Coffee shop startup calculator
How Much Does It Cost to Open a Coffee Shop?
Most small coffee shops cost about $80,000 to $300,000 to open, plus 3 to 6 months of operating cash. A kiosk or coffee bar inside another business can open for about $35,000 to $82,000. Pick your shop type, space and equipment below for a line-by-line estimate.
Where the money goes
Planning estimates, not quotes. Build-out costs vary most, so get contractor bids for your space. Espresso machine prices are starting prices before options and installation.
Get a free planning session with the team that opened two Lakeville coffee shops.
Typical Startup Costs by Type of Coffee Shop
Estimates to open, from a space that was already a coffee shop or restaurant (low end) to a retail space that needs plumbing (high end), with a 2-group Nuova Simonelli Aurelia Wave. A raw shell costs more.
| Type of shop | Typical size | Cost to open | Plus 3 months of operating cash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kiosk or coffee bar inside another business | 100–300 sq ft | $35,000–$82,000 | about $26,000 |
| Drive-thru | about 600 sq ft | $57,000–$177,000 | about $41,000 |
| Coffee shop with seating | about 1,200 sq ft | $78,000–$296,000 | about $45,000 |
| Coffee shop with a kitchen and food | about 1,800 sq ft | $125,000–$467,000 | about $68,000 |
The biggest swing is build-out. A space that was already a coffee shop or restaurant can cost a fraction of a raw shell that needs plumbing, electrical and ventilation.
How Much Is Coffee Shop Equipment?
Your espresso machine and grinders are the heart of the bar, and the place where buying the right size matters most. Typical starting prices:
| Equipment | Starting around |
|---|---|
| Used or refurbished 2-group espresso machine | $4,500–$7,000 |
| Sanremo D8, 2-group | $9,900 |
| Nuova Simonelli Aurelia Wave, 2-group | $10,500 |
| Nuova Simonelli Aurelia Wave, 3-group | $10,500 |
| Victoria Arduino Eagle One, 2-group | $13,530 |
| Victoria Arduino Eagle One, 3-group | $15,510 |
| La Marzocco Linea Classic S, 2-group | $16,670 |
| Synesso S200, 2-group | $17,350 |
| Commercial espresso grinder, each (Anfim, Mazzer, Mahlkönig) | $1,500–$4,200 |
| Bulk grinder for drip and retail | $1,700–$3,200 |
| Batch brewer, water filter, refrigeration, ice machine, POS and smallwares | $10,000–$25,000 |
We offer wholesale pricing on Nuova Simonelli, Victoria Arduino and Mahlkönig, and we'll help you size your machine to your busiest hour so you don't overbuy. See our commercial espresso machines.
How to Lower Your Startup Costs
- Look for a second-generation space. A former coffee shop or restaurant often has plumbing, drains and electrical in place, which can save tens of thousands on build-out.
- Size your equipment to your busiest hour. A 2-group machine handles most new shops. Buying a bigger machine than you need ties up cash you'll want for operating costs.
- Start with a focused menu. Fewer drinks and less food means less equipment, less inventory and faster training.
- Talk to your licensing agency before you sign a lease. Surprises in plan review are among the most expensive delays.
- Don't skip the cash reserve. Most new shops take months to reach steady sales. Running out of cash is a bigger risk than going over budget on furniture.
Once you know your budget, price your menu with our coffee cost per cup calculator, and see our step-by-step guide to opening a coffee shop in Minnesota.
Quick Answers
How much does it cost to open a coffee shop?
About $80,000 to $300,000 for a small coffee shop with seating, plus 3 to 6 months of operating cash. Build-out is the biggest variable: a former coffee shop or restaurant costs far less to finish than a raw shell.
How much does it cost to open a coffee kiosk or coffee bar?
About $35,000 to $82,000 for a kiosk or coffee bar inside an existing business, since you skip most of the build-out. Equipment is the largest share, roughly $20,000 to $33,000.
How much does it cost to open a drive-thru coffee shop?
About $57,000 to $177,000 for a small drive-thru in an existing building, plus operating cash. Building a new drive-thru from the ground up costs more.
How much is a commercial espresso machine?
A new 2-group machine starts around $9,900 for a Sanremo D8, $10,500 for a Nuova Simonelli Aurelia Wave and $13,530 for a Victoria Arduino Eagle One. Premium 2-group machines like the La Marzocco Linea Classic S and Synesso S200 run about $16,500 to $17,500. A 3-group machine starts around $10,500 for a Nuova Simonelli Aurelia Wave. Used or refurbished 2-group machines run about $4,500 to $7,000.
How much should I budget for coffee shop equipment?
About $25,000 to $47,000 for a coffee shop without a kitchen: espresso machine, grinders, batch brewer, water filtration, refrigeration, ice machine, POS and smallwares. A kitchen adds about $20,000 to $60,000.
How much money should I have in reserve when opening a coffee shop?
At least 3 months of rent, payroll and bills, and 6 months is safer. For a small coffee shop that's often $45,000 to $90,000.
Can you help me open a coffee shop?
Yes. We opened two coffee shops in Lakeville, and we help Minnesota owners with equipment, bar layout, menu, barista training and fresh-roasted coffee. Book a free planning session or call (952) 209-3671.