Anyone know anything about starting a coffee shop?

Question

My hubby has always had the dream to start a coffee shop, in this particular spot he grew up in. The building is up for rent, and he's itching to fulfil his dream. He knows nothing about a coffee shop, or how to run a business. And he wants to know all he can. I want to support him and help him with his dreams. Does anyone have any books they aren't using? Or recommendations? ANYthing to help him get started! Thanks!

Answer 1

Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* Ultimate Guide to Specialty Retail: How to Start a Cart, Kiosk or Store -- by Patricia Norins
* Start and Run a Coffee Bar by Tom Matzen, Marybeth Harrison
* Coffee Basics: A Quick and Easy Guide by Kevin Knox
* How to Open a Financially Successful Coffee, Espresso & Tea Shop by Elizabeth Godsmark
* ESPRESSO! Starting and Running Your Own Specialty Coffee Business by Joe Monaghan

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

First, have him get a job in a coffee shop for at least six months. There is no better way to learn the business.

Second, identify the companies that will be your suppliers and pump them for information. No one knows more about an industry that the wholesalers who serve it.

Answer 3

Coffeeshop is a business that requires capital and can hardly be started on a $5,000 budget. In fact, according to Bellissimo Coffee Infogroup, http://www.espresso101.com/coffee_faq.html you will need the following amounts to start your coffee shop business:

Coffee Cart: Usual start-up cost is $20,000–$25,000 to open and stock.

Kiosk: Depending on the size and what menu items are offered, it will usually cost between $50,000–$60,000.

Coffee Drive-Thru: The cost of opening a drive-thru espresso business operation can vary dramatically, from the the very small units for less than $30,000 to anywhere between $80,000–$180,000 depending on how the shop looks.

Sit Down: The cost of opening a sit-down coffee shop is comparable to the cost of opening an upscale drive-thru. Start-up costs for most 1200 sq. ft. coffee bars average $150,000 to $300,000.

You may want to read the following articles:

So, You Wanna Open a Coffee Shop http://www.restaurantreport.com/Departments/c_coffeeshop.html
EspressoBusiness.com (has a nice section on what to avoid in terms of coffee shop business) http://www.espressobusiness.com/
Links to various resources on starting a coffee business http://www.aboutcoffee.net/linkster/linkster.php?CID=9
Coffee Shop Sample Business Plan (free) http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/business-plans/Business-Plans-Volume-04/Coffee-House.html

For in-depth information, you may want to read the following books (either go to your favorite bookstore or borrow them from your library):

Complete Idiot's Guide to Starting and Running a Coffee Bar (The Complete Idiot's Guide)by Linda Formichelli
Start and Run a Coffee Bar (Start & Run a)by Tom Matzen, Marybeth Harrison
How to Open a Financially Successful Coffee, Espresso & Tea Shop by Elizabeth Godsmark
FabJob Guide to Become a Coffee House Owner (FabJob Guides)by Tom Hennessey
ESPRESSO! Starting and Running Your Own Specialty Coffee Business by Joe Monaghan and Julie Sheldon Huffaker

Answer 4

I have a nice application that will help with the business planning. Send me an email and I will foreword it to you.

Answer 5

dear !!! go to 125aday.com
and make the dream happen.