Are you thinking about starting a coffee shop? Great! Coffee shops are a fantastic business venture. Not only is the coffee industry booming, but there is also a lot of room for creativity and differentiation in the market. Plus, who doesn't love coffee?
Before you get started, there are a few things you should do to set yourself up for success. This blog post will walk you through 8 steps that you need to take before opening your coffee shop doors to the public.
1. Find the perfect location: The first step to starting any business is finding the perfect location. When it comes to coffee shops, this is especially important because people often go to coffee shops to work or study outside of their homes. Look for a high foot traffic area with plenty of seating and outlets. Proximity to other businesses (like bakeries or bookstores) is also a plus!
2. Identify the right coffee wholesale partner: You need to make sure that you are getting your coffee from a reputable source at a good price point. Do your research and find a wholesaler that you can trust. Still looking for the right coffee wholesaler? We would love to partner with you! Plus, we can help with each step of the process towards getting your new coffee shop launched!
3. Understand what will make you different: There are a lot of coffee shops out there, so what will make yours stand out from the rest? Whether it's your unique flavor combinations or your cozy atmosphere, make sure that you have a USP (unique selling proposition).
4. Consider what coffee shop business model you are pursuing: Are you looking to start a small, local chain or an independent shop? The answer to this question will affect everything from your branding to your menu selections. Additionally, consider the amount of space you will have as that will likely impact the type of coffee shop business you will run. For instance, if you have 3,000 square feet, you will likely have a large sit in business and require a higher ticket amount. On the other hand, if you have under 1,000 square feet, you will likely have a high carry out business with minimal people sitting to drink their coffee in house. Either way, these factors will likely also impact how you staff your coffee shop.
5. Become an expert on understanding the critical numbers of your business: Before opening your doors, it is essential that you understand the financial side of running a coffee shop. Make sure that you know your cost of goods sold (COGS), labor costs, and other important numbers inside and out.
6. Secure your equipment: Once you have found the perfect location and signed a lease, it's time to start thinking about equipment. You'll need items like commercial espresso machines, grinders, blenders, etc. Work with a trusted vendor to get everything that you need.
7. Train your staff: Hire baristas who are passionate about coffee and train them thoroughly on how to make all of your signature drinks flawlessly. Customer service is key in the hospitality industry, so make sure that your staff is friendly and knowledgeable about your products.
8. Treat customers amazing: Last but not least, always remember to treat your customers well! Thank them for their business and go above and beyond to deliver great service every single time. If you do all of these things, then you're well on your way to starting a successful coffee shop!
Starting a coffee shop can be a great business venture—but only if you do it right! Follow these 8 steps and you'll be on your way to opening up shop in no time! Thanks for reading and good luck!