£80K/month in Summer! This Seasonal Coffee Business Can't Survive the Quiet Months...

In this episode of Business Broadcast, the host dives into the entrepreneurial journey of Joe, the owner of Beach Barista, a mobile coffee van business that thrives in the South Devon beach areas during peak tourist seasons. Joe's business generates an impressive revenue of around £80,000 a month in summer but struggles tremendously during the winter months when sales plummet. He discusses the three challenges he faces: finding high-quality locations for his coffee vans, developing systems for profitability throughout the year, and managing the relatively high startup costs associated with each van.

Joe emphasizes the importance of location in increasing sales, indicating that some spots are far more profitable than others. The conversation further explores the difficulties of employing seasonal workers in a business that sees drastically fluctuating revenue. Joe aspires to stabilize his income by securing a new location that can operate year-round and dreams of franchising his model in the future.

As they discuss potential solutions, topics of diversifying his offerings, such as possibly opening a permanent coffee shop or exploring partnerships, are highlighted. The host also encourages Joe to envision his long-term goals, urging him to think bigger and plan strategically. By looking ahead 10 years, Joe can better outline the steps to achieve this vision, whether it involves pivoting to a more profitable business model or acquiring established coffee shops to bolster his brand.

Joe reflects on his current situation, revealing that while he pays himself a subsistence wage, he's looking for ways to be compensated fairly for the risks and responsibilities he undertakes. Through this conversation, Joe gains insight into how he can leverage existing resources, think creatively about new opportunities, and ultimately transform Beach Barista into a sustainable and profitable business.