Open Coffee Shop

Open Coffee Shop questions and answers

Coffee Forums is the largest coffee discussion group on the internet. You can find several discussions on Coffee Shops Cafes

Q: How much does it cost to open a coffee shop from scratch?
I want to open my own drive-thru coffee shop estimated costs? can you tell me how much i would be spending on each thing. thanks

A: The costs are going to be determined by a number of factors that really only you know, such as location, employees, state related info such as taxes & permits. Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. http://www.ico.org/ -- International Coffee Organization http://www.ncausa.org – National Coffee Association http://www.scaa.org/ -- Specialty Coffee Association of America There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check out these articles: http://ezinearticles.com/?Coffee-Shop-Business-Plan&id=79142 – Coffee Shop Business Plan by Randy Wilson http://ezinearticles.com/?Brew-Up-A-Great-Coffee-Shop-Business-Plan&id=103831 – Brew Up a Great Coffee Shop Business Plan by Shaunta Pleasant http://www.restaurantreport.com/Departments/c_coffeeshop.html -- So, You Wanna Open a Coffee Shop by John Bowerman-Davies Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Q: How to write a business proposal letter to a lender to open a coffee shop?
How to get a free grant or cash to open a coffee shop.

A: I would suggest going to the Small Business Adminstration website, set up by the federal government. There's information on all aspects of opening a small business, from initial conception to opening your doors for business. Check out the website below.

Q: Is it difficult to open a coffee shop?
I live in the Los Angeles area and want to open up a coffee shop in the future. Where do I start? I've found a great location. Now What?

A: You will most likely need to have somthing else besides coffee to get people in the door. make it an internet cafee with free wifi access and have doughnuts. (many people eat doughnuts on a daily basis, i use to deliver newspapers in the early morning hours, every day when i delivered to the two doughnut shops that i had on my route they where always buisy, the cost to make them i would think would be low also) good luck!

Q: Where in California would be a good place to open a coffee shop or a juice bar???
My Fiance and I are looking to open up a coffee shop or juice bar (like Jamba Juice) somewhere in Cali. We are looking for a town where there wouldn't be a lot of initial competiton, and also he would like to have a lake near by. Eventually we would like to buy a house as well, so somewhere that hasn't gotten too rediculous with real estate prices would be ideal. Thanks!

A: Real estate prices in California are outrageous anywhere you go, in my opinion. You could open those types of businesses anywhere and if you're good enough and the locals love you, you're going to get the business. Good luck competing with Starbucks or Jamba Juice though. I would almost say up in the mountains but you don't want to go where all the wildfires usually are. i would either try the beach areas down in San Diego, like Imperial Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach... up near Big Bear maybe... it's a crapshoot in that state. When i used to live in CA, I loved the mountains, especially near Big Bear. Then again, you got to contend with wildfires during the season, so it's pretty much a roll of the dice IMO. Good Luck though, wish you success!

Q: My dream is to open a coffee shop! Advice Please. What is the best resource to help me do this.?
I do not have barista training but do have access to it at a discount price. What I really really want to do is to open a coffee shop in about two years. I would love if someone could provide some do's and don'ts about the industry. Any and all advice is appreciated. BTW I do not yet have start up capital.

A: Contact the US Government, Small Business Administration. They can give you demographics and potential market information. They can give you advice, and also financing.

Q: I live in small town want to open coffee shop need ideas for small town based business.?
The shop is already open but I just "inherited" it and have no idea how to draw in people. I don't drink coffee. Please help. It used to be a tobacco shop too but I quit selling cigarettes with the new taxes just no money in it. I am waiting for final improvements for health dept. Should I have music or poetry? Small town but does have a community college. Should I sell bakery and cheesecakes?

A: Think about attracting customers in terms of "occasions" of coffee drinking. Chains such as Starbuck's understand that they must get customers who want to go there to take a break, have conversation, and interact with employees and other customers, and enjoy the ambience, not just purchase coffee. In other words, depending on the space you have make it as inviting as possible, buy some old but comfortable chairs, keep several newspapers around on a coffee table, get wi fi at some point, have an art student paint something interesting on the walls, and whatever you do make conversation with the customers. i.e., create a "buzz" about the place locally that will draw customers by word of mouth. Make a deal with a local baker to sell their products on consignment so that you don't have to worry about equipment or spoilage, etc And , whatever you do, make sure you serve great coffee.

