How To Start A Coffee Shop: A Step-By-Step Opening Guide

There’s no better time than now to take the leap and fulfill your dream of running a coffee shop. Not only are Americans drinking more coffee than ever before—with 64% drinking a cup daily— but these numbers are only set to soar.

As alluring as this dream may be, opening a coffee shop can feel like a daunting task. From thinking about your coffee shop startup costs and operations to marketing strategies and sourcing your beans—there’s a lot to juggle before opening your coffee shop.

With so much to think about, how do you decide what’s truly important? In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to start a coffee shop.

But first, how much does it cost to open a coffee shop?

Before you can even think of opening a coffee, you first need to be aware of the costs involved. The initial investment involves costs for the location, equipment, starting inventory, licenses and permits, marketing, and staffing.

Choosing the right location is key for your coffee shop. You may need to pay rent, spend money on build-out improvements, and cover utilities. As a general rule, rent shouldn’t be more than 20% of your projected sales

The next big expense is equipment. To open a coffee shop, you need an espresso machine, grinders, and refrigerators to keep milk and other products fresh. Many coffee shops use high-quality equipment because good equipment helps make the best coffee for your customers.

You must also think about the cost of inventory. This includes coffee beans, milk, syrups, and other items you need to serve coffee and food. For a small coffee shop, ordering a monthly supply of coffee beans can cost from $1,000 to $3,000.

Before you open a coffee shop, you need the proper licenses and permits. These may include business licenses and health permits. The cost of a coffee shop license depends on where you’re located, but it can be as low as $50 and go as high as thousands of dollars.

Of course, when you start your coffee shop, you need to tell people about it. Early marketing costs include creating a website, advertising on social media, and signage, which can cost a total of $20,000 or more.

A coffee shop also needs a good team to run it. Staffing costs include salaries for your staff and training them to make great coffee and provide excellent service. Consider how many people you need and how much it will cost each month for payroll.

Step-by-step guide to starting a coffee shop

Starting a coffee shop requires careful planning and execution. It begins with a passion for coffee and a clear vision of what makes your shop unique. Here’s an outline of the things you need to do to open your coffee business, from planning to execution.

Step 1: Conduct market research

Market research is one of the most important steps to take before you consider starting a coffee shop. It helps you learn more about your customers and competitors so that you can start a coffee shop that meets real needs.

Ask questions about your target audience: Who will come to your coffee shop? Are they students, workers, or families? Use public data or local government resources to learn about the demographics of your chosen location. This means finding out the age, work habits, and income levels of people in the area.

For example, if you plan to open a coffee shop in a busy city, your customers may be young professionals looking for a quick cup of coffee rather than a quiet place to work.

Understanding these details helps you design your coffee shop’s atmosphere, menu, and marketing strategy. Use simple surveys or talk with locals to learn more about what people in your target area like. This way, you can pick the right products and set pricing that works.

Another key part of market research is looking at your competitors. Visit nearby coffee shops and note what they do well and what they do poorly. Additionally, observe how customers behave in these shops. What are they buying? How long are they staying in the coffee shop?

Pay close attention to when the coffee shop is most crowded since these peak times can change based on the location. For example, during busy hours, customers might line up quickly for a cup of coffee, or they may choose to sit down and relax if the space is welcoming.

Consider how many types of coffee they offer and the ambiance. By looking for needs that aren’t being met, you see how you can open a coffee shop that is different and better.

Step 2: Define your coffee shop concept

Once you have a solid idea of your market, you can use the information to define your coffee shop concept. Two major parts of this stage are developing your Unique Selling Proposition (USP), regardless of the type of restaurant you have, and choosing a business model.

Your USP tells customers why they should choose your coffee shop over others. Think about serving coffee that stands out. For example, you could offer rare or organic beans that are roasted in small batches.

When defining your restaurant concept, the look and feel of your coffee shop also matter a lot. Decide if you want a modern, cozy, or artistic theme. A good design can make your shop memorable and welcome customers to stay awhile.

Many coffee shops now offer more than just coffee. Adding free Wi-Fi, workspaces, or even a small library can attract people who want to work or meet in your shop. These extra services can set you apart from competitors and help your coffee shop startup succeed.

After you define your USP, the next step is to choose the right business model. Your business model will shape how you start a coffee shop and run it daily.

