Hello all... Recently, after a successful 10 year career as an over achieving IT project manager, I was laid off from Hewlett-Packard. I look at this as my big opportunity for starting my own business, so my partner/girlfriend and I are considering opening a espresso drive-thru. I'm very much a planner and analyst and would like to see some "Real-Life" sales and profit numbers before taking the plunge... in the espresso business that is. Does anyone have their own figures or experiences they'd like to share. We'd be greatful.

Thanks, Joe (former HP employee) (future espresso business owner)

-- Joseph Wright (Joseph_Wright@yahoo.com), September 26, 2003

Answers

Am a current HP employee and my wife and I opened a coffee shop 2 years ago, with a second opening in a couple weeks. Give me a call at 810-658-9708 and we can chat. By the way, she just left an 18 year career with EDS to do the coffee business full time.

-- Philip Prince (philip.prince@hp.com), October 05, 2003.

Hey Joe..

I worked for the Mukilteo School District for 15 years and left my position there to start up my own business as well.. however, my area is saturated, therefor i am selling everything.. if you think you may be interested in contacting me concerning any or all of this equipment i would be happy to discuss it with you... here is a listing of an ad i was preparing just yesterday..Anne

*Espresso* equipment, all inclusive store set-up for immediate sale

Espressimo Machine Cabinets/ Shelving Astoria Espresso Machine Warmers/Food Wells UFA European Grinder Laminate/Marble/Granite Countertops Ice Machine Tables/Chairs Refridgeration Cash Register Wet Sink w/Cont. Water Spigot Much more...

$8,000.00 or offer...

Everything you need to start your own Kiosk or Coffee Business!!

Call Anne @ 425.210.1403 Email anne_hudson03@yahoo.com

-- Anne Hudson (anne_hudson03@yahoo.com), October 30, 2003.

I am looking into buying an already established espresso stand and am wondering what kinds of costs to be aware of....

-- Lynnette Suckow (lsuckow@bmi.net), December 14, 2003.

I too am a 16 year EDSer who is planning on leaving corporate America and enter the coffee house business. Still pondering the brick and mortar method: i.e., Full scale coffee house, Kiosk, Drive- thru, consession trailer....I am in the Sacramento, CA area. I'm thinking about starting out small (drive thru) and grow from there. I am pretty business savy and understand "customer satisfaction". I spend a lot of time on the internet researching the business. Can't wait to join you all!!!

-- Arne (eastlund@pacbell.net), January 02, 2004.