Opening a café is a dream for many, but turning that dream into reality—especially on a budget—requires careful planning, creativity, and a strong connection to the community. In this blog post, we chat with Elijah Knapp, who, along with his wife and brother, opened Elliott in Dayton, Kentucky, with a budget of just $100K. We’ll delve into the practical aspects of their buildout, the importance of community engagement, and the role of authenticity in business. Elijah is a former Valor Pit Crew member and a dear friend of ours, so it was a joy to spend a couple days with him at his beautiful new cafe.
The Vision Behind Café Elliot
Elijah’s vision for Elliott was rooted in simplicity and community. Located in Dayton, Kentucky, a small town just minutes from Cincinnati, Elliott was designed to be a neighborhood hub. The café was named after a nickname Elijah was given while working at Valor, reflecting the personal touch and unpretentious nature of the space, along with a vision of a normal, every-day individual. The goal was clear: create a welcoming, community-oriented café with a budget-friendly approach.
Budgeting and Buildout Challenges
Elijah initially hoped to open the café with a budget of $40K but quickly realized that this was unrealistic. The final buildout cost came in at around $72K, thanks to some smart choices and the help of friends and family.
Key Strategies for Staying Within Budget:
1. Leverage Community Support:
- Crowdfunding played a significant role, with over 220 people contributing to the café’s opening.
- Local support also came in the form of grants and assistance from the building owners, who invested in necessary renovations like new windows and doors.
2. DIY Approach:
- Elijah’s brother Asa, a skilled craftsman, built much of the café’s furniture, saving thousands on what would have otherwise been custom jobs.
- They also took on tasks like plumbing and electrical work themselves, only outsourcing when absolutely necessary.
3. Focus on Essentials:
- The team made strategic decisions about where to invest their money, prioritizing high-quality equipment and customer-facing elements over unnecessary frills.
Creating a Community Hub
Elliott was built with the community in mind. Located in a small, often overlooked neighborhood, the café aimed to be a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike. Elijah emphasized the importance of integrating into the community, from living within walking distance of the café to actively engaging with other local businesses.
The Importance of Authenticity
One of the standout features of Elliott is its authenticity. Elijah chose to document the entire buildout process on Instagram, sharing both the challenges and triumphs with future customers. This transparency not only built excitement but also created a sense of ownership among followers who watched the café come to life.
Menu Philosophy
The café’s menu reflects its unpretentious vibe. Offering a range of drinks from classic cappuccinos to matcha lattes, Elijah prioritized accessibility and quality over exclusivity. The goal was to create a space where everyone—from specialty coffee enthusiasts to casual drinkers—could find something they loved.
Lessons Learned
1. Ask for Help Early:
Elijah emphasizes the importance of building relationships with local authorities and asking questions early in the process. This proactive approach helped avoid costly mistakes and ensured the café met all regulatory requirements smoothly.
2. Adaptability is Key:
Staying flexible and being willing to pivot when faced with unexpected challenges was crucial. Whether it was adjusting the budget or changing the buildout plans, adaptability helped bring the vision to life.
3. Value the Human Connection:
At the heart of Elliott’s success is its commitment to hospitality. By focusing on creating genuine connections with customers, Elijah has built a loyal customer base that extends beyond Dayton’s borders.
Conclusion
Elijah and Elliott Coffee’s story is a testament to what can be achieved with passion, creativity, and a strong community focus. His journey offers valuable insights for aspiring café owners, demonstrating that with the right approach, it’s possible to open a successful café even on a tight budget. By prioritizing authenticity and community, Elliott has quickly become a beloved local spot and a shining example of small business done right.
Elijah, Ibby, Asa, Timmy and the whole Elliott team... we love ya.
Visit Elliott | Elliott's Website | Follow Elliott on Instagram
