My parents decided they wanted to start a cafe business in a small town in Texas. The whole process has been a nightmare. Everything from improper planning to day-to-day operations. I was not supposed to be a part of this business at all since I already had my own career. I figured I’d help them come up with the menu, branding, and drink recipes because I have barista experience from my college days. Once the business was about to launch, they ended up selling our home, forcing me to move to Texas. I could not afford Boston rent so I had no choice but to quit my job and go with them.
We’ve been open for 6 months now and business is not doing well. We barely make enough to cover rent and utilities. My dad is also spending more money by investing in equipment to expand our menu. He invested about $150,000 so far and we profit about $200 at the end of each month. I understand this is how most small businesses are for the first few years. It’s starting to take a toll on me because I do all the bookkeeping, planning, drink-making, customer service, etc. I work about 80 hours a week with no pay and had to sell my car just to have some funds to cover my student loans.
They are also clueless when it comes to using the POS or making drinks. I can’t even use the bathroom without them yelling my name when a customer walks in. My old man doesn’t even know what’s on the menu.
I don’t even know what to do anymore. I’ve been telling my parents I want to go back to work in my career field. I’m not sure if we should hire a business consultant or just ride it out until the wheels fall off.
Have you tried telling them that you’d like to be in charge of operations (not just responsibility, but also authority) and they can help you? Keep a list of required changes on hand to present. It’s not fair if they’re the authority, but you’re the only one with a clue about how to run the place. If they’re ego-maniacs, and this talk yields nothing good, start applying for jobs in your field. If you’ll be responsible for looking after them, it’s better with a salary, than from your car (which you’d be living in if you had one, because if the business goes under, where will you live?). Start acting now.
Most consultants give common sense tips, so before doing that, use your common sense to simplify the menu. Like if there are 20 sandwich types, figure out 3 base spreads that go on all of them (spread group 1, 2, 3). Then the same fillers. Then only one main thing changes, that’s ham or chicken or Mushroom or paneer. OK, this sort of back-end simplification across the board will make purchasing, storage, and production easier, while giving the illusion of variety on the menu. Anything requiring too much prep, cut it out.
And finally, look for an online video or local nice person to explain them how to operate the POS, because they’ll listen to a stranger, but with you they are like ADHD students, because in the back of their head, they think you’re there, you’ll handle it. Alright? Time to become a (good) asshole, whose toughness will save the cafe/future of your family.