Case Study

Robert McStravick, owner of The Coffee Co, Randalstown started his barista journey between 2016 and 2021 where he served a self-made apprenticeship in the art of coffee. Working as a barista for Starbucks at The Junction and Belfast International Airport, he wasn’t just frothing milk and pulling shots, he was studying a business. He saw first-hand how a coffee shop could become a cornerstone of daily life. Through thousands of interactions over the counter, a quiet ambition began to brew, to one day have a place of his own, but one that was deeply rooted in its local community.

He saw his chance in his hometown of Randalstown. The town was crying out for a modern, welcoming space for people to simply meet and connect. In 2021, in the very midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world was gripped by uncertainty, Robert made the bold decision to launch The Coffee Co. It was a leap of faith, driven by the belief that once restrictions lifted, people would need a place to come together more than ever.

For the first three weeks, the doors were open, but the chairs were empty – by order. He operated as a takeaway, serving his first customers through a hatch, building a reputation one cup at a time. He wasn’t just selling coffee; he was selling a promise of the community hub that was to come.

The early days were a learning curve. Randalstown wasn’t used to a modern coffee shop concept, it was a town more familiar with traditional cafes. Robert had to gently introduce his vision: a welcoming, dog-friendly space that was proudly not a “greasy spoon,” but a hub for fresh, home-baked goods, quality grab-and-go food, and consistently excellent coffee, supplied by the renowned Café Vergnano 1882.

A significant turning point came with the support of a mentoring programme which provided him with invaluable guidance, helping him to shape his raw passion into a structured business strategy. A social media grant was the catalyst that took The Coffee Co. from a local secret to a Northern Ireland destination. It gave him the tools and knowledge to promote his business as a standalone entity, reaching audiences far beyond the town’s borders.

In running the day-to-day business, Robert learned one of his biggest lessons: simplify. He noticed the waste and complexity of offering multiple takeaway cup sizes and made a shrewd decision. He streamlined his offering to a single, well-designed takeaway cup with a lid that customers loved. This small change not only saved the business money but also became a subtle part of The Coffee Co. brand identity. It was a perfect example of his emerging philosophy, “Concentrate on your own doorstep, and don’t over complicate things.”

Today, The Coffee Co. is not just surviving, it is thriving. The proof is in the pudding, and the accolades. The business boasts a stellar 4.8 Google rating, a testament to the daily satisfaction of its customers. In 2023, it was the runner-up for Independent Coffee Shop of the Year, an award it went on to win outright in 2024. Its savvy online presence has earned it a spot as one of the top ten independent coffee shops in Northern Ireland for social media.

These achievements were built on a foundation of community. Robert’s initial vision of a place to combat loneliness has been fully realised. It’s a hub for dog walkers, refuel for cyclist groups, meeting point for the local running club, a showcase for local suppliers, and a venue for charity events, including Antrim Enterprise who have hosted a number of their networking events at The Coffee Co.

For Robert, the journey has taught him the importance of resilience and self-care. He’s a regular at the gym and uses the spa twice a week to clear his mind, recognising that his own well-being is fundamental to the health of his business. He actively networks with other coffee shop owners, sharing ideas and watching social media for the next trend to unfold.

His vision for the future is clear: to keep evolving with catering, night-time events, and collaborations with local bloggers, continually reaching new people moving into the town.

When asked what advice he’d give to someone else dreaming of starting a business, his answer is simple and reflects his own journey. “You will never know unless you try,” he says. “You will never succeed unless you try.”