Q: I would like to open a coffee shop or a pool hall.so how can i start one of these ?and will it be hard?
will a small buisness loan be a good thing to look into if i want to open a coffee shop or pool hall and what about location i know thats important. and is it hard applying for a loan, what are the steps and is it a long process?my goal is to opening one of these sometime next year. please give me some good information on this. i really have my heart and soul in this.

A: It doesn't sound to me like you are ready to start either one. And yes, it will be hard. And expensive. For a first start without any business experience I would look into franchising. You would need start up money, but you would have a known business to hold your hand. Not all franchises are expensive. As far as loans are concerned, most of them want some kind of collateral, or assurance that the loan will be paid off. Either by seizing your property, having a co-signer, or something to prove that you are a good credit risk. Good Luck

Q: What are the requirements to open a coffee shop in southern California?
My wife & I are planning on starting a Coffee shop, but have only a vague idea on what is required to get the business started. Any info would be appreciated.

A: California has a website called CALGold - California Government Online Business Permits Made Simple http://www.calgold.ca.gov It is a database that will show you the permits and licenses needed by various types of businesses in various counties of California. There's no category for a coffee shop, but I take it that they might fall under the broader category of restaurants. If you are operating in Los Angeles, here are the requirements you need: Building and Construction Permit: Required for all new and remodeling construction, including change of occupancy. Burglar Alarm Permit: A permit must be obtained from this department for any businesses requiring a burglar alarm or security system. Business License (Business Tax Certificate): Required for all entities doing business within city limits. Conditional Use Permit/Alcohol Sales: Required for retail alcoholic beverage sales. Industrial Wastewater Discharge Permit: Required by most businesses discharging wastewater to the sewer system. Certain areas may be regulated by the County Department of Public Works. Land Use Permit: Zone change, variance,conditional use permit. Zoning Approval: Permitted uses, development regulations, design review, sign permit, parking regulations. Business Personal Property: Property used in the operation of a business such as machinery, equipment, trade fixtures, etc. is taxable and subject to assessment. Business operations need to file a Business Property Statement annually with the Assessor declaring property on hand as of January 1 of each year. Generally those businesses with personal property and fixtures with a cost less that $100,000 are not required to file a property statement. Fictitious Name Filing (DBA): Required if fictitious name is used. Public Health Operating License: Required of restaurants and businesses manufacturing food, ice or soft drinks Corporation, Company or Partnership Filings: If you are considering becoming a corporation, (either stock or nonprofit), a limited liability company or a partnership (limited, or limited liability), you must file with the Secretary of State's Office. Occupational Safety and Health Information: Businesses with employees must prepare an Injury and Illness Prevention Plan. The state provides a no-fee consultation service to assist employers with preventing unsafe working conditions and workplace hazards. Sales & Use Permit (Seller's Permit): All businesses selling or leasing tangible property must obtain a Seller's Permit. Registration Form for Employers: Required to file a registration form within 15 days after paying more than $100.00 in wages to one or more employees. No distinction is made between full-time and part-time or permanent and temporary employees in meeting this requirement. State Income Tax Information: Businesses should obtain the appropriate State income tax forms from the Franchise Tax Board. Employer Identification Number (EIN or SSN): Employers with employees, business partnerships, and corporations, must obtain an Employer Identification Number from the I.R.S. Businesses can obtain appropriate Federal income tax forms from this location. Proof of Residency Requirement: Employees hired after November 6, 1986 must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States. 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 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 ESPRESSO! Starting and Running Your Own Specialty Coffee Business by Joe Monaghan and Julie Sheldon Huffaker

Q: How do you open up a coffee shop in Japan?
I'm planning to move to Japan with a close friend and we both want to open up a small coffee shop together. I was wondering what were some things that would be required for doing this? Anything you can provide info on would be a great help.

A: Try the following links for more information.

Q: how much would it take to open a coffee shop?
minus the location cost, how much would it cost to open a small coffee shop equipment and ingredient wise? also how much do baristas make a year? i tried salary.com but they don't have anything

A: Your best bet is to get yourself down to the nearest Costco or wholesaler and price up the ingredients yourself as these prices will vary wherever you go. You need to make some predictions on how much business you will do week on week to estimate your outgoings and profit/loss, again depending on location. To get this type of info you need to get your hands on sales data for similar outlets, or you could even camp yourself outside one for a few days and count people going in and out. The key to a successful start-up is effective market research. It could also be worthwhile canvassing people in the street or local businesses on if a coffee shop would be worthwhile and how much they would be willing to spend on coffee/cakes Don't forget all the extra costs such as waste management, insurance, staff, cleaning, shop fitting. To find some wholesalers, try signing up to http://www.wholesalepages.co.uk/amember/go.php?r=18612 and see if they have any decent equipment or ingredient wholesalers. I have personally used a couple of providers from here and had some good deals, though not tried in the food industry. Don't take the first price you are offered on goods. If you are serious and plan to become a regular customer of a wholesaler, they should be prepared to do a deal with you.

