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How to duplicate yourself in new markets: one of the challenges (or great opportunities) facing the specialty coffee industry is when you have had a successful espresso bar or cafe in one community, and then have the desire to open a new store in an entirely new market. How do you duplicate the feel of that first care?

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We have heard the late night television jokes on Starbucks rapid growth: Starbucks will be opening kiosks inside their stores to gain more market share; or, I was pretty embarrassed recently when I was at a Gap store looking for some pants. When I came out of the dressing room, the store had been converted into a Starbucks.

Since most of us do not have a similar financial ability as Starbucks to place our stores within walking distance--the same as the time it takes to consume a 16-oz mocha--great care has to be taken before jumping into that new spot. Some serious thought needs to be undertaken on just who you have become; how you got there and what you learned along the way.

That first location may be great due to any number of variables, like just simply a "can't miss, totally outstanding" location, or plain dumb luck. No matter what, both of which are very hard to duplicate!

To ensure successful new openings, you must first take a hard introspective look into your business practices. This review will be the result not only of your brand, but the systems and controls you have in place that will...