Coffee Shop Business
Coffee Shop Business questions and answers
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Q: I want to start a coffee shop business?
I want to start a coffee shop business in the Dallas Fortworth metroplex. Where should I start and how?
A: I'm assuming this "metroplex" is some sort of shopping mall? Speak to the management there to find out about opportunities, that will give you a start, in so far as they may already have the coffee shops that they want... or there may be an opening available.
Once you know that, you can start to plan, knowing the rent and rates and size of the property etc. Have you run a coffee shop before? Do you have any suppliers in mind? Do you know what is involved? You need to do some in-depth research to find out whether it is a worthwhile venture and what is required.
Q: How to start a coffee shop business in US?
This question is for my boyfriend. he is interested (after his enlistment is up) in starting a business. This business is a coffee shop business. he's thinking chains across the US....eventually.
But he has NO IDEA where or how to start a business. i told him to pursue and obtain his degree in business (any specific course)?
When should he sart (really) pushing towards his goal...when he gets out..or a little before?
Know any good books on how to start a business (small/ large/ chain) etc.? oh...and where I could order one. I want to help get him going.
A: Starbucks proved that coffee is one hot commodity (literally and figuratively!) that many would-be business owners are planning to start their own coffee shop business. People are making it a habit to visit their favorite coffee shop everyday to get their latte fix.
One important note, though -- this is a business that requires capital and can hardly be started on a $5,000 budget. In fact, according to Bellissimo Coffee Infogroup, http://www.espresso101.com/coffee_faq.html you will need the following amounts to start your coffee shop business:
Coffee Cart: Usual start-up cost is $20,000–$25,000 to open and stock.
Kiosk: Depending on the size and what menu items are offered, it will usually cost between $50,000–$60,000.
Coffee Drive-Thru: The cost of opening a drive-thru espresso business operation can vary dramatically, from the the very small units for less than $30,000 to anywhere between $80,000–$180,000 depending on how the shop looks.
Sit Down: The cost of opening a sit-down coffee shop is comparable to the cost of opening an upscale drive-thru. Start-up costs for most 1200 sq. ft. coffee bars average $150,000 to $300,000.
You may want to read the following articles:
So, You Wanna Open a Coffee Shop http://www.restaurantreport.com/Departments/c_coffeeshop.html
EspressoBusiness.com (has a nice section on what to avoid in terms of coffee shop business) http://www.espressobusiness.com/
Links to various resources on starting a coffee business http://www.aboutcoffee.net/linkster/linkster.php?CID=9
Coffee Shop Sample Business Plan (free) http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/business-plans/Business-Plans-Volume-04/Coffee-House.html
For in-depth information, you may want to read the following books (I have included the link to Amazon.com to make it easier for you to look up the books):
Complete Idiot's Guide to Starting and Running a Coffee Bar (The Complete Idiot's Guide)by Linda Formichelli http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0761516514/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid
Start and Run a Coffee Bar (Start & Run a)by Tom Matzen, Marybeth Harrison http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0761516514/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid
How to Open a Financially Successful Coffee, Espresso & Tea Shop by Elizabeth Godsmark http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0761516514/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid
FabJob Guide to Become a Coffee House Owner (FabJob Guides)by Tom Hennessey http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0761516514/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid
ESPRESSO! Starting and Running Your Own Specialty Coffee Business by Joe Monaghan and Julie Sheldon Huffaker http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/047112138X/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid
Q: How do I start a coffee shop business?
A: Starting a small business takes a lot of courage. But, as they say, courage does not pay the bills. To be successful – to stay in business – you need more than courage. You need a combination of hard work, skill, perseverance, and lots of luck.
Some things you need to consider:
- "How can I support my family while I build up by business?"
- "What are my abilities?"
- "Is there a market for the product or service I have chosen?"
- "How long will it take this business to reach the financial goal I have?"
You may want to read the article "How to Start a New Business Successfully" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol51/launch.htm , which lists six steps to launch a new business successfully:
1. Provide a benefit.
2. Determine the fit with your market.
3. Right timing is everything
4. Be ready to support your business
5. Develop a blueprint for success
6. Market, market, market
To give you ideas on what exactly do you need to start your own business, here are ten things you need to know before launching your own business “10 Things You Need to Know When Starting Your Own Home Business” http://www.powerhomebiz.com/052006/startingbiz.htm .
