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How to Start a Coffee Shop
How Big is the Coffee Shop industry?
What are the Key Segments of the Coffee Shop industry?
What External Factors affect the Coffee Shop market?
Who are the Key Competitors in the Coffee Shop industry?
What are the Key Customer Segments in the Coffee Shop industry?
What are the Key Costs in the Coffee Shop industry?
What are the Keys to Launching a new Coffee Shop?
What are the Typical Startup Costs for a new Coffee Shop?
Keys to Coffee Shop Success
Helpful Videos
Additional resources in the Coffee Shop industry

How to Start a Coffee Shop

If you’re looking to start a Coffee Shop, you’ve come to the right place. Since we’re going to show you exactly how to do it.

We’ll start with key Coffee Shop industry fundamentals like how big the market is, what the key segments are, and how revenues and profits are generated.

Then we’ll discuss keys to not only starting a Coffee Shop business, but succeeding in it!

And don’t forget to look at our coffee shop business plan template if you need a plan to start or grow your coffee shop.

How Big is the Coffee Shop industry?

The Coffee Shop industry has grown at a rate of 4.3% over the past five years. The industry’s 74,267 establishments are expected to collectively bring in $39.4 billion this year.

What are the Key Segments of the Coffee Shop Industry?

Sales in the Coffee Shop industry are dominated by coffee beverages. At over half of industry revenue, this is the largest product segment. Other beverages and food items make up another 45% of revenue, and other items such as mugs and packaged coffee round out the remainder of industry revenue.

What External Factors affect the Coffee Shop Industry?

A number of factors affect the performance of the Coffee Shop industry. These drivers include:

Consumer spending – Like any business in the food service industry, coffee shops depend on consumers’ willingness to spend discretionary cash. As such, times of economic growth tend to benefit the industry.

Healthy eating index – Consumers are becoming more aware of the health issues associated with a poor diet. Therefore, coffee shops that offer healthier alternatives alongside other menu items will benefit.

Per capita coffee consumption – Coffee shops depend on coffee drinkers. Per capita coffee consumption in the US has remained fairly steady over the past five years, and is expected to rise slightly in the next five years.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

If you’d like to quickly and easily complete your business plan, download Growthink’s Ultimate Coffee Shop Business Plan Template and complete your plan and financial model in hours.

Who are the Key Competitors in the Coffee Shop Industry?

Starbucks leads the Coffee Shop industry, with a 39.8% market share. In second place, Dunkin’ Brands has captured a 21.9% market share.

What are the Key Customer Segments in the Coffee Shop Industry?

The key customer segments in the Coffee Shop industry are Households with the highest income quintile and Households in the three middle income quintiles (>50%)

What are the Key Costs in the Coffee Shop industry?

Purchases – The greatest expense for Coffee Shops is the purchase of food and beverages, and account for over 1/3 of revenue.

Wages – Wages are the second-largest expense for the industry. This is due in large part to the labor-intensive nature of the business.

Other expenses include equipment depreciation, rent, advertising, and sometimes franchise royalties.

What are the Keys to Launching a New Coffee Shop?

Have a business plan. A great business plan will go a long way in helping you get the funding you need to open a Coffee Shop.
Choose a coffee roaster. Be sure to find one that not only roasts great coffee, but one that also delivers on time.
Choose a location. It is crucial for a Coffee Shop to be located in a busy, accessible area. One veteran coffee shop owner recommends parking near the location you’ve chosen (pre-lease agreement) to count cars and people.
Become an expert barista. Be the most knowledgeable person on your team, both in technique and in product knowledge.
Hire the right people. Be sure every person on your team loves coffee, and then help them develop that passion and gain expertise via cupping sessions.
Develop the menu. Many coffee shops offer a variety of coffee drinks, but also offer other drinks and a limited food menu.

What are the Typical Startup Costs for a new Coffee Shop?

One-time costs:

Lease deposit
Building upgrade
Equipment purchase – including espresso machine, brewing equipment, refrigerator, POS system, etc.
Permits and licenses
Starting inventory

Ongoing costs:

Wages
Rent
Equipment maintenance
Inventory replacement
Utilities – including wireless internet

If you’d like to quickly and easily complete your business plan, download Growthink’s Ultimate Coffee Shop Business Plan Template and complete your business plan and financial model in hours.