British people are famous for drinking tea. But both Sahar and Bobby Green became young millionaires(百万富翁) when they opened a chain of American-style(美国风味的) coffee shops in the U.K.
Having the idea:It started when Sahar took a weekend trip to New York to visit her brother Bobby. One evening , in a Thai restaurant,Sahar told Bobby how much she wished she could buy American-style coffee in London . Bobby suggested they start their own coffee shop. Sahar fell in love with the idea.
Doing the Research: Back in London, she spent a whole day on the London subway, getting off the train at different stations to taste the coffee. “It was terrible, and I know there was a gap (缺口) in the market.” In November 1995, they opened their first Coffee Republic shop in central London.
Making it work:The first year was very difficult. There were problems finding and keeping staff, and British people were not used to the names of American coffees, like Latte and Macchiato. But being successful was their dream and they were not going to give up . Today , there are over 100 Coffee Republic shops all over the country and the company has revenues(收入) of $30 million a year.
Advice for others: Sahar has now written a best-selling book about their experience, called Anyone Can Do It! She hopes it will help other young people to start their own businesses. She believes success is 1% idea and 99% hard work, but she says, “If you think you have the energy, then get out and follow your dream.”
小题1:What kind of company do these people run?
A.Travel. | B.Tea. | C.Coffee. | D.Hotel. |
小题2:What relationship is between Sarha and Bobby?
A.Teacher and student. | B.Sister and brother. |
C.Doctor and patient. | D.Mother and son. |
小题3:What is the passage mainly about?
A.Sahar’s trip to America. |
B.Sahar’s wonderful life story. |
C.The American – style coffee shop |
D.The success of a family business |