79. Building a New Coffee Location - The Good, The Bad, and The Battle-Tested

SUMMARY: Drew and Aaron dive into the exhilarating, yet challenging world of opening a new coffee shop location. The duo shares their real-time experiences, fresh from the frontlines of their latest build-out. From navigating unexpected airport delays to managing the stresses of construction, they're pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to expand a coffee business.   The duo has opened spots for themselves, roasters, and clients—sometimes two in a single year—and they've learned a thing or two along the way. Expect candid insights on choosing the right contractor (hint: it's not always about the cheapest bid), crafting a solid plan with their battle-tested checklist, and setting realistic timelines that keep everyone accountable. They'll also unpack the importance of weekly check-ins, mutual respect, and building relationships that benefit both sides—because a happy contractor means a smoother project.   Whether you're dreaming of your first coffee shop or wrangling the chaos of an existing business, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Plus, they're offering a free New Location Checklist—drop a request in their socials—and a no-cost masterclass at myfirstdrivethru.coffee to help you level up. Tune in for the highs, lows, and everything in between as The Coffee Experts Club keeps it real about growing a coffee empire, one location at a time.   Minute by Minute: O:00 Introduction 2:22 Dreaming about starting a new location 6:33 Your contractor, the first thing 11:50 Don't forget to come up with DATES and EXPECTATIONS 13:04 Weekly check-in times 15:07 R-E-S-P-E-C-T 20:34 We're ultimately serving the community