Jessica SimmsStarting Your Own Coffee Shop: Opening & Running a Successful Coffee Business

Great starting point for anyone who is thinking about maybe opening up and running a coffee shop one day. I thought the layout of the chapters were in a logical flow and I really enjoyed how the overall tone was positive and encouraging. I feel like too many writers and bloggers tend to write about their coffee business with the “don’t even think about until you’ve done this” attitude, instead of a more positive attitude. Simms does a good job at laying down the facts and giving a general overview of the many pieces that it takes to open and maintain a profitable business. She does not go into too much detail on the specifics of things, however, she gave me some great starting points for a myriad of helpful resources that at the very least, got my research heading in the right direction. I do wish though that there was a chapter on coffee sourcing and how to go about finding and choosing a wholesale seller and maybe some general guidelines on keeping / rotating a backstock for the beans specifically. Also, an “additional resources” section at the end that would offer more books and websites that the author might’ve found helpful in her research for the reader to use in continuing their research would be super helpful. Overall though, great book, the author offers a great overview of all the things that it takes to open and run a coffee shop. Quick read and would definitely recommend.Side note: The author’s description can read a little misleading. In the description it states “her short fiction is widely published” which could make it appear that this book is a work of fiction when it is not. Not a big deal really, I was just a little confused when I was initially looking into the book on Amazon is all.

I've always been working in finance and have zero experience in the coffee industry. Like many of us, I feel worn out at work and have developed a fantasy of making a living just sitting in my own little coffee shop and chill through the day with my lovely cat. After reading just the first few chapters, I realized that I am still really far away from that dream. I am seriously considering taking some coffee classes and boy, they are pretty costly. Definitely an eye opening book for me and I feel like I have a much better direction to work towards instead of just dreaming all the time. Very quick and easy read, very to the point with no useless materials to waste your time on. Highly recommended as a first book into the business! Of course you will need to read more books as you progress through your plans to get a more in depth understanding on the business. But this is definitely the perfect first book on the subject.

I really enjoyed the book. It was kept short and to the point while also making sure to hit on specific things that anybody new to opening a coffee business needs to consider. I especially liked the emphasis on writing out a business plan whether it’s needed for financing or not. They only thing I would have liked to see more of was more percentages in the turning a profit chapter. It’s mentioned that food cost are about 15% off total sales. It would have been cool to see what the suggested percentage is for payroll of total sales, profit, owners salary, over head expenses, etc. These numbers can obviously vary depending on the business structure, but for a first timer I think it would help give a structure for that business plan. But I’m being nit picky. The author did a good job.

Jassica Simms did a great job making the book,For what a cafe owner should know the book talks about;-Business Plan-Starting Expenses-Menu, Products and Servies-Branding and Identity-Location-Design-Brewers and Grinders-Making it official-Day-to-Day operation-Marketing-Turning a Profit.Since I been studying about coffee and running a coffee shop there were things I already know, but suprisingly this book pointed out a lot of things I didn't know or did not take into account, it also presents great ideas.I need to point out, this book doesn't get too deep into the techincal part, which I see as a good thing for starters because it makes the book is clear, breif, straight to the point, in other words very easy to read and understand.also the author was kind enough to give a 1 in a 200 chance to win a 200.00$ amazon gift card.

I enjoyed the way it was written. Direct, concrete, straight forward. I also liked how it covered all aspects of the journey, like a nice action plan of the things and actions to consider for the project. On the other hand, I would have liked the book to have more references to look at, like other books, articles or online videos.

Jessica Simms really helped me in the first steps to the opening and operating my coffee shop!! She goes from the beginning to the operation!! Fills in from business plan,expenses,Brewers,ginders,supplies,hours,customers and your identity! She includes turning a profit!! This is a good book to keep close while you go through your ups and downs starting your business!! She also tells you about your most important goals and the small things to be forgotten in your busy schedule getting ready to open and after opening that can make or break the business!! A good book to read over and over!! Something's are not as important in the beginning but when you open you to remember to do these things after opening!! So keep Jessica Simms Book close by!! Thank you Jessica Simms

I’m hoping to open a cafe in the next year and fortunately came across this book by luck! I had yet to find anything like this beforehand. I loved how straightforward and to the point it all was. I loved how realistic the information was and how it also gave encouragement with doses of good realty. The one thing I would have loved to read was an actual example of a small business coffee shop. Including their figures, how it did the first year, how they managed it, things like that. Other than that, I’m very grateful I found this book and I learned a lot of information that was needed! I’m grateful the author felt inspired to take the time to write it.