintain a positive cash flow in all months, repay the loan in 12 years, and have a positive net worth over $27,000 by year three. We project that our net profits will increase from $12,000 to over $14,000 over the next three years. CHART: HIGHLIGHTS 1.1 OBJECTIVES Inspirational Grounds’ objectives for the first three years of operation include: The creation of a unique, upscale, innovative spiritual environment that will differentiate Inspirational Grounds from local coffee shops. To make Inspirational Grounds the destination for quality coffee in a welcoming atmosphere for people who are serious about their coffee and growing in their spirituality. The formation of an environment that will bring people with diverse backgrounds and interests together in a common forum. To be an active and vocal member of the community, and to provide continual re-investment through participation in community activities and financial contributions. Consistently providing excellent specialty beverages, bakery items, inspirational books, and music. 1.2 KEYS TO SUCCESS The keys to the success for Inspirational Grounds are: The creation of a unique, innovative, upscale atmosphere that will differentiate Inspirational Grounds from other local coffee shops and future coffee shops. Fresh Coffee roasted on-site daily will give customers a unique experience as well as excellent product. Selling beverages and products that are of the highest quality. The creation of an environment that won’t intimidate the spiritual seeker. Inspirational Grounds will position itself as an educational resource for individuals wishing to learn about the benefits of growing spiritually. The establishment of Inspirational Grounds as a community hub for socialization and entertainment. Encourage the two most important values in Christianity: love and service. 1.3 MISSION As people are becoming more interested in their spiritual side, a neighborhood shop with excellent freshly roasted coffee and non-denominational Christian books and tapes, is a welcomed alternative and/or addition to the local church. Inspirational Grounds is a specialty beverage establishment focused on providing freshly roasted coffee beans, coffee/espresso drinks and information to enhance our customers’ spiritual experience. We also understand that coffee drinkers interested in growing spiritually want a destination, not just a location;we provide them with the best of both. Our goal is to be the destination for Christian coffee drinkers seeking a non-secular environment in the Twin Cities area. People of all ages and backgrounds will come to enjoy the unique upscale, educational, motivational and innovative environment that Inspirational Grounds provides. We believe it is important to remain an active member of the community and to impact our customers’ lives in more ways than the selling of specialty drinks. 2.0 COMPANY SUMMARY Inspirational Grounds, Minneapolis’ South Central area, will offer great specialty beverages and easy access to exciting spiritual information. Inspirational Grounds sells quality products and provides excellent customer service for coffee lovers and persons looking to enhance their spiritual experience. We are looking to lease a retail store which we will use to market and merchandise our products. The company took its name in July 2002, and organized as an S Corporation in October, 2003. Our book and music selection and helpful staff will appeal to the audience that is seeking to grow and learn spiritually in this age of uncertainty. This invigorating aspect will attract younger and elderly members alike who are gaining interest in their spiritual condition. The central location will provide easy access from most points of origin throughout the Twin City area for those who will recognize Inspirational Grounds as a destination point, as well as provide local community residents with convenient access to freshly roasted coffee. 2.1 COMPANY OWNERSHIP Inspirational Grounds is incorporated as an S corporation. This will shield the owner Regina Brown from issues of personal liability and double taxation. The Corporation was formed in October of 2003. 2.2 COMPANY LOCATIONS AND FACILITIES The site, Midtown Commons (Also known as the Sears Project), is located in South Central Minneapolis. The initial space is approximately 2,000 square feet and has ample space for the first three years of growth. The complex has ample parking and significant foot traffic from Allina Healthcare Office Facility. This area was chosen for various reasons, including: Proximity to other areas within the Twin Cities; Central location easily accessed. Proximity to the Lyn/Lake and Uptown areas. High Visibility. Proximity to the many local churches in South Central Minneapolis. Diverse population within the community. Desire for South Central Businesses. Scarcity of other coffee houses in the area. Proximity to the light rail depot and 12th Precinct of the Minneapolis police. All of these qualities are consistent with Inspirational Grounds’ goal of providing a community hub for socialization and entertainment. 2.3 START-UP SUMMARY Inspirational Grounds’ start-up costs will cover coffee, espresso, and specialty drink making equipment, micro-roasting equipment, training, site renovation and modification, capital for operating expenses in the first year, and the inventory necessary to provide customers with the information  needed to grow. A large portion of our start-up requirements will go towards the purchase of specialty drink equipment from Espresso Services, Inc. Our long-term assets will include: One espresso machine One micro-roasting system an Espresso grinder/doser water filtration system Expensed equipment includes: A Bulk grinder for drip coffee Single airpot brewer Smoothie blender Minor additional equipment Additionally, we need funding for initial inventory, both for the coffee shop side of things and the other specialty merchandise, books, and music. Music items will be purchased from Provident Music, Diamante Music Group, and New Day Christian Distributors among others. Books and other inspirational material will be purchased from Bridge-Logos Publishers, KCM, Bethany House Distributors, and others. The site Inspirational Grounds chooses will require funds for renovation and modification. A single estimated figure will be allocated for this purpose. The renovation/modification cost estimate will include the costs associated with preparing the site for opening business.