Opening a Cafe?

We first attended Design & Layout's Seminar at Coffee Fest in Seattle. We never knew how many steps were involved in designing out a space. After getting outrageous pricing from local architects with little or no coffee shop design experience, and speaking with several of Tom and Brent's references, our decision to use Design & Layout Services was easy. Brent and his team went through many different design changes until everything was perfect. If you have a small space, a large space, an odd space, or any space you will not find anyone to utilize every square inch better than Design & Layout Services.

I would like to thank you for your assistance with my project of the cafe. Your dedication and support was very much appreciated. I don’t know anybody who would have been as helpful as you were. Amazing! Having products coming from all over the country and coordinating it was above what I would have ever expected. The design work is wonderful. You managed to capture every market that I could imagine. Who would have ever thought that you could design around all my requirements and obstacles, which we all know were many. It was a pleasure to work with a team as professional and knowledgeable as yours.

My name is Christina, owner of the Welcome Cafe. I just wanted to write you and say that you have been very knowledgeable and helpful in opening my cafe. I appreciate that you kept in constant contact with me… adjusting the things that needed to be changed, and getting back to me in a timely manner. The experience in working with Design & Layout Services has been an important part to getting our business of the ground. We respected and counted on your input and creativity… and could not be where we are at without your help. It has been just plain fun working with you.

Thanks to your firm, we came up with a solid plan, and drawings that satisfied the landlord. Best of all, when we took the plans to be approved by the city planning office, they were approved in just 4 business days—a process that we were told normally takes 2 to 3 weeks. I attribute this to the fact that the plans were organized and detailed. I truly appreciate the expertise that you offered at such an important phase in the development of Java N’ Ice. As a project manager, the saying ‘Start good, finish good’ truly applies to this project. We started off great with Design & Layout Services.

Design & Layout Services were great to work with! You kept me informed throughout the whole planning process, with phone calls and priority mail. I absolutely love my cabinets, they are perfect in terms of functionality, as well as beautiful to look at. I look forward to another opportunity to work with Design & Layout Services.

Just a short note to tell you how pleased I am with your services. You and your people are a credit to how business should be done. From the time I started working with you two years ago to now; your company has been nothing short of excellent. The coffee shop looks wonderful. The layout has really maximized our efficiency. Every comment I have received has been of amazement. Comments range from "Is this a chain?" to "This store is beautiful!" Can't wait to do our next project with you guys.

I was new to the smoothie and coffee industry and my greatest concern was the design and look of the location, how to lay it out in a functional order and who had the expertise to help me? Design & Layout Service Team was knowledgeable in so many areas which made the process so uncomplicated. The contractors could not believe how easy it was to follow the plans and thus we received solid bids from the plumbers and electricians. The transition from empty space to operating space became a reality in no time. They make this experience of opening a cafe an effortless process!

It is a huge undertaking to open a coffeehouse. But, Design & Layout made that part of the whole process easy! From the first very informative conversation, they were second to none in how pleasant, professional, and easy they were to work with. I used someone else to buy my cabinets and most of my appliances and I regret having done that on a daily basis! Design & Layout Services created a wonderful space for me that I am often told it is the nicest coffee shop people have ever seen. If we expand, I will use Design & Layout for everything!

The PEP Stars Java Cafe is delighted to exclaim that the professional guidance and expertise provided to us by the staff of Design & Layout Services were the key ingredients that led to the seamless opening of our dream cafe. They provided us with quality design and technical support, helped us navigate through the endless red tape presented by our local health department, and offered us their invaluable insight that enabled us to be as efficient and effective as possible. We couldn't have done it without you!

Design & Layout Services have been absolutely wonderful to work with. They helped us with the design layout of a remodel for our current location. We have had one “issue” after another with our architectural firm - which required extensive changes to the design aspect of the job. These changes were all done without even a pause (or a frustrated word) on their part. They made a difficult and stressful situation - a positive for us! We really cannot say enough good things about them…and we loved their design!

There are few times when a company follows through with what they say they are going to do. Design & Layout helped us complete our project to meet our needs with positive suggestions for our area and demographics. Tom Palm the owner even came to see that our design was installed correctly. We are very please with Design Layout and will use them again on our next store.

