CAFE CONSULTATION

What is a cafe consultant?

A café consultant is a strategic partner who helps turn a coffee business into a thriving, sustainable operation. They bring expertise in areas like menu development, cost control, workflow efficiency, branding, and customer experience to identify what’s working, what’s not, and where the biggest opportunities lie. Whether launching a new concept or refining an existing café, a consultant provides practical, hands-on guidance to improve profitability, streamline operations, and create a space that customers genuinely connect with.

Why hire jerrica?

If you’ve never stood behind the counter of your own business feeling the weight of every title you carry: owner, operator, content creator, brand developer, chef, barista, manager, handyman and so much more- then you don’t truly know pressure of running your own cafe. I opened my first cafe in 2022 after leasing a tiny space at a car wash in late 2021. I navigated city permits, health inspections, building out the space, sourcing equipment, finding suppliers, developing the menu, and more. This process underscored more than anything the importance of only hiring help that was aligned with my vision and understood my goals. A recommendation for a supplier is useless if it prioritizes pricing when I’m focused more on quality. Training that focuses on speed when my goal is to create an experience that highlights connection was not what I was looking for.

During my journey with my cafe I took to social media to document the process- amassing more than 20K followers across all platforms, grossing over 1.5 million views, and creating a loyal following that translated into dedicated customers. Along the way I acquired a mobile trailer, attending markets and hosting events to generate revenue while promoting my business to new customers. Unfortunately, my cafe closed in 2023 due to circumstances outside of my control. Since then, I have been on the hunt for a new location- which is a journey in itself. I understand the stress of searching for the perfect place to make your dreams come true, and the hopes and letdowns that come with that process. While I haven’t found it yet, I also haven’t wasted any time honing my craft. As soon as the cafe closed, I pivoted my social media accounts to highlighting other small businesses (mostly cafes) to help support local owners trying to make it in an increasingly difficult economy. My social media continued to thrive, and the feedback I received from the businesses was incredible. I use my own money, my own time and my personal platform to help out small businesses where I can- and what I gain is continued market research about the cafe business.

In early 2025 I began my first consulting project- offering my expertise to a Vancouver-based Social Enterprise cafe. I lead them through a menu update, renovation, sourced new suppliers, upgraded equipment, started a new coffee program, brought in retail items, gave recommendations for content creation, developed policies, updated operating hours and hired and trained 7 new staff members. The cafe continues to thrive and evolve with a renewed sense of motivation attributed to my presence. My next project is an exciting kiosk concept creating inclusive employment opportunities for people facing barriers.

Social enterprise expertise

Sometimes it seems every charity thinks a social enterprise cafe will be their key to a continuous stream of revenue to fuel their organization. Everyone loves coffee right? Unfortunately, many social enterprises operate more like a non-profit program than a business. That’s where I come in- having several years of non-profit experience combined with cafe ownership experience- I understand the balance of both priorities. I can help create and execute a vision that can further the goals of your organization without becoming a drain on your resources. Whether it’s an employment training program you’re looking to build, or a revenue generator your planning- we can create a cafe that is an asset to the community and your company.

However, it isn’t just social enterprises that I can support. Whether you’re in the planning stages, you’ve leased a space and you’re wondering what the next steps are, or you’re already operating a cafe that needs some updating- I am happy to help. The approach I take is to learn what your goals are, what your vision is- and to ensured I’m the right fit before moving forward. We’ll work together in alignment to achieve the cafe of your dreams. I specialize in creating memorable experiences with quality products, creating spaces that encourage connection, and building a customer base that feels like family. Your business doesn’t have to feel like work (although it will be a lot of work- don’t kid yourself!)- it can be fun, exciting, and an integral part of your community!