How can I [as an individual], open a coffee house right in my own kitchen and/or dining room?

Question

What equipment do I need to buy? How should I use the money that I earn? What's the best coffee brand out there [besides Starbuck's]? I'll need tips on how to keep the place clean.

Answer 1

You need to start by getting a permit to run a food establishment out of your house. The grief of meeting requirements and paying for the license will probably discourage you from that whole idea.

Answer 2

Besides the zoning restrictions, you will also have to have a separate kitchen dedicated to your business. You cannot use your own kitchen to process, prepare, or cook any food you might serve. That's the way it is where I live, anyway. As for coffee, any brand, properly brewed, will be good. You may want to diversify in that area, with condiments, strength of the brews, perhaps a tea or two. Kona is a nice, hefty type of coffee, and there is a plethora of blends. Listen to the customers!! As for cleanliness... that Mr. Clean Magic mop, with telescoping handle, and disposable cleaning wipes is great, as is the toilet cleaner of the same ilk. Bleach, and plenty of it....disposable wipes containing anti bacterial soaps. Don't forget to wear gloves!!

Answer 3

Better see the county and city board first, they might shoot your dream down, then there's the neighbors to decide if they want a business there, then traffic concerns, etc.
If every thing's O.K. then you should check about small business loans from the county, or city. Sometimes the state gives out small business loans to new businesses opening up. It helps encourage people to go into a small business of their own.
You going to have to give them ideas on what you intend to do, how your going to set up your business and what your going to sell.

It sounds like you have no idea on what your going to do. I would suggest before you start going into business you first find out how to go into business.

Contact a "Starbucks" and find out about a franchise or what they would do to help you get started. How much your going to need to start your business.

Your going to need a certain amount of cash to get started, you'll need backing, say 10 grand for a starter. They need something to know your serious to get you started in business.
Maybe some small business courses at the nearest day college or night school. These always help. This way they'll know your serious.

Answer 4

If you are talking as a business you might want to reconsider because i dont think the health inspector/and zoning laws will allow you to operate a resturant out of your house due to laws and santairy issues. IF you could i wouldnt do it becasue you have to keep your house emaculate. Your private bathroom has to become a public bathroom and alot of other stuff its a real hassle. I just went thru that stuff with my father in law helping him open a night club. Do your research first before you spend the money

Answer 5

Before you sell your first cup of joe, you need a business license and a health inspection by the health department.

You need more than tips on keeping the place clean - you need step by step instructions on keeping every single part of your operation sanitary.

You might want to consider the work involved in running a food service operation.

Answer 6

Private houses are typically zoned "residential only."

Check the local ordinances in your city, to determine which see what you are violating are violating, by opening a business in your house.

Answer 7

first you gotta get the approval of the village idiots, i mean the bureaucrats, and that just may prove to be a nightmare.
here in the land of oz a gentleman tried to do just about the same thing (a restaurant), and ran into all kinds of trouble, it was in the papers for weeks.

Answer 8

It would be a LOT easier to buy/rent a place for it.

Answer 9

Unless you have a commercial lot...forget the whole idea.