Words can not explain all of the help, guidance and expertise that Design & Layout Services provided to Artista Coffee. The designs were very efficient and set us apart from the normal coffee shops in the area. I have over 20 years of real estate experience and have worked with architects and planners on many projects. I have yet to find one that provides the detailed plans that will allow accurate construction costs, as Design & Layout Services has provided us. I can whole heartedly recommend them to any and all who want a quality product with cost effective design.

As an international customer, Design & Layout Services has been flexible in working with our special needs. They have been professional and thorough and allowed us to focus on the big picture. Design & Layout Services has helped us avoid many mistakes and headaches. We highly recommend Design & Layout Services, and plan to use their services again for future stores.

We did not have a clue as to how to go about starting this business. We had tried to work with a local company, but it took them forever to get a preliminary drawing, and when they finally did, they left out important pieces of equipment. Your expertise made things a lot easier on us. You even talked to the health department in Granville County to find out about our specific rules and regulations. We could not be more pleased with your services. Thanks again for all your help!

Design & Layout Services was able to work both "out of the box" and "within the lines" to develop a functionally innovative space. They immediately understood how tea houses are different than coffee houses and the accommodations to standard food service design that needed to be made. Attention to tea storage solutions, the availability of different water temperatures and allowing for adequate prep space proved to be invaluable to the final tea house design and functionality.

We want to thank you for all your help and professionalism with respect to our coffee shop plans. With your plans and layout, the constructor, plumber and electrician have been able to work with no problem. not to mention the health and building department. We never expected this to be so difficult and complicated, nevertheless, your recommendations made it easier, and we were able to understand more of the process of opening our dream business. Again, thank you very much for all the help and the countless hours you spent advising us.

The entire Design & Layout Services team have been an invaluable component in the creation and operating success of Buffalo's Book & Bakery. Design & Layout Services’ expertise reaches well beyond creativity in design and layout of food service facilities. Whether your dealing with menu creation, equipment selection and procurement, or health department and building code requirements, your staff have always responded swiftly with efficient and cost effective solutions. We consider Design & Layout Services a valued, long term partner for all our future food service-related projects.

When we started our venture into Specialty Coffee we knew that we wanted to do it right. We had great support from the SCAA on the coffee end, and knew our store had to reflect that same passion. Working with Design & Layout Services was an easy choice for us. They know the industry and the proper placement to optimize space. After explaining our vision, Design & Layout Services knew what we wanted and what layout we were looking for, and they got it right the first time! We are in the final stages of the build-out and the flow is perfect. Their services are unmatched in the industry. Well worth every penny.

Two years ago I was surfing the internet to find a designer that could help me build my dream coffee house in the city of Lemoore, California, when I found Design & Layout Services. They started working with my architect before the plan was even drawn, and all throughout the planning process. Design & Layout Services worked with my contractor to make sure all the electrical and plumbing requirements were met. The staff was available at all times, because they took my project as if it was their own. I highly recommend DLS to be your future partner in helping your dream also become a reality.

I just wanted to tell you how happy the four of us have been with the work you and your team has done for us. We have had numerous comments from our electricians, and contractors about how amazing the specs are and the clarity of the design and it makes us feel really good about money well spent. I wanted to pass it along to you all so you know how well received your services are here. You definitely live up to your reputation and we are really thankful for hiring you!

Being a first time cafe owner, I was looking for someone who could assist me in all aspects of opening a coffee house. I found more than I ever could have hoped for in Design & Layout Services. From my first call, to the opening of my cafe, they went above and beyond the call of duty. I would recommend Design & Layout Services in a heartbeat because of their vast knowledge, reliability, honesty, and ability to make me feel comfortable and confident in my decisions. I look forward to the success of my first store and to sharing it with them, and to opening another cafe in the future.

I can't tell you how impressed I was with the work of Design & Layout Services. I believe in doing things right the first time, and the depth of your knowledge and experience made the redesign of my high-volume coffee house close to perfect! Furthermore, I don't like dealing with people that I can't personally like and trust. The Design & Layout Services team are good people and it is always a pleasure working with them.

