I am happy to present to you our eighteenth local business spotlighted in the Pay it Forward feature – The Shop Coffee-Tea-Etc.
Our recent Lake County business featured was Locals Barber + Salon and owner, Stacie Walker, chose to Pay it Forward to Kim & Evan, owners of The Shop Coffee-Tea-Etc.
The catch is that I will not choose the next business to interview, but the current spotlighted business will choose who I will interview next. Local businesses will Pay it Forward.
The Shop Coffee-Tea-Etc. is a locally owned and operated trendy and cozy coffee shop offering a wide selection of exceptional coffees, teas, shakes, smoothies and more … with plenty of non-dairy options.
Every month offers different mouth-watering specials – from thin mint mochas to fruity pebble matchas. They also offer paninis, wraps, and breakfast items to please any patron’s palette. Their service is top-notch, with several 5-star reviews and a modern-day approach.
The atmosphere does not disappoint as the décor is pleasing to car enthusiasts and non-gearheads alike. As you enter The Shop, your eyes do not deceive you as an engine block suspends from the ceiling while a carburetor is brilliantly custom-designed atop coffee makers.
The Shop is dedicated to our local community – even hosting a Cars & Coffee event. The Shop is definitely worth a visit.
1. Why did you decide to start your own business?
Evan and I had extra space when we opened Papa Murphy’s. We just used it as storage. For a few years, we talked about what to do with the space. A few people had suggested that Evan try his hand at interior design. The space was small, so we needed to find a business that did not require a lot of room. The idea of a coffee shop came up, with Evan’s knowledge of building and Kim’s culinary background, the idea was born.
Evan got to work building out The Shop. He had a specific idea in mind and set out to create his vision. He built and designed the entire shop by himself. Kim got busy getting the business ready to operate, and she and Faith, a longtime employee at Papa Murphy’s who has become part of our family, started creating a menu.
2. What advice would you give to someone just starting their own business?
Do your research before you jump all in. Evan and I have seen at least 15 businesses come and go in Lakeport since we opened Papa Murphy’s. All of these people had a dream and a good product. They just didn’t understand the complexity of what they were getting into. Also, be realistic, business is a continuous math problem not just a wish that has to come true.
3. What routines do you follow each day?
We are very structured. What people want is consistency in a clean environment. That is our goal. We strive to give our customers the same tasting product every time they come in.
We have very specific recipes that the employees follow for each drink, but also give them creative freedom to come up with their own additions to the menu.
We have checklists for different times of the day. One for opening duties, one for mid-shift duties, and one for closing duties. That way we can ensure the shop is clean, stocked, and ready for the next customer at all times.
4. Where do you see your business in five years? Ten?
Realistically with the size of our space and the complexity of Lakeport, this location does not have a lot of room for expansion. We would like to expand into another town, but that is dependent on finding a location that makes sense and having an employee who would like to manage it. As stated above it can’t be a wish, the math has to make sense.
5. How did you market your business when it was brand new?
When we first opened, we collectively decided to open kind of quietly. Having both grown up in Lake County, we have seen businesses open and get slaughtered by the public for not having it all together when they first open their doors. So, we quietly opened and found a routine and flow for operations.
Once we got our flow, we put out a lot of radio ads as well as social media posts.
6. If you could spend the day with anyone (living or who has passed on) who would it be and why?
Evan and I were both very inspired by Robert Kiyasaki, the author of Rich Dad Poor Dad. His book has helped shape the way we see success and how we implement it into our daily lives.
We both would love to sit down and have a conversation with Elon Musk. We can only imagine how fascinating it would be.
Kim & Evan – owners & operators of The Shop
1377 B. South Main St., Lakeport, Ca 95453
707-263-0100
Facebook and Instagram is @Theshopcoffee
We are open 7 days a week
Monday-Saturday 7:00 am – 5:30 pm
Sunday 7:00 am – 4:30 pm
You can walk in/ Call in/ Order Online/ or DoorDash
Kim & Evan would like to Pay it Forward to Sassys Salon.
Stay tuned for Sassys Salon!
