My family owns a cafe and catering business since May 2015. It was my mom's wishes to open up a restaurant as she loves cooking and serving food to people. Most of us her children learned to cook from her, and two of my younger brother is working as a cook. My mom owns two restaurants, the other one located in the town is doing well, but the other cafe called "JL Cafe" located further out is doing quite badly.
Its been more than three years now, and there is no signs that the business is improving. My dad and my younger brother is handling the business, but they only open up during the day. Recently, about 2 weeks ago, I proposed to take over the cafe and open it up from evening 5.00pm - 10.00pm. Since it was new, and no ads or marketing has been done, business picked up a bit slow, as expected.
There is much work needed to be done to attract more people to come, and one of the most obvious that I noticed is the main entrance to the cafe. People has so much trouble to look for the road junction. To make matters worse, each side of the road has tall grasses and there are no signages. I know I have to settle this problem, but at the meantime, business must go on.
On Saturday last week, I invited my relatives and friends to the cafe. I gave them a call and even send them text messages three days before so that they can arrange their time and schedule. I told them that there will be a Live Acoustic Band playing, and free herbal soup (I knew my older relatives and friends will love it).
It was a marvelous evening, people started coming around 7pm and the cafe was full around 9pm. They ordered foods, drinks and beers while the band was playing their tune. It was like a party, with people taking turns to sing and the cafe is filled with music and peoples laughter. How I hope that business is as good every night.
This week, I promised to myself and told my family that I will do all that I can to make sure that the business will flourish, but I really need their support badly. Everyone has given a thumbs up for my effort, and will surely help in anyway that they can. I know it will take time, but I believe that hardwork, a bit of sacrifice and a mega effort will help me to prevail eventually. Fingers crossed.