Help me make my dream coffeeshop become reality

Our Story

How It Started

More than three years ago, I started a coffee shop/cult hub named Cafca. The name is derived from a mix of the writer (Franz Kafka) and, of course, coffee. Cafca, which began as a spot with a second-hand coffee machine, has grown into a cult hub offering a wide variety of activities: films, chess, lectures, vintage clothes, and music.

Cafca meets the need to be a coffee place for the artistic free spirit.

Sustaining a cultural hub without subsidies is an art in itself, and it strengthens my conviction to bring this concept from the Netherlands to Spain.

(Cafca netherlands)

Why a Change and Why Spain

Cafca in the Netherlands has brought me a lot, but after three years I am safe to say that I am ready for a new adventure. I have been dreaming about Spain for years now, because I believe I have a connection with the country. Spain has a certain allure—a mix of culture, flamenco, and pure passion. The landscape, scorched by the sun, is fundamental to the culture of Andalusia. You can see it in the laid-back everyday life, even in simple things like the siesta and "mañana por la mañana."

Why start a business in Spain? After all, I could simply move there. But just living there wouldn’t be enough for me; it wouldn’t bring me much. It would end up being nothing more than watering plants, walking the dog, and going to El Mercado Central once a week for groceries. Sure, I’ll write there too, but I believe it’s of great value to play a role within the social framework. It keeps my mind away from the void inside me. Starting something new is a challenge, and I thrive on that.

Unfortunately, this connection with Spain is not the only reason I want to go to Cádiz. I have been struggling with asthma my entire life, and over the past few years, my condition has worsened. I am in desperate need of some good quality fresh air. The sea air will do me good.

What Cafcaì Will Be

Cafca is a social and cultural hub appreciated by many people, and though I love that about it, I have something a bit different in mind for Cafcaì.

In light of the past three years—the Cafca years—it is no surprise that I’m continuing with coffee. I know the bean and the foam, without becoming blasé about it. I have decided that I want to focus more on the coffee, making it a specialty coffee bar.

Cafca in the Netherlands has earned its place. It has proven that people need a space where the individual’s free mind is valued, where freedom of expression is paramount, and where that freedom is the common language, within the boundaries of decency.

Cafcaì will not be a copy of Cafca. However, it will be the source of inspiration. This means Cafcaì will have an eye for culture, without aiming to become a cultural hub. Cafcaì will be a lighter version of Cafca NL. Jazz, Flamenco, and Fado music. Vinyl jazz nights, small chess tournaments, art on the walls, and simple tapas on the plate. So, no football—just music. An artistic vibe, without it taking center stage. Poems on the walls, plants in their pots, with black-and-white films from a bygone era playing in the background, like moving wallpaper.

Cafcaì doesn’t focus on just one target group; we aim to be inclusive and cater to a variety of audiences. First, there’s the artistic, bohemian local—Cádiz is, after all, a city with undeniable artistic allure. Then, we have the middle-class professionals and entrepreneurs, the gentrified residents of Cádiz, which make up around 10% of the city’s population. We also welcome students, with the university just 200 meters away from Cafcaì. And finally, we appeal to the individual traveler—though not the mass tourist. This inclusivity not only brings diversity but also helps soften the impact of seasonal fluctuations.

The name is a combination of the previous name (Cafca) and the name "Cadì," which is the inside name for Cádiz.

Location

I once learned in school that location is the most important factor when starting a business.

The location I’ve found is Plaza Candelaria, an old square in the heart of the Ancient City. Five years ago, it was still filled with cars and scooters. Now, it’s an oasis. Trees and plants, a fountain pond, and 20 benches offering shade and tranquility.

On the square stands the city’s oldest restaurant, Restaurante Royal, in Jugendstil style, with a classy clientele. There’s also a popular beer-drinking spot, Bar la Estrella 1905, a Michelin-star restaurant, and a popular ice cream parlor. Not to mention a beautiful retirement home and a student complex. In short, a diverse and very local mix—*the* perfect location.

What Can Be Found at Cafcaì

We will offer high-quality coffee and latte art, using top-tier beans, including our own house brand (Cafcaì). Our specialty coffee will meet the standards of the Specialty Coffee Association and will rotate seasonally. This will be done in collaboration with the Motto Amersfoort coffee roastery.

We’ll have our own Cafcaì cups and our signature Cafcaì coffee, which will also be available for customers to purchase as whole beans.

In addition, we’ll serve our homemade iced tea, made with a Paraguayan recipe, as well as local soft drinks that align with our gourmet image.

In the mornings, we’ll offer croissants, pastries, and pastel de nata. For lunch, we’ll have three varieties of toasties: jamón, queso, and vegan. In the evenings, there will be space for drinks, tapas, cheese boards, and charcuterie.

Why We Need Funding

To bring Cafcaì to life, I’ve been setting money aside over the past three years. To give it a real kickstart, I’m using my savings, but I’m still short by €15,000. That’s why I’ve created this fundraising plan.

This money will be used for things like a high-quality espresso bar, the building including utilities, infrastructure, the interior, décor, paintings, new toilets, equipment, and sanitary facilities.