Specialty coffee shop owner reveals startup struggles, hiring woes

Lorena, owner of Bristol Coffee, a specialty coffee shop in Viladecans, Barcelona, revealed the demanding realities of entrepreneurship in a podcast interview. She invested approximately 100,000 euros to launch the business, facing an initial obstacle in obtaining the correct operating license. Spain requires a specific license for coffee shops, but Lorena initially secured a bakery license, which restricted her ability to serve customers at tables.

Despite the early challenges, the business found its footing and began to grow. Within its first year, Bristol Coffee generated a profit of 138,000 euros, resulting in a net profit margin of 8-9%. This means that for every 100 euros earned, the shop retains 8 to 9 euros. Monthly revenue typically ranges between 11,000 and 12,000 euros. Fixed costs, including rent and salaries, amount to 7,000 to 7,500 euros, with merchandise costs for coffee beans, milk, and baked goods adding another 2,000 to 3,000 euros.

Lorena, who lived in England for several years, admitted she didn't initially like coffee. However, recognizing the business potential, she pursued training as a barista and learned about coffee roasting, noting the increasing popularity of quality coffee in Spain. "I started researching the world of roasting, I trained as a barista and saw that here in Spain real coffee was gaining strength," she explained.

The most persistent challenge for Lorena, however, is staffing. She described the difficulty in hiring, stating, "What I struggle with the most is personnel. Sometimes I call 15 people for an interview, I have appointments with nine, and only one shows up." This high rate of no-shows forces her to constantly adjust operational plans.