i like the cafe idea. you could display them in cases and in the counter and up high on the walls in shadow boxes or something so people won't touch them or anything. i bet a lot of people would go visit it from around the world. i mean, there's enough pony collectors out there, right?!
and you could have a tv in the shop to watch my little pony during the day when it comes on tv! lol
it would be one of those cute cafe's that people would want to go visit, even if they weren't pony collectors, and might even inspire some to start collecting once they see what all the fuss is about. i know people go insane for cute little shops and stuff like that in japan, america has been wanting something cute like that for quite a while now, so i think it'd be a hit! japan has all the adorable things
even their fast food toys are cuter than ours.
edit: i just saw you're from australia! lol i think it'd be a hit there too!!!! same as what i said above, minus the america bit. cute sells. people love cute and cute themed things. i think it'd be a great idea all around.