Sunday, February 28, 2010

The Name Game

After what can only be described as the straw that broke the work camel's back, I have finally decided to do something about starting up my own business.

It has been a dream of mine for awhile to open my own coffee shop kind of place. Something like Central Perk from Friends, but with a bit more of a fancy edge to it. I've dabbled with the family friendly place with an alcove for the kiddies, and a big screen tv for sports/movie/cult tv nights. But not anymore. Maybe it has to do with all the Sex and the City I've been watching lately but I want a place with high backed chairs and little round tables. Chandeliers hanging from the ceilings and little delicate cakes served on pretty china. Or a variation thereof.

Well here is my dilema (other than the usual, money/location/ stuff). I have no idea what to call it. The problem I'm having with everything thing I come up with is that the name doesn't work with the 2 concepts I'm trying to get something off the ground with.

You see, there is no way I can just quit my job and run away with this idea. I have bills to pay, and I really need to move out from home. So I'm beginning by selling my baked products online. Cakes to order, Hot X Buns at Easter, Christmas Cakes as Christmas, and that kind of thing, just to see if it's viable and to get my cooking out there.

But I want the same name for both things. Once I eventually have the shop up and running, I want it to be under the same brand as what I am trying to start now. Does that make sense??

Here are some names that I'm just throwing out there... In no particular order.

  • Choux (because it's pronounces 'shoe' and I love shoes!)
  • Mon Cheri
  • Bon Appetite (will more than likely have copyright issues)
  • Insomnia (have always wanted this for a coffee shop, but don't think it works for cakes)
  • Martini
  • Pari
  • That Place Around the Corner...
If anyone has a creative bone out there can you throw it to me, or spin me around and point me in the right direction??

Let me know what you think.


6 comments:

  1. Well of course I like Martini but what does it have to do with coffee and cakes.. chocolate martinis...

    I never sleep so Insomnia has a cool ring.

    "Come for Coffee and Cake"

    I wish I had a creative idea for you, but if I do come up with something I will twitter, email, text whatever to you...

    You have talked about it for years.. good luck

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  2. Well, at them moment I'm starting 3 different businesses and the worst part is to find the proper name, and when I find it, the domain is already taken.

    The way you describe it, I see it as a cosy place where to find good cakes and coffee, so "Cosy Cafe", "Kath's cakes" are the first names that comes to my mind.

    I'll think about it (and mine as well LOL)

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  3. Oh no Nuri, That's my fear too. I'll find the name I want, then wont be able to get the domain name for it. Good luck with yours. Thanks for the suggestions

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  4. Only one I like in your list is Choux - you'll get the odd person calling it "chowks" but I think most people will pronounce it "chew", which is cool.

    However: http://www.chouxcafe.com.au

    How about D'oh! ???

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  5. Kathy, I read your article a few days ago and felt compelled to compile a lengthy list of coffee synonyms, quotes, phrases, definitions and other related words:
    http://stephentrepreneur.wordpress.com/2010/04/16/everything-about-coffee/
    Hope it helps!

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