Today, 10 October, is a special day because it marks Kruger’s Day. It’s no longer celebrated officially, but for those who know Paul Kruger’s leadership as President of the Transvaal Republic, there’s a quiet nod of respect. His greatest achievement wasn’t political power—it was wildlife conservation. Kruger’s early commitment to protecting South Africa’s natural heritage inspired the 1898 proclamation of a game reserve, which later became the Kruger National Park in 1926.
Today is also International Jumping Spider Day—a delightful, lesser-known observance encouraging people to learn about and appreciate these small, fast, and surprisingly “cute” spiders. I haven’t seen a jumping spider around my place for some time. They’re always welcome in my home. I leave them alone, let them do their own thing, and marvel at how quick and agile they are.
Now, onwards to the topic of the day.
I recently revisited a coffee shop in a small coastal town and was amazed that it’s still thriving. The owner is a tenacious entrepreneur who truly puts her all into it. She doesn’t just serve coffee to passing customers—she also roasts beans for several restaurants.
Meanwhile, in air-conditioned offices around the country, some corporate workers daydream about escaping it all to open their own coffee shop. And yes—it is lovely to sip a cappuccino in a relaxed space, away from office politics and meetings. But before you trade your spreadsheet for a steaming espresso, let’s look at what it really takes to run a coffee shop.
If it’s for you, wonderful. But be warned—it’s not an easy life. Always consult a business advisor, a financial planner, and other experts before putting even a toe into this kind of venture.
Overall Rating: 6.5 / 10
Verdict: A high-risk, high-reward venture that’s not for the faint of heart. It can be a dream come true for a relentlessly hardworking, multi-skilled individual—but a potential nightmare for anyone seeking a simple, low-stress job.
1. Profit Potential (6/10)
The Upside: Coffee has excellent margins. The beans for a R45 latte cost very little. A well-located shop with loyal customers can be profitable, and multiple income streams—espresso drinks, teas, pastries, light meals, and even merchandise—add stability.
The Downside: Your revenue is limited by your physical capacity. You can only make so many drinks per hour. High rent in good areas can consume much of your profits, and you can’t easily scale without hiring help.
2. Startup Costs & Overhead (4/10)
The Challenge: Getting started is expensive.
• Commercial espresso machine and grinder: R100,000 – R400,000+
• Renovations and plumbing
• Rent and deposits
• Licences, insurance, and compliance costs
Mitigation: You can start small—a kiosk, trailer, or micro-roastery—before committing to a full café.
3. Workload & Lifestyle (3/10)
The Reality: This is where dreams often crash into reality. You’re not just a barista—you’re also the accountant, marketer, cleaner, and HR manager. Expect early mornings, long hours, and physical exhaustion. Calling in sick isn’t an option. The work is relentless, and your social life may vanish for a while.
4. Skill Requirements (8/10)
You need to be a jack-of-all-trades:
• Coffee craft: Know your beans and brew methods.
• Business sense: Understand cash flow, inventory, and margins.
• Customer service: You’re the face of the brand—warmth and consistency matter.
• Marketing: Build a loyal community and maintain visibility online.
If you have or can learn these skills, you’ll have complete control of your destiny.
5. Scalability & Growth (3/10)
Your business success depends directly on you. There are only so many hours in a day. Growth usually means hiring staff—which adds complexity, payroll, and management duties.
6. Personal Fulfillment (9/10)
And here’s the reward. For the right person, running a coffee shop can be immensely satisfying:
• You build a “third place” for your community.
• You form real connections with regulars.
• You express creativity through coffee and atmosphere.
• You are your own boss.
That’s the real payoff—the independence and sense of purpose that few corporate jobs can match.
The Ideal Coffee Shop Owner
You might succeed if you are:
• A multitasker who thrives under pressure.
• A people person who genuinely enjoys constant interaction.
• Physically resilient, able to stand for long hours.
• Business-minded, seeing coffee as commerce, not just passion.
• Grounded, not romantic—because love for coffee won’t pay the bills.
Critical Success Factors
1. Location, Location, Location: Foot traffic is everything.
2. A Clear Niche: Be different—perhaps a slow-bar, a community hub, or a roastery café.
3. Efficient Systems: Tight workflows make survival possible.
4. Start Small: A mobile setup or pop-up may be smarter than a full lease from day one.
Final Thoughts
A one-person coffee shop is less a business than a craft. It’s self-employment at its purest—a blend of skill, endurance, and love for people. If you crave autonomy and connection more than ease or wealth, it can be your dream job.
But go in with open eyes.
