Americans love coffee so much the average citizen drinks over three cups per day. Our morning coffee is such a ritual, and our love of coffee is so strong, it’s no wonder the industry is so successful.
You’ve thought about getting a piece of the action and owning your own coffee shop. Given the demand for a good cup of joe, now might be the best time for you to take the leap and open a cafe.
Are you ready to start slinging lattes? Check out these top five tips for how to open a coffee shop.
1. Find the Right Location
Starting a coffee shop is all about finding the right location.
The best ones feature a lot of foot traffic, combined with a lack of competition. Think about college neighborhoods where there are students in need of a warm, quiet spot to study.
City neighborhoods with a small business district make great locations too. Successful coffee shops in these locations often become beloved institutions.
2. Don’t Pay Too Much for Rent
The right location vs. low overhead is always a negotiation. Prime real estate in vibrant neighborhoods will always cost more to rent. The best thing you can do before signing a lease is to do some research.
To lock in lower rent, look for a neighborhood showing early signs of revitalization. Look for public transportation lines, new businesses, and real estate purchases.
3. Determine Your Concept
What do you want your coffee shop to be? What services best meet the demands of the clientele?
A coffee shop is an open-ended concept. Some work best as simple shops that offer a variety of coffee drinks and some baked goods. Others expand their cafes into small restaurants that offer fresh food.
4. Find Quality Products
Of all the coffee shop tips, finding quality products is the most important. You might have a great location and a unique space. But if your coffee isn’t good, you won’t see repeat business.
You have to keep two ideas in your mind when purchasing coffee shop supplies: quality and cost. When looking for wholesale coffee beans, finding the ones that taste the best and turn the most profit is key.
5. Marketing
A lot of coffee shop marketing relies on word-of-mouth advertising. You need a strategy, however, to get first-time customers through your door.
Launch your grand opening with a literature or music event. Live music nights and poetry readings are a great way to get new people into your shop and win repeat business.
Invest in social media. Twitter and Instagram are perfect tools to establish your brand and serve up appealing photos of your product.
Use These Tips on How to Open a Coffee Shop
While Americans love coffee, running a successful coffee shop is still a challenge. Don’t let it be a struggle. Follow these tips for how to open a coffee shop and give yourself the best chance for robust success.
For more food and beverage business tips, check out the rest of our page.
