I talk to a lot of people who want to open a cafe, and almost none of them have this done. No full business case. No complete list of variable costs. No complete list of fixed costs — the stuff you pay even on the days you're closed. No real number for total investment needed before you open the door. And here's the part that actually worries me: more than 60% of coffee shops fail in year one, and more than 80% don't make it past year five. I used to think that was because people didn't try hard enough. I don't think that anymore. I think it's because people assume it's simple. Pick a nice space, get a good machine, make good coffee, done. It's the opposite of simple. The owners who make it are the ones who sat down early and got honest about the numbers — before the lease, before the buildout, before any of it. You don't need my template for this. Use whatever system works for you. But please, please do not sign anything until you've built these three lists yourself: 1. Every variable cost — what changes with how busy you are 2. Every fixed cost — what you pay whether you're open or not 3. Your full investment number — everything it takes to actually get the doors open If you want the breakdown I use with people going through this, comment "Lists" and I'll send it your way. ☕ P.S. This is for anyone who's serious about opening, even if it's a year or two out. If you're just daydreaming about it, that's fine too — just know these three lists are where the daydream turns into a real plan.

Hi everyone! My name is Markeeta, and my love for coffee has inspired my goal of opening my own coffee shop. I enjoy exploring different flavors and drinks, and I love how coffee brings people together. I’m excited to learn how to create great coffee and a welcoming space where people can relax and connect. I look forward to learning alongside everyone!

Hi everyone, looking to learn and absorb as much from this community as possible. Please like and let's move from dream reality in opening a coffee shop.

Thank you, Juan. Regarding the capital, I am ready to invest my own seed money to get started, but I need external funding to scale it into a high-level project in Dakar. Here is my competitive edge: I have access to a unique, rare coffee variety from a specific country in Africa that very few people know about. This coffee has an exceptional flavor profile that beats European standards, and it even carries natural wellness properties. I want to exclusively source and exploit this hidden gem for my shop. With your financial backing, we can build a highly profitable and unique brand in Senegal. Let's make this happen."

👋 Welcome to The Coffee Shop Launchpad Free Course. Please take a second to introduce yourself Welcome. This community is here to help you open your own coffee shop! Here are your next steps 👇 1. Start the free course: The Coffee Shop Launchpad 2. Introduce yourself: name, country, and your coffee shop goal. 3. Answer the poll below 4. Book your free 1-1 call: Link 5. Join the bi.weekly calls 6. Stay active: ask questions, help others, share wins, make friends, have fun! To your success! Juan ✨ No pressure — keep it simple. This community grows when we know who you are and what you’re building. What's your goal for the next 30 days?