Being in the midst of planning a coffee house could be the most frustrating, discouraging endeavor I've ever tried. But, Design & Layout Services has turned my experience into a well-plotted, exciting course. Your constant encouragement, excellent advice and knowledge on everything from equipment to cabinetry to restrooms has made the difference. Your "phone call" away policy has certainly been true!

For years, I have spent many, many hours in coffee shops all over the world. I knew what I had to “feel” and “see” when sitting at a table drinking coffee and talking. Design & Layout Services very professionally, efficiently and meticulously, worked within the space I had and put together the design and look that matched what I had in my mind’s eye. I had seen pictures of DLS’ work and I knew this was the group that would do what I wanted. I have recommended DLS over and over again, and I am privileged to say that our shop is the envy of others who tried to cut corners.

We choose Design & Layout Services because of their reputation, but little did we know how extensive their expertise was until we jointly began to develop our concept store. Since our store was pioneering the concept of tea drinks in a coffee shop environment, new workflow layout concepts had to be developed as well as new fixture designs. The DLS team provided the leadership and innovation to meet these challenges. We look forward to working with them as we now expand our concept store into retail outlets nationwide

I was looking at getting into the specialty coffee business, and I needed a lot of help. My background was in sales and marketing, and I did not know the coffee industry. I talked to dozens of people seeking help and no one could give me a total picture of what I wanted. I was referred to Design & Layout Services by an espresso equipment dealer. After our first meeting, I began to get excited again because they educated me on equipment, design issues, and various health and building codes. Without them I could never have opened my first three stores.

One of my first concerns in requesting your services was the distances involved. Kitimat is an extremely long way from Minnesota. Today’s technology is great - emails make your services so convenient. On one occasion, I received a floor plan revision within hours! Your experience in the coffee business and your professional approach made your service invaluable. I found your willingness to listen and educate us on the logical reasons for the layout was a true blessing. I know you will be a large part of our success.

Four years ago Badger Brothers Coffee opened with the invaluable help of the Design & Layout Services staff. When we decided to design and open our second coffee house we did not hesitate to once again call upon their services. Design & Layout Services performance exceeded our expectations. Our contractors said the plans were some of the best they had ever seen! If you are contemplating opening a coffee business make DLS your first stop. We couldn’t have done it without them!

Design & Layout Services made the job easy with their proven processes and commitment to
excellence. Their understanding of coffee shop workflow is unsurpassed. Each workstation was designed for completeness and efficiency, which was absolutely essential for us to serve our customers quickly and consistently. They also supplied us with new equipment and cabinetry at both locations while being sensitive to our budget and space constraints.

Our experience with Design & Layout Services was phenomenal. Everything was very complete and when we submitted our plans for a building permit, the building commissioner was very impressed. Our general contractor and health department loved the accuracy and details of the plans and elevations. Design & Layout Services provides an invaluable service to those new coffeehouse owners who often know nothing about equipment, electrical and plumbing. We often think how much more difficult it would have been if we had tried doing it ourselves.

We were getting ready to open our new coffeehouse and attended a seminar on layout and design. Being from the restaurant business, we knew it was important to maximize the space with the best layout. Design & Layout Services provided that from beginning to end. The service was fast and efficient. Design & Layout was patient with all the changes that needed to be made. Our contractors loved it. The layout plans they provide made it quick and easy for the contractors. It saved us time and money!! You can’t beat that.

I was continually impressed by Design & Layout Services’ unwavering support and sincere dedication to the success of my project. Their staff is first-rate, and with mine being a start-up business, the depth and scope of their expertise in all aspects of coffee and teahouse operations was invaluable to me. I would recommend them without reservation to anyone opening a cafe or coffee or tea bar.

When we first decided to put our time and money into building a coffee shop, we had thousands of ideas but no clear understanding of how to put them into motion. Design & Layout Services was was an invaluable resource, from start to finish. Throughout the build-out phase, floor plans were modified, health codes were interpreted and equipment choices were made, all with the assistance of DLS. They saved us time and money in the end!

Most new, independent cafe owners have no idea how complicated the process can become, how quickly the limited funds can disappear and how disheartening it can be to deal with certain departments within each state and county. It has truly been a satisfying experience working with Design & Layout Services! The expertise you’ve shown with the contractor and health and building department have saved me countless hours, not to mention a fistful of dollars!

