How to Create a Coffee Shop Business Plan and Executive Summary: Free Template & Guide

By Debra Weinryb

Smiling coffee shop owner standing in front of an espresso machine.

Before you open a coffee shop, you will need to have a coffee shop business plan. This important document acts as a roadmap for your coffee shop business adventure – with everything you need to turn your business dreams into a reality. 

If you’re passionate about coffee but have never written a business plan before, it can be nerve-racking to start. To help you out, we’ve put together a complete guide to writing a successful coffee shop business plan. In this guide, we’ll cover:

  • What is a coffee shop business plan?
  • How to write a business plan for a coffee shop
  • The 10 sections of every successful coffee shop business plan
  • A free coffee shop business plan template

Smiling barista standing in front of a modern coffee bar.

Create a custom business plan for your coffee shop concept with this free template.

What is a Coffee Shop Business Plan?

A coffee shop business plan is a document that explains what your business idea is and how it will succeed. It answers several questions, like how you will set up your coffee shop, how you will fund your business, and what revenue you expect to make. It includes information about your marketing plan, sales strategy, coffee shop customers , pricing structure, competitors, required labor, and financial plan.

Similar in length to a traditional restaurant business plan , it’s a succinct document that usually spans 15-20 pages, but no more than 30 pages. Coffee shop business owners can make their plans pop with visuals like photos and designs of their coffee house, and site plans of their retail store. Charts and graphs are also used to show financial inventory information, like how much coffee beans will be purchased monthly and at what cost, for example.

Once complete, you will be able to show your coffee house business plan to potential investors, bankers, and business partners. That’s why it’s so important to dedicate a large amount of time and energy into getting your java shop business plan underway early on.

two coffee baristas work in a coffee shop

How to Write a Business Plan for a Coffee Shop

With the proper guidance, your brew shop business plan can be easy to write. That’s why having a coffee shop business plan template is a useful aid for conceptualizing your business and goals before you start to write. Additionally, having a coffee shop business plan example can help you think of key elements to demonstrate your coffee shop’s potential for growth and profitability – which are both important to attract funding.

Elements of a Coffee Shop Business Plan

Executive summary for a coffee business .

Start with your executive summary – a short and high-level overview of each section in your coffee house business plan. In any business plan sample for a coffee shop, you’ll see that this is the first section because it gives readers crucial information about your business before you dive into details.

The executive summary section describes your business concept, the problem it solves, your target market, financial highlights, lease information, as well as your vision for the menu, products, and how you will service coffee – whether that’s in a kiosk, drive through, pickup, or sit-down coffee shop. 

As you write your executive summary, consider who will read your brew shop business plan and what you would like them to know. After all, you want to capture your reader’s attention and entice them to continue to read or even invest!

Here are a few key points of interest you can mention in your executive summary:

  • Ambiance: The character and atmosphere of your coffee shop
  • Location: Information on your potential foot traffic, facility/lease, and seating capacity.
  • Kitchen storage: Space for multiple blends of coffee or a high-end espresso machine.
  • Goals: Your mission statement and guiding principles that will drive your success.
  • Funding: What funds you need and how you will use them to achieve your vision.

Business Overview

The Business Overview section takes a deeper dive into the coffee industry as a whole, your local market, and what makes your coffee shop model unique among the competition. Here, start by giving a brief overview as to when and why you started your coffee shop business. In addition, you can include major achievements such as hitting target sales goals or opening new coffee shop locations.

In this section, you can also go into more detail about the business operations of your neighborhood coffee shop . For example, explain what coffee and food products you will offer, your hiring and labor practices, and how you’ll brew coffee. This, of course, will depend on your coffee shop business model. 

Here are a few types of coffee shops and how they could be described:

  • Grab-and-go coffee shop: Pickup or drive through only, so folks can grab a cup of coffee in a heartbeat
  • Traditional coffee shop: Sells baked goodies and a variety of coffee drinks in a relaxed atmosphere
  • The coffee bar: Like a homey living room, with lounge music, WiFi, and fresh coffee

Management and Staff

In this section, you will talk about ownership. Start with the business owner(s) who will manage your coffee shop, and talk about their experiences/qualifications that will make them successful. You’ll also include details of who will take care of your day-to-day coffee shop operations. 

Every coffee shop will need baristas who take care of sales and make drinks, but those that sell food may also need someone to operate basic kitchen equipment. Additionally, you may want to hire someone to do marketing and advertising, or an accountant to take care of your bookkeeping. 

After deciding on what jobs you want to create, you’ll need to identify if they are part-time or full-time, how you will recruit/train them (e.g., barista training), and what you will pay them in wages and benefits. Your employees will factor into your financial forecast and expenses later on in your business plan for a coffee shop, so it’s essential to get a head start on your hiring budget.

Coffee Shop Market Analysis

Your Market Analysis section should show that you’ve looked at your target market, assessed your location, and understand how you’ll compete against other coffee shops in the area. Remember to consider what makes your restaurant unique and what will help it stand out. Here are two ways you can do just that:

Mention if your coffee shop is in a central location, such as near a college where students break for lunch, or next to office buildings where professionals drop in on their way to work. If you are one of many coffee shops in an area, consider pointing out what makes you different, like your wide variety of specialty coffees and the quality of your food.

Customer Analysis

Include information about your ideal customer – with details on who they are, why they shop at your coffee shop, and any metrics. If you performed market research before starting your coffee shop, include that too. For example, if you have data on a high demand for espresso in your area, the sales potential for a drive-through espresso stand could be very promising.

Sample Menu

A section with a sample menu lets investors know exactly what you’ll be serving. Keep in mind that your sample menu should be a differentiator – otherwise, why would investors think that customers should choose your coffee over competitors who serve similar drinks?

Here are a few tips for choosing what to include in your great sample menu:

  • Think about the types of coffee beans that could set you apart. Maybe you only serve organic coffee beans, unlike your competitors.
  • Cater the types of drinks you serve to your target market. For a young customer, sweet frappuccinos, hot chocolates, and drinks topped with whipped cream can be popular. For health-conscious consumers, options like tea and “light” coffee may perform better.
  • If your customers will be hungry, such as students on a lunch break, or employees on their way to work, then consider including food items like pastries.

Marketing Plan and Publicity

An effective marketing plan is essential for bringing new customers through your coffee shop’s door and retaining your loyal guests. In this section, start by describing how you want to drive incoming traffic, in addition to what budget you have in mind, and your expected return on investment. If you have a lot of detailed information, you may want to create a separate marketing plan document.

To cover all your bases, you can include the Four Ps of Marketing:

  • Product: What beverage and food products you will offer? For example, will you offer non-coffee drinks, frappuccinos, espresso, or cold brews?
  • Price: What is your average price point and how does it compare to competitive coffee shops?
  • Place: The location of your coffee shop and how it will impact your success. For example, will you operate kiosks, and if so, where will they be placed to get the most foot traffic?
  • Promos: How will you drive customers to your location(s)? Examples include live music, giving free samples, advertising, or partnering with influencers or other organizations.

Business Operations and Operating Plan

The business plan operations section includes the physical requirements of your coffee shop business, like retail space, specialized equipment, supplies, and labor. When describing your business’ operational expenses, also consider showing where your coffee shop is trying to save money. For example, if you are buying used furniture or equipment, let your reader or potential investor know how you are cutting losses. 

Here are a few areas you can include in the operating plan section:

Retail Space

  • Space you plan to lease, buy, or rent for your coffee shop
  • Parking spaces for a truck or for customers to access your coffee shop

Specialized Equipment

  • Coffee machines like a coffee grinder, a brewing machine, or a hot water dispenser
  • Specific arrangements like a sandwich prep table, counter space, or a display case
  • Technology such as a coffee shop POS to process transactions and track inventory
  • List your suppliers according to type – for your coffee beans and other food and drink products
  • Menu items you will buy vs. make in your coffee shop, such as croissants or cookies
  • The frequency at which you need to restock your coffee shop inventory
  • Staff such as a Barista to brew coffee
  • Staff to do food preparation, menu creation, and cleaning
  • A manager to oversee payroll and human resources

Financial Forecast and Expenses

This is an important section, especially if you need to attract investors to your coffee shop. Since coffee shops are often smaller storefronts, usually with a lower profit margin , this section needs to emphasize how your coffee shop business will grow and be profitable in the long-term. 

Your financial forecast and expenses section should include the following:

  • Cash flow statement with monthly projections for all your coffee shop purchases
  • Balance sheet to give investors a snapshot of your assets, liabilities and equity
  • Break even analysis to demonstrate the sales you need in order to make a profit

Coffee Shop Business Plan: Next Steps and Plan Template

To get ideas of details to include, use a coffee shop business plan sample.

Whether you own a coffee shop or are just starting out, writing a coffee shop business plan is essential to your success. In such a highly competitive coffee market , you need a business plan to show potential investors what makes your store stand out. 

If you’re looking for a coffee shop business plan example, a template is a great place to start. By using a coffee business plan template , you can improve your chances of securing funding or attracting new business partners. Using a business plan sample for a coffee shop will also keep you organized and show readers how your coffee shop can be successful.

FAQs: Coffee Shop Business Plan

If you have any lingering questions, we’ve answered the top coffee shop business plan FAQs.

How profitable is a coffee shop?

A coffee shop business’ profits can range from 2.5% to 85% of gross sales, according to this Chron article . The amount of profit depends on the size of your coffee shop – smaller coffee shops usually have lower profits.

How do you start a coffee shop business?

To start a coffee shop business, do lots of research on the industry and your market so you can plan how to separate yourself, your menu, and the quality of your products from competitor coffee shops. Consider where your coffee shop might be located and what kind of customer base you’ll have. Map out the expected costs for operations, marketing, etc. in a financial plan. This will help you plan a strategy for success so you can create a strong coffee shop business plan to present to potential investors.

How much budget is needed to open a coffee shop?

How much budget you need to open a coffee shop will depend on the location of your business. Start by doing some research on real estate in the area where you want your coffee shop business, suppliers for your menu items, cost of hiring employees, and other operating costs. Also, consider what kind of marketing campaigns – such as email, direct mail, and advertisements – that you might want to run and include those in your budget too.

How do you start a business proposal for a coffee shop?

To start a business proposal for a coffee shop, use a coffee shop business plan sample and make sure you include the key sections: an executive summary, business overview, management and staff, market analysis, marketing and publicity, operations plan, and financial forecast and expenses.

Also, make sure you do enough research before you start so you understand how a coffee shop business works, your market, and your competitors, and have relevant facts and figures to support the plan for your new business. 

Debra Weinryb author photo

Debra was a Content Marketing Specialist at TouchBistro, writing about the latest food and restaurant industry trends. In her spare time, Debra enjoys baking and eating together with family and friends.

