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Q1: How do we attract a social, late night (after 10pm) crowd without a liquor license?
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03.31.08 | 11:39 AMI agree with some of the other posters. Live music, open mike night, even film showings will bring in a crowd. Especially if the musical/comedy acts you book bring their own following. You could also have tea tastings with snacks to introduce people to some of your more exotic teas. Good luck - we hope you win!
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by Mic_eDunn
03.26.08 | 01:40 PMTry an "open mike night" maybe every Thursday night and let people come in and play acoustic guitar, harmonicas, read poetry. Have a tea of the night and advertise a different specialty tea for each day of the week and only at night.
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by tcthomas03.23.08 | 09:45 AM- acoustic late-night music for start-up bands, from 1am-2am only - they invite their friends and play for free, or small fee to get noticed
- art sales only offered from 12am-1am in the morning, by local start-up artists (or start them at 10pm, and as they get popular, move back their time slots to attract people later)
- host local groups, so they have the space for meetings for free, if they buy food/tea
- sponsor AA meetings
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03.22.08 | 05:27 PMPoetry--contact established poetry collectives with a loyal following. Meetups of various organizations--they come for the meeting, they fall in love with the cafe.
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by davidhurst03.22.08 | 02:33 PMUpgrade the food options, but don't make them silly, offer some sort of "mixer theme" and get people from the neighborhood to buy into the ideas. Allow people to host "parties" and have them do all the work for you (minus providing the space and tea for purchase."
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What advice do you have to help me grow my idea?
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06.26.08 | 08:54 AMBelow are links to a famous tea café chain in India known as “Cha Bar”
http://www.thehindu.com/2006/02/14/stories/2006021404300200.htm
http://www.oxfordbookstore.com/oxfordonline/Services/about_oxford/stores/cha_bar_mumbai.asp?sid=PQDJT5R
Positives/Learning Points:
• The menu offered an exhaustive list (over 69 varieties) of exotic teas. Tea was amazingly delicious. Maybe you can look to adding more options. Also, highlight the health benefits of each of them in the menu or one each day on a board. It can also be highlighted on the website.
• Cha Bar always opened up along with/next to a bookstore known as Oxford book store (famous book store in India)
• The place encouraged book launches which were usually graced by a celebrity.
• Offered sides that went well with tea.
• Its name caught attention as it was the first of its kind in India. The name “Gramstand” is great.
Negatives/Pitfalls to avoid:
• Tea was quite expensive and thus failed to generate maximum traffic. It was a once…more in a while visit place. As a result, it failed to break-even in several regions.
• It had a table turnaround system unlike Starbucks where you can sit for unlimited time. Usually bookstore visitors were fascinated by Cha Bar. Unfortunately, they were unable to sit longer reading their books once their tea was over.
• It never offered loose tea which is a plus for Gramstand.
Good luck!
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by interjection03.31.08 | 11:38 AMhave gallery showings, local artists could post their work on the walls, or local bands could play music on certain nights, stand up comic could come, poets. do the beat nick thing, bring the saucy coffee shop atmosphere back, in this case tea shop.
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by tp36303.31.08 | 11:32 AMCan you market to AA meetings?
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by nlerario03.31.08 | 11:13 AMNYC doesn't have enough places like Gramstand. The downstairs has a lot of potential, jazz, poetry, meeting space, chill space, DJ lounge.... I hope this idea wins!
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by outofkukicha03.28.08 | 05:08 PMFirst, I think you need to stay stocked on MY favorite tea.
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by ross03.26.08 | 07:48 PMI went to your web site and it's nicely done: http://www.gramstand.com/. You seem to be doing all the right things with branding, positioning and product. As you mentioned in your pitch, you would like $10K to improve the space - I'm not sure how far that goes in NYC; but it seems like a worthy investment to me. You should also add e-commerce to your web site. There are cost effective ways to do this and it would be a good way to grow revenue and maintain a connection with those patrons who are not local or prefer the convenience of home delivery. As part of the e-commerce site you should also sell all the equipment needed to make a great cup of tea and provide video instructions. This is one cost effective way to get started: http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/ecommerce/ . Good luck.
