Philly CafeBuntu?

[lamalex]

Is anyone interested in entering a business venture of an Ubuntu based cybercafe in or around philly?

[midia]

I used to manage one. It was Windows-based and even hosted some servers for small businesses. Like I've pined before on another thread, I'm out of work right now so I have no funds to go in on one with you. But if you want my thoughts on the matter, or help, let me know and we can hook up.

Midia

[lamalex]

Yeah I would definately love to meet up. Do you live in or around philly? Would you like to meet up sometime soon and discuss over coffee or something?

[andrewski]

I'd be interested in coming to visit. :)

[kejava]

I had a strong interest in starting a cybercafe a few years back. That was after I started working with LTSP (see ltsp.org). I made a few test networks and found that thin client technology is a beautiful thing. But then my small software development business got super busy and I had to put my cybercafe interests on the back burner.

I'm still busy with my existing business but I'm on the tail end of two projects. Even if you're not looking for a partner, I would like to help you out. I think we spoke in IRC a few days back. I'll catch up with you.

[lamalex]

I'm looking for potentially a partner, or just someone with some insight. At this point in time I have ideas but I don't where where to go with them. The other night I got bored and did some theoretical interior decorating and it was looking pretty good, circular tables painted like ubuntu logo!

[kejava]

Are you looking for cybercafe software yet? I had some dead links to DireqCafe. Turns out it forked to ZybaCafe and then OutKafe (http://outkastsolutions.co.za/outkast/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30&Itemid=37). Gotta love forks :guitar:

I like your idea of the Ubuntu tables. Goes without saying but talk with the people at Conanical before you do anything with their logo. They're very strict about trademarks, copyrights, etc.

Add section of PCs just for kids. Small, colorful keyboards and maybe even touch screen monitors. Add lots of content filtering. Dan's Guardian and squid come to mind. That will bring in the stay home moms and dads.

You may want to have a night set aside for gamers. They'll most like bring their own PCs but can use your existing network. BTW, I'm no gamer but I hear it's what all those crazy kids are into nowadays ;-)

Let them place orders for coffee from the PC. Of course, they need to be members to start a tab.

Keep a huge collection of Ubuntu books to sell.

Allow people to print but charge them up the wazoo, like a dollar a sheet. Gotta save them trees man.

Put a big, fat linux penguin drinking coffee just outside the entrance. Similar to the Big Boys monstrosity, only without the soulless eyes.

[lamalex]

I haven't started looking into anything yet, this is the most alpha project on planet earth, development phase won't start until early may when I'm out of school. Those are all great ideas though. I'll look into that cafe software but I'm sure it's all stuff I can do myself by hand.

[bfledderjohn]

I think that you'd still want some of the standard coffee house fare - Open mic accoustic nights, poetry readings (or slams), great coffee and good food. Otherwise it won't work regardless of the cool Ubuntu stuff! Although there could be a "hybrid" concept. Merging a Coffee House/Cybercafe with a UPS Store. This I think would be very popular with the home based business and road warriors, where they can handle business while on the road (email, web based apps, printing, copying, shipping, mailing, and get a good cup of coffee!.) My family owned two Mail Boxes Etc. franchises for 10 years, so I can vouch for the power of that side of the business, and I always thought it would be nice to have a coffee house attached to the MBE.

The problem is you would be open from like 6am to 10pm or something, so the cost of staffing would be a major concern.

[lamalex]

Yes of course I was going to do the coffee, and had already thought of OPEN night might. as in OPEN source :) clever yes? Now I just need money... I'm already way in debt with school loans.

[kejava]

I suggest that you make every attempt to NOT use your own money for this. Establish a business entity, gather partners, and create a sound business plan (BP). When you and your partners are ready, take that BP to a bank and get a loan.

I started my business with my own money but that's only because I had very little overhead expenses. In your case, you'll need a location with lots of foot traffic. That will cost big $. You also need to renovate the space, advertise, get liability insurance, a lawyer, a CPA ... The list goes on.

I think what you're doing now is great. Keep your feelers out and continue getting ideas. Take notes ;-) Definitely finish school before you jump into this but don't let the money hold you back. If your idea is polished enough, banks and investors will throw money at it.

I agree with bfledderjohn on merging with another existing business. Cybercafe + and eBay store (iSOLD It, dropnsell) would be great.

[bfledderjohn]

Iamalex,

I didn't say that you have to serve coffee.... I said you have to serve great coffee! :-) I know that you know that coffee is important, but you really have to make something special (especially in and around Philly since there are so many choices).

If I come across as heavy handed, I'm sorry. But if you don't plan properly and approach this carefully and work extremely hard it will fail. With that being said, I think that this has GREAT potential as well!!!!! I like the idea, I would frequent the place, and I think it could do very well!

Here in Harrisburg to start a retail establishment or coffee house with the custom fixtures you are looking at about $120,000 to $200,000 or even more. Philly is probably quite a bit more, instead of $15/sq. ft. - $20/sq. ft. triple net you are probably looking at over $25 outside of downtown. Downtown may be over $50/sq ft. Honestly, I have no idea about downtown Philly, but I imagine that could be accurate.

You will need to put together a business plan to secure funding from either private investors, an angel, venture capitalist, or a bank. I'd be more than happy to help where I can.

[midia]

Meeting up sounds like fun.
This is the nearest intersection to me:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=
Church+Rd+and+Township+line+Rd+19111&layer=
&sll=40.071044,-75.098569&sspn=0.007849,0.014806&ie=
UTF8&z=16&ll=40.071044,-75.098569&spn=0.007849,0.014806&om=
1&iwloc=addr

If you want to get together let's find a restaurant, pub, or cafe central to us all and meet in a week or two.

Midia (Mike)
midia@lords.com

[lamalex]

Are you going to be around this weekend? Maybe we could meet up for coffee in Center City? There's a really good place around 11th and Pine (I think that's where it is).