What do you think of this idea?

sarahtucker · February 2012

My BIL has an idea for serving high end espresso at weddings and such. He's worked at Starbucks for 4 years so he has the experience and is attractive and personable. He would get really good at foam art and get a liquor license for alcohol coffee drinks. Everyone we have talked to thinks it would be a great idea, myself included. I feel like brides are always looking for the next cool thing, photo booths, candy bars, performers, you name it. And who doesn't love coffee, especially us Seattlites? I think it would be a hit at dessert receptions, high end retirement parties, and graduations.

He wants to start with just seeing if there would be a niche for it. So, what do you ladies think?

Thanks!

KST_ · February 2012

I know there is at least one company that does this already, I think it's called Espresso in Motion. I saw them at the wedding show and my former coworker's son had them at his wedding. Not to say there isn't room for competition! Just that it is out there in Seattle area already.

merrileekate · February 2012

I've also seen companies like this in Seattle. I'm not sure if the existing ones do alcoholic coffee drinks or not but it seems like that would be a good competetive offering for weddings and parties.

The building management company that runs the building I work in brings in an espresso catering company every Christmas to provide free coffee. I know my company has also hired one of those companies to do work events. I think that type of business could draw both corporate and personal customers.

jennuinne · February 2012

Yes, I think people would totally pay for this. But, I think there are at least 2 companies in Seattle that already do this.

I am a coffee freak and DH & I met at Starbucks, so I was into the idea, but it was just too expensive and not necessary enough to justify for me. If I had a bigger budget, I would've have probably done it.

jennuinne · February 2012

I googled it and found these companies:

http://www.espresso-catering.com/ (Federal Way)

http://www.espressoelegance.com/ (Seattle)

http://www.weddingwire.com/biz/espresso-catering-burlington/website/910a2c04af803cc3.html (Burlington)

karebear219 · February 2012

I love the idea. I actually wanted to do it for my wedding, but it wasn't in the budget. I think he should do some research and put together a business plan to see if there is enough of a market to support it. If he is just going to try it out, at least look at what start up costs would be and see how much money he might lose if it doesn't take off.

KimberlyS530 · February 2012

We had an espresso cart at our wedding for 2 hours (from 10-midnight) serving lattes, mochas, etc. They also offered Italian sodas.

Just a thought - we did *not* want alcoholic coffee drinks (and our venue never would have let us bring that in anyway), as our guests also had full access to an open bar for the entire evening, and the coffee was actually our subtle / tricky way of trying to slow them down before they got too sloppy drunk.

There's definitely a business for it, though - our wedding planner was the one who suggested it and she said her clients use it frequently. We loved it - they were there on time, they made gorgeous drinks, we had our own customized menu, the staff were professional and our guests raved. If your BIL could pull that off, he could be very successful. I can PIP some pictures from it later if you want? (Running out the door now...)

dreamwinds · February 2012

Espresso Elegance comes to Microsoft a lot. They have pretty good coffee and the older man who used to barista (I don't know if he's still there, been a while since I've seen him) was really super nice.

Not to be a downer, but I think this niche is already pretty well covered in the Seattle area.

KimberlyS530 · February 2012

dreamwinds:
Espresso Elegance comes to Microsoft a lot. They have pretty good coffee and the older man who used to barista (I don't know if he's still there, been a while since I've seen him) was really super nice.

This was who we used. For pricing, I think it was roughly $1,000 (tip included). Also, something to think about - the only pit we had with EE was simply that they used paper cups, and I didn't want paper cups at my wedding since I thought that seemed kind of tacky. Thankfully my wedding planner realized this in advance and we were able to rent the nice standard coffee cups, but it might be worth looking into providing that as an option since I can't imagine I was the only bride who was like, "No paper cups and plastic lids!"

sarahtucker · February 2012

Thanks so much ladies, I knew you would have opinions, haha.

He would definitely start with a business plan and whatnot. He is a very smart guy, and good with money, so he would want to take every precaution. He is going to El Salvador for 6 months for missionary work and then he wants to get things going once he's back in the states. I will pass on your comments and show him the website of some of the competition.

For those of you who have had this service, could you think of anything that would make it more special or unique?

amandasw · February 2012

I guess I'm out of the loop because I've never heard of this! Glad other people could give you a better idea of the market.

However, I totally think there is room to make his business unique. Anything from being "green" (shade-grown coffee, no paper cups, organic etc) to showcasing his foam design abilities etc. Good luck!

SoundersChick · February 2012

I think this is a great idea.

What do you think of this idea?

Re: What do you think of this idea?

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