British people are famous for drinking tea. But brother and sister, Sarah and Bobby Green, became young millionaires(百万富翁) when they opened a chain of American-style coffee shops in the UK.
Having the idea: It started when Sarah took a weekend trip to New York to visit her brother Bobby. One evening, in a Thai restaurant, Sarah told Bobby how much she wished she could buy American-style coffee in London. Bobby suggested they started their own coffee shop. Sarah 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 knew there was a gap (空缺) in the market.” In 1995, they opened their first Coffee Republic shop in the center of London.
Making it work: The first year was very difficult. 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 ￡30 million a year.
Advice for others: Sarah 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 says, “If you think you have the energy, then get out and follow your dream.”
53. What kind of company do they run?
A. A fast-food restaurant. B. A tea shop.
C. A coffee shop. D. A big hotel.
54. Where are their Coffee Republic shops?
A. All over the UK. B. All over the US.
C. In the center of London. D. In New York.
55. Which information is mentioned in the passage?
A. Sarah was not interested in Bobby’s idea.
B. British people never drank coffee before 1995.
C. Sarah’s best-selling book is about how to make coffee.
D. Sarah found a business chance while doing the research.