Coffee Shop Business Plan — Free Template
Download our free business plan template in MS Word format and start planning your coffee shop business today.
Download NowHow to Start a Coffee Shop:
A step-by-step guide to starting a coffee shop.
Make sure you understand the coffee industry.
Decide what type of coffee shop you want.
Deciding on the perfect coffee shop business option is important as it will affect the level of income you can expect. When it comes to opening your own coffee shop, there are three basic options: buying an existing coffee shop, buying a coffee shop franchise, or starting from scratch.
Purchasing an existing coffee shop allows you access to a turnkey business. Almost everything is already sorted, and you wouldn’t need to do many alterations, especially if the business was thriving before the sale.
Purchasing a coffee shop franchise means that most of your business decisions will be made for you, but you'll have a turnkey business.
Starting your coffee shop from scratch requires the most effort and work, but it also provides the most flexibility and the best potential to maximize profits.
Research the coffee market.
The process of researching trends, competitors, and equipment is critical. There are many consultancies and professionals that offer advice to help you through this process. However, business consultants cost between $50.00 and $300.00 per hour.
Start doing market research on your own by building relationships with current or previous coffee shop owners. Learn from their experiences, mistakes, and training.
Visit various coffee shops in and around your city and learn where they differ. In the end, you’ll want to search for a gap in the market.
Learn everything you can about the 1,000s of flavonoids that make up the taste of coffee. Coffee can be complex to make and there are many ways for it to go wrong. But these variables also mean that there are many delicious roasting profiles and blends that are waiting to be discovered by your customer's taste buds.
You can study the art of coffee through books, events, seminars, and coffee tastings. This is also a great way to meet fellow coffee lovers and professionals in the coffee industry.
Learn about coffee roasters.
When opening your own business, you will be faced with two options: to roast your own coffee beans or to find a coffee roaster who will deliver. Learning to roast your own coffee beans will require tons of training and development, but it is an investment you'll want to consider. If you wish to have your beans delivered, then consider local or corporate roasters.
Roasting will save you money in the long run, but getting started will require additional capital. This will include extra money for roasting equipment, installation, purchasing beans, and training staff.
Visit local coffee shops and try their various blends. If you find a few that you like, buy a bag and take it to your local roaster. Ask the professionals what their wholesale cost is per pound and what type of support they would provide if you sold and advertised their brand.
Write a business plan.
Start by creating a business plan overview.
This will help you get a clear picture of what you want your coffee shop to offer. This business plan does not need to be the traditional, lengthy version you'll use when searching for funding. You can create an overview that summarizes the ideas you have.
Determine your business concept.
What type of coffee shop do you want? Do you want to open a coffee stand or a storefront? When developing your business plan, it's important to have your business concept laid out. This step allows you to turn your business dreams into a concept on paper - which may help investors understand what you're trying to build.
While you complete your research and visit various coffee shops, jot down interesting offers and designs you've noticed. These will help you find trends.
Develop an understanding of your USP.
As a coffee business owner, you will need to find your 'edge' or the 'thing' that makes your coffee shop special. Start by developing an understanding of your competitive position and what your unique selling proposition will be.
Your USP is something that you should evaluate throughout this process.
Refine your coffee shop business plan.
This will ensure you're ready to give your plan to the owner or property manager of your future coffee shop location. Update your overview regularly and ensure that all your ideas are evaluated over time.
Start with an executive summary. This should include a summary of your business, location, size, company ownership, objectives, and strategies.
You will need a market analysis to show that you have a good understanding of the coffee market. This should list the trends, target market, and data you researched.
Add a competitive analysis that includes information about your current and future local competitors. List the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors, and how you will make a difference.
Compose a section on your product line. This should include a list of the products you plan on offering. Add your menu and the potential costs of each item, as well as the vendors you plan on using.
Plan out your management strategy. This should include a layout of your management team, responsibilities, and employee costs.
Lastly, lay out your financial considerations, costs, and financial strategies. It's important that you list how you would fund your business in detail.
Find your ideal location.
Look into various types of locations.
Your ideal location should be convenient, highly visible, and on a busy street with plenty of parking. This way, customers can easily drop in on their way to or from work, gym, or school.
A shopping mall can give you access to thousands of shoppers, but there may also be a lot of competition, rent may be higher, and you may not have complete control over your business hours. These restrictions are important factors to consider.
A storefront location is harder to find but can offer fewer restrictions. Depending on your location, storefronts offer visibility, negotiable rent, and you can set your own business hours.
