I’m sitting in Schomberg Ontario, a little town an hour northwest of Toronto. I found this tiny coffeehouse called The Grackle Coffee Company on Main Street. They serve soup and sandwiches and of course coffee and tea. What’s really interesting is that this place is vegetarian. What are the odds of a small place like Schomberg having a meat free restaurant?
I’m a big foodie so the meatless lifestyle isn’t for me but I thoroughly enjoyed their offering. Squash, lentil, heirloom carrot soup…oh my. This spicy bowl of goodness paired with a brie cheese, sprout Panini and you have nirvana in the country. What I love the most about this place is the entrepreneurial spirit it took to create it. A niche was decided upon and a need in the community was filled. A wonderful example of when you focus your energy in a specific area and develop a solid plan, you can have the business of your dreams.
Sitting here it is fascinating to watch how diverse the clientele is. Young folks come in to grab their favorites “to go”. Seniors hunker down for a bowl of the daily special and some good conversation. The front door of this place never stops swinging. Clearly I have discovered a local hub.
As I continue typing out my experience, I am approached by one of the staff who I had disclosed the content of my writing to. He hands me a book by Richard L. Daft and Ann Armstrong called “Organization Theory and Design” opened to a page where they had written about the very place which has inspired today’s blog. Let me quote Daft and Armstrong’s words, “The Grackle Coffee Company was founded in 2006 and in its first year of operation made $500. Since then, it has steadily increased its sales and profits. Its mission is to provide good, healthy food and drink that makes sense both environmentally and economically.” The article goes on to explain that Grackle is committed to “green”, using biodegradable cups and spoons. Then comes my favorite part; “It appears not to have any interest in getting larger but is focusing on improving the local experience.”
To all of you who are dreaming of opening your own small business take note of the mission of this little find. Too often the emphasis is on who made the fortune 500 hundred list. It’s small business that builds a community and a country. Many people will say “you can’t do that there” or “if it doesn’t grow it’s not a business”. Bull. It’s a business if you make it one, make a return on your investment and most importantly improve the experience of a community, however small. Bravo Grackle!
I highly recommend popping into The Grackle Coffee Company if you’re in the mood for a cappuccino, a Panini and a hit of inspiration. www.GrackleCoffee.com
Is there a small business idea that is burning in you? What do you need to do to give it a shot?