While some of you may be too young to remember, I’m sure that some of our readers will remember an ad for Camel cigarettes — yes, it was a long time ago when cigarettes were advertized on TV and in print – that had a tagline which became famous. The tagline was, “I’d walk a mile for a Camel”.
While I’m not a smoker and would never walk a mile for a Camel, I would drive 800 miles for what has to be one of the world’s best cinnamon rolls. Some folks are addicted to cigarettes; I’m addicted to cinnamon rolls – especially the ones baked up fresh every day in a coffee shop just off Hwy 160 in the little town of Pagosa Springs, CO (population 1,713 according to the 2010 census). Each morning Debi Hilsabeck, her husband Jerry, and their team of primarily family members have the coffee ready by 6:30, along with an amazing variety of breakfast and lunch offerings.
The Boulder Coffee Café (www.bouldercoffeecafe.com) is a place where locals and out-of-towners are greeted warmly and made to feel right at home. Debi knows the names of her regulars and quickly learns the names of visitors. Of course, the locals have their favorite tables, but it’s a friendly place, and unlike some churches where sitting in someone’s customary pew can elicit a harsh look and even a request to move, in the many times I’ve visited this coffee shop, I’ve never been asked to a abandon a table.
No wonder people love coming here.
What can we learn from Debi and her team about creating a successful business? Their model is a winning combination with lessons applicable to any enterprise.
- Deliver a great product.
In Debi’s case, the food is fresh, delicious, appealing to the eye and the appetite. It never disappoints.
- Create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
There’s a Chinese proverb that reads, “A man without a smiling face should never open a shop.” Boulder Coffee Café is an attractive spot where guests are greeted with a sincere smile and a friendly welcome. (Have you noticed that recently some chain restaurants and stores have trained their employees to greet guests upon entry? The welcome typically consists of an insincere, perfunctory message – often shouted – “Welcome to _____!” Sure gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling. How about you?)
- Get to know your customers.
Know who they are, what they do, where they’re from, what concerns them. In other words, CARE about them.
- If you have slogan or tagline, live up to it.
Debi calls her business – “The place where coffee and relationships meet to create memories”. It’s true; it happens there every day.
Put these lessons to work in your business, and get ready for delicious results!
On the subject of slogans, perhaps you remember another one made famous by Maxwell House Coffee – “Good to the last drop” . Trust me, Debi’s cinnamon rolls are good to the last bite!
If you happen to be on Hwy 160 any day of the week between the hours of 6:30 AM and 5:00 PM, drop in, say “Hi” to Debi and her team, have a cup of coffee, and enjoy a cinnamon roll. Believe me, it’s worth the drive from anywhere. But, please…save one for me. If I happen to be in town, you’re welcome to sit at my table.
Make it a great day!
Copyright 2014, Julie Alexander
