When considering this topic I’ve thought of three key considerations you need to think about early on in the planning process for your concept: location, equipment and supplier. Let’s take a look in more detail.
1. Choose a location
Location is critical to the overall success of a café business. Pay close attention to how many people are moving about on foot, and how much parking is available.
The key questions to ask are: is the location visible enough? Is there enough foot traffic around to sustain your café? What does the location mean in terms of demographics and does your business plan support this? Also, what other businesses are in the area? Are there schools and hospitals in the area?
The best thing to do is talk to the locals and ask about where they go for coffee and what they could potentially be missing that you could look to provide.
2. Choose your equipment
Choosing a commercial espresso machine for your coffee shop can be a daunting task.
With so many different machines on the market, how do you know which features are right for you? How much do you need to spend? Also, you need to decide whether to buy it outright using your own finance or lease it.
You’ll also need to invest in a commercial blender, refrigerator, dishwasher and so on.
Again, make a list and be as detailed as you can on the checklist. You may not need all these items right away, so prioritise and keep in mind what’s coming.
3. Choose your supplier
Finding good, reliable suppliers is a key component of any business success.
Depending on the type of café you’re opening, the major suppliers are usually coffee, milk, bread, fresh produce and groceries. You’ll also need cups (paper or porcelain), napkins, coffee stirrers, teapots, syrups… the list goes on.
Start by making a detailed list of supplies. The list may seem overwhelming, but getting down to the nitty gritty (from pastries to napkin holders) will ensure you’re prepared for anything.
Try to find a supplier that you trust that can consolidate all these items into one delivery for a simple and easy ordering process.
Coffee your way is able to provide our customers with an extensive range of coffee solutions, including multiple brands of coffee beans as well as a specialist team that can help you build your business from the start and continue to support you as you grow.
It has the support of being part of the Bidfood family, providing you with a wide range of coffee and café essentials and advice and solutions on all the coffee equipment and POS you require.
To find out more head to Coffee Your Way.
