@Bidoof
I think it's only been confirmed that you can customize your town by putting outdoor furniture or buildings around town. In the Japanese trailer, the secretary says, "Would you like the cafe to be here?" Of course, that's not the exact words, but it's close enough.
She actually says "Would you like to build your cafe here?"
But yeah, i think you should make money the old way, just my opinion. Even though its hard making money (not time traveling), it makes it more fun :]