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></center></p><h2>How to Write a Successful Coffee Shop Business Plan (with Template)</h2><ul><li>By Tam Nguyen</li></ul><p><center><img style=

Table of Contents

Dreaming of opening a coffee shop? You’re not alone. The coffee industry is bustling with passionate business owners eager to make their mark. However, becoming successful coffee shop owners requires more than just a love for the brew. It demands a clear vision that differentiates your coffee house in a saturated market. A well-crafted business plan not only gives life to your idea but also sets your business on a path to thrive. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned entrepreneur, this guide, complete with a free template, will help you craft a business plan that markets and propels your coffee venture to success.

What is A Coffee Shop Business Plan?  

A coffee shop business plan is a comprehensive document that explains what your business idea is, how you intend to penetrate the coffee market, and the strategies you’ll employ to run your coffee shop successfully. When opening a cafe, many aspiring cafe or coffee shop owners underestimate the value of a structured plan. However, this document does more than just outline the needs to open a coffee shop; it gives a detailed roadmap for your new business, offering clarity on every aspect of its operation.

More than that, presenting a well-structured business plan to potential investors is essential. It not only showcases your commitment but also your understanding of the industry, making it a vital tool for securing funding. While crafting a business plan can seem daunting initially, it’s the foundation that both clarifies your idea and sets your business on the trajectory for growth and success in the competitive world of cafes and coffee shops.

Why A Business Plan Is Important For A Successful Coffee Shop Business?

1. Clear Vision and Objectives

When you set up your coffee shop, having a business plan establishes a clear vision and defines your objectives. It is the backbone that steers every decision you’ll make. Without a clear outline, you may find yourself swaying from one idea to the next. With a detailed business plan, you can present a clear business proposal to stakeholders, ensuring them and yourself of the path you plan to tread.

2. Financial Planning

A comprehensive business plan is imperative for accurate financial planning. It will include information on how much capital is required to start, what your ongoing costs will be, and the revenues you plan to generate. If you’re seeking external funding, investors will want to see how you plan to use their money, and most importantly, how you plan to make a return on that investment. If you plan to sell specialty blends or unique treats, the financial section can also help you plan a strategy for pricing, promotion, and sales forecasts.

3. Operational Efficiency

Operational efficiency is the linchpin that holds all business operations together. A business plan will map out every detail, from supplier agreements to employee schedules. You may want to create special events or loyalty programs for regular customers, and this is where a business plan can help you plan a strategy for success. It becomes the reference point, ensuring that daily tasks align with the broader objectives, guaranteeing that resources, time, and efforts are used optimally.

Step-by-step Guide To Write A  Coffee Shop Business Plan

1. Executive Summary

The Executive Summary is like the introduction of a novel – it provides a snapshot of what is to come. Typically, you write the executive summary last, even though it appears first in your business plan. It encapsulates the essence of your coffee shop’s mission, objectives, and financial overview, succinctly explaining what your business concept is about. This section is crucial because many coffee shops fail to engage potential investors right off the bat. Ideally, it should be concise – a page or two.

What should you cover in an Executive Summary?

  • Introduce Your Coffee Shop or Cafe: Provide a company overview, giving readers insight into what makes your coffee shop unique from the myriad of coffee bars in the market.
  • State Your Mission and Vision: Describe what drives your coffee business and where you see it in the future.
  • Outline Your Objective: Define clear, measurable goals that you aim to achieve.
  • Provide a Financial Overview: Highlight projected profit margins, a brief balance sheet, and other pertinent financial data.

2. Coffee Shop Business Description

This section paints a picture of your coffee shop. It’s where you elaborate on how you plan to infuse the local coffee market with your unique brews and pastries.

What should you cover in the Coffee Shop Description section?

  • Coffee Shop Concept: Dive into the types of coffee drinks you plan to offer, whether it’s a rich espresso or a classic brewed coffee.
  • Unique Selling Proposition: Discuss what makes your coffee shop stand out, be it a special blend of coffee beans, a unique roasting method using a specific coffee roaster, or artisanal pastry offerings.
  • Operational Plan: Briefly touch upon how you’ll manage your coffee shop, from sourcing beans to serving cups of coffee.

3. Market Analysis

Before pouring your first espresso, performing market research before starting your coffee business is essential. This section dives deep into understanding your potential customer base and the coffee industry landscape in your area.

What should you cover in this section?

  • Target Market: Describe your ideal customer. Are they local residents, office workers, or students?
  • Location: Discuss the significance of your chosen location. Are there many coffee shops in the area? How does your location cater to your target market?
  • Competition: Analyze existing coffee shops. What coffee and food products do they offer? What pricing strategy do they employ? How will your coffee shop compete or complement them?

4. Organization and Management

Behind every successful coffee shop is a robust organizational structure and a competent management team.

What should you cover in the Organization and Management Plan?

  • Coffee Shop Ownership Information: Highlight the business’s legal structure.
  • Profiles of Your Coffee Shop Management Team: Include details about your baristas, perhaps a part-time accountant, and someone to manage marketing. It can be helpful to create profiles for each role, detailing responsibilities and expertise.

5. Sample Menu

Your menu is the heart of your coffee shop. It’s more than just a list of coffee and tea; it’s an expression of your brand.

What should you consider when creating a Sample Menu?

  • Menu Items: Detail the types of coffee, espresso drinks, and pastries you plan to offer. Maybe consider including non-coffee items like teas or specialty drinks.
  • Unique Selling Proposition: Reiterate what makes your coffee or food items different from other coffee shops in the area.
  • Menu Pricing : Discuss your pricing strategy, keeping in mind profit margin, competitors’ prices, and your target customer base.

6. Marketing Plan

To brew success, it’s not enough to have a fantastic coffee product; you must effectively market it.

What should you cover in a Marketing Strategy for your Coffee Shop Business?

  • Define Your Brand: What voice, theme, or emotion do you want your coffee shop to evoke?
  • Lay out your plans for social media campaigns, local partnerships, loyalty programs, SEO for website, and other promotional strategies.
  • Considering using an  online food ordering system  in your food truck
  • Create a  digital menu with QR code  to make your menu easy for your customers to access online

7. Operations Plan

Efficiency is key to the daily grind of running a cafe. The operations section provides a detailed look at the day-to-day operations of your coffee shop business. 

What Operational Issues should you address in your Business Plan?

  • Supply Chain: Where will you buy your coffee beans? Who will be your coffee roaster?
  • Operating Hours: Consider the best times to cater to your target market.
  • Staffing: Detail roles, such as barista, manager, and part-time support.
  • Equipment: List down essential equipment, from espresso machines to ovens.

8. Financial Plan

In this crucial section of your business plan, delving into the financial specifics is paramount to lay out a concrete roadmap for the fiscal aspects of your coffee shop.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Coffee Shop?

Starting a coffee shop is not just about brewing the perfect espresso; it’s also a substantial financial commitment. The cost for opening a coffee shop can range from $80,000 to $250,000. These costs can vary widely based on factors such as location, size of the establishment, equipment quality, and inventory requirements. Moreover, the process of opening a coffee shop might also involve unexpected expenditures, so it’s essential to account for some buffer in your budget.

How Many Ways to Fund Your Coffee Shop?

There are multiple avenues for funding your coffee venture. Traditional bank loans, personal savings, angel investors, crowdfunding campaigns, and partnerships are just a few options. It’s crucial to assess which option aligns best with your business vision and financial situation.

Important Questions to Consider When You Create Your Funding Request If you’re seeking funding, there are several questions you’ll need to answer in your business plan:

  • How much money do you need to start and maintain your coffee shop until it becomes profitable?
  • What will the funds be used for specifically?
  • How do you plan to handle financial challenges that might arise?
  • How do you plan to repay any loans or provide a return on investment?

9. Financial Projections

The financial projections section of your business plan forces you to translate your coffee shop vision into numbers, ensuring you’ve accounted for all key metrics that can make or break your venture.

Break-even analysis:

This is the point where your coffee shop’s total revenues equal its total costs. Simply put, it’s when you neither make a profit nor a loss from selling coffee. 

Use this formula:  Fixed Costs / (Price – Variable Costs) = Break Even Point

Projected profit and loss statement:

This will provide a forecast of your expected income and expenses, giving a clear view of your venture’s profitability.

Cash flow analysis:

Essential for understanding the liquidity of your business, this tool is especially crucial for coffee shops, considering the fluctuating expenses and incomes coffee shops offer. When drafting this, consider who will read it, as stakeholders like investors or lenders might have specific expectations.

Coffee Shop Business Plan Template 

  • Mission: To offer the community high-quality coffee in a comfortable and vibrant environment.
  • Vision: To become the go-to local coffee spot that fosters community connections and coffee appreciation.
  • Coffee Shop Description: “Java Junction” will be a modern coffee hub that emphasizes direct-trade coffee beans and a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere.
  • Costs: Estimated initial costs are $125,000.
  • Profits: Projected annual profit by year two is $75,000.

2. Description of the Coffee Shop

  • Coffee Shop Concept: A community-focused café emphasizing artisanal methods.
  • Coffee Shop Name: Java Junction
  • Coffee Shop Type: Sit-down café with an adjacent mini-library.
  • Location: Main Street, Downtown Area – chosen for its high foot traffic.
  • Order Fulfillment: Orders taken at the counter with table service for food.
  • Working Hours: Mon-Fri (7 am – 9 pm), Sat-Sun (8 am – 10 pm).

3. Menu Offer

  • Type of Food and Drink: Coffee, teas, pastries, and sandwiches.
  • Offer: From classic espresso shots to unique blends like “Lavender Latte”.
  • Unique Selling Point: Every coffee product uses direct-trade beans, ensuring farmer fairness.

4. Market and Competition Analysis

  • Market Analysis: The local population includes a mix of professionals, students, and tourists. Many search for quiet spots to work or relax.
  • Target Customer: Professionals aged 25-40 and students.
  • Size of the Target Customer: Approximately 15,000 individuals.
  • Competition Analysis: Three established coffee shops within a mile.
  • Size of the Competition: Ranging from small boutique coffee shops to a larger chain.
  • Competitors’ Offer: Basic coffee drinks, with limited specialty items.
  • Competitors’ Prices: Average of $4 for a coffee drink.

5. Investment Plan (Detailed Cost Analysis)

Investment Cost (One-off): $75,000

  • Equipment: $30,000
  • Renovations: $20,000
  • Initial Stock: $10,000
  • Licenses: $5,000
  • Miscellaneous: $10,000

Operating Costs (Monthly): $17,000

  • Rent: $3,000
  • Salaries: $10,000
  • Utilities: $1,000
  • Stock: $2,000
  • Marketing: $1,000

6. Financial Forecast

Year one is projected to break even, with a profit of $50,000 expected in year two, and $75,000 in year three, considering growth and expanding customer base.

