2005
(Continued from Around 2002.)
I started working part-time at a coffee shop in a neighboring city to see if I really wanted to go back to food service industry. (When I graduated college and left the cafeteria I worked throughout my school years, I thought I would never ever go back.) So I worked from 5am to 9am at the shop and then went to my full-time job afterward.
Soon I realized how much I was enjoying this, even at 5 in the morning! I kept visiting cafes and started looking for a location for my own shop. Also began meeting vendors at trade shows like Fancy Food Show.
(Continue to Around Feb. 2006.)
Japanese version of this entry is here.
I started working part-time at a coffee shop in a neighboring city to see if I really wanted to go back to food service industry. (When I graduated college and left the cafeteria I worked throughout my school years, I thought I would never ever go back.) So I worked from 5am to 9am at the shop and then went to my full-time job afterward.
Soon I realized how much I was enjoying this, even at 5 in the morning! I kept visiting cafes and started looking for a location for my own shop. Also began meeting vendors at trade shows like Fancy Food Show.
(Continue to Around Feb. 2006.)
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Around 2002
I THINK around 2002, I started thinking about opening a coffee shop. I really lked going to independent coffee shops, but there was not one I knew in my city.
I began visiting shops around the bay area as well as in the cities I traveled for work and pleasure and took notes; layout, menu, display, what I do and do not like.
(Continue to 2005.)
Japanese version of this entry is here. It is NOT direct translation, though.
I began visiting shops around the bay area as well as in the cities I traveled for work and pleasure and took notes; layout, menu, display, what I do and do not like.
(Continue to 2005.)
Japanese version of this entry is here. It is NOT direct translation, though.
Lease
After having my attorney review the lease (and paying him $$), I realized I shold include exclusive clause to limit some (but not all) possible competition in the area. I can't pay the attorney again so have to come up with some sentences that sound 'legal.'
I feel my landlord and I are establishing a good working relationship, but in case someone buys the building or he buys neighboring buildings during my lease time, I should protect myself.
The landlord has already given me the key, and I can't wait to start working with the architect to design the space. But I shouldn't rush to sign the lease until everything else is clear. That would become especially important in case the building ownership changes in the future.
I feel my landlord and I are establishing a good working relationship, but in case someone buys the building or he buys neighboring buildings during my lease time, I should protect myself.
The landlord has already given me the key, and I can't wait to start working with the architect to design the space. But I shouldn't rush to sign the lease until everything else is clear. That would become especially important in case the building ownership changes in the future.
Welcome to Snappy's Blog
This blog is mainly to record steps toward opening a coffee shop "Snappy's Cafe" in SF Bay Area. I hope to share information and ideas with other entrepreneurs and cafe goers. Japanese verion of this blog contains simlar topis, but not direct translation. 
