Opening a Coffee Shop

If you love everything and anything coffee, then why not brew your way to success? Consider opening and running a coffee shop as a possible start-up business. Discover why this opportunity may just be the perfect opportunity for you.

It?s amazing how many people are addicted to coffee.

In the US alone, billions of cups of drips, lattes, and cappuccinos are sold each year and this figure is still growing. Just imagine how many billions of dollars that equates to? So why not take a lucrative piece of the action?

Coffee is said to be the most popular brew in the States and this makes opening a coffee shop a good and solid business idea. While it is true that there is no way to guarantee success in any business endeavor, you can follow some steps to lessen the possibility of failure and maximize the likelihood of success. Here is a list of some of the things you should know before opening your own coffee shop.

  • Discover all there is to know about the coffee shop retail business. Understand the nature of the business. Conduct thorough research of the market. Find out what blend of coffee the market is into or prefers. Learn all you can about every aspect of the business. From the simplest facet like which coffee to use, to the more complex like which marketing strategy would work best.
  • Write a business plan. Provide answers to the what, who, where, how, and how many questions of your coffee shop. What coffee are you going to sell? Who are you going to sell them to i.e. what is the profile of your target market? Where do you want to put up your coffee shop? How do you plan to go about the day-to-day operation grind? Finally, how much capital will you need to open your coffee shop and how much will you charge your customers to reap a healthy profit?
  • If your funds are limited, get financial help from banks and similar institutions. Your business plan should provide you with a general idea as to how much you will need.
  • The design layout of your coffee shop must follow the rules of both form and function. Function being, to promote the efficiency and speed of your day-to-day operation.
  • Make sure you get the proper training in the correct coffee preparation techniques. See to it that your staff gets the proper training as well. Using the wrong kind of roast or coffee blend will surely displease your customers. The same goes for improper espresso extraction. If the tastes of your coffee products don’t appeal to your customers, chances are, they won’t return to your coffee shop ever again.
  • Give considerable attention to looking for a proper site for your shop. Location will make or break your business. To state the obvious, the rule of thumb here is to be where your customers are. Similarly, also give considerable time in thinking of a name for your shop.
  • Employ an effective marketing campaign. To be able to sell your coffee products, you must have customers to sell them to. The more customers there are, the more profit you earn. Don’t hang back on spending on marketing and advertising expenses. Remember the adage, in order to make money, one must spend money first.