If you open a coffee shop through a franchise, you get a proven plan and more support. This option may come with set guidelines for everything from the menu to the equipment. Meanwhile, an independent coffee shop gives you more freedom to create a unique experience for your customers.

Then, there’s the question of whether you want a fixed location or a mobile setup. A mobile coffee shop, like a truck or cart, lets you serve coffee at events or on busy streets. This model is great if you have limited capital at first.

On the other hand, a brick-and-mortar coffee shop with seating allows you to build a regular crowd and offer a comfortable place for customers to relax and work.

Step 3: Write a lean business plan

You don’t need a lengthy, detailed business plan that takes forever to complete. These plans are usually only required when you need funding from a bank. Instead, create a short or lean plan of a few pages to help validate your idea without getting caught up in the details.

A lean business plan is a short, clear document that’s all about validating your coffee shop idea. It lets you test whether your concept will work before you make big investments.

For example, if you plan to serve specialty coffee with a unique twist, the plan helps you see if there is enough local demand. It also guides your startup process by outlining key steps and setting clear goals.

Your lean business plan should cover several important parts that give a complete picture of your coffee shop. You need to explain why your coffee shop is needed in your area and your unique selling point. List out what nearby competitors are also doing well and where they fall short.

Another aspect of a lean business plan is to describe who your customers are. If you plan to open your shop near a college, your target audience might be students who need affordable and delicious coffee.

Write the ways to let potential customers know about your coffee shop, like social media promotion, flyers, or local partnerships. Additionally, estimate how much money you will need for the costs of equipment, rent, inventory, and staffing. This section gives lenders or investors a clear picture of your financial needs.

A lean business plan should be flexible and ready to change as you learn more about your market. As you start a coffee shop, you might find that some ideas need to be updated or improved. Set aside time every few months to revisit your plan and revise it as needed.

Step 4: Find the right equipment

Every coffee shop startup needs basic equipment to make good coffee. First, a high-quality espresso machine is a must-have for making espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.

You’ll also need a reliable coffee grinder that can handle different bean types and grind sizes. If you can, invest in industrial grinders for consistent particle size, which is crucial for extracting the best flavor from your coffee beans.

You should get a refrigerator as well to keep milk and cream cold. You’ll need a different fridge if you plan to serve food to avoid cross-contamination. Here are other equipment you may need:

• Automatic drip coffee maker to serve black coffee
• Containers and pumps to store syrups and other items
• Kitchen equipment (like ovens) if you’re serving food
• Industrial blenders for making smoothies and shakes

Many new shop owners choose to lease expensive items like espresso machines. Leasing can help you reduce the initial costs while still getting high-quality equipment. Then, you can slowly save for your own machine to reduce costs.

Step 5: Choose the best location for a coffee shop startup

Finding the best location is one of the most important things when you start a coffee shop, especially if you are not a franchise. You need to choose a spot that fits your vision and helps you open a coffee shop that stands out.

First, look for areas with high pedestrian traffic. While busy streets can bring more people, remember that not every crowd is right for your coffee shop. For example, a location in a mall with a nearby Starbucks might have many passersby, but it may not suit the warm, local feel you want to create if you are starting a coffee shop focused on community and unique experiences.

Also, check if the location is near other complementary businesses. Instead of choosing a spot next to a large franchise, consider areas near small bakeries, bookstores, or local boutiques. These nearby businesses can help attract customers who value local charm and quality coffee. Your ideal location should help you fill a gap in the market and offer more than just coffee drinks.

Next, make sure the location has good visibility and accessibility. Your shop should be easy for people to see from the road and simple for them to open the door and walk in. Consider clear signage and well-lit entrances to create an inviting atmosphere during your opening hours.

Parking availability is also important, but think about your target customers too. Not everyone driving to your coffee shop means more sales; in urban areas, many people may prefer to use public transportation or even go for runs nearby. In these cases, consider choosing a spot that is well-connected by transit or close to popular walking routes.

To choose the best location, take the time to walk around the area and observe the flow of foot traffic. Note the busiest times and see what type of customers visit the area.

As mentioned, visit nearby coffee shops and see how they perform and what they offer. This will help you understand what customers expect and spot any gaps in the market.

Once you have selected a location that fits your needs, work on negotiating lease terms. It’s best to consult with a lawyer to help you understand the lease agreement and your obligations.

