A Family's quest for better coffee inspires the launch of Bean Machine

Dubai-based accountant, Paul, and wife, Duaa join forces to open a gourmet coffee house that brings locally-sourced coffee, fresh sandwiches, and in-house bakes to the Business Bay and Downtown Dubai areas.

September 21st, 2013 – Dubai, UAE – The Executive Towers in Business Bay have a new gourmet coffee shop and bakery: Bean Machine at Bay Avenue, Mezzanine Level.

When Paul lost his job for the second time during the credit crunch, he decided with his wife that it was time to change careers. With a toddler in tow, they pulled together a business plan, and registered their own company. It was a leap of faith for the first-time entrepreneurs.

“We are fortunate to have my father as a seasoned food and beverage expert,” says Duaa, 34-year-old Egyptian fitness trainer, “he provided advice, moral support, and most importantly, capital that made this project possible.”

“We dreamed up the idea of Bean Machine when we grew tired of the same old unimpressive coffee available around Dubai,” says Paul, “We thought ‘we could do better than this', and we believe we did!”

Bean Machine offers freshly-roasted gourmet coffee from a local roastery, whole leaf tea, made-to-order sandwiches, and just-baked pastries, cakes, cookies, and pies. In addition, Bean Machine also serves freshly squeezed juices, smoothies, and healthy breakfast options. And everything is made from scratch.

“There are so few independent coffee shops in Dubai,” adds Paul, “we wanted to open a family-friendly venue that emphasizes quality in both coffee and food. We are able to monitor our quality closely as we work with local roasters, and prepare all our food and pastries ourselves.”

“The fitness trainer in me wants to see healthy and fat-free options on our menu, so I added them,” says Duaa, but she also enjoys baking indulgent cakes and American-style cookies and pies. Lookout for this month's specials: apple pie, pumpkin pie, and chocolate pecan pie.

Bean Machine supports book clubs, mother and baby groups, and art/culture groups. With free Wi-Fi, the coffee shop also serves as a meeting place for business executives or as a destination for students looking for a quiet corner.

“Try our 8oz lattés and cappuccinos,” suggests Paul, “it is made with the right proportion of espresso to milk and foam, ensuring that you taste the great coffee through the milk. And our hot chocolate is exquisite – I won't say more.”

Starting up a small coffee shop is scary in this world of big brand domination, but Paul and Duaa urge anyone looking to start their own venture not to feel intimidated. There are enough people out here who truly appreciate a good coffee, and the taste and freshness of a homemade sandwich or pie.

Their advice is: know exactly what you want to create, budget it, pick your location carefully, build it, then don't abandon it.

“Be there, and run your business.” Adds Paul.

Bean Machine location and address:

Mezzanine Level, Bay Avenue at Executive Towers, Business Bay, PO Box 77218, Dubai, UAE.
Tel: 04-4560711
Open 7 days a week, 8 am to 10 pm

Online contacts:

www.bmcoffeeshops.com
www.facebook.com/bmcoffeeshops
Email: comments@bmcoffeeshops.com