91 Comments

  • VAUGHN said on September 27, 2008
    No direct mention of costs, like $60, $70, or $100k.
  • Gil said on March 11, 2009
    Do you have a proven business plan on opening a coffee shop? If have, please send me more in-depth details. Thanks in advance.
  • K.V RAAMANA said on March 20, 2009
    Starting an Organic Farm Business in kuwait.
  • Andile said on May 23, 2009
    I need ideas on type of cost effective meals you can sell at a coffee shop.
  • Mridul Boro & Bannu said on July 6, 2009
    sir, we like to open a coffee shop in our collage. please help us by providing details..
  • sandeep said on July 12, 2009
    sir i need to start my own match sticks or matchbox/match books business, i have a plan to creating something new in particular product or can i get sticks from somewhere else? i'm living in gujarat, india so please give me some information ..
  • Hadeezah said on July 15, 2009
    Sir, i need to know how much on the average i would need to open a coffee shop and also what other things i can sell in the shop. Can i sell caffinated drinks and other drinks in a coffee shop? What kind of meals can i sell in a coffee shop? Help me also by listing five top caffinated drink people love to take.
  • MANISH AMRIT RAMANI said on October 28, 2009
    sir, can u please tell me how to start a coffee shop
  • Tanya Toggweiler said on December 28, 2009
    HI! I would like to know what kind of permit or license do I need to operate a small coffee shop ( no cooking involved or alcohol) at the building where I live in fort lauderdale, fl. 33301.
  • Gunjan said on August 3, 2010
    Hi !! could you please advise me on the license requirements and persons/ consultants who can help me open a coffee shop in delhi- gurgaon area (India)
  • navneet kumar singh said on August 12, 2010
    i want to start a small coffee cafe. what are the basic need to start the business. as which machinery should be used, the coffee beans. (LUCKNOW,UTTER PRADESH,INDIA)
  • Ram Chethan said on August 15, 2010
    @ Navneet: basic needs for starting up a coffee shop(coffee beans, coffee machines) you can contact me at nsrchethan@gmail.com
  • hemraj mewara said on August 24, 2010
    hi could anyone advise me i want to start my own coffee cafe.. thanks..
  • Harshit said on October 6, 2010
    we want to open up a trendy coffee shop with some pool table in it basically our target group is youngsters up to the age of 25. kindly guide how do we proceed. Waiting for your reply. Warm Regards, Harshit
  • Ram Chethan said on October 6, 2010
    @Harshit:hi,kindly let me know more details on the city,location and your business plan so as to proceed.thanks nsrchethan@gmail.com
  • Divya said on November 29, 2010
    Hi, I am looking at opening a moderately sized coffee shop in Jhansi(UP) targeting youngsters. I would require details for setting it up, a working business plan(if possible), also details related to licensing if liquor is involved too. Thanks.
  • chethan said on December 5, 2010
    Hi,I can provide some business plan along with other details required for setting up a cafe.nsrchethan@gmail.com
  • ruchika said on December 16, 2010
    Hi, i'm planning to open a trendy coffee shop in mumbai(andheri),i would require all the information possible right from the basic requirements,licensing and if possible a working business plan. thanks and regards, Ruchika.
  • chethan said on December 16, 2010
    Coffee Beans - Espresso Blends,Coffee machines,Coffee grinders,menu development,training,Beverages and other Coffee shop solutions.contact:nsrchethan@gmail.com
  • Rinchen Namgial said on December 18, 2010
    we would like to open a coffee shop in Ladakh and please advised me where we can get basic training in Delhi , to make coffee and operate machines, maintains and finally where to buy those. I appreciate any inputs, namgial@hotmail.com
  • lalit sahgal said on January 26, 2011
    i am planning to open a coffee shop in gurgaon...please let me know how to go about it by way of government permissions etc. thanking you in anticipation. lalit
  • PRAVEEN NAIDU said on February 16, 2011
    am planning to open a coffee shop in ANDHRA PRADESH...please let me know how to go about it by way of government permissions etc. HOW MUCH DO I NEED TO INVEST ? HOW MUCH RETURNS CAN I EXPECT IF I OPEN COFFEE SHOP IN SHOPPING MALL?
  • aadil said on February 19, 2011
    sir i am planning to open a coffee stall in mumbai near by bandra station but i wanna know the various licenses that i'll need to have before starting stall
  • mirza said on March 8, 2011
    hey.i am planning to start a coffee shop in hyderabad, india. please provide me with all the information to open. i want to know from the beginning. thank you.
  • ananth iyer beginner adviser said on March 17, 2011
    hi. a once in a lifetime opportunity to start ur own coffee shop anywhere in india. join hands with the 4th largest coffee shop chain in india. u need to have a 800 - 1000 sq foot space in a high footfall area. franchisee fee 5 lacs. returnable deposit of 25 lacs. contract 5 years. there would be zero involvement from your end in terms of managing and running the business. the company will manage the business and also all expenses like start up cost, machinery, renovation of the space, staff salaries, raw materials etc. only property related cost would have to be borne by u. ur profit would be 15 - 18 % of daily sales. if interested kindly mail me at iyer.1964@yahoo.com

    iyer.1964@yahoo.com

  • ananth iyer beginner adviser said on March 19, 2011
    Start your own coffee shop business. returnable investment 25 lacs. a reputed coffee shop chain invites franchisees. if u have or can organise space of 1000 sq ft in any large/small city, near colleges or malls in a high footfall area contact iyer.1964@yahoo.com. 9821262345 mumbai.

    iyer.1964@yahoo.com

  • ananth iyer beginner adviser said on March 19, 2011
    ruchika, harshit, divya, lalit sehgal i have an extremely attractive proposal for u to open up a coffee shop. u can contact me in my mumbai no 9821262345 or mail me at iyer.1964@yahoo.com