Q: I want to open a coffee shop from ground up. Where do I begin?
I already have a business. It is growing and soon to be smoothly operating without me. I want to venture into something else (a coffee shop) however, I have no idea about this market but I have some cool ideas that I think would make it great. I just don't know what it take to start it though. Help me please.

A: A franchise is the best way to go if you have the money to make a serious investment. A good franchise can cost from $177,200 - $395,550. That includes all expenses from initial franchise agreement to opening the doors. There may be cheaper ones, but I would avoid any that leave you to do everything on your own. Some are basically just supply catalogs masquerading as franchises. If you want to go it on your own without a franchise, be prepared to learn everything you can about coffee. Buy the freshest coffee you can - learn to roast your own if you want to be known as the best in town. Offer good food choices, and cater to your daytime business clients with FREE wifi for customers (codes are okay) and a meeting room that can be reserved for free as well. Anyone using the meeting room is going to also buy drinks/food. Make sure to keep a professional environment, but also casual. You want customers to feel welcome to stay and chill. You want to be fast, but avoid feeling like fast food. Customers should never feel like they're being rushed out. Have comfortable chairs and a newspaper & magazine rack.

Q: How do I write a loan proposal for the bank to obtain a loan to open up a coffee shop?
My friend is paying me to write her a loan proposal to the bank so that she can get the loan to open up her coffee shop. I need help on where to begin or can someone point me to a sample copy? Thanks.

A: First, do yourself a favor and delete all the online loan SPAM you're going to get as answers. Second, tell your friend to head on down to the local Small Business Administration office. While it's nice that she's willing to pay you for this work, advisors at the SBA offer this kind of advice free. They have a lot of resources for securing business development funding, as well as offering help getting loans. http://www.SBA.gov

Q: Can anyone tell me what all i need to open a small coffee shop?
Im thinking of opening a smell coffee shop, but i dont know what all i would need or where to find it. If you have any experence or information on this subject please share.

A: First off you need the financial backing of course. Second I'd say is location. Morning commuters always need that quick coffee spot. Third would be materials, like the big ones you'll need, espresso maker, dishwasher/sanitizer, and if you want, a display case in case you decide to start selling pastries or sandwiches. Its a lot of work even for a small coffee shop. You'll need to figure out who you want to buy your coffee making stuff from. You can ask all kinds of places that sell coffee in bulk for samples and you can try them out. Or hire a coffee expert, but not someone who is a snob and who also possibly knows a lot about tea. Tea is huge and you'll be selling lots of it as well as coffee. Good luck! I would love to open a coffee/internet cafe someday.

Q: How do I open my own coffee shop?
I am interested in opening my own coffee shop, where do I start? Financing ideas? Is this a lucrative idea for the Atlanta market? Have you any information for me? Well, have you?

A: The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in. I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box. Associations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links. Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant: * Ultimate Guide to Specialty Retail: How to Start a Cart, Kiosk or Store -- by Patricia Norins * Start and Run a Coffee Bar by Tom Matzen, Marybeth Harrison * Coffee Basics: A Quick and Easy Guide by Kevin Knox * How to Open a Financially Successful Coffee, Espresso & Tea Shop by Elizabeth Godsmark * ESPRESSO! Starting and Running Your Own Specialty Coffee Business by Joe Monaghan There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles. Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Q: plan to open coffee shop in KL (around BB, Cheras)?
dear friends, i've plan to open Coffee Shop (with bookstore and dvd stores, many of them are imported). do you have any advice, where a good place to open in? the coffee shop will be open since 2 pm till 2 am. Friday and Saturday nite, until 3.30 pm. What do you think? Where is the good place? What kind of coffee is KL coffee lovers loves to drink? i apreaciate with your informations, guys.

A: danny, u must be staying at M'sia. Good idea but i think u need permit to open business up to 3.00am. u need min 5 different govt officers to inspect ur business outlet. no doubt the business is lucrative but many others unforseen thing might happen. good luck.