The Setup
You and your co-owner run a cozy vegan café in the heart of Victoria, a popular tourist destination on Canada’s west coast. It’s a favorite spot for plant-based eaters, but sales have plateaued recently. Your partner believes introducing one or two non-vegan options could attract new customers and boost revenue. You feel this change could alienate your loyal vegan clientele and compromise the café’s identity, to locals and tourists, alike.
Tensions rise as staff and regular customers start picking sides. You both want what’s best for the café but have different visions for the path forward.
Perspectives
Here’s how each partner might see the situation:
Partner A (pro-vegan menu) perspective:
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- The café has built a reputation and loyal following as a committed vegan establishment.
- Introducing non-vegan options could dilute the brand and alienate the core customer base.
- The café will lose its identity and credibility as a vegan-friendly business.
Partner B (pro non-vegan options) perspective:
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- Sales are stagnant, and expanding the menu to include non-vegan items could attract a broader audience.
- Most people are not strictly vegan, and accommodating non-vegan customers is practical for business growth.
- The café is limiting its potential by sticking rigidly to a vegan-only identity.
(Potential) Solution options
- Maintain the Vegan Menu (Partner A’s Preference)
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- Stick to the all-vegan menu and find alternative ways to attract new customers, such as marketing, events, or partnerships.
- Expand the Menu with Non-Vegan Options (Partner B’s Preference)
- Introduce a few carefully chosen non-vegan items, like eggs or dairy-based milk, to broaden the customer base.
- Collaborative Compromise
- Conduct a customer survey to gauge interest and concerns about adding non-vegan options.
- Experiment with a temporary “guest menu” featuring non-vegan items for a limited time, clearly labeled to maintain transparency.
- Consider introducing vegan dishes that appeal to non-vegan customers (e.g., hearty, indulgent vegan comfort food).
- Bring in a Neutral Facilitator
- Hire a business mediator to facilitate a structured conversation between the partners. The goal is to find a solution that aligns with their shared values and long-term vision.
Choose an option (and get some feedback)
Strengthen your partnership and business
Every conflict is an opportunity in disguise. Find solutions that strengthen your partnerships and business!
