You know that charming little cafe on New York’s Lower East Side that just closed after a mere six months in business—where coffee was served on silver trays with a glass of water and a little chocolate cookie? The one that, as you calmly and correctly observed, was doomed from its inception because it was too precious and too offbeat? The one you still kind of fell for, the way one falls for a tubercular maiden? Yeah, that one was mine.The scary part is that you think you can do better.
I never realized how ubiquitous the dream of opening a small coffeehouse was until I fell under its spell myself.
Brian Atkins on June 2nd, 2006 at 6:26 am
This is a really great article, very interesting and demonstrates a real-world example of the difficulties of running a small business. This is ironic in timing as I was just talking with a co-worker about the market dominance that Starbucks has in the coffee market and the ability to diferentiate themselves from the competition is amazing. Thanks for posting this!
danakeith on May 21st, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Yes indeed, running a small business doesn’t mean you have less to worry at, it as good as establishing big business.. All out support for it is the main ingredient.