by James Fouche | Feb 19, 2015 | Uncategorized
With a theme like GIVING, you do put a lot of pressure on your life, both in the personal and business capacity. So when February and Valentine’s comes around, you are afforded the opportunity to mix business and pleasure without alarming your spouse. It felt as...
by James Fouche | Feb 8, 2015 | Uncategorized
After a long break, it is time to get back into the writing saddle. Polvo, our speciality coffee bar in the heart of Knysna, has opened its doors and I have shared the entire process here. Now it is time to move on. This blog was always intended to show what an author...
by James Fouche | Nov 18, 2014 | Uncategorized
Now let’s get down to business. At some point you have to face facts, and facts are something that is hard to come by. Polvo was always meant to be a well-oiled little machine that could run on its own at minimal expense. To do this, you need to know what works...
by James Fouche | Oct 29, 2014 | Uncategorized
This is where it gets really tricky. The aim to setting up a coffee shop should be by doing so on a limited budget. From the start, it has been my objective to find ways to cut costs where possible without it looking cheap. However, many things pop up after the...
by James Fouche | Oct 10, 2014 | how to open a coffee shop
Now that enough research has been done it is time to get this blog series back on track. We looked at the research, the coffee and the branding. You are legal to trade and you probably have some trial business cards or pamphlets tucked away somewhere. You have a brand...
by James Fouche | Sep 22, 2014 | Uncategorized
This is probably the most important entry in our little shop opening diary. I don’t care what anyone tells you, branding is essential. It can make or break a business. As an author, the one lesson I had to learn was this: if books are judged by their covers,...
by James Fouche | Sep 16, 2014 | Uncategorized
Previously I explained how important the choice of coffee should be when opening a speciality coffee shop. From the beginning we wanted only South and Central American coffee beans. This is harder than it seems. Most roasters have become accustomed to either doing a...
by James Fouche | Sep 8, 2014 | Uncategorized
Ever wondered what goes into setting up a small coffee shop? Or what type of research has to be done before the big day? It just so happens we are in the process of opening a speciality coffee bar in Knysna. Because I value service and appreciate good coffee, it...
by James Fouche | Jul 7, 2014 | Wine
Finally the part of the journey that makes the skin tingle and the mouth salivate. Well, I guess its true if you are a wine buff or an alcoholic. Either way, let’s look at the wines. Wine is a diverse indulgence. I do not object to viewing it as a living...
by James Fouche | Jun 18, 2014 | Travel
When we travel somewhere I prefer to set out before sunrise. Best to hit the tar before trucks crawl out of hiding and snail along your intended route. My wife first concluded her exhausting packing regime, then it was my turn. I’m a plotter so most of...