A drive-thru coffee shop serves a dual purpose when joined with a regular coffee shop. They offer quick service and convenience. Customers on their way to work prefer a quick stop and wouldn’t want to stand in long lines. These locations should have high-visibility and good drive-thru space.
When searching for a location, parking and traffic play a vital role in finding the perfect spot. Unless you decide to locate your coffee shop in a mall or other high-pedestrian traffic site, your location needs to be easily accessible and provide adequate parking.
Sign a lease agreement.
Make sure that you have read through the entire contract, word for word, and that you understand all the terms and how they will impact you. While reading through the contract, make a list of any provisions you don't agree with and send the list with possible amendments to the landlord to negotiate the best deal possible.
Check that the lease is assignable, meaning that you if you decide to sell your coffee shop, the new owner can take over the lease. If the lease is not assignable, the landlord will have the right the cancel the lease agreement, which will negatively impact the sale of your business.
Decide on a coffee shop menu and prepare your finances.
Write down a basic list of all the items you wish to market.
Developing a menu for your coffee shop will play a central part in your business planning. Without it, you won't identify your equipment needs, estimated budget, space requirements, or even location. Spend a good amount of time researching options that will boost sales.
Calculate your start-up costs.
Starting a coffee shop business from scratch is a sizable investment. The amount of funding you will need depends on your coffee shop's size, food services, location, equipment, and other variables.
It is vital to determine your start-up costs before making any big moves. Start by planning your menu, creating your concept, researching equipment cost, and scouting locations. Once you have these elements, you can develop a realistic budget.
Calculate your break-even point.
Your break-even point is the point at which your total cost and total revenue are equal. Knowing your break-even point is vital, especially for start-up businesses that will need to identify their sales goals.
Calculating your break-even point will determine what sales volume is necessary to cover costs.
Leave room for surprises. Some things may cost less than expected, others more. Plan on spending about 20% more than expected to give yourself some room to breathe in cases of emergency.
Understand your Cost Per Item Sold metrics.
Cost Per Item Sold metrics will help you to determine prices, what kinds of discounts you can offer, and what it costs to give away a free cup of coffee. Your costs will be based on the different types of products served and on the quantity that goes into each item.
Have a look at our examples of Cost Per Item Sold metrics at the bottom of this page.
Obtain funding for your coffee shop.
Ask family and friends.
Start by discussing your business plan with friends and family. Plan and present a well-researched business plan and ask them to invest in your business.
Apply for a loan.
If you're unable to obtain funding through family, or if you need more cash than your family can provide, start looking into local loan options. In many cases, cities will offer business assistance programs to offset costs.
Look into crowdfunding.
You can raise money for your coffee business by appealing to the online community and asking for financial assistance. Crowdfunding is an excellent way to fund a project without giving up equity or accumulating debt.
Funds are usually used in exchange for gifts, future products, or other small rewards. However, crowdfunding does require continuous marketing and patience.
Start small.
Starting a major coffee shop from scratch might not be an option for everyone. Consider starting small by opening a coffee stand, truck, or cart. This option is much more affordable.
It can cost between $15,000 and $100,000 to start a coffee stand.
Apply for an SBA-backed loan, local bank, or credit union.
This process can be very personal as lenders will need to review your credit score. Very small loans (up to $50,000) have lower credit score requirements with a minimum of around 620-640+. This process will also depend on business factors including monthly revenue, cash flow, and time in business.
Research and comply with local laws and regulations.
Obtain a business license.
Some states don’t require a general business license. However, you need to verify if your location requires specific licenses.
To find out where to obtain your business license, Google your city’s name and business license.
In addition, check the United States Small Business Administration (SBA)’s website for more details.
In some states, you can simply follow the application procedures laid out on your state government’s website or go to City Hall and request the proper documents.
Apply for a food service license.
A food service license is issued by your local health department. This specific license will require a health department official to visit your location.
The fees for a food service license are often based on the classification and size of your coffee shop, as well as where it’s located. It may also be based on the number of employees you have. But often the costs range from $100 to $1,000.
To apply for a food service license, you must fill in the online application or collect an application at your local health department. Once you've filled in the form, submit it and continue the process, which includes a visit from a health department official.
To ensure your kitchen meets health department standards, view the different states' rules and regulations.
Decide if you need to apply for a food handler's permit.
If you’re planning on preparing your food in-house, you’ll likely need a food handler's permit to operate. Also referred to as a food handlers certificate, this document will guarantee that your coffee shop meets food sanitation, storage, protection, and preparation regulations.