I recommend that you read the following books:
- What No One Ever Tells You About Starting Your Own Business : Real Life Start-Up Advice from 101 Successful Entrepreneurs
- Starting From Scratch: How To Start A Business When You Don't Have Money
- If You're Clueless About Starting Your Own Business and Want to Know More
- On the Move : How to Succeed and Survive As an Entrepreneur
- How to Make 1000 Mistakes in Business and Still Succeed
As for starting a coffee shop business, you may want to learn about how Starbucks made it -- because chances are high that your shop will be competing with this chain. From the article "Learning from Starbucks: 10 Lessons for Small Businesses" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol144/starbucks.htm
"Starbucks is a tremendous success because it capitalized on a concept that hadn’t existed before – the coffeehouse as a gathering place. It is not just a place to get a cup of gourmet coffee, but it has become a center for socializing and intellectual discussion, particularly among students and young urban professionals. Starbucks created a unique offering that was relevant and differentiated. It turned an ordinary and humble product into an extraordinary experience that customers are willing to embrace."
This is a business that requires capital - it cannot be started on a $5,000 budget. In fact, according to Bellissimo Coffee Infogroup, http://www.espresso101.com/coffee_faq.html you will need the following amounts to start your coffee shop business:
Coffee Cart: Usual start-up cost is $20,000–$25,000 to open and stock.
Kiosk: Depending on the size and what menu items are offered, it will usually cost between $50,000–$60,000.
Coffee Drive-Thru: The cost of opening a drive-thru espresso business operation can vary dramatically. We know of people who have opened very small units for less than $30,000. These units are usually manned by one operator, are on wheels, and skirted. A beautiful drive-thru can cost between $80,000–$180,000. There are many variables.
Sit Down: The cost of opening a sit-down coffee shop is comparable to the cost of opening an upscale drive-thru. Start-up costs for most 1200 sq. ft. coffee bars average $150,000 to $300,000.
You may want to read the following articles:
So, You Wanna Open a Coffee Shop http://www.restaurantreport.com/Departments/c_coffeeshop.html
EspressoBusiness.com (has a nice section on what to avoid in terms of coffee shop business) http://www.espressobusiness.com/
Coffee Shop Business Plan (this is not free but it is always best to start a business with a business plan) http://www.planmagic.com/business_plan/coffee_shop_business_plan.html
Links to various resources on starting a coffee business http://www.aboutcoffee.net/linkster/linkster.php?CID=9
For in-depth information, you may want to read the following books:
- Complete Idiot's Guide to Starting and Running a Coffee Bar (The Complete Idiot's Guide) by Linda Formichelli
- Start and Run a Coffee Bar (Start & Run a) by Tom Matzen, Marybeth Harrison
- How to Open a Financially Successful Coffee, Espresso & Tea Shop by Elizabeth Godsmark
- FabJob Guide to Become a Coffee House Owner (FabJob Guides) by Tom Hennessey
Q: how to start a coffee shop business here in the philippines?
A: Think of a good catchy business name
Identify your market
Select your coffee bean suppliers (I think you can find suppliers in tagaytay and cavite)
Select your coffee machine suppliers
Identify what products you are selling
Create product costing
Create a business plan to set a blue print for your business.
Establish a well planned marketing strategies
Create a strong company brand
Hope this would help.
Mabuhay!
Q: Buying a small coffee shop business, please advise?
Someone in a shopping mall is selling his small coffee shop business for $90,000 (includes all equipment) now I know a little bit about the business but I can learn that part, what I'm more concern is what I should be concerned about before investing that much money such as what questions I should ask the seller etc. One thing that worries me is that he bought this business only a year ago and now he is selling it because he can't take care of it (?) Thanks to all the enterprenuer and investment experts for your fedback.
A: Well, for starters, you'll want to know what his gross and net was for the last year. You'll also want to see the records from before he bought the business... you sure as hell don't want to buy a business that won't be profitable in the next few years and you can tell this by the books of the last few years!!!
Q: Coffee Shop business?
I have a friend who'se planning to open his own coffee shop, which I think would be fairly successful where we live, as there is very little competition.
However, this friend has a bit of a personal hygiene problem, and as he will be working there for the first 6-months or so, I fear that because of this, his business will fail before it has begun, all for the sake of a deodorant stick!
How would you handle this delicate situation? He doesn't always smell bad, but I can't imagine any customers would stick around. Oh, any other tips on new coffee shops would be great.
A: Unless your friend will stay in the kitchen far away from customers, he would be fine. Otherwise, if he is going to serve the customers, I suggest you point out to him (in subtle hints) his underarm odor problem. Nothing is more disgusting than having your coffee and pastry and then whiff a scent of foul odor as the owner walks by.
