Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Abbe Rivers, Owner of Empire Coffee & Tea Co., located in Hoboken, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We're a specialty gourmet coffee & tea by-the-pound shop with an insanely busy espresso bar. We also have a selection of pastries, chocolates, cookies, snacks, mugs, gift baskets, and everything one needs to brew coffee or tea.
As a cozy corner neighborhood shop nestled between schools & parks, our customer base varies from our loyal neighbors, teachers, families, artists, city workers, fellow business owners, and since COVID, all of our friends who work from home! So basically, everyone in town loves Empire!
Tell us about yourself
My husband Paul & I took over Empire & Tea NYC in the early nineties (I was pursuing a career as a rock star at the time) and soon opened a second shop here in beautiful downtown Hoboken. The business started as a tiny "hole in the wall" bean & tea shop in Hell's Kitchen, and over time we evolved into the diverse hybrid specialty shop & coffee bar we are now. My husband roasts all of our spectacular coffee in upstate New York. I handle all the purchasing of stock; window displays & hiring. We pride ourselves on two things: our product and our staff. They're a fabulous, motivated, knowledgeable crew, loved by all, and we couldn't do what we do without them! They've also allowed us the time to raise our amazingly 18-year-old son.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Twenty-eight years, Love, 28 successful years…
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Troubleshooting when things break or go wrong is bound to happen from time to time. Also, doing the schedule can be daunting. And accounting/bookkeeping is no picnic.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do your research on the type of business you're thinking about and expect to evolve over time. Be aware of trends & always be prepared for change & improvement.
- Carefully study the demographics of the neighborhood you are looking to open up in.
- Expect to be there 24/7 for at least the first five years. Follow your heart & instincts. Love what you do.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.empirecoffeetea.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpireCoffeeTea/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empirecoffeeandteaco/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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