  • Owner: Jamie Smith, a coffee enthusiast with a business degree.
  • Manager: Alex Brown, previously managed a successful coffee chain for five years.
  • Baristas: A team of 4 skilled individuals passionate about coffee.

8. Marketing Plan

Java Junction will use a mix of social media marketing, local print advertising, and loyalty programs to attract and retain customers. Regular events, such as “Buy Our Coffee Day” and collaboration with local businesses, will drive foot traffic and community engagement, integral components for starting your coffee shop and making it successful.

This coffee shop business plan sample is hypothetical and serves as a template. Tailoring specifics to your local market, vision, and unique aspects will be necessary. Every coffee shop has nuances that can make them successful, whether it be the coffee products they sell, the environment they cultivate, or the events they host. Focus on what will make your coffee shop stand out and be sure to engage your community.

Tips For Writing a Business Plan For a Coffee Shop

Your business plan becomes the blueprint of your vision. Here are essential tips to consider:

Comprehensiveness is Key: Ensure your plan encompasses all sections you should include, such as marketing, financial projections, and operations. A well-rounded plan provides a holistic view of your business.

Tailor to Your Audience: If you’re presenting to potential investors, focus on profitability and growth projections. For a landlord, emphasize the benefits your coffee shop will bring to their property.

Specialize in Marketing: Given the competitiveness in the coffee industry, it’s crucial to have a solid marketing plan. If marketing isn’t your strength, consider hiring someone to do marketing for your venture. A strong online presence, loyalty programs, and community engagement can set you apart.

Research Your Market: Understand what nearby coffee shops include in their offerings. Identify gaps in the market and strategize on how your shop can fill them.

Stay Flexible: While a business plan provides direction, remain adaptable. The coffee industry is dynamic, and your ability to pivot can prove invaluable.

Separate Sections for Clarity: If your plan becomes too dense, you might want to create a separate document for specific sections like a detailed marketing strategy or an in-depth market analysis. This makes your primary business plan concise and more readable.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. how profitable is owning a coffee shop.

Owning a coffee shop can be profitable, depending on factors like location, quality of products, and management. On average, after expenses, many coffee shops report a profit margin of around 3% to 5%, with some successful ones achieving even higher. However, it’s essential to factor in initial setup costs, ongoing expenses, and market competition.

2. How do I start a coffee shop business plan?

Starting a coffee shop business plan involves multiple steps. Begin by defining your coffee shop’s mission and vision. Conduct market research to understand your target audience and competitors. Then, detail out sections like your product offerings, pricing strategy, marketing plan, financial projections, and operational procedures. If you’re thinking of opening a coffee shop, a well-thought-out business plan is indispensable.

3. What is a business plan for a coffee shop?

A coffee shop business plan is a detailed document that outlines your coffee shop’s objectives, strategies, and operational procedures. It acts as a roadmap, guiding you from the startup phase to establishing a thriving business. Moreover, if you need a coffee shop business loan or investment, this plan becomes crucial in convincing stakeholders of your venture’s viability.

4. What are the 4Ps in a coffee shop business plan?

The 4Ps stand for Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. In the context of a coffee shop:

  • Product: What type of coffee and related products will you offer?
  • Price: How will you price your coffee? Will it be premium or competitive?
  • Place: Where will your coffee shop be located? Is it accessible to your target audience?
  • Promotion: How will you market your coffee shop? Will you offer promotions or loyalty programs?

These elements help in creating a marketing strategy tailored to your coffee shop’s unique needs and market position.

Launching a coffee shop is not just about brewing the perfect cup but weaving a narrative that resonates with your community, fostering an ambiance that people gravitate towards, and maintaining a seamless operation that drives profitability. The meticulous creation of a business plan is a pivotal step in this endeavor. It’s the beacon that guides budding entrepreneurs through the complexities of the coffee industry. In such a competitive marketplace, a well-structured, comprehensive business plan can make the difference between a fleeting venture and a thriving institution. To potential coffee shop owners, embrace the process, let your passion shine through in your plan, and remember that every great coffee shop started with a simple idea, much like a single coffee bean ready to brew greatness.

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How to write a coffee shop business plan

  • Nirit Braun
  • Oct 30, 2023
  • 12 min read

How to create a coffee shop business plan

A coffee shop business plan is a detailed and strategic document outlining the essential aspects of starting and operating a coffee-focused business. It encompasses a comprehensive analysis of the business's goals, target audience, competitive landscape, marketing strategies, financial projections, operational procedures and more. This plan acts as a roadmap that guides entrepreneurs through the various stages of establishing and running their coffee shop, providing clear direction and a solid foundation for success.

When starting a business, especially in the competitive and dynamic realm of the coffee industry, creating a comprehensive and clear business plan is of paramount importance.

Ready to get your business brewing? Take Wix’s website builder for a whirl.

Top benefits of creating a coffee shop business plan

A well-crafted business plan helps entrepreneurs articulate their business goals, whether it's about offering unique coffee blends, creating a cozy ambiance or supporting sustainable sourcing practices. At the same time, a business plan requires entrepreneurs to identify and understand their target audience. This insight helps tailor marketing strategies, menu offerings and the overall customer experience to meet the specific preferences and needs of the intended customers.

Here's an overview of some key advantages to creating a coffee shop business plan:

Attracting investors and funding: A well-structured business plan acts as a persuasive tool when seeking investors or raising money for your business . It showcases your thorough understanding of the coffee industry, market trends and your strategies for success. This level of preparedness increases your credibility and instills confidence in potential investors, making them more likely to support your coffee shop venture.

Clear resource requirements: Writing a business plan prompts you to identify the specific resources, supplies and staff necessary to launch and operate your coffee shop. This includes everything from coffee beans and brewing equipment to furniture and interior decor.

Strategic financial planning: A comprehensive business plan outlines your financial projections, startup costs, operating expenses and revenue forecasts. This level of financial planning helps you determine how much funding you need to start a business . It also guides you in setting prices, managing cash flow and assessing profitability.

Market understanding and differentiation: Through market research and analysis, a business plan allows you to understand your target audience's preferences, behaviors and expectations. This knowledge helps you tailor your coffee shop's offerings, ambiance and marketing strategies to effectively attract and retain customers.

Risk mitigation: The process of creating a business plan prompts you to identify potential risks and challenges that your coffee shop might face. By acknowledging and addressing these risks early on, you can develop contingency plans and strategies to mitigate their impact.

Operational efficiency: A business plan outlines the operational processes required to run your coffee shop smoothly. It includes staffing plans, inventory management strategies and quality control measures. By establishing efficient procedures from the outset, you can minimize wastage, optimize resource allocation and ensure consistent customer satisfaction.

Goal setting and tracking: Your business plan serves as a benchmark against which you can measure your coffee shop's performance over time. By setting clear goals and key performance indicators (KPIs), you can track your progress and make necessary adjustments to stay on course toward achieving your objectives.

How to create a coffee shop business plan in 6 steps

Now we’ll walk through the six essential steps for crafting a coffee shop business plan tailored to your company's unique needs.

Executive summary

Business and domain names

Market analysis and research

Operations plan

Marketing and advertising plan

Financial plan

01. Executive summary

Your executive summary is a concise and compelling overview of your coffee shop business plan. It encapsulates the key elements of your plan and provides a snapshot of your business concept, strategies and financial projections. While appearing at the start of the business plan, it's often written last, as it draws from the content of the entire document.

A clear executive summary for a coffee shop business should include:

The essence of your coffee shop: What makes it unique? What kind of experience will customers have when visiting your establishment?

Market potential and your target audience: Explain why your coffee shop is well-positioned to capture this opportunity.

Competitor landscape: Identify what sets your coffee shop apart from the competition. This could be your specialty coffee blends, unique ambiance, sustainable practices or exceptional customer service.

Example executive summary for a coffee shop: "Bean Haven Coffee is a meticulously crafted coffee shop that aims to provide not just beverages, but an immersive coffee experience. We pride ourselves on our curated selection of ethically sourced beans, offering customers the finest hand-crafted brews in a cozy, rustic ambiance. Our competitive edge lies in our commitment to sustainability, from our bean-sourcing practices to our eco-friendly packaging. With a strong emphasis on community engagement and partnerships with local artists, we are set to become a cultural hub that brings people together over a shared love for exceptional coffee. Through strategic marketing campaigns, leveraging social media and collaborating with nearby businesses, we aim to establish Bean Haven Coffee as the go-to destination for coffee enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Our projected financials indicate that we will reach profitability within the first 18 months of operation. We seek funding to cover initial startup costs and our business model is designed to achieve sustainable growth and profitability."

02. Company and domain names

Knowing how to name a business is crucial for a coffee shop venture and a key step before you register your business . A strong and memorable name can resonate with customers and differentiate your coffee shop from competitors. Use descriptive words that reflect your coffee shop's essence, whether it's about taste, ambiance or values.

Utilizing a business name generator like the one from Wix can provide inspiration and spark creativity. Play with different combinations of words and ideas until you find a name that feels right. Once you've settled on a name, check its availability for domain registration. A domain name that matches your company name is essential for an effective online presence.

When choosing a domain name consider the following best practices:

Ensure that the domain name reflects your coffee shop's identity and offerings

Choose a name that is easy to spell and remember

Opt for a timeless name that won't become outdated quickly

If possible, include relevant keywords in the domain to improve search engine visibility

Steer clear of names that are easily confused with competitors or other brands

03. Market analysis and research

With more than 38,000 coffee shops in the U.S. alone, there are plenty of competitors to analyze. Including a comprehensive market analysis in your business plan is essential for understanding the competitive landscape and formulating effective strategies. Research your local coffee market, identify existing competitors and analyze their strengths and weaknesses. Determine your target audience's preferences, behaviors and demographics to tailor your offerings and marketing campaigns accordingly.

A well-rounded market analysis can guide your business strategy, helping you position your coffee shop effectively, develop compelling value propositions and devise strategies to capture your desired market share.

04. Operations plan

The operations plan is a crucial section of your coffee shop business plan. It outlines the practical aspects of running your coffee shop. Use it to describe your chosen location and its significance for foot traffic, accessibility and target audience reach.

Then, take the opportunity to detail the interior design, layout and ambiance of your coffee shop to create a welcoming atmosphere. Next be sure to list the equipment needed for brewing, food preparation and service. Ensure it aligns with your menu and production capacity. Finally define the roles and responsibilities of your staff, from baristas to managers, and outline their qualifications and training needs.

