Need advice on opening coffee shop

Submitted by Cyriously_Nick t3_10ivzfk in massachusetts

Hey guys,

Been thinking of opening a small coffee shop this year, and need some input from you fine folks.

We’re planning south eastern MA, pretty much anywhere south of Boston but would prefer around Rhode Island area.

Do any of you guys have a spot that you feel would benefit from a small coffee shop? Anyone have any towns or areas that they feel a boutique coffee shop would fit in? I’ve been spitballing with a few spots like middleborough center, down to Swansea.

TIA

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CustyMojo t1_j5gwpt9 wrote

Before doing this, have you thought about what would set you apart from the endless amounts of Dunkin's, starbies and honey dews already flooding the entire south shore? Not to mention the smaller chains that dot here and there like Gunther Tooties and Mary Lou's?

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Cyriously_Nick OP t1_j5h9h6d wrote

For sure, I don’t want to talk about it for fear of my idea getting stolen, but business model isn’t a problem to compete with these chains.

I’ve also found small time coffee shops appealing to millennials and the younger gen compared to the big chains.

Not to mention self roasted or locally roasted beans being worlds better than the dirt steeped sewage Dunkin sells

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BigE1263 t1_j5he6j4 wrote

You also forget that Cumberland farms exists where their coffee while it tastes like dirt, is cheap.

You’ll have to be priced very competitively to get ahead in that area.

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Cyriously_Nick OP t1_j5hlrz6 wrote

Very cheap, and simple. Biggest thing I’d like is a simple location to park, walk, drive to, etc. cumbies and the chain places make it very simple to get a cup of coffee compared to most small shops

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mullethunter111 t1_j5hskjc wrote

Southeastern MA is an over saturated market. You’ll compete with: Dunks, Cumbies, HoneyDew, Starbucks, McDonalds and MaryLou’s.

Brand loyalty is STRONG here.

You need a game changing differentiator with very few communities with your target demographic.

Few ideas: Bridgewater, Norton, Easton.

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cdrury317 t1_j5hub63 wrote

I live in one of the surrounding towns from what you’ve mentioned and we finally got a local coffee shop. But it’s super expensive. I hate all of the chains and want more local places

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Cyriously_Nick OP t1_j5hzxnn wrote

I have a good plan to differentiate myself from chains, trust me. this is the type of place that won’t need to compete with chains because it will have its own niche market and charm

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somegridplayer t1_j5pp7nd wrote

>Southeastern MA is an over saturated market. You’ll compete with: Dunks, Cumbies, HoneyDew, Starbucks, McDonalds and MaryLou’s.

There's tons of small shops that are thriving down here. They don't compete with the major brands at all.

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mullethunter111 t1_j5pus3y wrote

They are niche, and expensive- eg there’s a place in near me that has gluten-free menu items. This guys wants to go cheep. Unless he can beat Cumbies price or quality, he won’t do well.

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somegridplayer t1_j5pvqks wrote

He's not competing with Cumbies. That is not the same demographic.

>there’s a place in near me that has gluten-free menu items.

I hate to break it to you, but Cumbies has gluten free items too.

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user72230 t1_j5havu8 wrote

You mention no coffee shop I would patronize. Dunkin's is bad coffee, honeydew is mediocre, starbux isn't worth it, Mary Lou's is gross, never heard of Tooties. We need more coffee shops that are good! Places with baristas that care and are skilled. I encouraged this person to go forward and give another choice

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bigditka t1_j5hiana wrote

I’d stay closer to Providence. Southeastern Mass including Swansea is seriously blue collar and has no interest in anything beyond Dunkin.

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Beccachicken t1_j5jblsx wrote

Southeastern mass is also dominated by Marylous

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somegridplayer t1_j5ppwds wrote

There's like 3 of those. They most certainly don't dominate anywhere down here.

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SaveCachalot346 t1_j5iowwv wrote

I definitely agree not Swansea but something like that could work in Somerset, Fall River, and the towns in Bristol County RI

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JSchecter11 t1_j5hw6lz wrote

The center of Foxboro is def missing a good coffee option. Crosbys in wrentham is pretty much the only one. Otherwise it’s just low quality, chain choices.

Edit- there’s been some newer places opened recently ( a cute bakery, shoveltown a new restaurant) and they are bumping. Town is a former blue collar area turning upscale, but most businesses are long standing and cater to the older residents. I love those places too but the town is just wanting for variety that’s not in patriots place.the specific area I’m talking about is the Common, in Uptown.

