I think it is a good idea. The way I've seen it before is with a coffee shop attached to a store rather than a sandwich shop.
My first thought as far as workability was to look at similar style stores already out there. The closest I can come up with is the Borders cafe at Alderwood Mall. They have the set up (and I highly recommend getting in on the espresso bandwagon - low investment, high profit) with light food, beverages, and tables for eating. The merchandise is off to the side of the dining area. There are some tables and some fluffy chairs.
I would suggest keeping your menu very simple. It keeps investment low and also keeps your time behind the counter limited as well. I love Hot Dog on a Stick's menu. They have like 3 things. They can expand that to about 6. But that is all. Very simple. You can do similar with sandwiches.
A simple menu also allows you to limit your refrigeration needs, the clean up, etc. Less expense and less work for you would be good. Have a healthy selection of food and use that as a marketing tool.
One downside is that you have to enter the frightening world of restaurant regulation. There is a lot of paperwork, requirements, inspections, permits, ad infinitum that you have to go through to get established. It is certainly not impossible, but it is something to consider.
Another downside is that you will almost certainly need a couple of employees. That is more expense and paperwork and another level of government bureaucracy.
Hire a CPA. They will save you more money than they cost.
I would focus primarily on new comic books. I know you have a boat load of back issues, and that is fine, but don't turn the place into a garage sale. As a restaurant you need to look sharp and clean. Beaten up long boxes and the musty smell of decaying paper do not lend themselves to building that atmosphere. An immaculate store will also encourage people not to make messes. A messy store suggests you don't mind if people make a mess and the next thing you know Spider-Man is covered in mayo. I love the idea of giving out comic books with the meal though. Every meal is a kid's meal!
I would also recommend, once established, to reach out to the comic book and webcomic creators in the area. Get them to come in and sign books. Hang their photos on the wall (autographed 8x10s naturally) as celebrities that have visited.
Also participate in things like the 24 Hour Comic Book day and National Novel Writing Month. (google them if you are a hermit and don't know what they are)
Here is an idea. Every year at the Emerald City Comic Convention name a sandwich after a local comic celebrity. Make a ceremony out of it. Give out coupons to the audience. Your hero accepts the award (including a free sub a month for a year) and in doing so they endorse and advertise your store. They will likely put it on their website as an honor. This drives people who are part of your target audience into the store.
no subject
I think it is a good idea. The way I've seen it before is with a coffee shop attached to a store rather than a sandwich shop.
My first thought as far as workability was to look at similar style stores already out there. The closest I can come up with is the Borders cafe at Alderwood Mall. They have the set up (and I highly recommend getting in on the espresso bandwagon - low investment, high profit) with light food, beverages, and tables for eating. The merchandise is off to the side of the dining area. There are some tables and some fluffy chairs.
I would suggest keeping your menu very simple. It keeps investment low and also keeps your time behind the counter limited as well. I love Hot Dog on a Stick's menu. They have like 3 things. They can expand that to about 6. But that is all. Very simple. You can do similar with sandwiches.
A simple menu also allows you to limit your refrigeration needs, the clean up, etc. Less expense and less work for you would be good. Have a healthy selection of food and use that as a marketing tool.
One downside is that you have to enter the frightening world of restaurant regulation. There is a lot of paperwork, requirements, inspections, permits, ad infinitum that you have to go through to get established. It is certainly not impossible, but it is something to consider.
Another downside is that you will almost certainly need a couple of employees. That is more expense and paperwork and another level of government bureaucracy.
Hire a CPA. They will save you more money than they cost.
I would focus primarily on new comic books. I know you have a boat load of back issues, and that is fine, but don't turn the place into a garage sale. As a restaurant you need to look sharp and clean. Beaten up long boxes and the musty smell of decaying paper do not lend themselves to building that atmosphere. An immaculate store will also encourage people not to make messes. A messy store suggests you don't mind if people make a mess and the next thing you know Spider-Man is covered in mayo. I love the idea of giving out comic books with the meal though. Every meal is a kid's meal!
I would also recommend, once established, to reach out to the comic book and webcomic creators in the area. Get them to come in and sign books. Hang their photos on the wall (autographed 8x10s naturally) as celebrities that have visited.
Also participate in things like the 24 Hour Comic Book day and National Novel Writing Month. (google them if you are a hermit and don't know what they are)
Here is an idea. Every year at the Emerald City Comic Convention name a sandwich after a local comic celebrity. Make a ceremony out of it. Give out coupons to the audience. Your hero accepts the award (including a free sub a month for a year) and in doing so they endorse and advertise your store. They will likely put it on their website as an honor. This drives people who are part of your target audience into the store.
By the way, I love the name Heroes.