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COFFEE SHOPNOW!
THE PASSION | THE PLANNING | THE PRODUCT
OPEN YOUR OWN
COFFEE SHOP
NOW!
THE PASSION | THE PLANNING | THE PRODUCT
There has been an explosion of cofee shop culture in the UK over the past few
years. Brits drink 2.3 billion cups of cofee per year in cofee shops, up 4% on 2016,
according to the UK Cofee Report (published by market research company Allegra
Group in association with UK Cofee Week). In fact, you could say the cofee shop is
rapidly replacing the pub as our most popular meeting place. And its not all about the
big chains. As we get more into our cofee, we are putting quality irst, while the envi-
ronment we drink it in is becoming increasingly important. More and more we are
demanding style, comfort and originality, resulting in the Rise of the Independents.
Last year there were around 1,400 independent cofee shops in the UK, according to
research by Praga Consulting, and this is expected to at least double by 2020, so there
are big opportunities to launch your own successfully.
The key is doing it in the right way. And this guide will irst help you discover if its
the right move for you. Then, if it is, youll ind expert advice to get you of to the best
possible start.
Heres whats on the menu, so you can sample each course in turn or go straight for
the dessert!
Index | Open your own cofee shopnow!
1. Budget brilliantly
2. Dare to be diferent
3. Location, location, location
4. Size matters
5. Put food safety irst
6. Source superb suppliers
Theres one factor thats more important than any other when it comes to opening your own cofee shop
and thats you! So before considering location, equipment, staf, suppliers or anything else, have some me
time. If you do decide to go for it, this could be on of the most rewarding and exciting things you ever do; but
irst make sure its right for you.
Once youre sure youve got what it takes to launch your own cofee shop, its time to start planning. Carrying
out thorough research and drilling down deep into inancials will lay the foundations for future success, so its
vital you delve into every possible detail. Of course, youll also have time to dream about how your cofee
shop will look and feel, and carefully decide on the design of your menus, branding, etc, which its also vital
to get right.
1. Budget brilliantly
FOR EXAMPLE
Not planning the inancials could mean your cofee shop You wont get much change out of 30,000 if youre
project is doomed from the start. Begin by drawing up a opening an average size shop (50-60 square metres)
with space for around 50 customers, according to cofee
list of the equipment youll need, from machinery (cofee
suppliers and barista trainers Limini Cofee. Heres a
machine, dishwasher, oven, fridge, etc) to furniture, quick guide to what youll need and the rough cost:
crockery, cutlery and ittings (display cabinets, shelving,
2,500 - 10,000 for espresso equipment
signage, etc). Then consider the cost of a makeover in 1,000 - 2,500 for dishwashers
terms of design and decor. And dont forget branding 1,000 - 2,000 for flooring
and marketing, which initially will mean costing up the 500 - 2,000 for ceiling
100 - 500 for painting
design of your logo, business cards and other printed 500+ general building work
materials, and your website. Youll also need to assess 500 - 3,000 for AC
how much youll initially need to spend on stock in terms 250 - 1,000 for crockery
250 - 2,000 for a till
of cofee supplies and food. 500 - 1,500 for accountancy
500 - 2,000 for solicitor
500 - 1,500 for insurance
The cost of renting a retail space can then go on top
1,000 - 3,000 for initial stock
and will vary dependent on location and size of your 100 - 2,000 for signs and marketing
premises. And you also need to take into account any 39+ for EPOS system
plus working capital, deposit, rent, rates,
regular charges, such as utility costs and any equipment
planning applications, change of
you might be hiring. And its probably a good idea to use, professional advice etc etc
over-estimate each item on your costs list to provide
As you can see, the single biggest cost will be your
yourself some slack of, say, 10% of the anticipated costs espresso making equipment, so you can lease equipment
its better to have a little more in your account after to keep the initial cost down for around 5 a day.
everything is paid for, than be short.
2. Dare to be diferent
To stand out in an increasingly crowded market, FOR EXAMPLE
developing a unique identity is crucial to give people
a reason to choose you over another, perhaps more Two independent outlets within two miles of each
generic high-street caf. Start by pushing your in- other in West London have each put their own origi-
nal twist on the cofee shop and are both thriving.
dependent credentials as many people prefer to give
Rubens in Twickenham opened as an Italian conti-
business to local establishments over the big chains, nental cofee shop ofering home made artisan bread
and are looking for something diferent. and cakes using a wood-ired oven that owner Igor
Occhiali installed on the premises. Within two years
Think up an original twist. Perhaps you could ofer a Rubens expanded to the retail space next door
to create a restaurant area and has now opened a
selection of unusual or ethically sourced cofees, or
second shop. The Follow Deer in Teddington came
locally produced organic food and cakes, or feature up with the idea of an original rustic theme in line
strikingly designed furniture or crockery, display local with nearby Bushy Park where deers roam wild,
art, or spin vinyl records, letting customers bring in and also got a drinks licence launching a cocktail
their own to play. Also, add extra value to someones evening once a week, complimenting their baristas
with mixologists. Again the outlet grew in popularity
visit by ofering, say, free reading material or small
and now also hosts set menu dinners on Saturday
biscuits or snacks.
evenings.
http://www.harries-cofee.com
It can help if you bring in a truly
original approach. I was passionate
about bread and so installed a wood
ired oven to become an artisan
bakery and create a real point of
diference.
Igor Occhiali
Owner | Rubens Twickenham
Chapter 2 | Plan to perfection
Heather Barrie
Owner | Harries Cofee
http://www.harries-cofee.com
Chapter 2 | Plan to perfection
4. Size matters
Once youve chosen your ideal location you need to decide on the most
appropriate size for your cofee shop. Are you going to set up a kiosk for
busy commuters to get their cafeine ix, or a spacious, sofa-laden suite
in which people can relax and meet with friends? Make an informed
decision by weighing up the rent against the kind of people youll be
serving and whats on the ground already.