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Cyriously_Nick OP t1_j5i0wfe wrote

I love that little area too

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farmertom t1_j5itzh2 wrote

As a Foxboro resident, please come here! My partner and I desperately want a local coffee shop to get a good drink and a baked good and hang out for a little while. She also works remote and is always looking for somewhere to work out of the house for a change in scenery and Dunkin or honeydew don't have that vibe.

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JSchecter11 t1_j5j2ijh wrote

Totally agree. I was hoping that new bakery would have more of a hang out vibe but it really is just a ‘buy your stuff and go’ place like White’s at the Crossing.

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JSchecter11 t1_j5j2d9a wrote

There’s an active business owners group that meets pretty regularly- usually at the Orpheum. I know a few members, good people. You could definitely touch base with those folks. Someone just bought out the old Todman building next to o’reilly so idk what the plans are there.

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nope-a-saurus-rex t1_j5kvbwy wrote

Secondig. This my husband and I often talk about how badly this area needs a good coffee shop. Ideally a place that sells simple breakfast sandwiches and treats.

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sporky211 t1_j5harmf wrote

North Attleborough would be a great place right there by RI, it has a good market from people traveling route one its right there by emerald square mall. There's really only one coffee shop ( a Mary Lou's in a gas station ) running through town.

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Cyriously_Nick OP t1_j5hlv30 wrote

Oo I’ll have to take a look around that area, I’m rarely over there, thank you!

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sporky211 t1_j5hn6qo wrote

Of course it’s a great area to live too just the middle between Boston and providence

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Cal__Trask t1_j5hrwct wrote

Just so you know, I don't think there are any coffee shops on main street in North Attleboro (where most foot traffic is), but there is a bakery that serves coffee that has a pretty good local following (Whisk and Paddle, their cinnamon buns are LEGIT). Depending on your business model you may find yourself in competition with them.

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CustyMojo t1_j5hmr48 wrote

There's 30 dunks, a Starbucks standalone and 2 targets with Starbucks in there. a Mary Lou's, a coffee connection. Rt1 north Attleboro is coffee shop central.

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sporky211 t1_j5hmyri wrote

There’s 30 Dunkin’s everywhere OP also said they weren’t worried about chains/ franchises

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guacamole_shiba t1_j5hi1t9 wrote

Throwing in Plymouth for a recommendation!

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Cyriously_Nick OP t1_j5hl6tx wrote

Thought about Plymouth, there’s a building for lease on court st too! But I’d be competing with a lot of other spots

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The_eldritch_bitch t1_j5hi37a wrote

There’s few places in Plymouth to sit and do work while having coffee

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Cyriously_Nick OP t1_j5hlaen wrote

Right, kiskadee gets old too, thanks for the rec!

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zeebenj t1_j5ho4p1 wrote

In Plymouth and wife and I work remote. There are no places (besides kiskadee) to go for a second work location. The Starbucks has no seating. Keagans is great but small and more for grab and go bakery and drinks.

And all you'd need to do to out compete kiskadee is to install, I dunno, more than two wall outlets.

Oh and if you have an incredible chai latte on the menu we'll be your customers for life.

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Cyriously_Nick OP t1_j5hrfd0 wrote

For sure, that’s my goal. I have been a FIEND for mirasols in dartmouths’ chai latte, (vanilla chai specifically) if you’re ever down that way you need to make a stop for it

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shoppingninja t1_j5jj0nu wrote

Mirasols is working on a Fairhaven location and they have a seasonal spot on the pier in New Bedford.

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warriorofinternets t1_j5hhelo wrote

I’d love one in my town but honestly it’s a Dunkin’s and Walmart kinda crowd, not a cute trendy coffee shop.

Maybe Sharon? Canton? Randolph? Plymouth?

Look on Zillow and find the towns where the homes are avg 700k+, avoid towns where the avg is closer to 450k-. You want people with disposable incomes.

Good luck!

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Cyriously_Nick OP t1_j5hllyz wrote

You’re #3 recommending Plymouth! I see where this trend is going… definitely aiming for a nice cute spot for coffee and plants! Trying to merge some of my personal loves

Thanks! I’ll keep this page updated for sure

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hihik t1_j5hvn6i wrote

Here’s why Sharon - only Starbucks is in the Shaws, there’s one other decent place with coffee but it is a sandwich/lunch kind of place.