Your employees will need to complete a state-approved food handler course and purchase a food handler’s permit. Depending on the state you live in, the cost of a food handler's permit can cost $100 to $500. This permit expires over a period of three to five years.
Consider hiring legal representation to help you navigate the legal side of starting a business and obtain the proper licensing and permits.
Set up you business operations.
Choose your business structure.
In the United States, most coffee shop owners will establish their businesses as LLCs. However, there are a few that are set up as partnerships and corporations. Determine what will best suit you and the type of business you’re trying to build.
Get business insurance.
Obtaining insurance for your coffee business should be considered when planning finances. This step is often overlooked by coffee shop business owners even though it may be required to please banks, property managers, and investors. Ensure your business, employees, and assets are secure by investing in solid insurance.
General liability insurance is a must-have for any business, especially coffee businesses that have frequent interactions with customers. It will protect you if your baristas, coffee, or any of your products cause harm to people.
Business property insurance will help protect your physical business property. Your insurance should include any outdoor or exterior property such as signage, railings, umbrellas, decks, and lighting.
Business income coverage may depend on your location and coffee business. However, it will help you keep your ability to pay for necessary fixed and variable expenses.
Equipment coverage is critical for your business because coffee equipment is expensive.
Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
Before you start hiring staff, you will need an employer identification number (EIN). Also referred to as the Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), this nine-digit number will act as a tax ID number.
To receive your EIN quickly, applying online is the best option.
Recruit quality staff.
Research local laws and wages first.
Depending on your state, there may be local minimum wage laws to consider. Check with the Department of Labor for minimum wage requirements.
In the United States, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. However, this can vary by state. Most baristas and coffee attendants get paid the minimum wage of their state and can expect an average income of $19,000 - $30,000 per year.
Research the wages for all positions.
Depending on the type of coffee business you are building, you will need a range of employees to assist you. These may include a barista, waiter/waitress, busboy, baker, etc. Be aware of the wages each position expects. Some positions might require additional costs because of expertise and training.
Form a payroll budget.
This will help you to determine the sum total of compensation for your employees. This step may also help you to determine how many employees you can afford to hire.
Place ads in local newspapers and job listing websites.
Starting a business means you’ll be a source for local employment. Advertising in your city will be beneficial to your business and the community.
Hold tryouts for positions that require skills.
While some positions might not require a wide set of skills, others will. Baristas and bakers are important positions to fill when starting a coffee shop. These employees need to be skilled and trained in their field. Before you hire employees, consider hosting tryouts to review their work.
Decide on an accounting system.
Weigh the pros and cons of hiring an accountant.
While many believe hiring a professional is costly, it's wise to research the benefits of this option. Aside from giving you more time to focus on your business, having a numbers expert works in your favor. An accountant will allow for fewer mistakes and less time worrying if your taxes were in order.
Get accounting software.
This is the more affordable option. It will require you to spend time operating an accounting system yourself, but once you find the best software for your business, you can easily do your own taxes and payroll.
Equip and set up your coffee shop.
Bring in the necessary supplies.
Your coffee shop should always be equipped with the proper supplies including paper cups, dispensers, decanters, straws, and napkins. Many of these supplies are indispensable, and you will need them as much as you need a coffee grinder or an espresso machine.
Stock up on utensils.
If you plan on making snacks and appetizers in-house, you'll need the proper kitchen utensils. This includes cutlery, coffee cups, thermometer, and milk frothers.
Basic kitchen utensils can cost between $3,000.00 to $5,000.00.
Invest in the right equipment.
Ensuring that you have quality equipment that works when you need it to will be crucial. Make a list of the equipment you will need and research the different brands and costs.
Automatic drip coffee makers can help you to keep up with demand. It should be durable and able to produce a large amount of coffee per day. Cost for these coffee makers range from $18.00 to $20,000.00.
A high-quality espresso machine can be quite costly due to material and manufacturing costs, but range from $30.00 to $20,000.00.
A coffee grinder is vital for a coffee shop business. Most of the time, grinders help with the aroma and taste of your coffee. They may cost anywhere from $20.00 to $9,000.00.
A refrigerator is necessary for milk, ice, and other cold products and ranges in price from $40.00 to $20,000.00.
Industrial blenders are a good idea if you are planning on offering a variety of drinks. The craze for frozen coffee drinks is growing and customers will appreciate your business versatility. Blenders range in price from $50.00 to $6,000.00.
A French press is a popular alternative to drip coffee machines and costs between $10.00 and $5,000.00.
Market your business.
Focus on visual representation.