    iyer.1964@yahoo.com

  • Navin said on April 5, 2011
    RESPECTED SIR/ MADAM, I am from a small town jalna, 64 km from aurangabad in maharshtra. Here i have leased out on property(1200 sqft), i have worked with a coffee shop chain in pune. I see good potential in this business here, coz there is big crowd who would love taste coffee every day. Plz revert me with essential information. Thank you. Regards.
  • Lalita Singh said on April 6, 2011
    want to open a coffee shop, department store which will have grocery and ready-made garments plus all house hold goods . would like to start in noida. which is in uttarpradesh ---can any body suggest which sector i can start with.i want to open in a area which does not have many shops .... a new colony i suppose. thanks, lalita
  • jonathan said on April 8, 2011
    Hi, everyone, i want to open a espresso shop in JingDing Xiangzhou ZhuHai GuanDong China, i'd like somebody help me or join me to manage it. pls send mail to me if you have interesting. my mail: jonathan.tang@electech.com.cn. or skype: jonathan_tangxb
  • sangeeta shiv said on April 21, 2011
    Sir, I want to open a coffee shop/ eatery in mumbai bandrais there is professional who can help me set up my shop. what are the required licenses,what equipment must i get and from where, no of staff required, how do i work out the menu, what type of decor to go in for.... pl advise. thanks, sangeeta
  • Nikhil Mehrishi said on April 30, 2011
    Hi i am planning to open a coffee shop in Pune/Mumbai.... kindly let me know the licenses required for the same, that equipment must i get and from where... thanks
  • Sumeet k said on May 2, 2011
    Hello, Sangeeta & Nikhil, We are Bangalore based coffee chain (CUPPA), if you wish to have franchisee in Pune or Mumbai get in touch with me, sumeet@cuppastop.com
  • O.P.Bhola said on June 27, 2011
    sir I am Jammu (J&K) based and have good site for coffee house . Please can you guide me how to get franchise . I shall be thankful to you . iyer.1964@yahoo.com. in ref. to your inquiry my place of business main road marbel markeat opposite samsun showroom jammu city J&K state India
  • Jose said on July 23, 2011
    Our company, Mayan Forest café, is looking for people interested in coffee shops, we offer franchise opportunity of Guatemala coffee, unique Guatemala coffee to any part in the world, coffee beans are freshly roasted so all can enjoy. contact us at grupoprodico@hotmail.com
  • Jitendra Mudgal said on August 25, 2011
    Hi Sir.I want to open a coffee shop in Mumbai(Andheri West).So plz suggest me.
  • owen said on August 25, 2011
    hi sir ,I need some more information on how I am going to open a coffee shop with sandwiches ,coffee etc as a take away with not much money and much more ideas.
  • Rahul Singh Kushwah said on September 24, 2011
    Dear Sir, i want to open a coffee shop in pune, area for shop 500 Sq.ft. Please guide about buying of coffee machine and supporting machines for coffee shop.
  • Chethan said on October 4, 2011
    @Rahul : Coffee machines and other equipments along with training support for the same available.Kindly email to nsrchethan@gmail.com.
  • PRATIK PRIYANKAR said on October 30, 2011
    I m a student of engg. in my 3rd yr .I have a vision to start a coffee shop in my home town in recent yrs after gaining some sufficient capital and serve the people of my home town the morning refreshing coffee ,tea and beverages.My home town is BHAGALPUR , BIHAR ,INDIA.
  • Paula said on January 6, 2012
    Hi, I am interested to open a coffee shop in Delhi, possibly as a franchise of some sort how would I go about this process in terms of Govt / legal side of things? Thank you
  • Lalit chauhan said on May 2, 2012
    Sir i want to open a coffee shop in delhi but dont know how can u help me
  • Katherine said on May 23, 2012
    Hi, I'm currently running a French style cafe in Guandong, China and now is looking for a partner to work with. Anyone who is interested in it pls contact me via email: cafemuse2010@gmail.com
  • Gangadhar said on May 25, 2012
    I want to start a coffee shop in Bangalore. Could you please advice about the license requirements and legal requirements
  • Ram Chethan beginner adviser said on June 2, 2012
    @Gangadhar: We provide all support and details related to cafe licenses and legal formalities in and around bangalore. please email:nsrchethan@gmail.com

    nsrchethan@gmail.com || Coffee Shop Consultant

  • abhimanyu said on June 2, 2012
    hi, i want to open a coffee shop in pune area can you suggest me what are requirements and the amount required to open a coffee shop.
  • Ram Chethan beginner adviser said on June 3, 2012

    @abhimanyu, Hi Abhimanyu.. You need to have in a through plan and idea of the working of a coffee shop.the equipments would be the last preference and is easily available.Also make sure the location you have selected is practically feasible.

