I’m really excited to share something I’ve been thinking about for a while. My brother and I are planning to open a small coffee shop in the neighborhood where we grew up, here in Athens, Greece. We’ve spent more than a decade abroad, living and working in the USA and Ireland.
We’ve found a great location and are about to sign the lease. The shop is just 200m from the heart of the neighborhood, and our goal is to create a cozy place for locals to enjoy great coffee, relax, and hang out.
This area means a lot to me—it’s where I spent my childhood, and now I want to give something back to the community. I want to keep things simple and welcoming: quality coffee and fresh bagels.
What do you think?
What do you look for in a neighborhood coffee shop?
Are there any tips or things I should think about before moving forward?
Would you be interested in a local spot like this?
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It sounds like this move is coming from a place of passion. But I would suggest you think about what will set your shop apart. What other products or services will you offer? How will you make sure the business is sustainable? Good luck!
If you haven’t already, I suggest creating a business plan. It should cover your goals, target market, products, competition, and financial projections. This plan will help you see if your business idea has enough potential. Have you looked into business advice in Greece?
@Rin
Thanks for the suggestion. The business plan is ready, and we are using our own funds for the investment. There’s no equivalent of the US SBDC in Greece, though.
I worked as a coffee roaster and barista for a couple of years, and I can tell you coffee shops can be tough businesses. They have a low barrier to entry, and many fail.
A key takeaway for me was how important the staff is. A great staff makes customers want to return, no matter the line or the parking situation.
If you and your brother will be the ones greeting customers, make sure you’re good at connecting with strangers and can do that for long hours each week. It’s not just about having good coffee and food. I wish you the best!
@Haven
I completely agree. Learning customers’ names and having friendly conversations goes a long way. I also love getting small rewards for being a regular customer—that can bring me back again and again.
I’d love a place with good Wi-Fi and plenty of seating, especially if I can work there before going to the gym. I’d be open to trying a new coffee shop, even if I already have a favorite. If it’s convenient and comfortable, I’ll stop by!
Sounds great, especially since it’s in a place that means so much to you! A cozy vibe, friendly staff, and good Wi-Fi are key for a local coffee shop. Best of luck—your community will likely love it!
