u/sageprimrosee

Hi everyone ☺️

I’m researching a possible business idea and wanted honest customer opinions before investing. Trying to learn what people actually want — especially during winter/slow months.

🍦 ICE CREAM SHOP
Soft serve or hard scoop?
Favorite flavors you repeatedly buy?
Dine-in or takeout?
How often would you realistically visit in:
summer?
winter?
What makes you return regularly to an ice cream place?

🍓 FROYO SHOP
Do you still buy froyo these days?
Would 1 really good yogurt flavor + lots of toppings work for you?
Favorite toppings?
Self-serve or staff-served?
Would you still come during winter? How often realistically?

☕️** CAFÉ / DESSERT CAF**É
What drinks and desserts do you order most?
Preferred vibe?
cozy
Korean/Japanese-inspired
minimalist
study/work-friendly
aesthetic/photo-friendly
Stay/work/study or mostly grab-and-go?
What makes you become a regular?
Biggest turn-offs in cafés?

✨ GENERAL
Which concept would you personally visit MOST often?
What’s missing in Edmonton/St. Albert right now?
What pricing feels reasonable nowadays?
What helps a café/dessert place survive winter here?
What would make you loyal to a new local business?
Would it be best to close ice cream/froyo shop during winter?

Even short answers help a lot 🙏 Thanks!!

Hi! I live near St. Albert and I’m thinking of starting a small business.

I don’t want to just guess what people want, so I’d love honest opinions from locals.

What’s something you feel is missing here that you’d actually go to (and spend money on regularly)?

Some ideas I’ve been considering:

• Japanese-style dessert café (fluffy pancakes, matcha drinks, soft serve, light brunch options)

• Cozy ramen restaurant (more authentic, dine-in experience—not fast food style)

• Cute gift shop (Miniso/Sanrio vibe—small “nifty” items like keychains, stationery, plushies, etc.)

Would you personally go to any of these? Why or why not?

Or is there something else you wish St. Albert had? (food, retail, experiences—anything!)

Ideally something family-friendly and not too expensive—somewhere you’d go more than once, not just a one-time visit.

Thanks in advance for any input.

What’s a place you currently go to in Edmonton instead because St. Albert doesn’t have it?