As for information on starting a coffee shop, here are some articles that can give you more information on the business:
So, You Wanna Open a Coffee Shop http://www.restaurantreport.com/Departments/c_coffeeshop.html
EspressoBusiness.com (has a nice section on what to avoid in terms of coffee shop business) http://www.espressobusiness.com/
Links to various resources on starting a coffee business http://www.aboutcoffee.net/linkster/linkster.php?CID=9
Coffee Shop Sample Business Plan (free) http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/business-plans/Business-Plans-Volume-04/Coffee-House.html
For in-depth information, you may want to read the following books:
Complete Idiot's Guide to Starting and Running a Coffee Bar (The Complete Idiot's Guide) by Linda Formichelli http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0761516514/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid
Start and Run a Coffee Bar (Start & Run a)by Tom Matzen, Marybeth Harrison http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0761516514/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid
How to Open a Financially Successful Coffee, Espresso & Tea Shop by Elizabeth Godsmark http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0761516514/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid
FabJob Guide to Become a Coffee House Owner (FabJob Guides)by Tom Hennessey http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0761516514/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid
ESPRESSO! Starting and Running Your Own Specialty Coffee Business by Joe Monaghan and Julie Sheldon Huffaker http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/047112138X/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid
One important note, though -- this is a business that requires capital and can hardly be started on a $5,000 budget. In fact, according to Bellissimo Coffee Infogroup, http://www.espresso101.com/coffee_faq.html you will need the following amounts to start your coffee shop business:
Coffee Cart: Usual start-up cost is $20,000–$25,000 to open and stock.
Kiosk: Depending on the size and what menu items are offered, it will usually cost between $50,000–$60,000.
Coffee Drive-Thru: The cost of opening a drive-thru espresso business operation can vary dramatically, from the the very small units for less than $30,000 to anywhere between $80,000–$180,000 depending on how the shop looks.
Sit Down: The cost of opening a sit-down coffee shop is comparable to the cost of opening an upscale drive-thru. Start-up costs for most 1200 sq. ft. coffee bars average $150,000 to $300,000.
Q: I wish to help a friend in Viet Nam get a microloan to start her small business, a coffee shop. How do I help?
My friend Oanh is near Da Lat city, in Lam Dong province, in south central Viet Nam. I would like to help her to find an NGO in Viet Nam that does microfinance and begin the process of refining her small business plan and applying for a micro loan. I am asking for help in finding NGOs engaged in microfinance in Viet Nam as well as in finding similar NGOs that help poor women not only to obtain a micro loan, but also assist them in the planning and launching of their small business. In Oanh's case, her goal is to open a small coffee shop which would allow her to support her immediate family -- a younger sister and their father, neither of whom are able to work at present -- in a dignified and responsible manner. My wish is to help my friend Oanh pursue her goal, thereby allowing her to support her family in a positive manner. I'm new to micro loans in Viet Nam and would welcome any guidance offered which will allow me to help a dear friend and special woman in Oanh. Thank you!
A: Hello,
You will find at the the Mix link below some reliable microfinance institutions (MFIs). If the link does not work, choose "MFI" then the country in "Regions and country".
Keep in mind that most of the time, institutions do not lend to start-up but rather support existing microentrepreneurs. It is too risky for the financial institution/NGO and it is most of the time a failure. I believe your friend Oanh should rather work and learn with another microentrepreneur and help him to get a micro credit with one of the existing MFIs.
Good luck
Q: what are the regulation of health and safety in a coffee shop business?
can any1 help plz
A: these business guides from cobweb are excellent and will tell you all the legal stuff you need to know, and lots more besides...
coffee shop
This profile looks at setting up in business operating a coffee shop. It considers the personal attributes necessary to run this type of business as well as the training available. It looks at customers and competition, the issues affecting the market for this type of service, and the legal requirements and start up costs. Sources of further information are also listed http://www.scavenger.net/product.php?productid=2096&cat=0&page=1
café http://www.scavenger.net/product.php?productid=5011&cat=0&page=1
café bar/designer bar http://www.scavenger.net/product.php?productid=2066&cat=0&page=1
have a look on the links above, then to get a copy of them free of charge contact your local business link office http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/directorylocal?r.s=sm
Q: what do i need to start a coffee shop business?
A: I don't know all of the details, but some of the things you will probably need include:
- A space for your shop
- A business license
- A license to handle food from the Health Dept.
- Tables, chairs, etc.
- Employees
- Coffee/espresso machines
- Industrial dishwasher
There is a lot that goes into a business like this, and I'm sure I haven't even broken the surface, yet.
Q: how to start a coffee shop business?
A: This is a business that requires capital and can hardly be started on a $5,000 budget. In fact, according to Bellissimo Coffee Infogroup, http://www.espresso101.com/coffee_faq.html you will need the following amounts to start your coffee shop business:
- Coffee Cart: Usual start-up cost is $20,000–$25,000 to open and stock.
- Kiosk: Depending on the size and what menu items are offered, it will usually cost between $50,000–$60,000.
