Has it already been done?

[captain_slinky]

Just wondering if anybody has heard of a business like the one I'm planning...

Part sub-sandwich shop, part comic book store. Fresh home-made soups and other side dishes such as potato salad, macaroni salad, fresh baked cookies and home made potato chips. "Grab-N-Go" lunches that include a sandwich, a side dish and two random comic books. Dining area in the front, full service comic book store in the back.

And the name of this business? "Heroes".

Comments

[nani-ka.livejournal.com]

I love the name.

No, I haven't personally heard of that exact thing. Have heard of similar - the obvious being Wizards of the Coast in the U-dist, and there was a cybercafe in Lynnwood for awhile where the food situation was similar but it was a gaming LAN on the non-food side of things. Freak might have, simply because he's a bigger geek than me & gets out more.

[rogh-sensei.livejournal.com]

I've never heard of this, but it sounds like win on a plate.

[fritters.livejournal.com]

It sounds like asking for trouble, honestly. I know some people mix food and reading stores, but subs are particularly sauce-ey, as compared to like bagels and such, and comics have paper that sucks up any food mess, unlike magazines and such.

Not that I'm trying to kill your dream or anything. GREAT name. I just think the business model needs some editing.

[pastilla.livejournal.com]

Love the play on words!

[eleri.livejournal.com]

Maybe some control on the flow of stuff, like comics can go into the food area, but food can't come into the comics area, would cut down on potential lost product from food damage.

Ad a rentable back room for gaming, and yer on.

[lotski.livejournal.com]

OMG! My husband just about shat himself when I told him this! He was thinking of doing something almost identical to that! Except not only hero's and sub's, like gourmet sandwiches (he's been a gourmet chef for quite a few years now). It's so funny how much you have in common with my husband! Teehehehe.

[melancholywings.livejournal.com]

The name is awsome. Would it be a resturant with a comic book theme? Or a comic book shop with a sandwhich counter? The first sounds more interesting to me, the second though isn't as appealing. I think it's more of the idea of a cook who sells comics as well, vs. a comic book guy who sells sandwhiches. A cook touching your food is more trustworthy and appealing.
And I like the idea of getting a couple of comics with a meal but there might be an issue of legal infridgement as it's a food premium? Then again maybe the sandwhich could be offered as part of a rewards program with the comics.
Sorry to go all QA.^^

[hallerlake.livejournal.com]

There was a place in Ballard which was a pizza-by-the-slice joint on one side of the wall and a gaming/comic place on the other. They're outta business now, so I'm not sure that's a good recommendation. They had a lot of warhammer-esque games and not a lot of RPG stuff, and I don't know how much they had in the way of comics really. Ton of action figures though.

[sasjhwa.livejournal.com]

Tons of opinions and brainstorm ideas follow.

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.

[thecookielady.livejournal.com]

What I wanna know is....

Do the employees get to wear costumes to work?? Cuz I'm already calculating the commute. And you KNOW I can kick butt in the waitstaff department :)

[lynna12000.livejournal.com]

But Hey! it would give customers the chance to practice their telepathic powers: 'OK, who will service me my lunch?'

It is an intruiging idea.

[abandonada.livejournal.com]

Yes! Intriguing! The name, the idea, all of it.