Would possibly 1, 2023 (Revealed: April 22, 2023)
Neon Bean Espresso has arrived at 1634 SH 71 in Cedar Creek, Texas!
“We had a stupendous time at our grand opening on March 14!” mentioned Proprietor Sydni M. Smith.
“Particular due to the Bastrop County Chamber of Trade, our companions at Pink Cup, our barista staff and especially our customers – for your warm welcome and support of our coffee house!”
The day included $1 drink specials, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, giveaways, and more at the new shop, which features espressos, mochas, lattes and other coffee drinks.
Guests can choose drinks served hot, over ice, or blended into a frozen beverage. All drinks are served on the go from a pick-up window.
Meet Owner Sydni M. Smith
When she conceived the idea for Neon Bean Coffee, Sydni had zero coffee experience.
A former flight paramedic/medical recruiter for the Texas Army National Guard, she left a 10-year military career to pursue her dream of opening Neon Bean.
“There were no drive-thru coffee options on my daily 48-minute commute between Bastrop and Austin,” she recalled. “This sore point became an inspiration.”
After a night spent dreaming up her ideal cafe, she started a “playful investigation” into what it would take to start her own business.
“I was goofing around, Googling things like ‘how to start a coffee shop’ and “how to write a coffee shop business plan.’ Somehow I ended up purchasing Greg Ubert’s book, Seven Steps to Success: a Common-sense Guide to Succeed in Specialty Coffee.
From there, Sydni was astonished by the doors that opened for her. “Between the Fall of 2022 and February of 2023, I dreamt up, created and opened Neon Bean Coffee. It was meant to be!”
Hands On Coffee Business Consulting “Worth its Weight in Gold.”
After Sydni obtained funding, it became clear that she needed help with her building’s design and layout. “When I learned that Crimson Cup bundled shop design, equipment purchasing, training and business consulting all in one, I was sold.”
Our coffee shop startup consulting team then helped bring Neon Bean from dream to reality – as we’ve done for over 300 independent coffee shops in 30 states.
“Without Heather Syx and Steve Bayless to guide and mentor me, there would be no Neon Bean,” Sydni said. “Or maybe there would be, but it would have been a hot mess compared to what this team has enabled us to do.”
She said the hands-on consulting brought home the 7 Steps principles in Ubert’s book and tailored them to her needs.
“Steve drew up a layout for our unique shop, which went beyond the best practices outlined in the book. His training showed my team how to make drinks that were already proven crowd-pleasers.”
“Similarly, learning marketing strategies in the book was cool, but Heather and I discuss, in real-time, the most effective strategy for my shop and its unique challenges.”
“Crimson Cup consulting has been worth its weight in gold!” she concluded. “I am amazed that I have a shop that can run so smoothly and professionally, given that I have no entrepreneurial or barista experience!”
Cedar Creek Community Welcomes Neon Bean
In the first few months, Neon Bean Coffee has received an overwhelmingly positive response from the Cedar Creek community.
“My customers love that they have something affordable and high quality as an alternative to the big chain coffee shops,” Sydni said.
In one review, a Google Local Guide echoed her reason for creating the business and raved about the coffee.
“We finally have some good coffee in the area! The seasonal special today was Lavender Haze, and it was absolutely to.die.for. My husband ordered a chai and I have to say, it was the best we’ve had in a while. I am so excited to have coffee stop so close to home. We will absolutely be back!”
Visit Neon Bean Coffee
Sydni invites everyone in Bastrop County and beyond to visit Neon Bean Coffee, which is open six days a week at 1634 SH 71 in Cedar Creek.
“We can’t wait to welcome you!” she said. “We genuinely love our customers, and I think that energy is reciprocated. We would not be anything without the tremendous support that has come from the people of Bastrop County and Cedar Creek, Texas.”
To learn more about Neon Bean Coffee, follow the shop’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
Thinking About Starting a Coffee Shop? Sydni Smith Has Some Advice
“Use a consulting company – and I highly recommend Crimson Cup – unless you have previous experience opening a coffee shop,” she said. “Even then, maybe you weren’t operating it as efficiently as possible.”
She also recommended “having realistic expectations” and knowing your community “really, really well.”
“Too many times, well-meaning people open coffee shops, but they don’t have a clear picture of the community they will be serving. So have a service mindset and learn the unique identity characteristics of your community.”
“People know when you aren’t being authentic or intentional!”
If you’re an entrepreneur who’s passionate about coffee and business ownership, opening a coffee shop could be the perfect opportunity for you!
To get started, call our 7 Steps Coffee Shop Startup Team at 888-800-9224 during regular business hours. Nights and weekends, you’re welcome to fill out this form, and we’ll get back to you within one business day.
