Your Why

You need to find out the real reasons you want to run your own coffee shop, spend some time writing down what your enjoy and what your passions are.

Unique Passion Point

Work out how your coffee shop will be different and what will make people cross the road and walk in your door

Get some advice

Buy some books, watch YouTube, talk to some experts. Find a great accountant and a property lawyer and get your funding options sorted out.

Have a business plan

At this point you may not be able to full complete a business plan but it is important you spend time understanding the key costs and be able to work out your breakeven figure

Find a great location

The number 1 reason people will visit your coffee shop is its location. It will be a massive factor in your success or failure. The area should reflect the type of customers you want to attract and be congruent with your passion.
When agreeing a lease or buying a property you need to take the advice of your lawyer, do not even consider signing and not taking professional advice. It could be very, very costly.

Branding and Design

Your branding will be a reason guests will come through your door, it is a 24/7 advert for your business so should be considered carefully. Your design should reflect your brand and values, a good design should be appealing to your target guests and have built in operational efficiency that will minimise the on going cost of running the business.

Menu

Now is the time to develop your menu, costing out all ingredients and agreeing your recipes for everything.

Suppliers

Finding great suppliers is so important, they will support you and advise you for free. They have a vested interest in making your business a success. Choosing the correct equipment for the fit out is really important and your suppliers will help you with making the right choices.
Choosing a good builder or shop-fitter may take you longer than you think, as you will need quotations and references.

Great People

Your team will be such a big factor in your success, you will need to take time getting the right people and spend as long as you can to get them to understand your values and the operational systems

Funding

Do you borrow from the bank or from friends and family. Do you look for a business partner or investor, and do you buy or lease your equipment

Marketing

Plan the marketing of your new business, set up your loyalty scheme and get to know other local businesses who will support you.