WE DON’T JUST HELP YOU OPEN a CAFE.
WE HELP YOU BUILD THE BUSINESS BEHIND IT.
We work alongside future cafe owners to turn their ideas into financially informed, operationally sound brick-and-mortar businesses. From early projections and concept development to hiring, training, and opening day, our team helps you understand what needs to happen and works 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, 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.
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:
• Concept
• Financial projections
• Budget
• Timeline
• Operational needs
We identify what is missing, what needs attention, and the order in which decisions should be made.
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
Did you know:
Coffee shops commonly operate on profit margins between 0% and 10%, making informed planning and operational expertise essential.
Opening a brick-and-mortar cafe can cost $200,000 or more depending on the concept, size, location, construction needs, and equipment.
Opening a cafe is a major financial and personal undertaking, but with the right plan, it can become a meaningful business that serves you and your community for years.
What we can help with
Concept development, business model, target customer, competitive positioning, and company goals
Startup budgets, capital needs, financial projections, break-even analysis, and sales forecasting
Location evaluation support, occupancy-cost analysis, lease considerations, capacity planning, and sales feasibility
Project timelines, opening budgets, vendor coordination, permitting preparation, and pre-opening priorities
Floor plan and workflow review, bar design, equipment planning, production needs, and storage organization
Menu development, recipe costing, pricing strategy, product mix, menu design, and projected COGS
Brand experience, hospitality standards, customer journey, service model, and loyalty strategy
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
POS and register structure, technology needs, payment systems, reporting, and operational tools
Organizational structure, leadership roles, staffing plans, labor projections, compensation planning, and job descriptions
Hiring, onboarding, employee policies, HR compliance, team culture, and performance expectations
SOPs, opening and closing systems, inventory, ordering, receiving, purchasing, and vendor management
Manager coaching, leadership development, barista training, service training, and customized training programs
Soft-opening preparation, opening-week support, operational troubleshooting, and post-opening adjustments
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