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by karinh11303.26.08 | 04:04 PMlive music is always good. I'd go for a tea anytime....
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by synergy03.25.08 | 08:23 PMGreat Idea, good luck. WIFI & Music usually draw a crowd
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by chugger03.24.08 | 08:29 AMHold all night AA meetings.
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by omydarlin03.22.08 | 09:52 PMOpen later. Advertise to nearby college communities (NYU, New School) via college newspapers, flyers, or social networking sites
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by grandfolk03.21.08 | 10:20 PMFrom what I hear, there is a lack of non-alcoholic nightlife options in your area. Advertise that you're a place for late nate studies, reading, and conversing. Tea is a nighttime beverage as well.
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03.20.08 | 09:10 AMdefinitely Kava root.
this place rocks.
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by phudak03.19.08 | 04:52 PMThere are many people out there who don't need liquor to have a good time. What I think you should do is profile the people you want to have there. Or figure out the profile of people who don't need liquor to socialize and find out what they'd like to have at the cafe.
I would try to setup some kind of partnership with meetup.com where you can be listed as a suggested meeting place.
Try appealing to people who aren't allowed to drink yet, the under 21 crowd. It's always tough for them to find social things to do in the city at 10pm.
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by largesoychai03.18.08 | 11:30 PMstay open later. i would be there right now buying a large soy chai, light on the sugar
Idea Description
Originating as a small stand selling grams of tea, the Gramstand has grown into a tea cafe and art space, providing local East Villagers with a modern-day retreat that invites conversation, relaxation, and event rental space. We sell house-crafted, loose tea drinks to-stay or to-go.
The idea is to make fine, loose tea more casual and accessible. We hope to market our tea environments in a way that encourages community, arts, gathering, and studying.
What will you do if you win $10,000 for this idea?
With these funds, we plan to increase our menu options, renovate the store for more community gatherings, and enhance our website. Most notably for our customers, we plan on installing bifold front windows and new air conditioning for the summer. As well, we'd like to fix up the basement seating space a bit more.
You like it. You’re confused by it. You want to know more. Ask questions and post comments here.
Post a commenti love you gramstand.
who are these two kids being mean??
i could use a green tea agito right now...2 splendas....hits the spot.
Oh god. the deadline's so soon...
The teas and cupcakes are wonderful, and I love the art - Richard, Josh and all the staff are fabulous!!
I love you guys - great idea, great food, great place, great people - Go Gramstand!!
Love this idea, I would move to NYC for it ;)
Now I hope I didn't miss the deadline because I want my vote to count. Good luck ya here.
Wish I lived in New York so I could visit Gramstand. As an East Coast transplant, I often consider moving to New York for just such great community places. Arts and great people. ta-da !!! alcohol free is terrific ! I'm checking out the web site. best to Gramstand.
The Gramstand is a place where every one knows your name, like Cheers, except Sam Malone is played by Jake Broffman instead of Ted Danson.
tea is fantastic. downstairs couch is amazing...
the concept behind this place is very innovative. it has become a great place to get a drink and hang out.
I love the stand!
Great offerings for a late night crowd
make sure you prepare the tea singing Frank Sinatra's "My Way" Goodluck Gcafe'
make sure you prepare the tea singing Frank Sinatra's "My Way" Goodluck Gcafe'
make sure you prepare the tea singing Frank Sinatra's "My Way" Goodluck Gcafe'
make sure you prepare the tea singing Frank Sinatra's "My Way" Goodluck Gcafe'
make sure you prepare the tea singing Frank Sinatra's "My Way" Goodluck Gcafe'
what a way to go! good luck, rich!
hope you guys win! you deserve this. great cafe.
we're rooting for you!!!
When ask what I, myself, like about the concept is the little things like the fact that they carry legos.
