One more stunt before I'm old enough to know better.
I believe in quality espresso. As I hunt for espresso machines, shot quality is my primary concern. Even though I’m a relative coffee newbie, my passion for the craft and compulsion for super-awesome gadgetry dictate the level of machine I’m going to get.
So there’s this spot I’ve been eyeing for months. I’ve called the realtor on it. I’ve toured it. I’ve debated it.
I drive by it every day as I go to and leave work.
Unfortunately, I can’t decide if it’s my spot. I want it, but questions linger about whether the place’ll work.
Keep reading On Locations. »
Who knew the ready-to-drink beverage market was so mafia like? I called a distributor in a neighboring county the other day, looking for the standard bottled fare, plus a few beverages otherwise unavailable here in town. The salesman couldn’t help me, because I’m located in my local distributor’s territory.
“Okay, but I’m looking for Bawls energy drink.” I said.
“No,” replied the distributor. “He doesn’t carry that.”
“I know. So how do I get it?”
Short silence.
“I’ll have to get back to you on that.”
And I’m still waiting for the return call three days later.
Just to make this clear, Distributor A carries a product I want, but won’t sell anything to me because I am the property of Distributor B. Distributor B, however, doesn’t carry what I want. How does that make sense in any consumer society?
Jack Groot of OnTrack Coffee Consulting will be in on Friday. We’re gonna evaluate a few potential locations, tear my business plan to shreds and talk about all kinds of aspects of coffee.
It’ll be good, as thus far everything I’ve done on the coffee end has been on my own, drawing conclusions and business decisions based on my own inexperienced perceptions. Jack, being a coffee shop owner himself for a dozen years, has actual working knowledge on this kind of stuff. When you’re starting something from nothing, the experiences of others can be your best friend.
I’m on the hunt for a distributor of bottled beverages. I imagine I’ll carry the standard carbonated stuff, some juices and high-end sugar water. I’m thinking of carrying some energy drinks, too; something exotic that one can’t just find anywhere here in town.
That’s a problem I’m looking to turn to a competitive advantage. We only have a few distributors here in town and everyone uses them. As a result, this city is overrun with the same flavors of Jones, Fuze and Nantucket Nectars. The selection doesn’t waver. What if I could introduce something? Sure, everyone would copy me eventually, but I’d have the early win and the novelty factor on my side.
It takes a lot of money to open a business. If you enjoy this site, root for the underdog or just have money to burn, won't you consider donating to my shop fund?
Anything you can do will help. Thanks a ton.