The local rent should give you the maximum shop unit size you can aford,
while the types of customers youll be catering for will give you an idea of
whether to need all that space or not. With a busy commuter customer
base who mainly drink-and-go or takeaway you are unlikely to
need as much space as if most of your clientelle are young
mums who need ample room for a buggy and to relax and
chat. So dont just think numbers, think lifestyle too.
6. Source superb suppliers Decide on your ethics, the level of
Your suppliers will directly afect your proits (through quality that you wish to serve and the
impression that want to make on your
cost) and service (through reliability and flexibility),
customers and potential customers. The
so source them carefully. Avoid going for one mega
suppliers that you use should reflect
supplier, even though logistically and inancially it might
these measures. Get the best terms that
seem to make sense, as you will have little negotiating
you can and treat them well they are
power. However, it can pay to have one supplier for the people that often help you out in
compatible items, such as consumables, electricals, etc, emergency situations!
as you can beneit from volume discounts and wont be
Heather Barrie
putting all your eggs in one basket.
Owner | Harries Cofee
Select at least three possible suppliers for each product http://www.harries-cofee.com
Igor Occhiali
Owner | Rubens Twickenham
Chapter 3 | Prepare for lift-of!
Once youve found your space you need to get it ready for business.
With the inancials in place, your perfect location secured, your ofering
decided upon and your designs drawn up, its time to get physical by
kitting out your cofee shop and building your team. Heres how to make
sure everythings in place when you serve your irst customer.
I was passionate about doing
everything myself from the ground up.
So I drew on all the skills I had to do
as much as I could to save money that
I could invest in quality. This meant
1. Get equipped for success
I planned the shop myself, did the
plumbing, installed the equipment
One area you should not skimp on is your espresso machine as your as much as I could do.
cofee needs to be the best possible quality and your baristas need the
Igor Occhiali
right tools of their trade. Whether you rent or buy, put quality irst. Thats
not say you cant acquire them secondhand, but establish purchase date
and service history before you do.
Beyond the espresso machine, make a list of all the other equipment youll
need, from a dishwasher and fridge to microwave and chilled display
cabinets, planning them into the layout of your barista work area. Heres
a list of the basics:
Cofee Machine
Water Boiler
Grinders
Blenders
Ovens
I had technical issues that hindered
my ability to be open the hours that
I wanted, which lost me revenue
and also cost money to resolve,
Panini Grill
so source all your equipment
Furniture
carefully, make sure its all insured
Dishwasher
where necessary and consider a
Ice Machine
maintenance contract.
Chillers & Freezers
Aircon & Extraction Heather Barrie
Burglar Alarm & CCTV Owner | Harries Cofee
Till http://www.harries-cofee.com
If you are buying new, then a reputable supplier who ofers an excellent guarantee and can service is preferable
for cofee machines, grinders and tills. Renting/leasing or try before you buy from U-Select are kinder on
your cash flow while ensuring you still have irst class equipment. Buying second hand should be done with
caution. There are certain pieces of kit to probably avoid buying second hand, including the cofee machine,
the ice machine and dishwasher, these can be a liability and cost you a lot more in the long run.
Whether looking to buy new or used equipment or lease it, U-Select is a good place to start looking, and they
also provide an easy checklist.
Chapter 3 | Prepare for lift-of!
Layout-wise, if you have the space its a good idea to give your customers a choice of whether to lounge on
a comfy sofa, great if your having a cofee and reading a book, or sit at a table, which can be more practical
when eating a sandwich.
To save money you can decorate the place yourself, and source secondhand furniture an eclectic mix of
diferent kinds of old wooden chairs, tables and sofas can create a homely relaxed atmosphere and shouldnt
cost the earth.
You can see a whole host of cofee shop interior designs on Pinterest to help inspire you
Design magazine Dezeen also has some beautifully shop stunning examples.
Heather Barrie
Igor Occhiali
Chapter 3 | Prepare for lift-of!
Igor Occhiali
Chapter 3 | Prepare for lift-of!
6. Tell the world
Like any business, youll need to market your cofee shop, but if you plan this carefully it doesnt have to be
expensive. A good name, well-designed logo and clear signage can play a huge role in attracting people, so
take time to think this through.
One of the hardest things is to change peoples habits. Many of your potential customers will already have
their regular cofee shop. You need to give them a very good reason to come into your shop instead. So how
can you convince them yours is better and win them over?
Word of mouth
Probably the best marketing that you will ever get, this relies on you delivering a great service and making sure
every customer is happy, so theyll spread the word to their friends and colleagues. Remember, happy customers
will tell a few people about your cofee shop; unhappy customers will tell a lot of people, so get it right irst time.
Time-speciic ofers
Breakfast, lunch and afternoon ofers work really well. An afternoon tea and cake or cofee and scone ofer for the
morning. Consider setting up a lunch special to attract customers around midday and early afternoon. Tap into the
seasons by starting a Christmas ofer far enough in advance and promote your cold drinks in time for the summer.
Chapter 3 | Prepare for lift-of!
Social networking
Social networking, such as Twitter and Facebook, can be a great way to market your cofee shop, and they are free.
Make sure you add regular interesting posts that reflect your vision and values as a business and brand, and that
you dont simply promote your products. Social networking should be used for networking, not for advertising your
products and services only. So make your social networks fun to follow and simply tell the world what youre doing.
And dont forget to encourage feedback as this can be a great way to stay in touch with your customers and keep
front of mind.
Heather Barrie
Remember these are only pointers and ultimately youll do it your own way, but hopefully this guide will
help to put you on the right path to opening your own successful cofee shop. And if things go well you could
soon be opening your second caf