We are very pleased and impressed with the end result of our latest project. Design & Layout Services did an excellent job of taking our ideas and making them a successful reality. Although we are 5,000 miles apart, everything went smoothly, from start to finish. We are very proud of the many compliments we’ve received from our new employees on how efficient our coffee bar is designed compared to others. We would definitely contact you again for any future endeavor!

We, like most people opening a coffee shop, had limited funds. When major decisions are involved with large dollars attached to those decisions, I believe in allowing those best qualified to guide us along the way. Design & Layout Services was invaluable in many ways. They allowed us to concentrate on other important details, so we actually opened sooner than expected! DLS kept us from making mistakes related to design, drain and electrical placement, mistakes we would have made if we did it on our own. Thank you for your expertise and assistance in my project.

After a disastrous attempt at remodeling on our own, one of our coffee suppliers in Seattle highly recommended Design & Layout Services. Their professionalism, knowledge and experience helped get our project back on track. The contractors valued the accuracy of the plans and equipment specs. Our beautiful cabinetry and equipment arrived undamaged, which is a challenge going from Minnesota to an island in Southeast Alaska. Our employees love the new shop and its flow. Business has never been better. DLS gets a big two thumbs up from us.

Design & Layout Services did a fantastic job! My general contractor and architect both commented that they had not seen a client so far ahead of the game. I reviewed the layout with a coffee consultant and they were amazed. No equipment was missing, and everything was set up for efficiency in my operation. The people at DLS were responsive and helped make my first store possible. My hats are off to Design & Layout Services! I will be using them for my next store!

Design & Layout Services helped us immensely in the planning of Picasso’s. From making sure all our equipment needs were being met, to the final installation, DLS served as a valuable ally in creating a shop that was both aesthetically pleasing and extremely functional. The experience your staff has in designing coffee shops helped make sure we avoided costly mistakes in the set-up of our shop. I strongly recommend Design & Layout Services if you want to build it right the first time.

Creating The Funky Monkey Cafe & Gallery has been a long process. The good folks at Design & Layout Services stuck with me throughout, with unflagging patience, optimism, good humor, savvy advice, prompt responses and thoughtful feedback. I have saved myself untold time and stress using their excellent designs, equipment selections, and installation manuals. The equipment and cabinetry arrived on time, all on one truck and fit perfectly into the space. I’m so very glad I hired DLS.

I am writing you a quick note of appreciation for your continued assistance with new and existing Caribou stores. The suggestions you make regarding the layout and equipment options as well as your extensive insight into the workings of health departments are most appreciated and respected. Your understanding of the coffee business is a great asset to our business relationship. Even after opening 130 stores over the past six years, we continue to look for new and better ways of equipping our stores, and I believe that you have much to offer in that regard.

The Design & Layout team recently helped us open our second cafe. Their plan set was completed ahead of schedule and our general contractor said they made his job much easier. DLS also supplied the food service equipment and beautiful custom cabinetry that compliments the interior design of our cafe. We highly recommend Design & Layout Services to any serious cafe owners who want things done right while staying on time and on budget. They are truly part of our business success equation. We will unquestionably use them on any future projects.

I can comfortably call you “family”. We must have spoken a hundred times on the phone, and I always felt like you were right next door. As the first coffee shop in Rwanda, and probably the entire region of East Africa to this standard, we are proud and honored to have you as the foundation of this “dream”. You were able to instill a sense of comfort and moral within us despite the distance between us. The people of Rwanda sensed your presence every step of the way!

The process of opening a business is very stressful, but you have made it much more enjoyable. You have provided some great ideas and insight to differentiate our chain in the ever expanding retail coffee business. I was very pleased with your quick turnaround times. The delivery was well coordinated with the contractor and everything arrived on schedule. The high quality of materials and workmanship in the cabinetry that you provided was impressive. I have recommended DLS to others and they have also been very satisfied.

As a complete novice in the coffee business, I needed to find someone to help me design a functional and attractive space. Our shop is fairly large, and I was worried that it would feel too open or noisy. Design & Layout Services gave us a layout that was not only pleasing to the eye but also incorporated several seating areas. The DLS staff was patient when it came to making numerous revisions. I wish every company I deal with could be so knowledgeable and service oriented.