As of 2020, around 64% of U.S. adults drink coffee every day. Learning how to start a coffee business is the first step toward making your dream business a reality.
On average, Americans drink about 400 million cups of coffee each day. The demand for coffee is so high, you might as well start your own coffee shop or café.
Coffee is one of the most popular American traditions. You deserve to cash in on something that’s already so deeply embedded within people’s lives.
Keep reading to learn about opening a coffee shop.
Cover the Startup Costs
Starting a coffee shop involves covering your startup costs. Coffee shop startup costs are generally anywhere from $80,000 to $300,000. Your options range from operating a modest coffee kiosk to running a full-service coffee shop.
These costs include the coffee itself, equipment, WiFI, rent, business structure establishment, and more. The more services you offer (such as a bookstore, bakery, etc.), the higher your startup costs will be.
Develop Your Business Plan and Marketing/Branding Strategies
Knowing how to open a coffee shop means knowing what the people want. Most people expect coffee shops to offer free WiFi, quality drinks, and a cozy, trendy atmosphere. The key to successful coffee business ideas is to offer all of these things in a way you’ll profit from.
Create a solid business plan that minimizes your risk of loss. Writing a one-page pitch ensures your business plan isn’t too bulky or complicated.
Keep your target audience in mind when developing your marketing and branding strategies. For instance, if you’re targeting a younger audience, maintain a branded Instagram account. However, if you’re targeting an older audience, you’re better off maintaining a Facebook page and running Facebook ad campaigns.
As for the coffee…
Select a Wholesale Coffee Supplier
Coffee brands come in local and international varieties. Offering coffee from local roasters shows that you support your community. Nonetheless, there are also plenty of international coffee brands that are both ethically sourced and mouthwateringly tasty.
ICT coffee supplier, a respected international coffee brand, has the best advice on how to pick a wholesale coffee supplier. Educate yourself on choosing a quality wholesale coffee supplier via the previous link.
Speaking of quality:
Maintain High-Quality Standards
Always choose a prime location when starting a business. Make sure your location is in an area that either has sufficient parking spaces or gets plenty of foot traffic.
Delivering high-quality drinks, food, and customer service keeps customers coming back for more. Offer coffee concoctions and foods that, once again, align with your audience’s tastes.
Hanging up work from local artists and creatives will enrich your coffee shop’s culture and overall vibe. It also shows that your business is in sync with the local community, which builds brand trust.
Now, You Know How to Start a Coffee Business!
Starbucks is the largest U.S. coffee house chain with over 15,000 locations in the country. If learning how to start a coffee business from scratch sounds daunting, consider buying a franchise.
You could also buy a pre-existing coffee business. That way, you don’t have to worry about scouting a location. Just make sure the place offers great food, drinks, and energy!
Get a head start—Check out our cooking articles. It’ll inspire you to create a brilliant menu.