05. Marketing and advertising strategies

The marketing and advertising portion of your business plan outlines your strategies for promoting your coffee shop and attracting customers. Depending on your target audience and brand positioning for this type of business , consider a mix of traditional and digital marketing methods. This means using social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to showcase your coffee creations, engage with customers and share your coffee shop's story. Collaborate with influencers, local organizations or other businesses to expand your reach and tap into new customer segments.

Additionally, you can choose to participate in community events, farmers' markets and collaborations with other local businesses to increase your visibility. Also consider implementing loyalty programs that reward repeat customers and incentivize them to visit regularly.

You’ll need to develop a suite of brand assets to use in your marketing as well, starting with a company logo. You can use a free logo maker to get a professional design in minutes.

Learn more: How to make a website

06. Financial plan

The cost to start a coffee shop business can range from $50,000 for a mobile operation to over $400,000 for a brick-and-mortar location with booth seating and a drive-thru. This hefty expense is just another reason why a financial plan is so important.

The financial plan is the backbone of your coffee shop business plan. It outlines your startup costs, operating expenses, revenue projections and funding strategy. Investors and lenders will closely scrutinize this section to assess the viability of your coffee shop venture, so remember to do the following:

Detail the initial investment required for equipment, interior design, licenses and permits

Estimate ongoing costs such as rent, utilities, supplies and salaries

Provide realistic revenue forecasts based on your expected capacity and customer traffic

Specify how you plan to secure funding

Highlight when you anticipate reaching profitability and generating positive cash flow

By meticulously planning your finances, you demonstrate a solid understanding of the financial aspects of your coffee shop business and showcase its potential for success.

steps to developing a business plan

Coffee shop business plan examples

Below we’ve put together business plan templates for two hypothetical coffee shop businesses, including all the sections discussed in our previous how-to steps.

Coffee shop business plan template 1: Coffee Haven Café

Coffee Haven Café is a charming coffee shop dedicated to delivering a premium coffee experience in a cozy and inviting setting. Our unique blends, ethically sourced beans and commitment to sustainability set us apart in a competitive market. By fostering community engagement and partnering with local artists, we aim to become a cultural hub that brings people together over exceptional coffee. Through strategic marketing efforts and a strong online presence, we project profitability within 18 months.

Company and domain name

Company name: Coffee Haven Café

Domain name: www.coffeehavencafe.com

Our marketing analysis revealed a growing demand for specialty coffee in our target location. We've identified key competitors and highlighted their strengths and weaknesses. Our target audience consists of young professionals and students who value quality and ambiance. By understanding these dynamics, we can tailor our offerings and marketing strategies effectively.

Location: Centrally located in a busy commercial area with high foot traffic

Premises: Rustic and inviting interior design that promotes relaxation and conversation

Equipment: High-quality espresso machines, grinders, brewing equipment and display cases for baked goods

Staffing: Experienced baristas, friendly waitstaff and a dedicated manager to oversee operations

Social media: Engage customers through Instagram, Facebook and X with enticing coffee shots and behind-the-scenes content

Local events: Participate in local festivals, art exhibitions and collaborate with nearby businesses for cross-promotions

Content marketing: Regular blog posts on coffee trends, brewing tips and spotlight features on local artists

Loyalty programs: Offer a loyalty card program with rewards for frequent visitors

Partnerships: Collaborate with nearby bookstores for reading sessions and local influencers for social media endorsements

Startup costs: $70,000 for equipment, furnishings, licenses and initial inventory

Operating expenses: Estimated monthly costs of $12,000 covering rent, utilities, supplies and staff salaries

Revenue projections: Projected revenue of $300,000 in the first year, growing to $450,000 in the second year

Funding strategy: Initial funding from personal savings and a small business loan from a local bank

Profitability timeline: Aim to achieve profitability within 18 months of operation

Coffee shop business plan template 2: Brew & Gather Coffee House

Brew & Gather Coffee House is a community-focused coffee shop aiming to create a warm and inclusive space for coffee enthusiasts. Our commitment to locally sourced ingredients and artisanal brewing techniques sets us apart. By fostering partnerships with neighboring businesses and hosting regular events, we aim to become a staple in the neighborhood. Our projected financials indicate profitability within the first two years.

Company name: Brew & Gather Coffee House

Domain name: www.brewandgathercoffee.com

Through extensive market research, we've identified an opportunity to serve a diverse community seeking an authentic and welcoming coffee experience. We've assessed competitors' offerings and identified an untapped niche. Understanding our target audience's preferences and values will guide our menu and marketing strategies.

Location: Situated near a local park, providing an oasis for relaxation and community gatherings

Premises: Modern yet cozy interior design with flexible seating arrangements to accommodate groups and individuals

Equipment: State-of-the-art espresso machines, pour-over stations and an open bakery display

Staffing: A blend of skilled baristas, friendly hosts and a community engagement coordinator

Social media: Utilize Instagram and TikTok to showcase brewing techniques, share customer stories and host virtual coffee-tasting sessions.

Local events: Host open mic nights, book clubs and workshops to engage the community.

Content marketing: Publish a monthly newsletter featuring coffee culture insights, staff spotlights and local partnerships.

Loyalty programs: Introduce a tiered membership program offering exclusive discounts and early access to events.

Partnerships: Collaborate with local farmers, artisans and musicians to create a truly immersive community experience.

Startup costs: $100,000 for leasehold improvements, equipment, permits and initial inventory

Operating expenses: Projected monthly expenses of $15,000, covering rent, utilities, wages and supplies

Revenue projections: Anticipate revenue of $350,000 in the first year, with a 15% increase in the second year

Funding strategy: Initial investment from personal savings and a crowdfunding campaign targeting the local community

Profitability timeline: Aim to reach profitability within the first two years of operation

How profitable is a coffee shop?

The profitability of a coffee shop can vary depending on a number of factors, including location, business model and marketing strategy. However, in general, coffee shops can be quite profitable.

According to a report by IBISWorld, the average profit margin for coffee shops is 8.33%. This means that for every $100 in revenue, coffee shops generate $8.33 in profit.

Some coffee shops are even more profitable. For example, coffee shops located in high-traffic areas, such as airports and office buildings, can generate profit margins of up to 15%. And coffee shops that sell specialty coffee drinks and food items can also generate higher profit margins.

Here are some tips for increasing the profitability of your coffee shop:

Choose a good location. A good location is essential for success. Look for a location that is convenient for potential customers and has high visibility.

Offer a unique selling proposition. What makes your coffee shop different from others? What can you offer that your competitors cannot?

Provide excellent customer service. This is essential for building a loyal customer base. Make sure your staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and that they are always willing to go the extra mile for your customers.

Market your coffee shop effectively. Let potential customers know about your coffee shop and the unique offerings you have. You can do this through online marketing, social media and word-of-mouth.

Control your costs. Coffee shops have high costs, so it's important to control your costs as much as possible. This means negotiating good deals with your suppliers, managing your inventory carefully and keeping your labor costs under control.

Why do coffee shops fail?

There are a number of reasons why coffee shops fail. Some of the most common reasons include:

Poor location: A coffee shop in a bad location won't attract enough customers to be successful. Coffee shops need to be located in areas with high foot traffic, such as near office buildings, universities and parks.

High overhead costs: Coffee shops have high overhead costs, such as rent, utilities and labor. If a coffee shop can't generate enough revenue to cover its overhead costs, it will eventually fail.

Poor management: Poor management can lead to a number of problems, such as low customer satisfaction, high employee turnover and financial difficulties. Coffee shop owners need to have a strong business plan and be able to manage their finances effectively.

Lack of marketing: Coffee shops need to market themselves effectively to attract new customers and keep existing customers coming back. Coffee shop owners need to develop a marketing plan and budget, and they need to track their results to see what is working and what is not.

Competition: The coffee shop industry is very competitive. Coffee shops need to offer something unique to stand out from the competition.

Coffee shop business plan FAQ

How do you start a coffee shop business plan.

To start a coffee shop business plan, you need to consider the following factors:

Location: Choose a location that is convenient for potential customers and has high visibility.

Target market: Identify your target market and tailor your business plan to their needs and preferences.

Menu: Develop a menu that includes a variety of coffee drinks and food items that will appeal to your target market.

Pricing: Set prices that are competitive and generate a sufficient profit margin.

Operating costs: Estimate your operating costs, such as rent, utilities, labor and inventory.

Marketing: Develop a marketing plan to reach your target market and generate awareness of your coffee shop.

How many cups of coffee does a coffee shop sell per day?

Is a small coffee shop profitable, what percentage of coffee shops are successful, want to cook up another business plan.

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The Ultimate Coffee Shop Business Plan and Template

The Ultimate Coffee Shop Business Plan and Template

Coffee Shop Marketing Ideas to Supercharge Your Business

If you are looking to write a coffee shop business plan, you have come to the right place.

A coffee shop business plan is an essential tool for coffee shop owners or people who want to open a coffee shop. A business plan will help you plan your strategy for success and act as a guide as you look to build your coffee shop.

In this article, we’ll look at why you should write a business plan for your coffee shop or cafe, as well as provide you with a sample and a template that contains inspiration for the things you should include in your coffee shop business plan.

Table of Contents

  • 1 Why Write a Coffee Shop Business Plan?
  • 2.1 Executive Summary
  • 2.2 Company Overview
  • 2.3 Market and Customer Analysis
  • 2.4 Sales and Marketing Plan
  • 2.5 Management Team
  • 2.6 Financial Plan
  • 3 Wrapping Up

Why Write a Coffee Shop Business Plan?

Latte on a Table

The basic idea behind a coffee shop is simple. The business needs to sell enough coffee products to cover costs and make a profit. However, many variables will define whether your business is successful.

A coffee shop business plan will help you plan a strategy for success. It will consider factors such as opportunities, risks, and how you will market yourself . By having a good idea of this before you start a coffee shop, you will be better placed to overcome or avoid any difficulties.

Here are some examples of how a business plan could help iron out any difficulties:

  • While creating the market analysis section, you may decide that competition is too intense. If this is the case, you could look for a new area with fewer competitors or find a way to make your coffee shop business stand out.
  • By creating a marketing plan before you open, you can put yourself in an excellent position to make sales from the moment you start a coffee shop.
  • By creating cash flow projections, you will be able to spot any potential financial issues well before they come to light, preventing cash flow problems.

Without a business plan, you would either not know about the potential difficulties listed above, or you would be aware of them but lacking any defined strategy for overcoming them. By creating a coffee shop business plan, you can tackle issues with a clearer head.

Business plans are also essential documents if you plan to apply for funding for your coffee shop.

You’ll likely need to submit the business plan to the bank when applying for a loan, or to investors when applying for equity funding. Having a well-thought-out business plan shows you have done your market research and analyzed your idea which helps give investors an overview of the risks and potential rewards of investing.

