From Nescafé to Niche: Can My Coffee Passion Brew a Successful Business?
Atul Pathria
Product Manager | AI & Cybersecurity Expert | Google-Certified Professional | Mentor, Author & Speaker | Transforming Resilience into Results | Always seeking innovation and mastery!
Ever wonder how a simple cup of coffee can unlock a world of possibilities? It all started with a Nescafé packet...
?? My journey with coffee started simply, like many others. A Nescafé sachet—the one rupee kind, which is now two!— and my exploration began.
Back then, there was a certain charm in making coffee. Each person had their own style. Some beat it, some poured milk directly over the coffee in the cup—creating a frothy layer. It was a shared experience, a simple pleasure. ??
Then came the pandemic. Suddenly, social media buzzed with coffee-making schemes. Videos detailed elaborate dalgona coffee techniques: mountains of sugar, gallons of coffee, all transformed into a frothy spectacle.
It made me think— what defines “coffee”? Is it the instant kind, with its distinct taste and process? Or is it the caffeine hit most associate with it? Instant coffee has its place—it's readily available and often the quickest caffeine fix, but is it 'real' coffee?
My personal journey moved through Bru and Nescafe Coffee where Bru cost half the price of Nescafé. But the secret's out: it relied heavily on Robusta beans. The same beans were found in Nescafé, but the percentage was different. Robusta has a higher caffeine content, resulting in a more bitter, stronger taste.
This led to a greater appreciation of the whole coffee experience: the grind, the brew, the method. I started exploring: Espresso, Drip, French Press, Moka Pot—each with its nuances and techniques. (I've even witnessed people adding Nescafé pouches to Moka Pots. I'm not sure what to make of that!)
All this has taught me a lot about coffee, enough to publish a book. I've seen the evolution, from basic instant coffee to high-end specialty brands. Davidoff, Rage, Sleepy Owl, Cofeeza even some Country-specific roasts, offering unique flavors. But the truly engaging journey begins with fresh-brewed coffee.
This journey brings me to a question for all of you - my subscribers, my community. Let’s say I open a café. What would make you a regular?
Would you come for the coworking space? Would you host parties there? Use it for club meetings? What would make my café your go-to?
I know my coffee; I've experimented extensively. I’ve studied the beans, the roasts, everything. But that’s not the same as running a successful café.
Would you want customized coffee? Or would you trust my expertise and let me craft your perfect cup? Because there's something truly special when people try my coffee; they’re amazed at how good it can be! This is about finding the best recipes and making those magical moments.
This is where I need your wisdom. Coffee is my passion. Can I turn that passion into a thriving venture? What are your thoughts? I really want to know! Let's discuss this. Hit me in the comments below! Let’s connect and take this conversation further.