There’s nothing quite like sitting at a coffee shop with friends, a good book, music or your laptop alongside a warm (or trendy iced) cup of coffee. But if you love a cozy coffee shop, why not open your own?
Since the phrase, “romanticize your life,” became a regular part of our vocabulary, folks are inspired to find new ways to enjoy their everyday rhythms. And that includes morning or afternoon coffee. If you’ve got an idea for a cozy coffee shop, here are a few tips from our team of experts on how to bring it to life.
How to Design a Cozy Coffee Shop This Fall
Creating an ambient environment at a coffee shop is more than just the art you hang or the music you play. The physical layout, menu options, and culture all matter.
Design and Layout
If you’ve ever walked into a coffee shop and waited in a long line to order, not found a seat, or felt cold or unwelcome, then you’ve probably been in a poorly designed coffee shop.
Coffee shop design and layout is all about arranging the interior elements. Think of it like feng shui. If objects are out of harmony, customers feel it. If the customer experience has friction because of the floorplan or design, the customers feel that, too. Design can be as tactical as not knowing where to order a drink or having to sit too close to a stranger. Here are a few design must-dos:
- Choose practical and plentiful seating. Couches are cozy, but they take up space and usually only one person sits there. If you’re set on living room-style seating, opt for single person chairs. You’ll also want a mix of single and group tables.
- Have a clear service flow. It should be obvious where to order drinks, and you’ll want enough room for customers to wait in line without being crammed.
- Build upward. If you’re running out of storage for coffee supplies, don’t take up valuable customer or counter space. Instead, work with the vertical space available.
- Consider cozy additions. Think of other peaceful places, like libraries or plant shops, and incorporate those elements into the shop. This might include books, local art, plants, and music.
Arwa Yemeni Coffee, run by a Texas Coffee School former student, just opened a second location in Frisco, Texas, that perfectly balances functionality with coziness. Arwa has created a welcoming environment for Yemeni and other community members to gather and enjoy traditional drinks and food.
Source: Arwa Yemeni Coffee
And as you start your coffee shop redesign or buildout, check out these tips for choosing a contractor.
Yummy Menu Items
Fall is on the way, and pumpkin lovers will soon descend upon your coffee shop! (Peppermint, floral and fruity lovers might come in the seasons to follow.) You can be prepared with a menu that’s continually updated with delicious seasonal drinks.
Remember that your menu is actually a strategic business decision. Picking the right recipes, setting the right prices, and using the right ingredients can help you delight customers and earn more profit. Here are a couple of our favorite fall drinks recipes, created by us for you:
Plus, learn how to get ready for fall at your coffee shop.
Making a Welcoming Space for Community
While everyone who comes to your coffee shop probably has a shared interest in coffee (or tea), what else do they have in common? See if you can find out! Host gatherings and build local partnerships to engage the community beyond the first drink transaction. Here are a few ideas:
- Host a meeting or conference space
- Offer a catering service
- Collaborate with local organizations
- Sponsor local youth sports teams
- Offer discounts to teachers, healthcare workers, or veterans
- Co-host an event with a local library or nonprofit
Brentwood Social House offers zero charge events, a family room and playground, a quiet room, and a free community fridge to help foster community in its Austin, Texas, neighborhood.
Kreative Grounds Cafe in McAllen, Texas, has a room dedicated to local art and can host meetings, art classes, and art parties.
And just in time for back-to-school season, 1418 Coffeehouse in Plano, Texas, posted on social media that they have a teacher discount!
Add a Cozy Coffee Shop to Another Business
If you already run a brick-and-mortar business, a coffee shop could be a great addition. We’ve seen hair salons, motorcycle shops, florists and more benefit from a hybrid coffee shop model. A coffee shop can attract new customers, and it adds an element of comfort for current customers.
Just look at Mothers House, a tattoo parlor and coffee shop. The space has beautiful art, great ambiance, mocktails and a coffee bar. As soon as tattoo clients walk in the door, they feel comfortable and safe. Plus, it sets the business apart from competitors.
Romanticize Your Life as a Cozy Coffee Shop Owner With Texas Coffee School
Picture this: you’re sitting at the high top table in our classroom, surrounded by the whir of espresso machines and sipping cup after cup of coffee you’ve just learned to prepare yourself. Our teachers are walking you through the ins and outs of opening a coffee shop, from creating a business plan to whipping up drinks. That’s what it’s like when you attend our 3-Day Coffee Business Master Class.
Hundreds of people have come to Texas Coffee School and left fully equipped to start a coffee shop. And we’ve got plenty of classes open in the fall! Choose a weekend and register today.