If you are going to use your business plan to apply for funding, you’ll need to go into a little more detail about the financials of your business. This will include your income and expenses and you’ll also need to include a section that discusses how you will use the money you’re raising.

Coffee Shop Business Plan Template

Trendy Coffee Shop

A Google search will reveal differences when it comes to the exact sections you should include in your coffee shop business plan.

Nonetheless, a coffee shop business plan template will include the sections listed below. In this part of the article, we’ll go through a coffee shop business plan template and discuss what you should include in each section.

Executive Summary

The executive summary is a short overview of your coffee shop business plan. It should include all the important details about your business. When deciding what to include, think about what you would want someone to see if they told you they would only read this one section of your plan.

Open your executive summary with a statement about what your coffee shop business is all about. Talk about what it will offer that is unique and mention why you think it will be successful. Is it the only coffee house in town, for example?

Coffee shop name: AI Coffee Shop

Executive Summary:

AI Coffee will serve high-quality coffee to office workers and business people who work nearby. We will sell espresso-based drinks with a focus on providing quality at speed. We will sell coffee to take away as well as to eat in, with an indoor seating area with space for 25 customers in our coffee shop.

While there are other coffee shops in the area, we believe that there is demand for more — especially ones that focus on a high-quality product. We will also provide a light lunch menu and pastries that we believe will differentiate us from other coffee shops in the area. 

Company Overview

Barista Holding Latte

In the company overview section, you should include practical details about your coffee shop business. This will include:

  • The structure and ownership of your coffee shop
  • The staff you plan to hire and what you will pay them
  • Your company’s mission statement, and startup expenses

While this may seem like a lot of work, the good news is this also serves as a way to kill two birds with one stone. As you flesh out your company’s goals & vision statements, it’s important to track this information in an internal wiki . Not only will this help your business stay true to its course, but it can also serve as a great resource for your staff.

AI Coffee will be a privately held company owned entirely by Mr Smith, who will also manage the coffee shop. We will hire two full-time employees with at least two years of barista experience, as well as four part-time employees to help during busy periods.

Startup costs for the coffee shop will be $70,000, which will be spent on rent, renovations, and purchasing equipment. The owner has put up half the money and has borrowed half from a bank. Based on annual sales of $160,000 and after costs and wages, we expect to be profitable within the second year. 

Market and Customer Analysis

In the market analysis section, you should include details about the local market. This can include information on competitors, such as other coffee shops or any fast-food joints, restaurants, or bars that you think will be competing for your coffee shop’s money.

You should also outline what makes your coffee shop business unique and why you think it can be successful despite the competition. You can also include wider information about the coffee industry.

In the customer analysis section, you need to include information about your target market. Include details on who they are and why you think they will like your coffee shop, with metrics where possible. If you performed market research before starting your coffee shop business plan, include that here.

Market Analysis

The coffee industry is expected to keep growing between 2020 and 2024 in the U.S. Research suggests that coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the country, with the average person drinking two cups per day. We believe that this growth, plus the high volume of coffee people drink each day, makes opening a coffee shop a good business opportunity . 

Competitor Analysis

AI Coffee will be located in a vibrant district that is seeing offices open up and new companies move in. There are currently two other coffee shop competitors in the immediate area, but we believe there is room for more.

Our shop’s main advantages are that it is closer to a new office building than the other shops. We also plan to differentiate ourselves by offering a small lunch menu, unlike any of the existing coffee shops, as well as various customer loyalty schemes . 

Customer Analysis

The location of the coffee shop has high footfall, especially before and after work and during lunchtimes. The area has a high proportion of local professionals who can afford to spend money on coffee and other drinks. 

The office blocks in the immediate vicinity are home to around 2,500 people. There are also other buildings being developed nearby. The location is also close to shopping and entertainment districts. We expect to receive significant revenue from passersby, who will keep us busy during the day. 

Sales and Marketing Plan

Business Plan Doc

Before you start a coffee shop, you should have a clear idea of what your business’s sales strategy will be.

Your sales strategy contains practical details on how you will handle sales. You should also include sales forecasts and how you have come up with these forecasts. In this section, you should include information about the products you will sell and your pricing strategy.

Your marketing plan will discuss the strategies you will use to get customers through the door. Discuss your budget and expected returns on investment. If you have a particularly complex marketing plan, you may want to create a separate document for this and only include the highlights in your business plan.

AI Coffee will open from 7.30 a.m. until 7.30 p.m. seven days a week. We expect the hours immediately before and after office hours, as well as between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m., to be the busiest of the day, with much of our sales being to take out. 

We will use a commercial espresso machine and we expect to be able to produce up to a maximum of 70 cups of coffee per hour, which should be sufficient during busy times. 

We will sell our espresso-based drinks and tea at between $3 and $6, depending on the drink and the size. We will sell pastries at between $2 and $5, as well as light meals at between $7 and $12. These meals will be packaged so customers can either eat them on-site or take them away. 

We expect to generate around $730 per day from food and drink sales. 

Marketing Plan

We will market our coffee shop to customers in the nearby area through display marketing in relevant locations. We will also use social media marketing to target people nearby, and we will connect with people through our social media accounts. We will use these accounts to keep customers updated with new menu items as well as offers and discounts. 

We will also create a website and an app, which we will use to run a customer loyalty scheme . We will provide the option to order coffee through the app and pick it up at the shop. We think this will appeal to busy professionals. 

Our marketing will focus on the quality of the coffee we sell, as well as the benefits of our shop to office workers ( in-app ordering ). During the week after we open, we will offer substantial discounts on coffee to attract people to our business. This offer will be central to our marketing during this period. 

We will encourage repeat customers using a loyalty scheme that will give them a free cup of coffee when they buy eight drinks.

Our marketing budget will be $500 in the first two months, but we will cut this down to around $350 a month after that. 

Operating Plan

Barista Making Latte

The operating plan will include details of how you will run your coffee shop. This will include costs, as well as specifics about things like opening times, food and drink production, prices, and more.

It will also allow you to spot any potential conflicts. For example, if you plan to serve 150 office workers between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m., can you do it with only two members of staff or would you be better off hiring another employee?

You can also use this section to explain any licenses or certifications you need to get before you open your shop, as well as how you will train employees.

We will open from 7:30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. We will always have at least three staff members in place to take care of making coffee, process sales, and keep the coffee shop tidy.

We will buy our coffee wholesale from a supplier that specializes in high-quality coffee. This coffee will cost $40 per five-pound bag. We will keep enough coffee in stock to last for at least one week. 

In terms of equipment, we will use a commercial grinder to grind beans before making each cup. 

We will buy pastries and light meals from a local supplier who will also take care of the packaging. We will receive a daily delivery at 7 a.m., thirty minutes before the shop opens. 

We will thoroughly clean up the shop after closing to ensure it is ready for the following day. We will build HACCP processes to stay compliant with food safety regulations. All members of staff will receive training so they know about these processes.

Management Team

In the management team section, you should include who the business owners are and who will manage your coffee shop. You should write about any experience or qualifications they have that will help make them successful.

If the owners won’t be managing the coffee shop, you should include details about who will take care of the day-to-day running of the business. In this section, include how much you will be paying each of the management team as well as how any profits will be shared amongst the owners.

The owner will also manage the coffee shop. The owner has over ten years’ experience working in coffee shops, including six years in various management positions. AI Coffee will also hire two full-time employees. These employees will have at least two years’ experience working in a coffee shop. We will pay each full-time employee $22,000 a year.

We will also hire four part-time employees with or without experience to work at weekends and provide cover during the week. We will pay these employees $10 an hour. 

Financial Plan

The final section of the coffee shop business plan is the financial plan. Here you need to go into detail about how your business will be financially successful.

Include operating costs (this includes the cost of equipment), loan repayments, cash flow and expected revenue (in the first year, especially). Also, include a balance sheet analysis that shows how much revenue you need to take in to become a profitable coffee business.

In this section, we will explain our financial plan, including costs, expected sales, and profit. We will also include a balance sheet. We believe this plan accurately illustrates why AI Coffee will be financially successful. 

ADD FINANCIALS 

Wrapping Up

That’s all for our coffee shop business plan guide. We hope that this has equipped you with enough knowledge on how to start a coffee shop and will help you with your business planning.

To find out more about getting a business up and running, check out our guides to writing a business proposal in 2019 and writing a small business marketing plan.

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How to Start a Coffee Shop

How To Write Your Coffee Shop Business Plan

How to write a coffee shop business plan.

How to Write a Coffee Shop Business Plan

Business Plan for Coffee Shops Series

A coffee shop owner smiles at her customer after writing a coffee shop business plan.

Your business plan will serve as your road map that guides your thoughts and ideas into one detailed action plan. 

If you dream about opening a coffee business, you have so many options to choose from. The ideas are nearly endless, from setting up your drive-thru coffee stand to opening a mobile coffee truck to buying an existing coffee shop!

After you settle on a feasible coffee shop concept , you will have no shortage of items on your to-do list.

The next thing to do is get your game plan together. One way to ensure you do everything right (and not miss anything) is to write a thorough coffee shop business plan .

Sitting down to write a business plan may seem daunting or tedious. It doesn't have to be. Putting together your vision can be fun and exciting.

In today's post, we will discuss the benefits of a business plan, what's inside, and how to write your coffee shop business plan. Finally, we will answer common questions about a business plan impacting your success as you start your coffee business .

how to write a business plan for coffee shop

Is a Coffee Shop Business Plan Necessary?

Why write a coffee shop business plan.

a coffee shop owner serves customers after writing a business plan.

Writing a business plan is often a necessity because three essential stakeholders require it:

  • You (the owner)
  • Property Managers

As the owner, you must fully understand your vision, mission, and business's path to success.

On the other hand, your investors (such as partners, private lenders, or banks) will often require seeing a plan, including your concept, branding, startup budget, costs, financial projections, location, management team, and other essential items.

Your financials – your overall budget (startup and operational) and pro forma financial docs are essential to your business plan. Banking institutions will assess this to see if your coffee business is viable.

Additionally, property managers will likely require a business plan before considering your business for their retail space. Property managers or owners must fully understand the type of business occupying their space. They want to know what is being sold, how it's being sold, and whether they are allowing a sustainable business on their premises.

A business plan is needed by:

  • Property managers
  • You (The owner)

Benefits of Putting Together a Plan

Reasons to Write a Coffee Shop Business Plan

Business plans can effectively bring your thoughts and ideas in sync with your vision, budget, and other elements.

In addition to its necessity in some settings, writing a coffee shop business plan has other benefits.  

