The layout of your coffee shop is integral to the identity of your space. It determines the flow of customer traffic, how the space can be decorated to suit your brand’s aesthetic, and more. But the first question you should ask yourself when designing your layout is “who are my people?” Different audiences value different amenities from coffee shops!
The Rise of Mobile Coffee Shops
The New York Times reports that drive-thrus are increasingly popular with Gen Z and younger millennials,
Starting any business can feel like a monumental task. We want to feel assured that it’ll all be worth it and that the business will be successful! While this isn’t a be-all-end-all guide, here are some tips for a successful coffee shop business!
Master the Basics
First things first! The basis of any products or service based business is quality control and customer service.
You don’t need to create the next exotic latte flavor trend to be a successful coffee business!
Small businesses are a vital part of the American economy. In fact, 99.9% of all U.S. businesses are considered small businesses, according to Forbes. Small businesses also employ nearly half of American employees! If you’re a small business owner of any type of brick-and-mortar store—from salons to retailers to repair shops—it might be worth considering how a coffee shop can add revenue to your existing business. We call this type of business/coffee shop a hybrid model.
In the process of opening your coffee shop, you’ll face hundreds of business decisions. You may have already thought about some of the major decisions that will form your coffee shop’s identity: the location, the name, or the menu.
However, every experienced entrepreneur knows that decision-making can become much more granular. How do you choose a contractor? Who will supply your specialty coffee? What will your baristas wear? Which cups should you order?
Many of us have heard contractor and buildout horror stories told by people who started a small restaurant or coffee shop business. There are often unexpected setbacks, major unforeseen expenses, and long delays from not passing inspections the first time. But what if it doesn’t have to be this way? What if it’s possible to choose high quality contractors to build out your coffee shop?
We teach students in our 3-Day Coffee Business Master Class how to navigate a buildout smoothly and cost-effectively.