Love story - About us

Shashi arrived from India when he was 17 and was joined two years later by his wife, Mina. He started his first convenience store in 1981 and, over the next 15 years built a very strong business. However, it meant long hours and no holidays, so the couple decided that they would sell their store and look for an equally lucrative, but less stressful, business.

Running the business

Shashi works from a home office - "You don't need an elaborate head office, and my staff know they can call me anytime." All his shops are within a 1 and a half hour drive from his home so that if there are problems, he can be there quickly to put things right - and mix the muffins if necessary!

To run the business efficiently, two Area Managers report to the Operations Director. Each of them have responsibility for a number of stores. Each store is run as a separate entity, with daily reports going to the Area Managers who provide Shashi with a weekly summary. The Area Managers and Operations Director train the Store Managers, who in turn train their staff.

Summary

Shashi Patel feels that Love Coffee was definitely the right business decision for him. He believes that the concept has the right mix of menu offer, together with high quality and good value for money. The stores offer a relaxed atmosphere for customers who can enjoy freshly made food and drinks as a break from shopping or work.

"Love Coffee has two great things going for it - the concept perfectly fits the English weather and the business is simple to operate," says Shashi.