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kborer22 t1_j5hilv3 wrote

Could use one in Quincy, Wollaston or north Quincy area would be nice. They are building like mad from Quincy center to N.Quincy t stops. Most of this is high end apts/condos. Def room to grow in the coming years.

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Oudsage t1_j5jcl2c wrote

Same goes for Weymouth, I know it’s completely congested by apartments built and being built, but there are a few coffee places around the landing that aren’t dunks or other horrible coffee. I’d rather cycle through different local shops than ever frequent dunks Starbucks etc. only downside is the parking. BUT…the landing and anything further down Broad is extremely walkable. Also Union Point but good luck getting a loan approved for anything in that disaster of land. No foot traffic, too much retail space going on 10+ years vacant.

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vrivvey t1_j5hxpfh wrote

Do Quincy. Lots of new work from home people in the luxury condos. Other than the library and one Moroccan coffee shop there’s no where to go unless further into the suburbs (hingham Milton Braintree) but must have car

Anyone talking about dunks honey dew etc has noooo idea what a coffee shop is

My advice- make it comfortable, offer something unique that you can only get there, make it cute for the internet lovers, and then host events. I used to live in pismo beach and would go to an over priced coffee shop bc they had a creme brûlée latte and the guy would torch the froth. Looooooved it lol. I work in a coffee shop in the south end and the people that come in daily love the employees so deff invest in a good team that is in a good mood lol. Ok good luck and again pick Quincy :)

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Oudsage t1_j5jcvqf wrote

Braintree would fail. Every. Single. Independent coffee shop has failed. Not sure what’s up with any retail location on either side of Washington Street but nothing lasts more than a few years if you’re not a nail salon. There are easily over 10 on one single street. Also traffic is terrible and getting worse.

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Theredsoxman t1_j5hpbw5 wrote

Franklin MA has a nice downtown and Dean College. There are lots of coffee spots around the town, but nothing like that in the downtown area.

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Cyriously_Nick OP t1_j5hridh wrote

I haven’t been out that way in a long time! I’ll take a trip, thanks for the idea!

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mdorsay t1_j5i7l79 wrote

A bakery actually opened up in the downtown Franklin area (Birchwood) about a year ago but it does EXTREMELY well. I think if you’re able to get a different spot in town, or perhaps just over the border in Wrentham, it would likely do well.

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ElegantSheepherder t1_j5i87kh wrote

Wrenthsm has Crosby’s and Norfolk has cillas. I second the suggestion of Foxboro town center!

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nan_adams t1_j5iu7o2 wrote

I grew up in Franklin. There used to be a coffee shop downtown called Mel Divas that had open mic nights, games, sandwiches and bakery items and of course coffee. The rent downtown was too high and the place went under.

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mynameisnoteliza t1_j5hy5ci wrote

I am a millennial in a SE MA town and would prefer to deviate from the chains. Good food and/or cozy space and/or community events are a great way to set yourself apart. Host book clubs, mom groups, advertise a TON in the mom Facebook groups and you should have a golden business opportunity I think.

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Cyriously_Nick OP t1_j5hzlto wrote

For sure, I want it to be an attraction as much as a coffee shop, I have a friend who sets up multiple book clubs that we be pitched the idea to already! Mom groups I’ll look into, thanks!

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True-Wolverine-9426 t1_j5i98ys wrote

I feel like Mansfield, Attleboro or Norwood all have walkable town centers that would be a good fit.

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pep_c_queen t1_j5je8xl wrote

Main Street Buzzards bay. Something walkable to the canal trail.

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Valuable-Baked t1_j5hw4vs wrote

What about near one of the colleges?

Make sure you got banging espresso!

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VeryHairyJewbacca t1_j5hyr83 wrote

I feel like if you do something significantly better than DD’s, Starbucks, etc. then it won’t even matter where you are. None of the chain coffee places have decent donuts, if you can excel at that you can take a fair market share regardless of location.

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shyjenny t1_j5hzquu wrote

Did I just hear about a new commuter rail station on the Providence line? Depending on the location might be good for foot traffic

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JaKr8 t1_j5j5vzd wrote

A commercial realtor might know something about this type of thing. A friend of mine did this, spent a lot of time researching locales that might suit certain needs for prospective clients.

