Brewing Profit and Growth
We support independent coffee shop owners who want their businesses to be profitable, sustainable, and less stressful to run. We work with cafés that are busy but not seeing the money reflect the effort, owners who have gone months without paying themselves properly, and those quietly questioning whether they can keep going. Through clear, practical advice, we help bring control back to costs, staffing, pricing and day-to-day decision making, giving owners the confidence and clarity to move their business forward.
Experience and Approach
I’ve spent the last 20+ years working in hospitality, building my career inside well known restaurant brands such as Wagamama, Bill’s and pub chain Wells & Co., where my focus was on day-to-day operations, cost control and driving profitability. I now own and run two multi-award-winning independent coffee shops, giving me first-hand experience of the pressures, decisions and compromises that come with café ownership. I’ve sat on both sides of the table, leading large teams and dealing with spreadsheets, but also opening the doors in the morning and worrying about costs late at night. That experience allows me to offer practical, honest support that’s rooted in reality and focused on what genuinely works for coffee businesses.
Services
BUSINESS HEALTH CHECK
This is often the best place to start. A clear, honest review of how your coffee business is really performing financially and operationally. We look at costs, pricing, staffing, margins and owner pay to understand what’s working, what isn’t, and why. You’ll come away with practical insights and clear next steps, not a long report that sits unread.
PROFIT RECOVERY PROGRAM
Designed for owners who feel stuck month after month or for coffee shops that are busy but not profitable, or . This short-term programme focuses on getting control back quickly — tightening costs, improving margins, fixing rotas and rebuilding owner pay. Support is practical, focused and tailored to your business, helping stabilise cash flow and restore confidence.
STAFF COSTS & ROTA REVIEW
Staffing is one of the biggest costs in any coffee shop Small inefficiencies add up fast. This review looks closely at rotas, staffing levels and productivity to ensure your team structure matches real demand. The aim isn’t to cut corners, but to create a staffing model that supports both your team and the profitability of the business.
CRISIS & PRE-CLOSURE REVIEW
Sometimes owners feel closure is the only escape This is not always necessary. If you’re seriously considering closing, this service provides a calm, honest assessment of where your business stands. We review viability, financial pressure points and available options, helping you make informed decisions rather than rushed ones. That means gaining clarity and peace of mind in what can feel like a hugely stressful time. Either way, you won’t be left guessing.
COFFEE SHOP START-UP SUPPORT
Starting a coffee shop is exciting but can be risky if the foundations aren’t right. This service supports new owners with realistic budgeting, pricing, staffing plans and operational decisions, helping avoid the common mistakes that catch many coffee shops out early on. The focus is on giving your business the strongest possible start, not learning the hard way later.
MYSTERY SHOPPER VISITS
Seeing your business through a customer’s eyes can be invaluable and reveal things you don’t notice day to day. A Mystery Shopper visit provides a detailed, honest review of service, product quality, speed, cleanliness and overall experience. Feedback is constructive and practical, highlighting strengths as well as areas for improvement.
Our Vision
Who We Are
At Grounded, our mission is to support and empower coffee business owners through expert consultancy services. We strive to provide practical solutions tailored to your specific needs in the coffee industry, ensuring your business thrives in a competitive market.