Turning Around a Struggling Coffee Shop

Kristen Williams-Haseotes, with no prior experience in the coffee business, bought a struggling Bad Ass Coffee shop in Naples, Florida. She saw the potential in the coffee shop’s community and turned it into the top-performing location for the brand, projected to reach $1.8 million in revenue in 2024.

• Haseotes’s previous experience in community development and running a home for ex-offenders equipped her with the understanding of community’s importance in building a successful business.
• She recognized the coffee shop as a gathering place for the community, where people from different backgrounds came together to enjoy coffee and conversation.

Building a Strong Team

Haseotes emphasized the importance of promoting from within, recognizing talent and potential within the existing team.

• She identified a barista with leadership qualities and promoted him to a managerial position, leading to a significant improvement in the coffee shop’s performance.

Beyond the Coffee

Haseotes saw the potential of the coffee shop as a community hub, expanding beyond just serving coffee. She recognized the value of fostering a sense of belonging and creating a welcoming space for everyone.

• She invested in expanding the space to accommodate events, music performances, and community gatherings, creating a dynamic and engaging environment for customers.

Maintaining Connections During Challenges

Haseotes prioritized maintaining a strong connection with the community, even during challenges like renovations and natural disasters. She recognized the importance of routine and the value of human connection, even in difficult circumstances.

• Haseotes offered free coffee to customers during renovations, ensuring they felt connected and valued.
• She provided free coffee to first responders after a hurricane, showcasing her commitment to the community and their well-being.

Business Fundamentals Matter

Haseotes prioritized the coffee shop’s business fundamentals before aesthetics. She understood that a strong foundation is crucial for any business’s success.

• She focused on streamlining inventory management, ensuring equipment functionality, and adhering to the coffee franchise’s guidelines, leading to a significant improvement in the coffee shop’s performance.
• Her dedication to the core business elements allowed the coffee shop to nearly double its revenue in the first year, showcasing the power of focusing on the basics.

The Importance of Community Building

Haseotes’s success story highlights the importance of building a strong community around your coffee shop. Creating a welcoming space, fostering meaningful connections, and actively engaging with your community can lead to significant business growth and customer loyalty.

Key Takeaways

Haseotes’s journey offers valuable lessons for other small business owners and entrepreneurs. Focusing on community building, providing exceptional customer experiences, and prioritizing business fundamentals can lead to long-term success.

• Embrace the power of community – building relationships with your customers, understanding their needs, and creating a welcoming space can lead to increased customer loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing.
• Promote from within – identify and nurture talent within your existing team to build a strong foundation for growth.
• Always put your customers first – prioritize customer experience and strive to create a positive and memorable experience for every customer.
• Focus on the basics – ensure your business fundamentals are strong before making any significant changes or focusing on aesthetics.
• Don’t be afraid to think outside the box – consider how you can expand your coffee shop’s offerings and create a unique experience for your customers.

Final Thoughts

Haseotes’s story is an inspiring example of how a passionate and dedicated entrepreneur can turn around a struggling coffee shop and create a thriving small business. Her focus on community building, exceptional customer service, and sound business fundamentals serves as a valuable blueprint for success in the competitive coffee industry.