The Empire Coffee Co, prior to our initial launch in Newcastle, Australia, came about from an opportunity being presented to us and within 6 weeks we put together a game plan, a logo, had networked with suppliers, sorted out the banking and EFTPOS, signage and dozens of other little things. We were fortunate that we didn't need an espresso machine, grinder, equipment, refrigerated display cabinets or the need for an expensive shop fit out. That came with the deal.

We thought the small shoe box size shop front would be quite adequate. We were wrong.

We quickly came to the realisation of the potential of our coffee shop within 8 short weeks of operation. By the time the school holidays were upon us, we knew we had outgrown our small premises. In that time we attracted a following. A certain type of person but not contained within a specific age, sex or demographic. The love of Star Wars spans generations.



We know that we are offering something unique and up until now wasn't available in Newcastle. Indeed, from the feedback we've been getting there's nothing like it in Sydney or the rest of Australia for that fact.

We now have bigger plans and ideas and dreams which couldn't happen in the small space that we were renting.

There was only one thing that was disappointing our customers, the space was far too small. And many others who wanted to visit who kept asking us to be open in a Saturday. We did that by hosting an event we called the Imperial Recruitment Day, which again proved that the place was too small. The spectacle spilled out over the side walks on both sides of our little corner coffee bar. It was pandemonium. A thronging crowd of fans who came despite it being the middle of winter. Ask anyone who was there, the atmosphere was electric and the event was epic.

For now we have closed our doors but only because we are on the hunt for a new location. And we have found it. We'd love to tell you where it is but we don't want to spoil the surprise. Or set you up for disappointment if we don't get it. But you can play a important part in helping us make this dream into a reality and be one of the first to see the new place before we open to the public.

Everyone who contributes will be invited to check us out before we officially open.

Our plans for Newcastle

The money raised from this crowdfunding campaign will be used to secure the location. To pay for the security deposit and bond.

We are confident of being able to cover the weekly rent, but with a commercial lease we require 4 months (x the weekly rent) in advance for the bond and security deposit.

The $16,000 we seek covers that and only that.

Everything we need is there. We just have to do a lot of cleaning, clean, painting and install new signage.

If we go over and beyond the initial goal, the money will be used on other improvements and additions to the property.

If we exceed this goal we'll have various stretch goals, such as fitting out the power points with USB ports, so people can recharge their phones while giving themselves a caffeine recharge.

The bigger this goes, the better the improvements and innovative ways we can use the site.

The challenge we are faced with is raising enough money from this campaign and making a firm expression of interest to the owner of the vacant property before anyone else can come along and take this opportunity away from us. That's the reason we haven't mentioned the location in this crowdfunding pitch.