Let's discuss the benefits below:

  • A business plan increases the chances of success.
  • Your coffee shop business plan will likely save you money (and time) 
  • Business plans help keep people organized
  • Ensures nothing gets left behind
  • Propels you to develop a budget and stick to it

Increases Your Chances of Success

A business plan reduces the possibility of failure. It increases the chances of your coffee shop's success by forcing you to think through every aspect of your business before starting and spending any money. As many have found out, “winging it” isn't a strategy for success.  

Planning everything and writing it down in a live or organic document allows you to see where your strengths and weaknesses are – and address them. Having a cohesive plan can make a difference in achieving the desired results.

A Plan Will Save You Money 

When you start a coffee business, exceeding your original budget estimates is very easy. A business plan can help significantly reduce your costs and avoid big mistakes. This is because you'll know exactly what is needed, how much it will cost, and where it fits into your planning.

As you develop and write your business plan, you can look at the overall costs, develop a budget around your vision, and see what adaptations you need to make to ensure enough funding and a realistic outcome.

If you want to launch a coffee shop on a shoestring budget, the more you plan often equals saving more.

A Plan Will Keep You Organized

Keeping yourself organized will not only save you time and money but will also reduce your organizational headaches.

Knowing what you need (and don't need) based on your vision will help keep you on pace to finish within your established budget and timeframe.

There are often so many steps to be mindful of when starting a coffee shop that it would be nearly impossible to effectively manage every business detail without writing them down.

Ensures Nothing Gets Left Behind

Even if you have opened a business before, you know that many, many, many elements need to be addressed before moving forward with the implementation process.

Necessary steps that can be easily left out or neglected can cause headaches and tremendous costs (in lost time and money) as you move forward. A coffee shop business plan ensures that all the essential parts of your business are addressed.

Details Your Budget

When you start a coffee shop, people love to think about where they will get their coffee beans, equipment, and other menu items. These are extremely important, and they deserve the attention to plan. However, the less money you have, the more emphasis you should put on planning.

For some, figuring out a coffee shop's budgetary needs may be a significant hurdle because you may be unfamiliar with them.

However, taking the time to flesh out your budget, costs, and the money needed to open ( financial projections ) in good faith will provide you with tremendous insight into how your coffee business will function.

By knowing where you are financially, you will then make appropriate (or even better) decisions in launching your coffee shop.

A coffee shop owner pours a latte.

Business Plan: Your Budget and Cost Estimates

One of the most challenging parts of a business is developing your costs, budget, and estimates. We've written extensively on developing a coffee shop budget; you may find some of the articles below helpful.

  • How to Start a Coffee Shop Budget
  • How to Start a Low-Cost Coffee Shop
  • Coffee Shop Funding Mix
  • How to Prepare for a Coffee Shop Business Loan
  • How to Determine the Cost of Selling 100 Coffees

Writing Your Business Plan Takes Time. A well-written coffee shop business plan will take time to do. Give yourself time to research and think through some of the decisions you will have to make.

My recommendation: You may want to write your business plan in chunks. The great thing about a business plan is that it's broken down into sections. Take a section you're thinking about, plan, and articulate your thoughts and actions. If you hit a temporary wall, go to the next section or get help.

Key Sections of Your Business Plan:

The Executive Summary

Your Business Structure

Coffee Shop Financials

Unique Selling Proposition

Coffee Shop Startup Costs

Business Plan Description

Coffee Shop Business Plan Sections:

barista serves a latte

Write a Coffee Shop Business Plan

Where do you start.

a barista brews coffee on a chemex after writing her business plan.

So, where and how do you start writing your plan?

First, you don't have to tackle each section in order. For example, the executive summary, which always comes first in a business plan, is often written last.

I would start writing your coffee shop business plan with the business description and concept. Second, I would develop an understanding of your target market and build your coffee shop menu around them. Third, I would write about the coffee equipment that I would need and the costs. Fourth, I would develop your coffee branding section. And then, I would start working on my coffee shop budget and cost breakdown.

This is my personal preference in writing business plans for coffee shops. However, you may have different methods. Whichever way works best for you and allows you to thoroughly plan and understand your coffee business is the one you should use.

Start Your Business Plan Writing With The Following:

  • Your business concept (Describes Your Concept)
  • Know your target market
  • Build your menu for your target customer.
  • Detail your coffee equipment
  • Your coffee shop budget

Once you've settled on these business plan subjects, you can develop and write the rest of your business plan. Everything from your coffee shop branding, management, and barista training .

Coffee Shop Business Plan Template

Writing a business plan can be challenging. Understanding each section and what should be discussed can seem daunting.

That's why we created an easy-to-use business plan template for you. This free template details every business plan section and describes what should be in every section.

Our coffee shop business plan template (MS Word Format) is guaranteed to save you hours in research and conveniently allows you to fill in each section.

Trending Articles on Coffee Shop Startups:

Questions & Answers

Related Questions:

Is a business plan required for my coffee shop business.

No governmental agency requires a business plan, and it is not a coffee shop requirement . However, if you plan on borrowing money from a bank or renting a commercial space, those stakeholders may require a written business plan for their due diligence.

Do I need a business degree or be a lawyer to write a coffee shop business plan?

Fortunately, the simple answer is NO.

Writing a business plan is simply about getting your business thoughts down on paper in a structured and comprehensive way. In my opinion, hiring a lawyer to write out your coffee business concept may be overkill.

Now, you may decide to have a lawyer or business consultant review aspects of your coffee shop business plan – along with your property lease, trademarks, etc. I would highly discourage you from delegating the writing of your business plan to someone who doesn't know you or the business. 

Is a coffee shop business plan different from a “traditional” business plan?

Different businesses often require slightly different or modified business plans. A “coffee shop business plan” is unique from other business plans.

For example, having a business plan for a tech startup or manufacturing company will generally emphasize other points when comparing them to a farming co-op or coffee shop business plan. Each should have its emphasis because the audience will be different. Specifically, if your job is to create a kid-friendly coffee shop or a wine and coffee bar , you'll want something specific to that niche rather than a general business plan.

How Do I Use a Business Plan?

Your coffee shop business plan is a live and organic document.

By this, your business plan will grow with you and your coffee business. Therefore, нour business plan will always change, adapt, and need to be modified.

Of course, we assume you will write your business plan using a computer and print it out. We recommend that you provide plenty of space in the margins to make edits, make additions, and eventually make changes on the computer.

Remember that your coffee shop business plan – is precisely that – a plan. A plan will change as your business changes – so having the ability to print out a physical copy, scribble notes, and cross out irrelevant information is vital as you move forward. For example, as your coffee shop budget and concept evolve, so will your business plan. 

We recommend keeping your business plan light enough for you to carry anywhere. Please place it in a thin 3-ring binder or keep it stapled but near you all the time.

a barista pulls an espresso shot.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Should i pay someone to write my coffee shop business plan for me.

I strongly recommend against this. People often consider having someone else write their business plan a good thing. But why waste the money on someone else thinking for you? While you may seek the help of someone reviewing elements of your plan, such as your coffee brand, coffee budget, and coffee shop location , the important decisions should be made by you.

Why you should write your business plan:

Your coffee business concept will emerge from your thoughts and ideas. Therefore, you're the best person to capture these ideas on paper.

A business plan will also help stimulate these mental muscles you may haven't used in a long time.

You will need this thought stimulation to execute your plan entirely and thoroughly. Most importantly, writing your business plan gives you a sense of real business ownership. After all, it's your business and should be your plan.

What Happens If I Don't Have a Plan?

Have you ever taken a long road trip without a proper map? You know it's probably not a good idea since you won't be sure where you'll end up going.

Sooner or later, not planning your trip and not having the tools you need to reach your destination will increase your expenses, frustrate you, and possibly lead you to failure.

And yet, while developing your business plan will take some work, it will help get you started confidently.

How Long Does a Business Plan Have To Be?

A coffee shop business plan can be as long as you want. Don't think of your business plan as a school assignment that needs to be turned in to your business teacher.

The length of your business plan depends on your coffee shop's complexity. Still, a thorough business plan can range from 15 to 60 pages once filled out (Occasionally more, depending on the business's scope).

We recommend always using headings, subheadings, and spaces between paragraphs and sections when constructing your business plan.

A coffee shop business plan has several main sections. While there is no “right” order or structure for your typical business plan, they often include everything from your mission statement to the coffee shop equipment needed to your financial position, projections, and estimates.

Is there an easy way to start a coffee shop business plan?

Yes! Our Complete Coffee Shop Startup Kit contains a free business plan template for you to get started. All you have to do is fill it out and print our Coffee Shop Business Plan template, and you'll be ready to go!

how to write a business plan for coffee shop

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How to Write a Coffee Shop Business Plan + Free Template

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You are a smart entrepreneur. You don’t jump right in and open a coffee shop just because you decoded the secret of making perfect cups of steaming delicious coffee.

Instead, you wait and plan to write a unique business plan that resonates with your coffee shop’s concept.

But hey, writing a business plan is actually complex. Without any structural format or direction, you may end up making a hotchpotch of your business idea.

To ensure that your business concept translates properly into a plan, we created this step-by-step guide that will prompt you to write an insightful coffee shop business plan in great detail.

Also, get a free coffee shop business plan template that has all the relevant examples for you to get started.

So get yourself a cup of coffee and decode the secrets of writing a stellar plan in easy steps.

Let’s get started.

Key Takeaways

  • Craft a compelling executive summary for your coffee shop business plan. Add key details regarding financials, marketing, business objectives, and operations to help investors evaluate your business idea.
  • Conduct thorough research on the coffee shop market by analyzing the key trends, consumer preferences, and needs of your target market.
  • Streamline your coffee shop operations with a detailed plan outlining the standard operating procedures of your key business processes.
  • Ensure the compliance of business by acquiring essential licenses and permits.
  • Design a brief sales and marketing plan to ensure that the coffee business reaches its target customer and starts making sales.
  • Identify your unique selling proposition and determine your competitive edge in the market.
  • Using SWOT analysis, analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of your competitors and your own business.
  • Create a sample menu and determine your menu offerings by considering varying different aspects.

Why Prepare a Coffee Shop Business Plan?

A lot of variables play together to write the success story of your coffee business.

From choosing a shop location to remodeling it as per your unique concept, hiring staff, determining sales strategy, acquiring licenses and insurance, and planning operations-you need to undertake multiple activities, consecutively at a time, to start and run a coffee business.

A business plan will guide you like a map in the right direction. It will ensure that all the business objectives are achieved without breaking a compliance code.

It forces you to assess the viability of a coffee shop idea before you invest the money in it. You can strategically plan the coffee shop’s success by making detailed financial projections relating to the company’s sales, revenue, costs, and expected expenses, and cash flow.

And most important of all, a business plan will help you acquire the required funds by winning the trust of potential investors.

How to Write a Coffee Shop Business Plan: A Complete Guide

Let’s walk through the process of writing a coffee shop business plan with detailed step-by-step instructions.

