pammie467153 wrote:hi all. been reading all the past messages, very interesting and much of it confirms the conclusions that I have been reaching in my own research regarding opening up a 'cafe'. I am British and have run into so many brick walls and red tape that sometimes I feel like giving up...but I won't. There are cafes all over the island, true. Also restaurants and any and every other eating/catering establishment inbetween, but has anyone noticed how all the menus are the same? Different cafe, different decor, same menu. Perhaps Peter would like to offer something (dare I say) different? and perhaps if someone helped him with advice instead of criticising his attempts, we may even be pleased that we were instrumental in helping. The brick walls I have been facing mostly boil down to either no one willing to offer assistance in getting the right advice from the right people, or being told that unless I pay silly amounts of money to the 'right' people i will not be allowed to open. The second biggest obstacle has been down right racism. I have been told both directly and indirectly that only 'nationals' will be allowed to open this sort of business and that I am trying to steal anothers' living. Strikes me as being rather juvenile. I am allowed and encouraged to spend as much money as possible, but attempt to make money, even a small amount in relation to what I have spent here, and BANG, another brick wall. And Stotos, do all British who come to cyprus want to open a cafe? I suspect quite a few do, maybe its because they are bored with the same menus. Also, how many Cypriots have made a living moving to Britain or elsewhere and opened a food related business? life is too short for any of us to make things more difficult for each other no matter where they were born or where they choose to live. So come on everyone help both Peter and myself, remember what comes around goes around. I am sure all of you have been glad that someone helped you at one time or another.
No one is shooting anyone down but someone does have to be realistic. If you have something special to offer go ahead I am sure it will be a success. But if the only reason you are thinking of doing it is better espresso and you have no other original ideas, with all the existing cafes AND starbucks, It will not work. It is not mean to be honest. I actually think we owe it to each other to be honest. He asked our opinions and we gave them to him. Next time someone asks for people's opinions and he just wants to hear what will make him feel better he can let us know. Until then I think what we owe him is honesty.
didn't notice that! I got confused because of his name 'Peter'! Where are you from Peter? If you are not from EU opening business in Cyprus is harder. I don't understand about long and short espresso etc. But I think the cafe sector is saturated. Just my opinion 