Make sure you fully understand the lease terms, such as the lease duration, rent increases, and who is responsible for maintenance and repairs. Clear and fair lease terms will help you open a coffee shop without unexpected costs and give you a strong start.

Step 6: Hire the right staff

Excellent customer service has a big impact on customer satisfaction, so finding the right employees is crucial. When your staff treats customers well, 94% of guests will visit your coffee shop again and recommend it to a friend.

Start slowly and ask for referrals from people you trust or from your current staff. This way, you are more likely to find good candidates who understand what it means to serve a great coffee and experience.

Conduct thorough interviews to learn more about each candidate. Ask about their past experience in a coffee shop or restaurant to see if they know how to handle different types of customers. Make sure they show a positive attitude, as this can help build a strong team.

Train your staff how to make or serve good coffee and how to use the tools you use for your business. Create a coffee shop employee handbook that new baristas can refer to if they have questions along the way. Provide regular training for their development to keep your coffee shop running smoothly and help your business grow.

Step 7: Start with a simple menu

A simple menu will help put your customers at ease when they try to order from your coffee shop. By having to choose from only a few clear options, they make decisions faster, which improves their overall experience. Fewer menu items also mean your staff can prepare drinks and food faster, leading to more consistent quality.

When designing your coffee shop menu, opt for high-margin, popular choices. For example, if your coffee shop is known for handcrafted coffee drinks, focus on those instead of a long list of items.

It’s also important to include options for different dietary preferences. Offer choices such as dairy-free milk or gluten-free snacks to attract more customers.

A simple menu would be:

To fine-tune your menu, check each menu item’s performance during the first few months of operation. Keep track of which drinks and snacks are ordered the most and which bring in more profit.

Use this information to adjust your offerings. If a drink isn’t as popular, consider removing it or replacing it with something better suited for your target audience.

Step 8: Perfect your coffee and product quality

It goes without saying: You need quality coffee. High-quality ingredients and careful preparation help you serve great coffee that keeps your customers coming back. Make sure to choose reputable supplies for your coffee beans since the taste of your coffee depends on it.

Next, you must understand the basics of coffee roasting and flavor profiles.

Some coffee shops, like Black Rock Coffee Bar, will have their own roastery. “We roast our beans in small batches in Portland, which is extremely important to us. Our freshness and quality are always at the highest level—small batches allow more control over temperature and flavor profile.” Clay Geyser, Black Rock Coffee Bar

Others will get already-roasted beans. In either case, you need to find a supplier that has quality beans or understands the roasting process. Why? This understanding will help you find the right beans for the flavor profiles you want. Consider these examples:

• Light acidic roasts give you fruity flavors
• Medium to dark roasts provide nutty and caramelized flavors.
• Lighter roasts are better for pour over coffee
• Darker roasts are more versatile and better for espresso-style coffee

Knowing the difference can help you choose the right roast for your signature drinks. Also, decide if you want to offer pour-over coffee or focus on espresso-based drinks. If your coffee shop is located near offices, serving quick espresso shots may be a better fit than a slow pour-over.

Train your staff regularly on brewing techniques to maintain consistency. When every cup of coffee tastes the same, customers know they can rely on your shop for great quality every time.

Step 9: Design an inviting coffee shop layout

Creating a comfortable and appealing atmosphere is key to encouraging customers to stay longer and return. Use soft lighting, warm colors, and comfy chairs to make your coffee shop feel welcoming.

Besides ambiance, you need to think practically: You require enough space for customers to form a line, and materials need to always be readily available for baristas—If they have to disappear to find stuff, customer service will be slow.

An efficient workflow in your restaurant floor plan means arranging equipment and counters so that employees can move quickly and easily. This leads to faster service and happier customers.

When planning your seating, decide whether you will use communal tables, private seating, or a mix of both. Communal tables create a friendly atmosphere and work well for customers who like to socialize, while private seating can be great for people who want to work or have a quiet chat.

Maximizing space is important, but avoid overcrowding the room. Too many tables can make your coffee shop feel cluttered and slow down service.

Step 10: Market your coffee shop before launch

You can have the most beautiful concept and amazing coffee, but if no one knows about you, they simply won’t come. While you don’t need to have an official launch (if you want to, go for it), some marketing before the launch always helps.

