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Hi There! Here we are gettin' on toward the end of another calendar year, can you believe it? It seems that, just as my grandparents and then my Mom said, time goes by faster and faster the older you get...that has proven to be no lie! Another gem I remember hearing from at least 100 different people, "Sure wish I had known what I know now, when I was young!"
Well, I would not want you to get on in years without knowing the following somewhat useless information...that way you will know that all knowledge is really not worth the time it takes to get to know it, don't you know! :o)
Coffee Shop Customer Profile
Coffee shops are frequented by both the young and old, which makes understanding your local market demographics all the more important. Consider some additional interesting facts from the National Coffee Drinking Study:
- Most adult coffee drinkers said their lifelong habit began during their teenage years. In fact, 54% said they began drinking coffee between 13 and 19. Another 22% reported their coffee cravings started between the ages of 20 and 24. This means that 76% of adult coffee drinkers began drinking coffee by the time they were 24. So, despite the large amount of marketing and advertising directed at the younger age groups, savvy coffee shop owners will not forget to cater some of their offerings to the adult and senior market.
- Not surprisingly, coffee shop owners can find regular (weekly or more) customers in the younger age groups, particularly those in high school, college and the newly employed (first job).
- According to the study, parents are another important demographic segment to coffee shop owners, particularly older parents rather than those with young children still at home.
Coffee Shop Startup Costs
These, somewhat surprising, statistics are from the Adams Businesses You Can Start Almanac.
- Coffee Cart: Average cost is between $20,000-$25,000.
- Kiosk: Depending on the size and your menu, average costs are between $25,000-$75,000.
- Drive-Thru: We have heard of entrepreneurs who have opened very small units for less than $35,000. A large drive-thru can cost between $80,000-$200,000.
The espresso101 website estimates the average cost of a 1,200 sq. ft. coffee bar is between $200,000 to $375,000.
Now, aren't you glad I shared these facts with you? No?...Guess that shows that we all cannot know what is best to be known by all...or maybe we need to re-evaluate ourselves to see if we are stuck in a single source lifestyle, huh? I guess the bottom line is providing one of life's pleasures, found in a cup of joe, is not a simple nor inexpensive undertaking. If you have a favorite coffee bar, shop, or cart, you may want to take time to drop in and share a story, a laugh, or simply a moment with those that make it possible.
Until later...
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On A Personal Note:
The country we live in gives us many reminders of the vast amount of riches we have to be thankful for each and every day. Thanksgiving gives us a time to reflect on these riches...
- We live in a country that holds REAL elections AND we do not vote at the point of a weapon, be it sword or gun. We celebrate our momentary victories with gusto, knowing that we will not be faced with punishment or death for voting "wrong" or with an intent beyond our own beliefs. We also are free to feel strongly hurt by our losses, without fearing harm from those that were victorious. We can begin planning our strategies for victory in the future without being afraid that our homes will be destroyed by those with newfound power.
- We are given the right of free will as long as we are respectful of the common good. We can dream big and accomplish those big dreams with a good deal of sweat and effort.
- We can gather in places of worship without fear, nor do we fear a government will step in and prohibit worship because this was a right set at our country's founding.
- We can reach out as a country, or as individuals, to help those in need, whether it be in providing health care, in feeding the hungry, in training the unskilled to be skillful, or simply understanding there are fellow citizens that sincerely need help in this lifetime.
Yes, we do have a great deal to be thankful for...don't you think?
Now, let me tell you of a few things Jude and I are thankful for here on the farm! We are thankful for our home, each other and for our health (even though my partner in life continues to fracture things), we are thankful for the little somewhat premature suri alpaca that is now standing out in the pasture with her mom (thank you Lord!), we are thankful for our kids and their kids for they are treasures in our lives, we are thankful for good books and The Good Book for their guiding of our paths, we are thankful for the good folks that are giving our beautiful alpacas new homes and the time we can share our gained knowledge with them, and we are thankful for you because we are enriched simply by sharing our life experiences with you.
You know I had not thought I would write what I have placed before you this month, I was simply led to do this. Maybe it was the election and all the negatives that were put forth, especially the misleading false information that was believed by many, which led me to state what I believe to be our blessings. Now that it is in the past, we can move on as a country...hopefully together. For whatever reason, it is done and I look forward to Thanksgiving, the holiday season, our Kickin' Off the Season Celebration on the farm, a few good football games, celebrating Christmas with the family, and a new year full of cheer!
Now, get that pot brewing with some good ol' The Alpaca Bean Coffee...sit back, enjoy a game or two, and give your loved ones another well deserved hug! Look around at your blessings, take a sip of our favorite beverage, enjoy the warmth of your home and the support of your friends and family...bet you cannot help but smile! Laugh out loud and do not abbreviate it...simply let it rip! And thank you for being you.
Peace,
The Coffeeman
PS: Next month I will tell you what I was gonna' write this month, but that is another story! :o)
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| A Real Live Happening from The Alpaca Bean Coffee Company |
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It is going to happen! The Southern Alpaca Connection will be open by the end of the year in Historic Downtown Lavonia, Georgia!!!
The really neat storefront is located within a totally restored historic building on Main Street, AND the rear of the building will house a fantastic coffee area, Alpaca Joe's Coffee Cave. We will feature space that includes an expanded coffee roasting area for The Alpaca Bean Coffee Company, and a retail area offering all kinds of coffee related products...as well as a special coffee nook! We hope you will drop by if you are ever in the neighborhood!
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Drop Us A Line Anytime
Want to Shop??? Look Here!
Find Out a Little More About us
You can enjoy finding out more about us or simply shop 'til you drop on the two web sites above!
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Coffee Lovers and Friends,
Judy and I are really enjoying having the opportunity to provide the best possible coffee for your enjoyment. We also hope you will be able to visit us soon to experience the pleasure of drinking an outstanding mug of our Alpaca Bean Coffee while watching the little ones pronking all over the place! George Dick The Alpaca Bean Coffee Company, LLC
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The Alpaca Bean Coffee Co., LLC
466 Stone Lane
Canon, Georgia 30520
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