As part of an initiative of the Forbes Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber invites local businesses to portray their business, their challenges and what their plans are for the future. This week it was Linda Rees turn from Esme’s Coffee Shop which she has owned for 15 years after purchasing it from the Curry’s in November 2000.
Linda said she “thought it would be an easy job”. It has turned out to be very labour intensive, and particularly with her food, as everything is home cooked. She concentrates on ‘plain’ home-cooked food and admits they do very well with this type of food. It is particularly appreciated by the older clientele who visit regularly. The biggest change in her business has been the uptake in coffee sales. When Linda changed her brand of coffee to Bills Beans she saw an immediate rise of approximately 25% in sales. Esme’s is the fastest growing coffee reseller of Bills Beans in the Central West. Bills Beans would only allow her to sell their coffee if she agreed to make it the way that they wanted her to make it, as they didn’t want people having coffee served which wasn’t up to their standard. And it has
obviously worked for her with sales improving each month.
“One of my main challenges, as I am sure is the same with most businesses is finding, training and keeping the right staff. A surprising number of people, either through absent-mindedness or some other motive, also simply forget to pay. We have put in new technology and this is helping us streamline how we operate.” If you are looking to take over a great business in Forbes, this business is up for sale, but if you are simply looking for a great cup
of coffee then head to Esme’s.