Dev

Is there anyone our there who can express their opinon about running a cafe/bar in the town of el campello?

greg

Hi Dev,

I can't give you any specifics on business in Campello, but I am pretty sure that prices there will be much more affordable than other areas (be it the big cities of Madrid or even smaller ones like Valencia) especially if you are looking to buy an existing business.

If you are serious about starting such a business or buying such a business in Campello then I suggest you read through my book: "Survive the Crisis in Spain". You will find hundreds of tips specifically related to buying/selling a business as well as running a succesfull hospitality business.

__________________
How effective is your Marketing?

Dr.Edward

Campello is more Spanish than British. Let’s say it in this way: In Benidorm there are “1000” bars; and one million tourists during July and August, plus a lot of tourists during Christmas, Easter, and other holidays. 40-50% are British! In Campello there are much more Spanish people, tourists as well as residents; a very quiet town during winter. On both locations you will have to work very hard and also to offer something special, not simply a “British Bar” as usual … and waiting for people to come in. The Crisis in Spain is very serious!

Dev

Thanks for your thoughts. Are you a resident in the vicinity of Campello ? I am looking at a premises with a view to open a quality bistro, would you reckon there would be sufficient demand for this or is the population too small to be viable.

CDThader

I would be very wary of opening a British bar/restaurant of any type in Spain at the moment.... The Brits are having a hard time with the currency exchange and bars are closing every day... People are having to cut back and eating/drinking out are among the first things to go...Electricty, water, food, and other bills have to come first...Up to you, but its a big risk.

CD

greg

A quality bistro? What does that mean?

Dev, as you will know if you've read my eBook; too many people in Spain believe that quality justifies a premium price. What they fail to realize is that regardless of whether you are offering a starter of imported foie gras on bilinis or a simple garlic bread - quality should be there in both cases.

If your "quality bistro" is based on an idea to sell something more expensive than your local competition just for the sake of it, because you think you will make more money, your idea is probably doomed to failure.

CDThader, these are without a doubt hard times and as many places close it's signalling a major change in the hospitality trade. Nevertheless, if someone has a real passion for the trade, a good business plan as well as capital to invest then this is probably the best time ever to embark upon such a project.

But like you say and Dr. Edward mentioned, I would stay away from opening a British bar.

__________________
How effective is your Marketing?

CDThader

Dev, You seem very confident......Just remember The Spanish are also suffering with huge job losses, many being unable to afford their mortgages or other bills..

Personally if I saw a retaurant with Bistro in the name, I would assume it's expensive and avoid it...but thats just me. If it's advertised as a quality Bistro I would assume it's even more expensive........

If you do go ahead I wish you the best of luck...we'd be interested to hear how you doing. I don't live near El Campello, but do visit occasionally, and would try to save up enough to visit your Bistro if it materializes..

CD

Dev

Thanks all for your comments. I don't think anything expensive in terms of food is a good idea. My idea is to offer a more of a mediterranean selection rather than "brit" food. I have experience as owner/chef in business for many years so i am confident on what i can prodive. However i dont know the Spanish market and i agree in the current market turmoil it may not be a good idea. Difficult decision!

CDThader

I notice you are in London...I used to live just off Fulham Broadway, and the type of premises you are considering are the norm there..I don't want to be pessimistic..As Gregg said, this could be a good time to start a business..There are plenty of empty premises that could be obtained...I just have doubts about whether you could attract enough custom in a small town like El Campello...It does get busier in the summer months, but now is the time to go there to look at how other similar businesses are doing. As Dr Edward said, It is mainly a Spanish resort.. You or your staff would have to be bi-lingual.

CD

Dev

Once again, i really appreciate your comments. Why El Campello - i had been offered a premises there - but after doing some research - i think you are right, probably not enough custom, certainly in the winter months. I have decided to put this idea on hold at the moment - there are too many negatives!