"One, two, three, five...ten coffee shops" I counted to myself as I strolled down the streets of my neighborhood, in disbelief at how many coffee shops have accumulated in such a small radius. I'm not even kidding though. One block I counted 6 coffee shops so don't even get me started on the other blocks. I live in the quaint and quirky beach town of Ocean Beach located in San Diego, California. The beach is not as easy of a market as some may think- businesses come and go with the wind. With high rents, rising costs and seasonal tourism, it is not the easiest market to conquer. However there are always bright eyed and hopeful entrepreneurs, like myself, with their sights set on running a successful and profitable business by the beach and living the dream.
So how the heck do you stay competitive when it feels like your market is saturated and everyone and their mom and their mamas mom has opened up a cafe or juice shop or acai bowl company around you? Our take?? Healthy competition is always a plus. You don't want people in your space that are failing and closing down- you want to see your peers growing and thriving because chances are if they are- then you are too. There is room for everyone at the table- but you have to be able to stand out and not only bring customers in, but retain customers and keep them coming back.
Here are our Top 5 Ways to Retain Cafe Customers in 2025:
1. DONT BE AFRAID TO CHANGE-
Change does not have to be as dramatic and drastic as people think. If you think your business is perfect and has absolutely nothing to improve on or change then I'm sorry to tell you this but chances are your business is a selfish narcissit. Just kidding!! But for the sake of this blog and for entertainment lets compare your business to us as humans. There are always things that can change or be re-evaluated for the better- whether its spring cleaning and organizing your home, going to a therapist, or whether its making operations more efficient, menu updates, decorations, ingredients, scheduling. Positive change for the better reflects a level of effort that shows your customers and employees that you care- that you are self aware, hip with the times and willing to do what needs to be done to deliver the best experience EVERY.SINGLE.DAY :)
2. INNOVATE-
Along with change comes the opportunity to innovate. Why follow trends when you can be the trend setter? You are THAT b. You stand on business. Show off that creative side you have- and if you dont have a creative side hire someone with one. Do your own research and development, stay in the loop and remember knowledge is always power. A great way to stay inspired is to play! Play with different ingredients that yeild a variety of tastes, presentation and most of all don't be afraid to be different and stand out. That's how Good & Super Superfoods was born. We didn't make it here by playing it safe. & now we have a whole line of rad superfoods for YOU to play with, innovate with and thrive with.
3. KEEP UP WITH SOCIAL MEDIA-
Even if you personally are not into social media it is super important that your business has an online presence. It doesn't matter so much anymore how many likes or views you have on a post but moreso what matters is the fact that you are posting. It lets people know that you are still open and in business and keeps your business at the top of their minds. Not to mention that opportunity to build community. Share your behind the scenes, your passion and creativity, clips of your offerings and promotions or highlights of your employees and customers. Secondly, social media is great place to research and know what the trends are. I know, I know I literally just said to innovate and become the trend setter but on the flip side following trends can be a great thing too. Did you know? Almost 40% of cafe customers follow viral food and beverage trends on social media. It can bring new customers to your cafe and keep existing customers coming back for new things to try.
4. INGREDIENTS INGREDIENTS INGREDIENTS -
Aside from offering the traditional food and beverage items, also add offerings that highlight special ingredients and what they can do for your customer. For example, adding a functional coffee with Good & Super Organic Lions Mane Mushroom or perhaps a Blue Moon Matcha specially crafted with Good & Super Organic Blue Spirulina & Organic Latte Grade Matcha. In a crowded market, your business can stand out by delivering the “wow” factor and surprising consumers with fun and indulgent ingredients and experiences.
5. MARKETING-
I am always in shock when a business owner says that they do not have room in the budget for marketing. When you really think about it.. marketing is everything!! It brings brand awareness, promotes your business and allows your business the chance to grow and reach its highest potential through return on investment (ROI) Marketing brings in new customers while reaffirming why existing customers should continue to return. If you're going to have anything in the budget, marketing should be it. Stand out amongst your competitors and most of all have fun doing it!!
If you're still reading this thanks for staying with us! I mean this is good stuff. Chances are you are probably an aspiring or existing cafe owner wondering how the heck to stay on top in such a competitive and somewhat saturated industry. We're here to give you our Top 5 Ways to Retain Cafe Customers in 2025 (yes we realize this has all been completely unsolicited advice). We wish you all the success.
xoxo Good & Super Superfoods