Use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to generate buzz around your coffee shop. Post regular updates, photos, and behind-the-scenes videos of your coffee preparation and shop setup.

Before your official opening, use pre-launch strategies to build excitement. Host soft openings to test your service and products with a small group of customers.

Offering early bird discounts or promotions can encourage people to try your coffee. You might also consider developing a loyalty program from day one to reward frequent visits.

Tell everyone—family, friends, or acquaintances—about the upcoming launch. You’ll be surprised at how the word spreads—especially if you have a great concept.

Step 11: Invest in the right tools to manage your operation

Aside from having the right coffee-making equipment, you should also invest in the right tools to operate your shop smoothly. Tools like Lightspeed, Toast, and TouchBistro can help you track sales and inventory and process payments efficiently.

These often integrate with other business tools like accounting software, online ordering platforms, and restaurant scheduling software so that you can manage your entire operations from one app.

You also need accounting and payroll software to automate finance tasks. This way, you can track expenses and process staff wages more efficiently while reducing manual errors.

Finally, you’ll need good systems that provide structure so your entire operation runs smoothly. These include systems for opening and closing, employee communication, employee schedules, and order processing.

The now-successful Black Rock Coffee Bar learned the importance of these systems the hard way. When they started:

• Managers spent hours flipping between multiple documents—time-off requests, availability calendars, and schedule pages, to create schedules
• They had no automated process to compare actual labor vs. scheduled labor. Instead, they relied on manual procedures
• Team communication was slow—the team relied on direct text messages—making it time-consuming to organize shift changes
• Managing labor costs was even harder as they depended on spreadsheets which made finding the right numbers hard

However, after using the employee scheduling tool, 7shifts, Black Rock Coffee Bar improved these processes and saved time and money:

• The scheduling tool helped managers create detailed schedules for an entire week in less than 30 min
• Comparing actual vs. schedule labor became a breeze thanks to the ability to run variance reports using the 7punches time-clocking app
• Team communications became smooth as the team could communicate “in-app,” receive real-time notifications, and adjust shifts on the fly. Plus, staff became more accountable as they weren’t referencing time sheets from three weeks ago
• Most importantly, managers got a firm handle on their labor costs with the labor budget tool. Managers could now enter their projected sales and view labor percentages while creating schedules

As the owner, Cley Geyser notes: “When payroll went through, we would have a look and find the number we needed, but by that time, you may have wasted 2 weeks or even a month knowing you’ve had high labor costs. [Now], we can look at it day by day and week by week. It’s current.”

Opening a coffee shop: Now what?

Fulfilling your dream of opening a coffee shop does not have to be a daunting task. The key is to ensure you concentrate on the most important elements, like conducting market research, developing a solid business plan, choosing the right location, investing in quality equipment, and building a passionate and skilled team.

Ready to take the leap and open your coffee shop? 7shifts lets you create detailed weekly schedules easily, so you and your team can focus on providing an exceptional coffee experience.

FAQs

How profitable is owning a coffee shop?

Many small coffee shop startups report profit margins between 10% and 20%, but this depends on factors like location, menu pricing, and operating costs. If you open a coffee shop in a busy area with high foot traffic and manage your costs well, you may see good returns.

However, success is not guaranteed; careful planning, excellent customer service, and a strong business plan are needed to make your coffee business profitable. Review your financial reports regularly to understand how your coffee shop is performing and to adjust your strategies as needed.

What are the ongoing costs of running a coffee shop?

Running a coffee shop comes with several ongoing costs, like rent, utilities, and insurance. There are also variable costs like inventory (such as coffee beans, milk, and pastries) and payroll for your staff.

You’ll also need to spend money on regular maintenance of your equipment and POS system. Many coffee shop owners set aside a budget for marketing and training to keep their team sharp and attract customers. Make sure to plan for these costs ahead of time so you can manage your budget effectively and keep your operations smooth over the long term.

How can I attract and retain customers?

First, offer the best-tasting coffee and maintain consistent quality in every drink and food you serve. Next, create an inviting atmosphere in your shop that makes people want to come back.

Promoting regularly on social media and participating in local events can also make people notice your coffee shop. If you can, create a loyalty program right when you open so that you can nurture your relationships with your first customers. Don’t forget to ask for feedback to continually improve your products and service.