need some advice

topic posted Sat, June 11, 2005 - 5:06 PM by  Unsubscribed
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i regularly get my coffee at this great coffee shop in my county. it really has a lot of potential to be the town hang-out, but after several months, it still hasn't taken off yet. when i come in, there are only one or two people there, if any. the owners are getting discouraged. they can't figure it out because they have so much that other places do not- free internet access on the cafe computer, cushy comfy couches, tons of the latest reading material for customers to peruse for free and a stage and other capabilities for great acoustic stage performances.

the obvious reason i saw that they are not doing well is advertising. they don't seem to get the word out enough, but they also confuse people with their sign. it's called michael's. sounds like a jewelry store, huh? and that is the sign glowing over the business. they need some indication that they are a coffee shop (especially since it is the only one in the town).

they said tonight that they may do away with music performances all together because they are so inconsistent. one problem is they don't pay their performers (because they can't afford it). i suggested that they charge a cover at the door. another idea i had is to organize a concert with various acoustic artists.

i don't know, though, i am a rookie at this pr stuff. so what kinds of ideas do you guys have to turn this business around? i really want to make this happen.

thanks!
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  • Re: need some advice

    Sat, June 11, 2005 - 7:18 PM
    Have them invite the culinary reporters at the local dailies over for a free cup of coffee and a pastry. If the place is as great as you say it is- they will get a favorable review and that's probably the best promotion of a restaurant or cafe.

    There is a small coffee shop in my town too that is even off the a major street tucked away on a small one way side street. The place is always packed though because it does amazingly well with word of mouth referrals, and it is constantly getting touted in the local newspapers, radio and television. How did he get all the press? He just got on the phone with reporters and invited them in for his special cappuccino art and home made chocolates and pastries.
  • Re: need some advice

    Thu, July 14, 2005 - 12:40 PM
    Look for press friendly opporuntites:

    Free Donut Night for law enforcement - good press opp and cops will talk you up

    What's the competition? If its starbucks, you could tout the short lines. If there are lines, how bout free coffee while you wait for your lattee, espresso, etc.? Use little cups. Ensures you won't get people taking coffee to go and makes you appreciate what little you have.

    The art of the lattee. Teach a class on how to make great lattees.

    Poetry slam.

    Sounds like he may have a poor location and too much space to rent. Perhaps he should consider subleasing his stage when he's not using it. Maybe you could strike a deal with him - since you got the passiion, book performances on his stage, market them and split the cover charge with him.

    But if he doesn't have the passion, no amount of help is going to save his coffee shop. Know what I mean?
    • Re: need some advice

      Tue, August 16, 2005 - 9:52 AM
      Organize and host a charity event that you believe in at the shop. Insist that the charity help you get the word out to their members (they usually have a large mailing or E-mail list).

      Invite 3 acoustic music acts to play the show and let them know that it's a charity event and that they'll likely get a lot of good publicity for their performance. Let them sell their music and T-shirts at the event.

      You'll need about a 2-3 month lead time to do this well.

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