    nsrchethan@gmail.com || Coffee Shop Consultant

  • abhimanyu said on June 5, 2012
    thanks .... can u tell me the amount required for opening coffee shop ... as my budget is limited so please help me and also give some suggestion regarding this ...
  • harish said on June 15, 2012
    hi... I would like 2 start a cafe day in our city. My city name is kolar gold fields, kolar district, karnataka state. How much money will be spent for dis, plz mail it to my mail address.
  • rahul verma said on June 29, 2012
    Respectable Sir\Madam, I would like to start coffee shop but in my city and my city GOPALGANJ, BIHAR, INDIA. Thanks too.
  • mohan said on July 2, 2012
    i want a coffee shop in hyderabad. plz give me details abt, how much i have to invest?
  • pradeep said on August 24, 2012
    hi i want to buy espresso coffee machine blender as well kindly advice where i can get details about these product i want open coffee business pradeep new delhi phone : 9899099811 e-mail - pradeeponlyone@yahoo.com
  • meenu sebastian said on September 27, 2012
    hi i am from kerala. i would like to start a coffee shop along with a small internet cafe. what all thing i should study before starting my own business. and reason is that i had just completed my graduation and am not having any family business back ground. expecting your help meenu sebastian(meenuseb@gmail.com).
  • chef vijaylaxmi said on November 14, 2012
    hi i am chef vijaylaxmi from MASTERCHEF INDIA -2. I want to open small coffee shop, plz let me know details about investment and any one ready to invest plz mail me at mcvijaylaxmi@gmail.com
  • Shruti Nigam said on November 24, 2012
    Hiii we have our chain of icecream parlours in Lko(U.P.)& now we want to start the coffee business too, so we are in search of some good coffee trainers to train our regular staff. the perfect ART OF COFFEE MAKING. expecting help at earliest, Mail me @ Shruti Nigam hr.gloriaicecreams@gmail.com. Lucknow (U.P.)
  • Uttara gupta said on December 29, 2012
    Hi! m interested to have a coffee shop here at my small home town name SILCHAR from ASSAM. So how it is possible let me know plz.
  • Shivam Kumar said on March 10, 2013
    Hi , if anyone is interested in opening a coffee shop and needs help to figure out the starters , let me know . I own a coffee shop myself and I even have some equipment for sale in INDIA only . My email is k.shivam.m@gmail.com
  • Ashish C said on March 11, 2013
    Hi I would like to start a Coffee Shop . I have the location in mind . Dont have the budget , shop is in Prime location in PUNE City . rent is 15000rs per month . I can invest 50K for a Low budget coffee n cake shop . Kindly advise if you can modify this idea . Regards Ashish.
  • Mile d said on April 9, 2013
    Hey, i'm planning to open up a cafe, can someone please help me out with the basics
  • Mile d said on April 9, 2013
    Hey i'm planning to open up a cafe in mumbai.. can someone please guide me and help me with the plan
  • vinay patel said on April 18, 2013
    hi this is vinay patel from chhatishgarh bilaspur at maharana pratap sqare vyapar vihar mainroad bilapur pin code 495001.at present i am running mobile n ice cream parlour.
  • Jagadeesh kumar said on June 23, 2013
    Hello every one me from Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh me planning to open cafe . From which department I need to take permission can any one help please .
  • Manoj Kumar said on September 10, 2013
    Dear Sir, I want to start a ice cream parlour with coffee shop in delhi. Please suggest what are the steps we have to follow. Manoj
  • Praneesh Koderi said on October 21, 2013
    Dear Sir, I am planning to start a coffee shop in Kerala, India. The location I found there is an engg College, collage for Fashion Technology, An Ayurveda Med Clg. An amusement Park and Heritage Hotel and some other Hotels Offices and Temple etc. Is this Location is suitable for a Coffee Shop. Kindly please advice me on this and I need some start up advice on Initial cost, Equipments+ training, coffee beans. etc Please contact me on prans85@gmail.com
  • Hitesh Sheth said on October 23, 2013
    sir I want to open own coffee cafe in pune what license r required and pls suggest stage for cafe plsss sir
  • sarma said on January 20, 2014
    sir, we want to open coffee shop, cold drink fountain, ice cream paolour under one roof , pl suggest from where we can get things
  • VAmarnath said on January 26, 2014
    Sir, I want suggestions from u on - own coffee day business without franchise. I didn't have any exp .but interested in this field. Plz tell clearly the investment, how to make all the needs to start this business in Andhra Pradesh. Esp in Hyderabad. I hope u can give your valuable suggestion in making my life in the right way. Thank You, Amar
  • Nilofer said on February 20, 2014
    i want to start a small coffee cafe. what are the basic need to start the business as which machinery should be used, the coffee beans. and plz tell me the starting cost to opening coffee house. (LUCKNOW, UTTER PRADESH, INDIA)