Ask her to heat up the pumkin muffin with butter. It's delicious, Seriously.
i love the idea of open windows in the summer. outside without being outside. brilliants.
hot staff. **** staff.
hot staff. **** staff.
i LOVE THIS PLACE!
goodbye starbucks hello gramstand
The gramstand is way better than The Planet!
I know what the store needs. Some photography by Amy Rollo on the walls!!! I'll be in soon with prints... =)
I will eat you out of cupcakes and pumkin muffins. Mark my word.
Sounds like it's a magic place. We need better tea (and coffee) shops in my area.
you won over my hardened, coffee drinking heart, you little gramstand devil, you. it must be love!!
Great staff and a perfect place to sit and relax and get some work done in a calm environment. Great job!
woof woof!
You put the tea in team. hardy har har.
love the gstand. keep it going.
let's party...
This log-in stuff is not my cup of tea, but shawn got through it for you as always. :)
Mango teaccinos! Gramstand our favorite hangout, it's like hanging out in a friend's basement (but much larger and cozier at the same time). And Josh is awesome! Thanks for putting up with us :)
Great idea, I am from the Caribbean region, in the Caribbean we have a British influence and as such we love tea. It will be nice to market to the Caribbean. Charlene
palarin ka sana
I'm all for your improvement ideas for Gramstand. Can't wait to enjoy my cup of tea. I hope and pray you win.
Good luck. Yada. Yada.
Gramstand is awesome. It's a really great place that brings together people. Long live Gramstand!
I, like, maybe kinda hope y'all win.
Eh Bah.
gramstand is in my blood. seriously, it is. I got checked out and the doctor said, "it looks like you have gramstand in your blood." great staff, great atmosphere, and all around great vibes.
I'd just like to show my support for this likeable concept. As you say on your website, "a modern day retreat." A much needed venue, especially in nyc--- a place I dislike.
gl
overseas support!!!! i miss the stand
cheers.
go gramstand!!!! you guys always do such a great job. PS thanks for the best birthday party ever.
Nina is hot.
Did you know... the steep their chai in cream or soy, with real tea and spices as opposed to those lame boxed concentrates.
yeah baby!!!!!
Tea for life! It's real! Changing the world, one cup at a time.
I have been seen GRAMSTAND grow. Amazing. Love your Tea
GRAMSTAND 4 LYFE!! :)
always rooting for you guys
My vote's in...
If you want to know a great idea blobb. It's the Gramstand's Agito. Genisus of a drink... with caramel. YUM.
Good Luck Guys!
just want to reiterate the comments made above. go tea!
i AGREE, tea is healthy! i know how IMPORTANT social atmospheres are, with good vibes & friendly faces! i know you'll win on those two points, yet i must ask that your voters, vote to save lives, & when this happens...i will invest in your cup of tea of grams. This comment will prove the kindness i intend on sharing with a larger public than i possibly could if i only asked you to vote for the Life Float. Let us work together & see what kinds of crowds we can influence to drink, eat & share healthy. Your friend to the end & our new beginning. inione. Honesty is my first policy!
revolutionary...
my favorite place in the world.
THE BEST TEA EVER! opening the windows and sidewalk seating would make a lovely setting for a summer afternoon iced tea date.
I miss the crowds at Gramstand. The road tour is going well though! Rock on pidegons.
go gram!
yay go gramstand!
Gramstand is a terrific place offering some delicious and unique beverages! Awesome atmosphere and cool art! Peace, Erika shutter-girl.com
I've been a loyal customer since they opened in their first, closet-sized location on Irving Place. Great tea, great atmosphere. One of my favorite places in NYC.
i'm pretty much obsessed with everything gramstand. especially that pear tea.
I started going to the Gramstand when it was at its first tiny location. I remember thinking how quirky the staff was. They continue to impress me with creativity and passion in the cafe.
This would be good. I love Gramstand.
awesome
What a good idea...
Front Windows!! In full support.
jazz nights? citrus berry champanges? could it be a reality. love the gstand