WELcome to the Cafe Operator
WE OFFER EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR CAFE. CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR SERVICES BELOW:
EDUCaTION
We make learning fun, practical, and made for everyone, from the barista on bar to the owner behind the books.
Most cafe owners don't fail from lack of talent. They fail from lack of knowledge. Let's fix that.
PUBLIC CLASSES
Workshops
Our virtual and private classes make cafe business education accessible to owners, managers, and cafe teams. Learn the business behind the cafe, from understanding budgets and financials to improving sales, strengthening operations, and developing stronger teams.
See our events:
Have a cafe?
How we work:
We want to make the consulting process clear and straightforward, so you know what to expect and what your options are.
GET STARTED
Strategy Session
$300/hr
Have a specific challenge, decision, or problem you need help with?
Book a one hour Strategy Session with our team. Tell us about your business, what you’re working through, and what you need help with. You can also upload relevant documents so we can come prepared.
ONGOING SUPPORT
Consulting
Consulting and support is done as a team, with rates ranging from $40 to $300 per hour.
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The Senior Consultant oversees all work, and the recommendation of which team member to work with is decided on a per case basis.
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When you work with us, you gain:
• An experienced team in your corner
• Support for your vision and ideas
• Development at every level, from baristas to owners
• Expertise across finances, operations, HR, training, menu strategy, and growth
• A team that respects your budget and focuses on where we can make the greatest impact
Opening a cafe?
Have a cafe?
Did you know:
Running a cafe is often much harder and more complex than owners originally expect.
Most independent cafes need experienced operational leadership before they can afford to hire it in-house.
It’s not just you: businesses across the country are struggling to manage and engage today’s workforce.
Opening a cafe?
How we work:
We want to make the consulting process clear and straightforward, so you know what to expect, what it costs, and what happens next.
GET STARTED
Strategy Session
$300/hr
Book a session to talk through your café concept, plans, challenges, or questions.
When booking, you can provide your name, location, and a description of what you’re needing help with. You can also upload important documents.
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If you are local to Los Angeles, you may inquire about an in person visit by email.
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Build Your Cafe
Before ongoing work begins, we review your:
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• Concept
• Financial projections
• Budget
• Timeline
• Operational needs
We identify what is missing, what needs attention, and the order in which decisions should be made.
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You’ll receive a customized Café Development Plan outlining the work required to turn your idea into an operational business.
ONGOING SUPPORT
Consulting
Consulting and support is done as a team, with rates ranging from $40 to $300 per hour.
​
The Senior Consultant oversees all work, and the recommendation of which team member to work with is decided on a per case basis.
​
When you work with us, you gain:
• An experienced team in your corner across finances, operations, HR, training, menu strategy, and project planning
• Support developing your vision into a business that works in real life and supports your financial and lifestyle goals
• Support from the first plan through opening day, including projections, systems, training, timelines, and opening preparation
• A team that respects your budget and focuses on preventing costly mistakes and making the greatest impact
WHAT WE DO
Best
THE CAFE OPERATOR
Membership
The Cafe Operator Membership gives cafe owners access to practical resources, education, and ongoing support, including templates and tools, in depth classes, Help Line archives, the Cafe Operator Newsletter, and a closed community group where members can connect, learn, and grow together.
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INCLUDES:
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Access to Templates & Tools
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In-depth Classes
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Help Line Archives
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Cafe Operator Newsletter
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Closed Community Group
THE FULL
Cafe Audit
The Full Cafe Audit is a comprehensive review of your cafe designed to identify what is working, what needs attention, and where to focus next. Over a 6 month commitment, we take a deep dive with the owner and staff, develop a strategy overhaul with prioritized next steps, and provide access to Erica throughout the process.
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INCLUDES:
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6 month commitment
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Cafe Deep Dive with owner
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1:1 Deep Dive with staff
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Strategy Overhaul with prioritized next steps
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Access to Erica
CAFE S.O.S.
1:1 Consulting
Cafe SOS 1:1 Consulting gives you direct access to Erica when you need focused support, guidance, and a clear plan forward. Book a one hour session when you need it, with a meeting recording, next steps, action items, and accountability follow up to help you move forward.
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INCLUDES:
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1:1 hour with Erica
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Book when you need
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Meeting Recording
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Next Steps
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Action Items
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Accountability Follow Up
Our core Values
OUR WORD MEANS
SOMETHING.
We operate with unquestionable professionalism, honesty, and integrity. We meet deadlines, communicate clearly, charge transparently, and do what we say we will do.
OUR CLIENTS
MAKE MONEY
We do not create work just to stay busy. Every project should serve a real business purpose, and we aim to return significantly more value than our clients invest in us.
PEOPLE COME
BEFORE SYSTEMS.
We care about human beings above everything else. We question outdated practices, develop empathetic leaders, and build workplaces where people can do great work and have better jobs.
OUR WORK MATTERS
BEYOND THE CAFE.
We strengthen the small business economy, support the people who create jobs, and help cafes become better employers and stronger parts of their communities. We honor every person whose work brought coffee to the final point of service.
WE SHOULD ALL BE HAPPY.
OTHERWISE, WHAT’S THE POINT?
Your business should make money, but it should also make your life better. Owners should feel supported, teams should enjoy where they work, and customers should feel joy when they walk through the door. That’s what we’re all here for, right?
MEET THE TEAM
Meet the experienced team behind the work.
We bring together the knowledge, experience, and support needed to help cafe owners strengthen their businesses, develop their teams, and bring their vision to life.
Erica Escalante
Erica Escalante
FOUNDER + SENIOR CONSULTANT
Erica started working as a barista at 17 and opened her first cafe at 21. After nearly a decade building her multi-location cafe and bakery, she went on to serve as Head of Retail and Director of Operations for growing coffee companies. Today, she leads The Cafe Operator, bringing financial, operational, and people-focused support to independent coffee businesses across the country.
@escalante_erica
Eric Grimm
Eric Grimm
ASSOCIATE CONSULTANT
With 18 years in coffee, his experience spans barista work, management, sales, and notable companies across the industry. He is a certified HR consultant and an events specialist who has executed more than 2,000 cafe pop-ups.
@ericjgrimm
Tricia Lu
Tricia Lu
BUSINESS MANAGER & PROJECT SUPPORT
With 15 years in the industry, her experience includes a decade as a barista and trainer followed by five years in sales. She supports company operations and client projects. She is also the co-owner of Standstill Tea, a wholesale tea company.
@triciaa_lu
REaL RESULTS
for
REaL PEOPLE
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