A Bespoke Coffee - Gotham Coffee Roasters

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christopher Calkins, Founder of Gotham Coffee Roasters, located in New York, NY, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We are a New York-based specialty coffee roaster. We sell coffee via our 19th street cafe as well as retail online and wholesale nationwide.

Tell us about yourself

I worked for the original owners of Starbucks in the late '70s and later apprenticed to Alfred Peet. I've done this for a long time.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

To provide well-paying jobs in a safe and respectful environment.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Dealing with pressures that weigh on the very owner. Cashflow, pandemics.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

1. It's never easy.
2. Don't make assumptions.
3. Don't start unless you have a burning passion for what you're getting into.
4. Try not to be undercapitalized; everything costs more than what you think.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.gothamroasters.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gothamroasters
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gothamroasters/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gothamroasters

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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