About this episode
In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary sits down with Alan Andrews, the unapologetically honest founder behind Old Barracks Roastery and Guji Coffee Bar. Known for his bold social content and Ireland’s most controversial coffee shop (no kids allowed, dogs welcome, €15 cups of coffee), Alan lifts the lid on the real cost of starting and scaling a successful hospitality business.He breaks down the myths that plague the coffee industry — from delusional €10K startup budgets to the glorification of hustle culture — and explains why €100K is the minimum buy-in for building a sustainable, profitable coffee business. Alan also shares the deeply personal reasons behind his adults-only policy, how he prioritises family without sacrificing growth, and why honesty (not trends) should drive your brand strategy.This episode is a masterclass in branding, business modelling, and living by your values — one cup at a time.Show Notes:In this episode, we cover:? The Real Costs of Starting a Coffee ShopWhy €10K won’t cut it, and what you actually need to spendHow Alan built a coffee bar in Limerick for €100K — and what that buys youThe weekly turnover benchmark every shop needs to survive: €10K? Sustainability in HospitalityAre you building a job or a business?The industry’s problem with low-barrier entry and poor planningWhy coffee deserves the same pricing architecture as wine or steak? Polarising Branding & Standing OutThe €15 coffee that sparked national debateAdults-only cafes: creating intentional spaces for deep connectionWhy Alan doesn't care if everyone likes him — and how it’s his superpower? Transparent Social Media MarketingAlan’s viral TikToks on coffee costs and customer misconceptionsHow to win on social in 2025: go real, go niche, get honest"The customer isn’t always right — sometimes they’re just not your customer."??? Entrepreneurship & Fath
