Highlights from the first 'Church Cafe Managers Network' Meeting
What an incredible first gathering! It was fantastic to connect, share our hearts for community ministry, and swap practical tips. Running a church cafe comes with its own unique set of joys and hurdles, and our first meeting proved that we are much stronger when we share the journey.
Here is a quick roundup of the winning ideas and honest challenges discussed:
💡 The Winning Ideas (What’s Working!)
Simplifying the Drinks Menu: Bubble tea and iced teas are proving to be massive hits. Not only are they incredibly popular with customers, but they are also much easier for busy staff teams and volunteers to prep than complex espresso drinks. Checkout the New 2026 Summer Drinks Trends download here.
Rhyme Time & Toddler Clubs: Hosting a free toddler club twice a week has been a brilliant foot-in-door strategy. Parents and carers come early for a coffee and chat, and many end up staying to buy lunch.
The Power of a Dedicated 'Host': We discussed the value of having a vicar or pastoral team member paid to simply be present in the cafe. Having a designated host frees up the kitchen staff and ensures there is always a welcoming face ready to chat or offer support.
The Ultimate Cafe Snack: If you’re looking for a menu upgrade, try puff pastry pinwheels. They are flying off the shelves, highly popular, and offer a fantastic profit margin.
⚖️ The Challenges (What We’re Working On)
While there is much to celebrate, we also got honest about some of the friction points we are facing:
Managing Wastage: Balancing the menu and predicting fluctuating daily sales remains a puzzle. How do we keep food fresh without throwing away profits on quieter days?
Community Pantry Etiquette: While our community pantries are born out of generosity, a few sites have noticed one or two individuals taking the majority of the stock before it can be shared with the wider community. Finding the balance between unconditional grace and fair distribution is a key focus moving forward.
Next Steps: Continue the Conversation in the Network Whatsapp Group.
Next Meeting: Thursday 8th October 2026 @ 2pm
Are you a cafe manager but not in the Network and want to join? Sign Up Here
