138. Where Should My Money Go?

Summary:In this episode of the Coffee Experts podcast, Aaron Hovivian, Drew Moody, and Ben Clatterbuck tackle a major question every growing coffee business eventually faces: should you invest in opening a new location, or should you put that money into improving your current operation? Drawing from real conversations happening inside Coffee De Los Mayas and with consulting clients across the country, the team breaks down the risks, rewards, and hidden complexities behind both decisions. Aaron also dives into the realities of scaling a coffee business, including operational strain, staffing challenges, branded products, roasting in-house, and the importance of using real financial data instead of gut feelings alone. They also discuss why timing, business maturity, and alignment between partners matter so much when making growth decisions. Whether you are preparing to launch your first coffee shop or deciding how to scale an existing brand, this episode offers practical insight into making smart long-term investments for your business. Want to learn more about opening and growing a successful coffee business? Free Masterclass: myfirstdrivethru.coffee Coffee Experts Academy: coffeeexpertsacademy.com Minute-By-Minute: 00:00 Navigating Controversy and Business Decisions 02:53 Pros and Cons of Opening New Locations 05:23 Data-Driven Decision Making 08:19 Balancing Complexity and Cash Flow 11:01 Strategic Growth and Marketing 14:07 Preparing for New Ventures 16:56 Innovative Approaches to Starting a Coffee Business