High School Graduate Faces Sad Setback After No Customers Show At The Opening Of His Cafe

Sep 20, 2023

Graduating from high school can come with a litany of emotions. While some teenagers find themselves worried about the upcoming future, others find great joy and excitement in figuring out what adventure awaits them. Some people opt to further their education by going to college or trade school, while others find it best suits them to simply start working at a job to their liking.

In July 2023, an Australian teenager by the name of Tom Oswald opened up his very own cafe. The 18-year-old had just completed high school and got a jump start on finding his footing in the working world. Oswald opened his cafe, Homeboy, in Hahndorf, which is located in South Australia. 

Oswald told news.au.com that he decided to open the coffee shop after an ex-neighbor had a shop with extra room for a cafe but didn’t have anyone who could run it. “Wasn’t sure if I could run a coffee shop by myself but wanted to give myself the challenge,” he explained. 

Oswald sought out industry advice and found some peers thanks to his supportive parents. “My parents have been amazingly supportive which I have been very appreciative of. Mum is happy cooking up all the biscuits and brownies and dad is doing the pastry deliveries up to Hahndorf – I make sure to keep them busy,” Oswald said.

However, while the teen showed great determination and promise, his cafe did not seem to resonate with people in the area. Oswald opened up his coffee shop doors in July 2023, but no customers showed up.

Oswald took to TikTok in July 2023 to post a heartbreaking video. “Opened a cafe and nobody came 😔,” the text layover read. “Still waiting for a customer,” Oswald wrote in the caption. However, the teen did not let the rough start deter him.

“The cafe can get a little bit quiet at times but it is something I fully expect and do not get down about it,” Oswald told news.com.au. The teen added, “Quiet days give me time to reflect and research and busy days teach me the importance of efficiency.”

“I am 18 years old, straight out of high school, currently in my gap year and this project is literally the only thing I’m ever working on,” Oswald said. “I’m either at the shop working or working from the outside, finding ways I can improve the business in any way I can.”

Oswald took to social media to document his journey of the harsh realities that first-time business owners can face, including the unfortunate case of having no customers. Thankfully, many people on social media encouraged Oswald to keep going and not give up on his dream. Slowly but surely, Oswald found himself working with others, and soon enough, the customers started to pour in.

In September 2023, Oswald posted a video on Instagram that was slightly old and explained how the weekdays were slow at first, but the weekends were slightly busier. People loved the quaint cafe and the cute outdoor seating area. “It looks so beautiful,” one person said. “i’m so excited to go 😍,” another said.

The teen expressed his hopes that Homeboy “will be a success” and his desire to give back to the community in time. “In the meantime, its just one coffee at a time,” he said.

What do you think about this teen jumping into the workforce right after high school? Were you inspired by his grit and determination? Let us know, and be sure to pass this along to your family and friends.