- Coffee Drive-Thru: The cost of opening a drive-thru espresso business operation can vary dramatically, from the the very small units for less than $30,000 to anywhere between $80,000–$180,000 depending on how the shop looks.
- Sit Down: The cost of opening a sit-down coffee shop is comparable to the cost of opening an upscale drive-thru. Start-up costs for most 1200 sq. ft. coffee bars average $150,000 to $300,000.
You may want to read the following articles:
So, You Wanna Open a Coffee Shop http://www.restaurantreport.com/Departments/c_coffeeshop.html
EspressoBusiness.com (has a nice section on what to avoid in terms of coffee shop business) http://www.espressobusiness.com/
Links to various resources on starting a coffee business http://www.aboutcoffee.net/linkster/linkster.php?CID=9
Coffee Shop Sample Business Plan (free) http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/business-plans/Business-Plans-Volume-04/Coffee-House.html
For in-depth information, you may want to read the following books:
Complete Idiot's Guide to Starting and Running a Coffee Bar (The Complete Idiot's Guide)by Linda Formichelli http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0761516514/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid
Start and Run a Coffee Bar (Start & Run a)by Tom Matzen, Marybeth Harrison http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0761516514/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid
How to Open a Financially Successful Coffee, Espresso & Tea Shop by Elizabeth Godsmark http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0761516514/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid
FabJob Guide to Become a Coffee House Owner (FabJob Guides)by Tom Hennessey http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0761516514/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid
ESPRESSO! Starting and Running Your Own Specialty Coffee Business by Joe Monaghan and Julie Sheldon Huffaker http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/047112138X/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid
Q: What are some innovative business ideas for a coffee shop?
Hi there! I need some innovative business ideas for a coffee shop, what would be some good ones? Any examples from successful coffee shop chains? Your help would be really appreciated..Thank you!
A: Well, if I were to open a coffee shop I would offer donuts, danishes, bagels, and alcohol in the coffee. The counter seats should be the tip-free seats. The tables should contain coffee menus and be spacious enough for business meetings or students and their books.
I love coffee. I drink it more than I drink beer. So, you know I love it.
You should offer a variety of major brands, not just one. For instance, you should have Maxwell House as well as Folgers. You should also offer it to be purchased by the pitcher and have your own custom-made napkins. You should also have custom-designed to-go cups.
Most importantly, you need a good menu, so that the customer sits down and decides what coffee he wants. You could also sell custom-made coffee mugs, and coffee by the pack to bring home. If you make it big like Starbucks from my suggestions, send me a coffee shop gift card.
One last thought I just had before submitting my suggestion is, there should be coffee shops that offer varieties of teas as well. There are a lot of tea drinkers out there.
Also, you should consider cold coffee and cold tea for the warm seasons.
Best wishes for your success!
Q: clever name for small coffee shop/business?
thinking of opening a small local coffee business-nothing fancy like starbucks-basic coffee-reg decaf and flavored creams-maybe cappuccino -need clever name-thx!
A: Cream 'n Sugar
Java Joint
Koffee Klatch
Coffee Spot
Cuppa Coffee
Brew Break
Good luck with your business.
Q: What is the best way to start up a coffee shop/music venue business?
I would like to know if it would be better to go with investors or just get a sbl!!
A: Really depends if you have enough experience. It seems easy but then it isn't. If you look at payback time that should give you an idea about how much patience you'll need.
As far as investment source is concerned banks are better as there will be less interference but then maybe you investors have experience to share?
either ways...good luck
Q: What would a coffee shop need in order to attract your business?
I own a drive-thru coffee place and my business is steadily oing down hill since Thanksgiving. I don't know what to do to attract new customers.
I offer any espresso based drink you can order at Starbucks as well as muffins, bagels w/ crm cheese, breakfast sandwiches and real fruit smoothies. I am open 6 days a week, 6 am - noon but will be extending until 2 after the new year
I also have punch cards
A: advertise,I cant believe that your shop is going down hill. a drive through thats almost impossible.. add some fresh bakery items ,maybe cigarettes as well .. things that people dont want to get out of their cars for..We are all lazy .I would go everyday where I could get drive through coffee and also fresh bakery items and even cigarettes.. maybe add a few frozen treats such as yogert and ice cream, something that would want to make people come there and then buy some 30 second or 10 second spots at rush hours in the morning or evening to say ,hey come try our stuff and they will come..
Q: its my project...for which i neend to develop a business plan for a coffee shop?
...so plz can any one help me with this!
can any one provide me with a business plan to open a cafe of coffee in Karachi PAKISTAN.
or can any one give me innovative ideas as to differentiate my coffee shop from other competitors.
A: Why don't you contact the Karachi Chamber of Commerce? They will be able to give you advice. Their website is:
http://www.karachichamber.com/chamber/working.htm