However, this particular point in time (possible recession in the cards) might not be the best time to open up.

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lookforazebra t1_j5jfs3k wrote

Yes, there’s no decent coffee at the Hingham shipyard. There’s a Dunkin nearby but it’s hard to get in and out of and not in the heart of where people are. Lots of apartments and condos full of people, tons of people walking all around with dogs/ babies/ kids, and the ferry terminal is right there with commuters coming by every weekday in droves! They just voted to build the new public safety building for the town there too so police/ fire/ EMS will be based over there soon.

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DimSumIsGood t1_j5jh83l wrote

Downtown Walpole has a bunch of decent pizza places, restaurants, and sandwich shops, but no dedicated coffee shop in the downtown area (I guess Farmer in the Dell has coffee, but it doesn’t have the same cafe vibe and their hours are a little strange). My family would frequent if there was one in downtown Walpole, and there have been a few large apartment buildings that opened downtown in recent years. The old waterworks flatiron building would be perfect. It’s got a lot of character, big glass windows on the pointy end of the flatiron, good exposure to Main Street… unfortunately there is a man interior decorators office there now, otherwise I’d open my own coffee shop there haha!

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richg0404 t1_j5k3owr wrote

I'm not in that area but am in the state.

I live in a small town that is near a small city. I would LOVE to have a local coffee shop to stop by and get a coffee and muffin/bagel/scone etc. A nice comfortable place to sit and read, socialize, play a game and enjoy the coffee would be great. A lot of people in my town have commented similar things on social media.

That being said, I know that for myself, and I suspect others, I would end up going to a place like that MAYBE once per week. I can not justify $4 for a cup of coffee, a $5 muffin, or even a $15 freshly roasted pound of coffee. I have gotten used to and come to enjoy the supermarket coffee that I make in my percolator at home.

I wish you all the luck in the world. As someone else mentioned brand loyalty is very strong. And more so, LOCATION loyalty when it comes to attracting the daily commuters that would really drive your business.

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morninggirth t1_j5kci3l wrote

No better community then then the one you live in or around

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MoreGuitarPlease t1_j5l51b6 wrote

My advice-don’t do it unless you plan on being the staff and being broke.

There’s so little margin and hiring is next to impossible.

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Cyriously_Nick OP t1_j5lflrf wrote

I don’t need to be rich, I planned to be the staff for a while. I have a few close people that would join in once were established

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MoreGuitarPlease t1_j5li718 wrote

Good luck. At least you can’t say nobody told you!

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Cyriously_Nick OP t1_j5lj4ca wrote

Haha thanks, as long as I break even and can pay my bills I’ll be happy doing what I love

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rammallamadingdongs t1_j5lbxpb wrote

Middleboro center just got a new coffee shop last year and it's pretty popular. I don't think that would be a good location for another one.

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Cyriously_Nick OP t1_j5lgi10 wrote

Yea we ended up writing off middleboro being that it was more working class than our target demographic

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rammallamadingdongs t1_j5poxeb wrote

As a working class person, I don't really know how to take that.

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Cyriously_Nick OP t1_j5qcba3 wrote

I’m a fleet mechanic for a paving company currently, trust me, no disrespect AT ALL. Truck drivers and laborers at my job would never step foot in a boutique coffee shop lol

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ha1r_of_thedog t1_j5lh0kh wrote

Come to Plymouth!!!! We're not too blue collar for non-dunkies - look at Keegan's, which is often mobbed! High quality coffee and food and the place is booming. You'd do well here

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Cyriously_Nick OP t1_j5lm5uz wrote

After this post we have been looking at commercial leasing sites in plymouth! I’m originally from carver so Plymouth is near and dear to my heart

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somegridplayer t1_j5pprua wrote

You missed out on New Bedford by a couple years. Mirasols just opened a location on the waterfront. There's a Dunkin and Green Bean downtown but neither seem to do very well overall. Mirasols I'm sure are gouging them to death. Not sure you want to fight with the land of chippis? But it's worth a look!

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Cyriously_Nick OP t1_j5qcm38 wrote

I’m actually currently living in Dartmouth, went to umass also, and unless I had a chippi contender I don’t think I could compete with mirasols. they have the college/gen z/millennialdemographic by the balls

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somegridplayer t1_j5qefel wrote

Green Bean is just good enough to hold onto Purchase Street too.

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