Pera ni Juan

Do you know how big Starbucks is? As of today Starbucks has 16,635 stores in 49 countries. That's a lot. In the Philippines, you could see a Starbucks joint on each corner in Ayala Avenue in Makati City. It's like mushroom. Once a Starbucks joint sprouted in one area, others Starbucks joint will follow. In fact I saw two Starbucks joint facing each other (only a street that separates them).

Starbucks is the pioneer of coffee shop around the world. The original Starbucks was opened in Seattle, Washington in 1971 where at that time their main purpose was to sell high quality coffee beans and equipment. It was only when entrepreneur Howard Schultz, who joined the company in 1982 as Director of Retail Operations and Marketing, started selling coffee and espresso drinks. The rest as we all know is history. Howard Schultz is now Starbucks' Chairman, President and CEO.

Because of the Starbucks sensation and popularity, other coffee shops came into play. There's
Coffee Beanery, Figaro, Gloria Jean's, Seattle's Best, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf and so on and so forth. Each coffee shop has each own niche and target customers. But to me, even if I'm tired of the taste of Starbucks coffee... I would still put them on top of my list because of the numerous outlets in the country. It's like BPI ATM machine. It's always there when you need them even if you're in top of the mountain.

One thing I like about Starbucks is the Hotspot (Wi-Fi) where you get Internet access inside their outlet. The place is my definition of peace and tranquility. You're objective is to relax and unwind. Some people used Starbucks as a place to meet and talk business. Others is just to meet friends and talk about the newest gadgets or gossips in town.

If it's possible, I like to have a Starbucks franchise outlet just inside my village where it can cater up to 4,000 homeowners. You would monopolize the whole subdivision. Homeowners don't have to go out anymore of their village. They can just walk in their relaxing house clothes with their friends and/or families. In fact, delivery is also an option since there is no traffic inside the village and homeowners can get their coffee still hot.

So if you want to be a successful coffee entrepreneur, just follow the Starbucks Sensation and follow their business module. You can be a Starbucks franchisee (only in U.S.), a Barista, or you could make your own coffee shop.
Customers will keep on coming in if your coffee shop has a good ambiance, has Wi-Fi, and the coffee is gratifying.

Just remember follow the Starbucks sensation business module. Who knows you might have 100 outlets in the future.