Never Mind the Coffee | Blog

After opening five coffee shops over 12 years, I've learned that expanding isn't just about having a busy business. It's about having a business that's truly ready to grow. Before you sign another lease, here are five questions to ask yourself.

AI software is powerful, but without strategy and accountability, it can easily become overwhelming or underutilized. A coach like myself can help restaurant operators identify the right tools, avoid wasting money on unnecessary platforms, and implement systems that actually support business goals. More importantly, a coach brings industry context and real-world experience that AI alone cannot provide.

When preparing to sell a restaurant, the goal is simple: make the business feel profitable, transferable, and low-risk to a buyer. These are the five factors that matter most:

The way you train new hires directly impacts guest experience, food safety, team morale, and profitability. If you want fewer fires to put out and more consistency across shifts, training must start with three core areas: policies and food safety, customer service, and menu knowledge.

Every year—just as the holiday drinks roll out and your shop hits peak busyness—the donation requests start pouring in. Schools, sports teams, nonprofits, community groups, coworker’s cousins… everyone is asking. And you want to help. Coffee shops are community hubs, after all. But too often, generosity becomes overwhelming, inconsistent, or expensive. Here’s the good news: with a thoughtful approach, donations can actually become a net positive for your business. They ca

1. Replicate Systems, Not People Your first location likely works because you (or a key leader) make it work. A second location breaks if operations rely on personalities instead of processes. You are not ready until your first location is running smoothly without you. To prepare, document your systems, including checklists, training documentation, and organizational structure. 2. Choose a Location Based on Proven Data, Not Vibes Your first location gives you a ton of analy