  • Nikhil said on May 31, 2014
    Hi, I can invest in a coffee shop business. If anyone knows how to make the products (coffees) right from scratch, including sourcing the raw materials, etc., kindly get in touch with me on 9819772071 - Nikhil.
  • Ronnie said on June 2, 2014
    @VAmarnath can help you setup a coffee shop in hyderabad and can be an investor with you too....contact 9866212812
  • rayis said on June 27, 2014
    Sir, I am planning to start up a coffee shop, along with an ice cream parlor in Thrissur, Kerala. what are the legal procedures involved in it. also, please mention about the usual difficulties that people face in the early stages of the start up so that i can start with preventive measures. Do you have any special suggestions on the brand of coffee powder, ice cream and other things that will be used in the shop..?
  • riten said on September 21, 2014
    Want to open a coffee shop, how can u assist
  • Satish Sidana said on September 26, 2014
    I would like to start Coffee Shop in Gurgoan with juicesand cakes etc. Please let me know details about investment. Please mail me at satishsidana@hotmail.com
  • Angel chhabra said on October 28, 2014
    Hi i am looking to open up a music coffee cafe kindly help me with the investment plan targeting the youngsters and music lovers. as there is too much of competition in delhi i m bit consious abt it and concern abt the investment plan . please email me at angelchhbr@gmail.com
  • Dipti Sandiman said on October 29, 2014
    I want to open a small coffee shop, please assist...
  • shakeer said on November 2, 2014
    Sir am shakeer i from india kerala how to start coffee shop
  • rajesh said on November 5, 2014
    Sir i would like to open tea and coffee shop in chittoor(district), Andhrapradesh, please help me sir how can i start in low investment
  • Jeevan Mathew said on December 23, 2014
    Dear sir, I am Jeevan from hyderabad interested in opening a coffee shop with live music 1. in and around begumpet (city). 2. in the sub urbs./ plz help me out with the licensing procedure and some idea to start up with in the city and also in the sub urbs. i have nil knowledge about this business but have a passion to start it.
  • shivani kannan said on January 3, 2015
    Sir, I have A business studies project to be done which will give me 20 present of my performance which is to prepare a business plan on setting up a coffee shop. I want to know about the main raw materials and maximum capital requirements.
  • yogesh pingale said on February 13, 2015
    Hello sir i am yogesh from Nashik city i have idea for start my own coffee shop i want yourself how many cost start coffee shop
  • arul sasidharan said on March 15, 2015
    Hai sir i am arul from kerala I have idea for start my own coffe caffa shoap pls let me know bot the investment plan we r in search of good coffe trainers plz help valuable suggestion
  • mahesh said on July 22, 2015
    looking to start a coffee shop in kerala capital. looking for equipment and training providers
  • priyankq said on July 29, 2015
    Hello Myself priyanka, Actually i want to open a coffee cafe in delhi. But i am confused about the place because i dnt have much budget. Can you suggest me some places
  • Javed Akhtar said on August 17, 2015
    I want to start a coffee shop business in a high footfall locality of kolkata.. Any suggestions and advice regarding the business will be handful.. Experienced businessmen from the same field are requested to give their respected view..
  • vinya said on August 25, 2015
    Hi, I am vinya from bangalore and planning to start a coffee shop here. I dont have any idea about it as of now so can you please let me know about
    1. which area will be suitable to put up the stall
    2. how much it will cost
    3. what are the license and agreements which we need to follow
    thanks
  • Nitin Rana said on March 30, 2016
    I would like to start Coffee/Tea Cafe in Gurgoan with snakes etc. Please let me know details about investment. Please mail me at nitirana160@gmail.com.
  • Shahzad Quadri said on April 8, 2016
    The business consists of restaurant, coffee shop and sheesha lounge.
  • Ritu said on May 16, 2016
    Hi, Wanna have a coffee shop in hyderabad. Please help
  • arvind said on June 9, 2016
    Hi Sr my name is arvind and I am a chef I want a start coffee shop ,so please guide me and how many budget my no. 9646629754 i am from Punjab and I open a coffee shop in delhi.
  • Malli said on August 30, 2016
    Dear All, If anyone is interested to start up a coffee shop franchise model with low investment model , Best sales ; Pls whatsapp me at 99622 98867 soon
  • Badshah said on October 21, 2016
    @all.... Let's join hands and share ideas in a group. Let's help each other. I wanna open a coffee shop in Jamshedpur. Regards, Badshah Singh, 9534206686

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