1. Get a business plan template

Writing a business plan from scratch is pretty exhausting. You are likely to leave behind an important detail without any structural format.

So do yourself a favor and get a business plan template. Trust us, it’s going to make your plan writing process so much simpler.

A template helps bring clarity and focus to different sections of the plan by prompting you in specific directions. Moreover, the templates contain examples and tips specific to coffee shops making it extremely relevant for your business.

Looking for a well-structured and modern business plan template?

Well, we knew you would. Presenting the Upmetrics business plan template that can be easily customized for your unique coffee shop business. Simply download our template and modify it as per your business concept.

how to write a business plan for coffee shop

Need Assistance Writing a Coffee Business Plan?

Get Upmetrics’ business plan template, import data directly into the editor, and start editing using Upmetrics AI Assistant.

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Start Planning Now

2. Write an executive summary

An executive summary is like a north star of your business plan. It will act as a guiding light for stakeholders to understand your journey ahead.

Investors will read the executive summary of your coffee shop business plan before even allowing you a presentation.  So definitely it needs to be compelling and converting.

Keep your executive summary concise but detailed enough that it summarizes the key points of your entire plan. Include the problems you would be solving and the solutions you have to offer. Adapt a storytelling tone and focus on highlighting the business goals, financials, objectives, and overall business strategy.

Now, move ahead and visit this part when you are done writing for the entire plan. Summarizing becomes much easier and more effective when you are aware of the entire plan’s details.

Also, two pages are more than enough for writing a capturing executive summary.

3. Conduct a competitive and market analysis

Build a strong foundation for your coffee business by diving deep into the market research of the coffee industry, competitors, target audience, market trends, and your attainable target market.

Analyze the coffee shop industry from a macro viewpoint and then gradually narrow it down to your particular market. For instance, the revenue in the US coffee market size was $85.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow by 3.21% between 2023-2028.

Now, identify your targeted available market (TAM) from this and analyze the growth potential of your particular coffee shop. Overall, try to show that the coffee shop business has a thriving opportunity to grow in the market.

The market analysis for a coffee shop business must include the study of the following:

Customer analysis

Customer analysis is essential to identify your target customers. Having a thorough understanding of your target market will help formulate the business and market strategies appropriate for your business.

Create the buyer persona of your ideal customer. Focus on these details to outline your ideal customer:

  • Customer demographics: Age, gender, location, income, occupation, and ethnicity of the customers who will visit your coffee shop.
  • Customer psychographics: Beliefs and values of your ideal customer, their interests, spending pattern, and their media consumption.

For instance, the ideal customer for Steamy Sips is 23-38 years old and works in a corporation. He/ She likes to spend money on coffee regularly and prefers fresh roasted seasonal brews, is socializing, and loves working in a cafe remotely.

Competitors analysis

After determining your target market, look around and identify your potential competitors.

Begin by identifying the top competitors of your coffee shop. This can be neighboring coffee shops, kiosks, or coffee karts that offer similar services to your business.

Now conduct a SWOT analysis of these coffee shops by analyzing their strengths and weaknesses. Also, analyze your strengths against competitors and highlight your competitive edge in the market. Be realistic with your assessment as this will form the foundation of your related business policies.

Lastly, identify if there are any stellar opportunities for you to leverage in this market.

SWOT analysis of a coffee shop business

Collect data from highly authoritative websites, data publications, and local studies specialized in the coffee industry. For instance, SBA , SCA coffee , Mintel , Business Wire , COFFEEBI , etc.

This section is your chance to prove to the potential investors that you are aware of the market challenges and there exist favorable chances for your coffee shop to thrive and grow.

4. Prepare a company overview

Just like the executive summary of your coffee shop business plan, this section includes a brief business description of your coffee shop. It offers readers a peek into your business structure, goals, mission, and company values.

Depending on your market analyses choose the type and structure of your business concept. Clearly describe whether you will start a cafe or coffee shop, coffee kart, coffee bar, or coffee house and whether the business structure will be LLC, partnership, or sole proprietorship.

Further include your mission statement, coffee shop objectives, and goals to complete the company overview section.

Mission statement: A mission statement highlights the purpose of your coffee shop’s existence and its long-term objective.

  • For instance, Steaming Sips’ mission is to cultivate a culture of freshly roasted coffee, serving a welcoming space for young individuals to connect, create, and unwind with every cup of our brews.

Coffee shop objectives: In this part, highlight your business objectives in terms of milestones, growth goals, revenue goals, sales numbers, etc.

  • For instance, Steaming Sips aims to open 3 branches across San Fransisco by the end of 2025.

5. Present your sample menu

The market research earlier helped you understand your potential audience in great detail. Now, it’s time to decide what to offer on your menu.

A sample menu is an important component of your coffee shop business plan. With a menu, investors will know what exactly you will be serving and what makes you different.

A coffee shop can stand apart selling just coffee drinks. However, there are many coffee shops that sell coffee and food products together. Depending on your coffee shop concept and the target market, decide the menu items.

Here are a few things to consider while making your menu and establishing yourself as a specialty coffee shop.

  • Different types of coffee drinks that suit your customer’s taste. For ex. filtered coffee, frappuccino, brewed coffee, hot coffee, etc.
  • The type of coffee beans to produce high-quality coffee, e.g. organic coffee beans.
  • Different types of coffee roasts, e.g. dark roast, medium roast, light roast.
  • Different types of milk, e.g. plant-based milk options and dairy milk.
  • Seasonal coffee specialties.

Strategically place the items in your menu and add the prices alongside. Incorporate branding elements of your coffee shop in the menu as well.

6. Coffee shop design and layout

Till now, the coffee shop idea was just a business concept, jumbled randomly across your mind. Writing a business plan will help you to sort those ideas, one section at a time.

The design and layout section helps potential investors visualize the appearance of your coffee shop. It is your chance to help them understand your coffee shop concept and the aspects that set you apart from other coffee shops.

Begin by highlighting your coffee shop location in this section. Briefly explain how the location is suitable for your potential customers.

Also, present the moodboard of your coffee shop and highlight the branding and visual elements of its design.

Overall, explain how you will create a welcoming atmosphere for your customers by incorporating design and decor elements in your shop.

location of coffee shop business

7. Prepare a coffee shop marketing plan

Now that you have the concept, design, and menu for a coffee shop, it’s time to work on its marketing plan. The coffee market is intensely competitive and only a solid marketing action plan can differentiate your business from other coffee shops.

Using your market research, identify the best marketing strategy for your business. Ideally, coffee shops build a cohesive brand image using a mix of digital marketing practices.

For instance, a website can be used to build a robust web image, while social media can be used to connect with your target audience organically. Similarly, your coffee shop emails can focus on special offers and promotional invites while paid ads can help you target the wider audience.

In this section, you also highlight various promotional activities for your cafe such as karaoke evenings, art workshops, musical nights, happy coffee hours, etc.

Overall a comprehensive marketing plan must answer the following questions:

  • How will you draw coffee enthusiasts to your coffee shop?
  • What will be the pricing strategy of your coffee shop?
  • What will be your marketing budget?
  • What marketing channels will you use and who will undertake the marketing activities?
  • Will there be any promotional events at the cafe? If so, what type of events?

marketing strategy for coffee shop business

8. Introduce your management team

In this section, you will introduce the management team that will ensure the smooth functioning of your coffee shop business.

Begin by introducing the coffee shop owners and their relevant experience in the coffee market. Also, clarify if you will work both as owner and manager or hire a coffee shop manager to look after the day-to-day operations.

If you are going to hire a manager, introduce them and their key responsibilities in the section. Offer a brief description of their skills, experience, and expertise that can help your coffee shop business.

Overall, this section shows the potential investors that you have all the right people in a team to drive your coffee shop toward success.

9. Outline your operational plan

This section of a coffee plan offers brief details of everyday business processes that will guide you to build and run a successful coffee shop.

An operations plan includes a lot of details, answering some of these prominent questions.

  • Inventory and stock management: How will you manage and track the inventory? Who will be responsible for stock management? How often would you restock the inventory?
  • Production: Who will develop the recipes for coffee beverages? Will there be recipe cost cards for coffee preparation? Will there be kitchen staff working with food orders or will you outsource that?
  • Coffee shop equipment: What equipment will you buy for the coffee shop, i.e. espresso machine, coffee grinders, etc? Will that be a new purchase or a second-hand one? How much will the equipment cost?
  • Management: Who will serve the food and coffee in the shop? Who will look after customer complaints? What is the conflict resolution system at your coffee shop?
  • Technology: What technologies will you use at your coffee shop? Which payment and POS system will you use? Will there be an ordering kiosk?

A well-planned operations plan demonstrates your ability to run a coffee shop to your readers. So keep it detailed and revamp it as and when needed.

10. Create a Financial Plan

A financial plan helps assess the viability of your business idea by evaluating its financial aspects. It’s an important part of your coffee shop business plan whether you want to seek funding or not.

A well-built financial plan is presented in numbers, graphs, and charts and includes the following:

  • Evaluation of startup costs: Identify the startup costs of your proposed coffee shop. Take into account the costs for lease rental, licenses, equipment, remodeling as well as operating expenses for the first few months.
  • Sales forecasts and pricing: Determine the drink sales for your coffee shop and your pricing structure by conducting market research.
  • Operating costs: Your financial projections should include a thorough calculation of operating expenses to run a coffee shop business.
  • Balance sheet: A balance sheet will help investors assess your assets and liabilities and the liquidity of your business.
  • Cash flow statement: Make cash flow projections and demonstrate the inward and outward flow of money in the business.
  • Income statement: The figures in this sheet help evaluate the profitability of your business
  • Break-even analysis: The calculations here will help determine the sales level after which your coffee shop will start making a profit.

Now, making all these financial projections and calculations is a bit taxing. Not only that, you will have to create visual reports to make the financial section appealing and insightful.

Well, let’s make things easier with our financial forecasting tool. Simply enter your assumptions in a tab and our tool will generate important key reports for your business.

Don’t stress. You don’t need to worry about the visual reports anymore. Go, check your dashboard. You will have all the visual reports ready to be added to your financial plan.

coffee shop business profit breakdown

And that’s your detailed guide to writing your coffee shop business plan. Now, let’s check the latest industry trends ruling the coffee shop market. 