Invest in quality designs, art, signage, and photography. When you advertise your business on social media, on your website, or in newspapers, make sure you use captivating images. Sell your business by highlighting its beauty and atmosphere.
Participate in your community.
Get more involved with any outdoor community activities, festivals, or block parties. If an event is set to take place, offer your services and products. This could lead to more interactions with local community members who weren’t initially aware of your business.
Create a buzz around your business.
Approaching local media outlets could be beneficial as they will reach a broader audience. To reach a more specific audience, try approaching bloggers and social media influencers. Invite them to review or try out your latest winter snack menu or a special brand of coffee.
Offer memorabilia.
Create a striking logo that perfectly captures your business essence. Sell your logo on t-shirts, mugs, or koozies. This touch will ultimately help you to build your brand.
Create a company website.
Once word spreads about your business, potential customers will want to know more. The first place they'll look is the internet. This is why it's very important to set up a well-designed website.
Having your own coffee shop website is important when you're trying to build a professional brand and loyal customer base.
Take search engine optimization (SEO) seriously as customers will search online for the nearest coffee shops in their area or city.
At a minimum, build a simple website with a website builder.
Register your business with Google My Business so that you’ll show up in maps and search results about your business.
Invest in proper SEO strategies to appear in local search results.
Host a grand opening.
Plan a grand opening for your coffee shop.
Once you've obtained the proper licensing, equipment, food, employees, and space, it's time to get to work. Your grand opening will be your introduction to the community and the final step of your coffee shop planning.
Set a date, leaving about 3-6 weeks to prepare. This gives you enough time to make final changes, gather supplies, and layout furniture.
Invest between 10% - 20% of your marketing budget for the year on your grand opening. This leaves enough room to host an event that will attract a good number of people.
Compile a press release and send it to various newspapers, media outlets, and bloggers.
Get any additional permits you may need to host your grand opening. There may also be restrictions regarding crowd size, noise level, or parking space. Make sure to double check with local laws and restrictions.
Think about holding a 'soft-opening' first.
This will allow you to test drive the effectiveness of your operations before the big day. You can use this opportunity as a chance to identify mistakes and areas that need improvement.
Coffee Shop Metrics: Cost Per Item Sold
Coffee:
A simple drink of coffee will require a range of ingredients. Let's assume milk costs .234 cents per ounce, and a coffee drink requires 9 ounces of milk, your milk cost will then be .211 cents.
.234 cents x 9 ounces = .211 cents.
If you're interested in adding espresso, you will need one double shot. One pound of beans is able to produce 32 double shots. If it costs $7.50 for a pound of beans, the coffee cost will be .234 cents.
To add 1.25 ounces of syrup, which costs $4.50 for a 25.4-ounce bottle, it will cost .221 cents.
.211 cents + .234 cents + .221 cents = .666 cents
It's important to note that cups, lids, and sleeves add additional cost. If they all add up to .20 cents, the total cost of the coffee drink would be .866 cents.
Cake:
If you plan on baking and selling your own baked goods, there are many variable costs to consider as well. To make a simple cake, you will need flour, sugar, eggs, milk, etc. These raw materials can cost anywhere between $5.00 and $500.00, depending on how many cakes you plan on producing on a daily or weekly basis.
If we assume a cake recipe needs 16 ounces of milk, divide a gallon's 128 ounces by 16 to calculate 8 batches. If a gallon of milk costs $5.00, divide by 8 to calculate .62 cents per batch for that one ingredient.
You will need to repeat this calculation for each ingredient to calculate the total cost of ingredients for a recipe. Divide the total cost by the number of servings the recipe was made for. If your recipe totaled $4.00 in ingredients and made 12 servings, you will need to divide $4.00 by 12 to calculate a per-serving cost of .33 cents.
Please note, you will need to include other costs, such as equipment, supplies, labor, and operating costs.
Advice for Starting a Coffee Shop:
Source | Quote |
|---|---|
"Mistakes are unavoidable, but most commons ones are the ones that are not fixed. Customers are more than happy to give you feedback, so ask them before they go to yelp with it. Everything what John said can be fixed, you'll just have to listen and act." | |
"Two machines is a frankly ridiculous idea unless you're doing WAY over 1500 shots a day. And you're not going to do that. I promise you. Two grinders is a great idea, as they are more likely to break." | |
"Hire a good bookkeeper! It’s my #1 piece of startup advice. They say ‘what gets measured, gets done.’ If you can’t trust your numbers, then you can’t really measure your business. Good information is critical to making good decisions." |
