Coffee Shop Success Story: Coffee Chaos Celebrates 18 Years
January 11, 2023 (Published: September 14, 2022)
Coffee entrepreneurs Kim and Denise Krantz recently celebrated 18 successful years as owners of Coffee Chaos, a specialty coffee shop in Midland, Michigan.
The couple said our 7 Steps to Success program has been essential to the ongoing success of their coffee shop.
Partnering for Long-term Success
“From the start, Crimson Cup has been my partner in my business,” Kim said.
“Their philosophy is, if Coffee Chaos is successful, then Crimson Cup is successful.”
“And they live this philosophy. It is not just talk.”
Crimson Cup Founder and President Greg Ubert set up the company’s 7 Steps to Success coffee shop startup program to teach entrepreneurs with little or no coffee experience how to open a coffee shop.
“A big part of our mission is to help coffee owners thrive at every step – from opening their shop to becoming a fixture in their community,” Greg said. “We’ve been thrilled to help Kim and Denise grow their business for 18 years.”
Based on Greg’s book, 7 Steps to Success: A Commonsense Guide to Succeed in Specialty Coffee, the program has helped over 300 entrepreneurs in 30 states start and run independent coffee shops serving their local communities.
7 Steps coffee shop startup consultants assist entrepreneurs in everything from writing a coffee shop business plan to training employees and marketing to attract new customers.
“Crimson Cup is your basically your one stop shop,” Kim said. “They supply all the items that you need to run your shop, except dairy and food items.”
Best Coffee Shop in the Great Lakes Bay
Over the years, Coffee Chaos has been a perennial favorite for best coffee shop in the annual “Greatest of the Great Lakes Bay” feature published by Great Lakes Bay magazine.
“One way we stand out is that we don’t serve drip coffee,” Kim said. “Our house coffee is the Americano. It is all about the espresso.”
“We also focus on consistent drink preparation and sincere, topnotch customer service that inspires customers to come back day after day.”
The shop’s devoted customer base has left hundreds of online reviews praising both coffee and customer service.
“I moved away 6 years ago, and I have yet to find a better coffee shop,” wrote a Facebook reviewer.
“One of the things I look forward to the most when coming home is visiting Coffee Chaos!
The Benefits of Owning a Coffee Shop
Of the many benefits of owning a coffee shop, Kim said two stand out for him.
“First, I feel it’s important to give first-time job experiences to high school and college students, ‘he said. “It’s rewarding to mentor young adults and help them develop skills that are beneficial to them as they go on their career path.”
“Second, meeting new people and making new friends, knowing that we have become part of their daily routine.”
A Staple of the Midland, Michigan Community
Back in 2004, the couple could not have known the small business they were about to open would become a community staple.
“Over the years, we’ve found we can bring the community together over our favorite thing – coffee!” Kim said.
He sits on the board of the Midland Business Alliance and is involved with several other community organizations.
For the past 17 years, Coffee Chaos has sponsored the DOW TENNIS CLASSIC women’s professional tennis tournament. The shop also sponsors the DOW GREAT LAKES BAY INVITATIONAL women’s professional golf tournament. The shop also makes in-kind donations throughout the community.
Thinking About Opening Your Own Coffee Shop?
Kim offered this advice for prospective coffee shop owners:
“Make sure that you do your due diligence. Answer important questions like how much does cost to open a coffee shop? You want to make sure that you are starting with a good foundation.”
“Remember when you open your doors that you are the face of your business. People will associate your shop with you.”
“It will take time to build your customer base. Be patient. Business success does not happen overnight.”
If you’re looking for a coffee partner, he suggested looking at Crimson Cup. “There is no one in the industry, that I am aware of, doing what Crimson Cup does for its customers. They offer all the benefits of a franchise without a franchise fee.”
Visit Coffee Chaos in Midland, Michigan
Kim invited everyone living in or visiting the Midland area to check out Coffee Chaos.
“To make sure our drinks are always delicious, we grind, brew, and serve each one when you order,” he said.
“While we’re known for our white chocolate and caramel Chaos Mocha, we have a large menu of choices that are just as tasty.”
“Whatever you order, it’ll be the perfect complement to any Midland day!”
To learn more about Coffee Chaos – including hours, menu and events – visit the shop’s Facebook page.
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