Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marke McNichol, owner of Platform 7 Coffee Brew Bar, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

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

Platform 7 is a high-art coffee brew bar. We exclusively serve Stumptown Coffee from Portland, Oregon. Stumptown is considered one of the best roasters in North America. We offer a selection of Stumptown Single Origin coffees from the world's finest coffee-growing regions. The architectural design of the cafes is inspired by European train stations. With very eclectic curated music simmering over the sound system, the feel is an adventurous train station that embodies the passion & excitement of a journey to new lands. One of the cornerstones of Platform 7 is our "Woodstock" philosophy. It is the central theme of what we are creating inside the cafes. Beyond the obvious sex, drugs, and rock n' roll that most people associate with Woodstock, I have always felt that Woodstock's truer and more meaningful aspects were love, peace, & connection. This is what Platform 7 is truly about.

Tell us about yourself

I’ve owned several businesses, the last two being a bar as well as a restaurant but in 2012 decided to open a high-end coffee house in Vancouver. Coffee has been a long-standing sector in Vancouver, but Third-Wave Coffee was not well represented. I wanted to design a very unique space and, with my love of trains, led the design to be inspired by European train stations. Among many key elements of what Platform 7 was going to present, one significant element was a feel…an experience that customers would feel a part of. From the minute a customer walks in the door, a sensory journey begins with visual design elements, aromatics, auditory, and the connection with staff and other customers. Being able to present this kind of experience is what makes each day magical.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being able to express myself in an authentic & passionate way and have staff be a part of my vision and to experience for themselves the joy and satisfaction that customers feel is such a rewarding feeling. I’ve heard from countless ex-staff members that working at Platform 7 was the best job they have had so far. That is a testament to what I originally envisioned.

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

All the associated struggles & challenges of COVID have been the hardest times, but if we remove the entire COVID-era from the answer, the significant escalation of cost in multiple categories has been the biggest challenge. In order to stay in business and have financial stability, it takes great courage, dedication, and smart decisions regarding product offering and presentation. Great customer service is such a cliché – but it truly is so difficult actually to achieve. Platform 7 has been blessed with amazing staff and their love & passion for presenting Platform 7-style customer service. I’m incredibly proud to say we’ve nailed exceptional customer service.

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

  1. Select a product or service that you can do MUCH better than the next best competitor.
  2. Pay attention to the smallest details.
  3. Be properly capitalized & watch your pennies!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I’m very grateful for the loyal & dedicated customer base that Platform 7 has built over the last seven years. We are looking to open a 3rd Platform 7 and continue to spread our “Woodstock” philosophy and high-art coffee culture.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://platform7coffee.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/platform7coffee/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/platform7coffee/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/platform7coffee


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.

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