I think it doesn't matter what the economic situation, a poor business proposition will always fail.
You are so right Dave, It always sounds good when you are full of optimism, I'm going to open a so and so shop, because there are lots of them in the town, so it must be a good idea. Do the basics first. How many bums on seats do I need to pay the overheads / lease and how much do I need to live on after I've paid the staff / taxman.
My wife's Uncle got the contract to refit the Bakers Oven Shops all over the country because he devised a chair that was perfectly comfortable to sit on for 20mins., but after that it became progressively more uncomfortable. In, drink your coffee, eat your cake, move on.
Now with free wifi available almost every where, unless you charge outrageous prices it's only a question of time before the inevitable closure.