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Understand the numbers, make informed decisions, and build the operational foundation your coffee shop needs from the beginning.
The Cafe Operator is here to help you do it.
Coffee shops on average only make 0-10% profit margin…
BUILD A STRONGER CAFE BUSINESS.
OUR OFFERINGS
CONSULTING
Holistic guidance from experienced experts, tailored to your business and its goals.
EDUCATION
Practical classes covering every part of running and growing a cafe business.
EVENTS
Bringing the coffee community together to learn, connect, and celebrate.
education for people who run cafes
the
cafe
operator
Expert coffee shop consulting and practical
MEET ERICa
CAFE OPERATOR OWNER/FOUNDER
Owner/Founder
Cafe owner turned operator, educator, and industry leader.
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Erica Escalante has spent more than 18 years in specialty coffee, including nearly a decade building and operating her own multi-location cafe and bakery. She has led businesses at every level, from teams, menus, and daily operations to financial strategy and company-wide growth.
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Erica founded The Cafe Operator to make practical business education and experienced support more accessible to the people building brick-and-mortar coffee businesses.
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Meet Erica & the team
REaL RESULTS
for
REaL PEOPLE
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Not your average consultants…
We bring P&L and people together, combining financial and operational expertise with a current understanding of today’s workforce. Our advice is practical, encouraging, and delivered with care for your vision.
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32+ BUSINESSES SUPPORTED
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Across the country, from independent cafes to companies with 27 locations.
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THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS SAVED
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By reducing turnover, strengthening employee engagement, and finding where businesses are losing money.
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HUNDREDS OF OPERATORS TAUGHT
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From baristas and shift leads to managers and owners, through virtual classes and standing-room-only industry lectures.
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WE’VE BEEN IN YOUR SHOES.
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Our team has worked at every level of cafe operations, from barista and manager to executive leadership and ownership. We are working from decades of experience.
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$15 - 40 K
Average cost of avoidable first-year mistakes
60%
Of independent cafes close within the first year
12 HRS
Average weekly hours owners spend on fixable operational problems
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Cobalt
Lemon
Peach
What's Inside the
MEMBERSHIP
Access the full library the day you subscribe.
Everything in one subscription.
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WE know what you're thinking.
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“I CAN’T AFFORD CONSULTING.”
You could be right! One-on-one consulting is a higher-priced service, and we know firsthand what it’s like to run a business when cash is tight. We’ll always be mindful of your budget and recommend what makes the most sense, whether that’s a focused coaching session, an ongoing consulting agreement, or a virtual class covering exactly what you need.
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“YOU WON’T UNDERSTAND MY BUSINESS.”
Every cafe has different people, goals, challenges, and resources. Our guidance is built around your actual business, not a one-size-fits-all playbook. We want your dreams to come true - for your business and for yourself.
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“I NEED TO CLEAN UP MY BUSINESS BEFORE I BRING ANYONE IN.”
Please don’t. We’ve seen it all, and helping sort through the mess is exactly what we do. We’ll roll up our sleeves, meet you where you are, and work through it with you without judgment.
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“CAN YOU ACTUALLY HELP ME?”
We look beyond surface-level problems to understand what’s happening with your finances, operations, and people. Then we help you identify the right priorities and make changes that work in real life. If we aren’t the right people to help, we’ll be honest about that too.
