Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Thomas Gohring, owner of Kick Butt Coffee, located in Austin, TX.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I learned after first opening in February of 2008 that because of our name, Kick Butt Coffee, our coffee couldn't just be good. It had to be great! That is what we strive for. Our offerings include the traditional coffee offers plus frappys, smoothies, teas, beer, wine, mixed drinks, plus a full kitchen menu including baked goods, breakfast tacos, pizzas, solid lunch sandwich offering, and more. All made in-house. We are in a business district, so most daytime customers work in the area. There is a community college that opens a campus next to us, so we also have students. And as a live music venue, we draw from all over the city for shows.
Tell us about yourself
Kick Butt Coffee is my third business, although it is really three businesses in one. Kick Butt is a coffee house, a restaurant, and a live-music venue with nightly, comedy, burlesque, open mics, and a haven for punk and metal shows. I have also run Master Gohring's Tai Chi & Kung Fu since 1996 hence the name Kick Butt Coffee. Thirdly, I have also run a real-estate company, aka I own some rental properties since 2007.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I moved my martial arts studio from where it was for 25 years (up the street from Kick Butt Coffee) to right next to Kick Butt Coffee. I did this in the middle of the pandemic during the lockdown. With the pandemic ending, it turns out to be the best business decision I have made in a long time.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Learning how to be a good boss. Employees are not you. A rare one might care as much as you, but they are not you. I started (my martial arts business) on my own. Now between the three companies, I have 20 employees. I lost many in the beginning due partly because I didn't understand my role in their success. Of the 20, I can proudly say that they might have been with me 6-10 years, and three have been with me more than two years.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
1. Don't get into the coffee/restaurant business. Margins are thin. Competition is tough. Customers are unforgiving. Pick something else.
2. Whatever business you do decide to go into, you should start off as self-employed. If you have always worked for someone else, you won't make it. It costs more than you think and is a lot harder than you think.
3. Get a mentor. Pay for a mentor. Learn from someone who is already successful in what you want to do.
Anything else you'd like to share?
Want to start a business? Start now. Start as self-employed. Do it all yourself. Learn what it takes through your own personal experience. Your customers will educate you on what you need to be. Listen, adapt and grow.
Where can people find you and your business?
https://instagram.com/kickbuttcoffee
https://twitter.com/kickbuttcoffee1
https://facebook.com/kickbuttcoffee1
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.
