We don’t just give advice.
We help develop businesses.
We work alongside cafe owners to strengthen operations, improve financial performance, develop teams, and bring their vision to life. With ongoing consulting, you gain an experienced team that can help you decide what needs to happen and work with you to make it happen.
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.
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
• 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
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.
What we can help with
P&L analysis, financial projections, sales analytics, labor and COGS management, KPI tracking, and POS/register structure
Menu costing, pricing strategy, product mix analysis, recipe standardization, menu design, and seasonal planning
Company goal planning, strategic priorities, organizational structure, leadership structure, and job descriptions
Employee engagement, retention, hiring, onboarding, performance management, company policies, and employee relations
SOPs, inventory, purchasing, vendor management, scheduling, and opening and closing systems
Manager coaching, leadership development, shift lead training, team communication, accountability, and customized training programs
Hospitality standards, customer experience, loyalty programs, secret shopping, and sales-building strategies
Growth planning, new revenue opportunities, expansion, new location support, system implementation, and major business transitions
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
