Established in 1991, Crimson Cup® Coffee & Tea roasts and packages quality, great-tasting coffee in Columbus, Ohio while providing independent business owners with coffee shop consulting. We'll show you how to keep your businesses successful over the long term.
Crimson Cup caters to independent coffeehouses in communities of less than 50,000, and currently works with about 400 businesses, most of them east of the Rockies.
Q. What can you do for me?
With our assistance, you can begin your new venture from a position of strength and experience. We'll show you how to open a coffee shop by consulting on a location, helping with your business plan, showing you how to set up an efficient system, providing POS materials and being your source of award winning products, quality coffee shop supplies, proven, comprehensive training and time-tested coffee shop equipment. You'll not only have someone to answer your questions, you'll avoid the most common pitfalls while still remaining independent. All of which makes opening a coffee shop so much easier.
Q. Is Crimson Cup a coffee shop franchise?
No. A coffee shop franchise charges you a fee (often a huge fee) just for the right to purchase their products and equipment. Then they dictate your name, your environment and your attitude. Crimson Cup shows you how to open a coffee shop and provides everything a coffee shop franchise does and more—but without the franchise fees and royalties.
Q. Hmmm. What's the catch?
There's no catch. We tell you everything that's expected, up front. No surprises. So here's what you need to know: In order to work with us, you must agree to follow our proven Seven Steps to Success process. If you do that, with the right equipment, plus superior products, plus extensive free training, plus free overall planning, you will avoid the costly mistakes typical when opening a coffee shop. What's more, you will have the best chance of success; a heck of a lot better than the statistics when you try to do it alone. And, since 50% of small businesses fail within the first three years, that's no small thing.
Q. Ok, but you want me to use your products and equipment. Bet you're making a bundle there, huh?
Actually, no. We want to make a fair living, just as you do. But we also believe in mutual success: if you succeed, we succeed. We work with over 400 customers nationwide and none of them would continue to work with us if we provided inferior products, overpriced equipment, or ineffective training. We want to be with you for years, not just during the few months when you're first opening a coffee shop. The best way to do that is to help you prosper. It really is that simple.
Q. I've heard that most places give you a couple of hours training on equipment. Isn't that enough?
Over the years, we've discovered some really helpful things about running a coffee house. So we actually spend several days on site with you, helping you train and get ready for that all-important opening day. It's in our best interests to help you succeed, which is why no charge for training. What's more, we'll be back periodically with more tips and techniques.
Q. Okay, but what about your products. Are they any good?
You bet. In fact, we think they're the best in the business. In blending contests and blind taste tests, Crimson Cup consistently takes top honors, against well-known Mega Coffeehouses and local roasters alike. We provide a complete line of products, including sauces, smoothies, syrups, and, of course, coffee and tea blends.
Q. No offense . . . but why the heck are your doing this?
That's a fair question. We realize it can sound too good to be true. The thing is, we love small business. We think it builds communities in a way that big, cookie cutter business structures can't. We even have a word for it. We call it "community." It stands for how small business can really make a difference at the local level. And recognizes that being part of a community can be the most rewarding part of independent business ownership. Want to learn more? Then, read about some of Crimson Cup's community efforts at our local level!
Q. Will I have to sign an agreement for one, two, three or more years?
No. We want to stay on top of our business. That means we must keep giving you more and better reasons to stay with us. Our feet are to the fire. And that's the way we wanted it from the beginning.
Q. What's the next step?
If you want to learn how to open a coffee shop, the next step is to order a copy of founder Greg Ubert's, 7 Steps to Success in the specialty coffee business. It will explain, from A-Z, what's involved in running a successful coffeehouse operation. Read it. Think about it. Make sure a coffeehouse is right for you. Then, if you think you're ready to proceed, give us a call. We'll go from there.
By the way, if you decide not to work with us after reading the book, we respect your decision. Crimson Cup is not into high pressure sales. In fact, we have been known to turn potential customers away if the relationship doesn't seem like a good fit.
Regardless, we urge you to read the book. For many people, opening an independent coffee house is a decision made from the heart rather than the head. We're all for heart. But make sure your head gets a vote, too.
