Opening up a coffee shop is one of the most common small business launches. Not only does this not require much space to operate, but a coffee shop is also able to deliver high margins. Here are 10 things that you need to have on hand to run a successful coffee shop.
Automatic Drip Coffee Maker
The cornerstone of any coffee biz is a quality automatic drip coffee maker. While you may think that most people head to the local corner shop for a fancy drink, black drip coffee will still be a big part of your sales. You want a setup that will be equipped to make several large batches and keep it fresh while producing a high-quality product for your customers.
Espresso Machine
Aside from black drip coffee, most drinks will contain some elements of espresso. This makes it imperative that you own a durable espresso machine. There is a wide range of commercial espresso machines to choose from, making it easy to find the best fit for your budget. When making a final selection, it is a good idea to buy the best machine that you can afford. This will pay off in the long run.
Quality Coffee
Clearly you cannot have a successful coffee business without choosing the right beans. Be sure to have a variety of coffee on hand, including organic coffee, to appeal to every personal taste. When first launching your coffee business, it is recommended to shoot for at least four different types of coffee beans. Be sure to offer a decaf option in your repertoire. Varying the selection of beans with the season will also continue to attract new customers.
Industrial Coffee Bean Grinder
The right coffee bean grinder can make a world of difference in the taste and aroma of your beverages. For the best tasting coffee drinks, you will want to grind your beans fresh for each new batch of coffee. You will not regret investing in an industrial-grade grinder when you realize how much you use it in the operation of your business.
Milk and Cream
Particularly with today’s fancy coffee drinks, you are going to need an abundance of milk and cream in your inventory. In addition to customers wanting to add cream or milk to their drip coffees, you also need a significant amount of milk for drinks such as lattes and other types of steamed and cold beverages. Within your milk inventory, you will want a few different choices, including soy milk and nonfat varietals.
Sweeteners
Not everyone appreciates the bold taste of a straight-up black coffee. For this reason, you are going to need a myriad of sweeteners to offer your customers for their drinks. Good choices to include in your inventory of sweeteners include sugar, sugar substitutes, something exciting like coffee blossom honey, and cinnamon.
Flavored Syrups
For those who want an extra-sweet treat, you will need to offer flavored syrups. It is prudent to also feature sugar-free syrups. Putting pumps on the syrup bottles will make it easier and faster to dispense.
Essential Paperware
In addition to all of the actual ingredients and equipment, you are going to need to have the essential paperware to serve the beverages. Be sure to take your time choosing the cups and lids that you will use. Do not forget the miscellaneous essentials such as drink sleeves, straws, stirrers, and napkins.
Bakery Items
Most everyone enjoys a bakery treat along with their cup of coffee. Offering an assortment of baked goods will make your shop a more attractive destination for customers looking for a cup of coffee along with a little treat. You can either choose to bake this in-house or contract the items to another company.
Assorted Bottled Beverages
Do not assume that everyone who visits your shop will just want a coffee drink. Having an assorted array of bottled beverages for sale will assume that you appease all of your customers. Ideas to consider include bottled water, juice boxes, flavored kinds of milk, energy drinks, and sports drinks.
With these 10 essentials in place, you will put your coffee shop in the position to attract a wide variety of customers. Varying your offerings from time to time will also ensure that your customers keep coming back.
