Ep 13. West End Coffee Company

West End Coffee Company is the thirteenth episode of season two of the business reality show, The Profit. Marcus Lemonis, a successful entrepreneur, goes to Houston, Texas, to meet with a coffee shop owner named Amy, who struggles to keep her business afloat.

Amy had opened West End Coffee Company three years prior with her husband, but they had no experience in the coffee industry and had relied on hiring baristas. When her husband died, Amy took control of the company but has had difficulty managing it alone. The coffee shop's sales are low, and the business is not generating much profit.

Upon arrival, Marcus notices the coffee shop's location is hidden behind a large banking building, and the sign on the street is too small to catch people's attention. He also pays attention to the lack of food and pastry options available and the poorly-designed interior of the shop.

Marcus meets with Amy and her staff to learn more about the business. He finds the staff is underpaid, and Amy is not keeping track of the company's finances. During their conversation, Marcus discovers that Amy has a passion for the environment and pledges to donate a portion of the coffee shop's profits to a landfill. Marcus sees potential in the business, and he decides to help Amy turn things around.

Firstly, Marcus addresses the lack of foot traffic by giving financial support to fix the sign and redesign the interior of the shop. He also hires an expert to train the staff on coffee recipes and pricing, which leads to higher-quality coffee and better customer service. Additionally, Marcus brings in a chef to help create new food and pastry options, which enhances the company's offerings and increases revenue.

Marcus also counsels Amy on how to manage the business better. He encourages her to keep better track of finances and create a budget that will ensure the company's longevity. Marcus reminds Amy that her passion for the environment must be balanced with her desire to make a profit.

Throughout the episode, the West End Coffee Company's staff and Amy learn a great deal from Marcus. By the end of his visit, the coffee shop has a refreshing new look, a streamlined menu, and a more efficient system of management. The company's finances have improved, and the staff is happy to have received training on making a better cup of coffee.

The West End Coffee Company episode of The Profit is a testament to Marcus Lemonis's skill as a businessman and his desire to help struggling companies. His attention to detail, financial backing, and leadership makes for an entertaining and informative episode that highlights both the challenges and opportunities in the coffee industry. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in entrepreneurship or coffee shop management.