I doubt successful cafes spend much at all on marketing. It’s all about user experience, access and cost.

Yep. Honestly this is most likely the issue. Do you love coffee?? Do the baristas love coffee? Do you know the difference between an average coffee and a great brew?

If your Dad saw it as his retirement plan then that’s a good way to exit. Sell up and he gets his retirement and you have seed funding for next venture.