Coffee Shop Industry Highlights 2023

Let’s dive further deep into market analysis with these latest industry trends in the coffee shop market:

  • Coffee shop industry: The US coffee shop industry grew from $36 billion to 45.8 billion dollars between 2020-2022.
  • Number of coffee shops: According to Statista , in 2022 there were a total of 38.4 thousand coffee shops in the US.
  • Coffee drinkers: A performed market research indicates that the top coffee consumers aren’t youngsters, but seniors. Nearly, 70% of seniors consume coffee regularly.
  • Employment growth rate: The total number of people employees in the coffee shop industry in th US increased on average by 4.9% between 2018-2023.
  • Specialty coffee market: According to Grandview research , the US specialty coffee market is expected to grow at 10.9% CAGR between 2023-2030.
  • Price per cup: According to Business Insider , the average price per coffee cup in the coffee shop is almost $5, making it an affordable luxury for people.

Related Coffee Shop Resources

  • Coffee Shop Operational Plan
  • Coffee Shop Financial Plan
  • Coffee Shop Marketing Plan
  • Latest Coffee Shop Business Trends

Download a sample coffee shop business plan

Need help writing your business plan? Let’s ease your plan writing process with our coffee shop business plan pdf . Download it for free and customize it as per your needs.

This modern intuitive template offers a step-by-step guide that will help you write a comprehensive and actionable business plan. It’s designed specifically for coffee shop businesses and includes examples relevant to your industry.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

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Whether you are starting your own coffee shop or taking over an existing coffee business, Upmetrics’ insightful guides and resources will help you craft a compelling business plan in easy steps.

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Frequently asked questions, what are the key components of a successful coffee shop business plan.

The key elements of a coffee shop business plan are

  • Executive summary
  • Business overview
  • Coffee industry and market analysis
  • Sample menu
  • Coffee shop design and layout
  • Marketing and sales plan
  • Key management team
  • Operations plan
  • Financial plan

Should we consider franchising our coffee shop?

Yes, you can. Franchising is a proven way of increasing the reach and profitability of your coffee business. Moreover, it’s easy to scale your business through a franchise business model.

What is a traditional business plan for a coffee shop?

A traditional plan is very similar to modern business plans. It includes a summary of the company’s goals, objectives, business values, marketing objectives, and financial plan. The modern plans, however, are intuitively designed to be more suited to investors interest.

Do I need a business plan to secure funding for my coffee shop?

Yes. Investors and investing firms will ask for a business plan before giving you a chance to present the coffee shop concept. By studying your plan, they will gauge the viability of your coffee business, and depending on the analysis they will decide whether to invest or not.

What should I include in the financial projections section of my business plan?

The financial projections of your coffee shop plan must include the following:

  • Sales forecast
  • Startup cost estimates
  • Operating costs
  • Balance sheet
  • Income statement
  • Cash flow statement
  • Break-even analysis

About the Author

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Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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Successful Coffee Shop Business Plan

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Need a Coffee Shop Business Plan? We Can Help

Want to know how to open a coffee shop the right way? Want a solid answer to the critical question “ how much does it cost to open a coffee shop ?” Before you start the process of opening a coffee shop, you need to do your homework and distill everything you learn into an exceptional coffee shop business plan.

After helping entrepreneurs (most with little or no coffee shop experience) in 30 states to launch more than 300 independent coffee shops , we know that a business plan is vital for success. We believe that it’s so vital that we include a fully editable electronic version with every purchase of Seven Steps to Success in the Specialty Coffee Industry , the proven guide to the coffee shop startup success.

The more you time and effort that put into developing your business plan, the more prepared you will be to open and run a successful coffee shop. 

The Elements of a Successful Coffee Shop Business Plan

Researching and creating an exceptional business plan will create a roadmap for transforming your coffee shop startup idea into a flourishing reality.

And, if you’re seeking outside financing for your coffee shop, a compelling business plan is an absolute necessity.

A strong business plan forces you to answer all the questions needed to set up your coffee startup to thrive. Done right, your plan becomes a reference manual for running a thriving coffee shop.

Your plan should include the following six sections plus a cover page. Most sections should take up a page or two but not much more – you’re not writing a book! Financial data, however, often takes a few pages.

Section 1: Executive Summary

The executive summary should actually be the last section you write. This one-page summary highlights and condenses key points from each section of your business plan.

Devote a few sentences to each section. Make them unique and interesting. Every word counts.

This is your chance to tell the story of your business. Next to the financial data, it is the most important part. It is the first page that bankers and potential investors will review.

After you write the executive summary, share it with bankers or business consultants then revise your plan based on their suggestions.

Section 2: Business Description

Write a brief description of your proposed coffee shop. Include the:

  • Business name (get creative!)
  • Location (physical or online)
  • List of products or services – draft a potential menu
  • Target market
  • Law firm that reviews contracts
  • Pictures of the space
  • Leasing arrangements

Section 3: Management Profile

Coffee shop manager and barista discuss business plan

If you are the primary manager, summarize your resume. Highlight any restaurant or coffee shop experience you have. If you lack direct experience, emphasize transferable skills and accomplishments.

If you have managers or partners, include their education, employment record, skills, and accomplishments.

Don’t forget to highlight business consultants. Investors gain confidence from advisers with a proven track record.

Section 4: Information about the Coffee Industry and Your Competition

The coffee market in the USA continues to grow with many potential customers underserved, especially in rural areas! Conduct research into both the coffee industry and your community. Your marketing analysis should examine:

  • Industry trends
  • Key financial measures in the industry
  • Local competitors – not only other coffee shops (both chains and independents) but also potential substitutes for coffee (ice cream, smoothies, etc.)
  • Demographics and demand in your community
  • Consumer coffee sales sensitivity to economic cycles

Section 5: Marketing Strategy

In your marketing plan:

  • Explain what will set you apart and why customers will choose to buy from you (your unique selling proposition)
  • Describe location of your coffee shop and the type (walk-in, drive-thru, kiosk, etc.)
  • Identify target customers (geography, age range, income, interests, etc.)
  • Outline marketing strategies you will use to attract customers

Section 6: Financial Data

Your financial plan outlines the assets, liability and cash flow for your coffee shop. Bankers will examine this section to determine the financial health of your potential business. This section requires three documents:

  • A cash flow statement
  • An income or statement, and
  • A balance sheet.

Cash Flow Statement

The cash flow statement helps determine your business’ ability to pay its bills in the short term. It outlines:

  • The initial investment (to help determine this, be sure to read about coffee shop startup costs )
  • Level of sales needed to break even
  • Expected expenses, and
  • How much money – if any – you will receive from outside sources.

The cash flow statement also reflects investments. Ending cash is the money you have at the end of the month.

Income Statement or P&L

In simplest terms, the income statement or P&L shows total sales and expenses for the year.

Most information needed to fill out this statement comes from the cash flow statement (sales, cost of goods sold, expenses). You may use tax figures from an accountant.

Balance Sheet

The balance sheet summarizes assets, liabilities and net worth at a particular point of time, using this formula: total assets – liabilities = net worth.

Once you’ve completed the cash flow and income statements, the balance sheet is a matter of filling in the blanks:

  • Total assets include assets (cash and inventory) plus fixed assets (equipment minus depreciation).
  • Liabilities include accounts payable and long-term debt.

Any business, including a coffee shop, with high liquidity, low debts, and sufficient working capital has a higher probability of success. Keep enough cash or liquid assets on hand to cover six months’ worth of expenses.

The Proven Coffee Shop Business Plan Template

As an award-winning coffee roaster with a team of coffee shop startup consultants , Crimson Cup has the expertise to guide you from drafting an exceptional business plan through choosing a location and marketing your coffee shop. In fact, Roast magazine editors cited our education and training programs as a factor in choosing Crimson Cup as their 2016 Macro Roaster of the Year .

We train hundreds of baristas and coffee shop owners each year at our Crimson Cup Innovation Lab – the largest SCA-Certified Premier Training Campus in the Midwest. 

Founder and President Greg Ubert wrote the book on successfully opening and running a coffee shop. He and the Crimson Cup team of have helped hundreds of entrepreneurs become successful coffee shop owners.

“For many potential owners, writing their first coffee shop business plan can seem overwhelming,” Greg said. “We’re happy to share our experience and walk you through the ins and outs.”

You’ll find a complete coffee shop business plan template provided with Greg’s book, Seven Steps to Success in the Specialty Coffee Industry .

Greg has written about coffee shop business plans for S mart Business Columbus and CoffeeTalk magazine. He also serves on the boards of directors for both Heartland Bank and the Columbus Chamber of Commerce .

Going Beyond the Coffee Shop Business Plan

Greg’s book became the foundation for our 7 Steps to Coffee Shop Startup Success  process which has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs open and run successful coffee shops.

We provide all the support you need to open a coffee shop – without expensive franchise fees or royalties. You don’t even need to sign a long-term contract to buy our coffee.

More than just a short-term course on drink preparation or running a coffee shop, we offer hands-on training and ongoing guidance for both baristas and business owners.

With decades of experience in running coffee shops, our coffee shop startup consultants can help you go beyond the business to plan to:

  • Choose the right location
  • Lay out your shop for optimal success
  • Create a menu that customers will love
  • Hire and train staff
  • Attract customers with low-cost grassroots and social media marketing techniques
  • Serve great-tasting drinks with award-winning coffee and high-quality coffee shop supplies
  • Prepare to thrive in good times and bad

Through our proven process, we have helped shape business plans for hundreds of successful independent coffee shops in 30 states, Guam, and Bangladesh. Can we help you too? If you have a question before purchasing the book, please contact us and we will respond within one business day.

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How To Write a Coffee Shop Business Plan: Step by Step

  • Templates & Guides

Want to open a coffee shop of your very own? Give it the best chance for success by writing a coffee shop business plan.

But, what exactly is a business plan, why do you need one, and what’s the best way to make such a plan?

In this article, we discuss the answers to those questions and how the right technology can help you run things smoothly once your coffee shop business plan becomes a reality.

Table of contents

What is a coffee shop business plan, do you need a coffee shop business plan, creating a coffee shop business plan.

coffee shop business plan being discussed

A coffee shop business plan is a written document that describes:

  • The nature of the business
  • How the business is organized
  • The business’s financial projections
  • Goals the business would like to reach
  • Strategies for reaching those goals
  • The time frame for reaching those goals

In essence, a coffee shop business plan is a roadmap that provides structure and direction to an as-yet unformed operation.

Two people looking over a coffee shop business plan

Many first-time, prospective entrepreneurs wonder if they really need a business plan to get started. The answer is yes .

Without a business plan, it will be very difficult — some would say impossible — to get a loan from a bank or funding from an investor.

But, even if funding isn’t a major concern right now, a business plan provides clear direction on how you intend to get where you’re going and how to make your new endeavor a success .

Sure, we’ve all taken a road trip (or gone traveling) without a map or a plan, and sometimes that can be fun.

Starting a new business, though, demands much more of an investment than just picking a direction and heading out. Starting a new business can occupy all of your time, money, and energy for years to come, so you don’t want to commit yourself without a plan.

That’s what the coffee shop business plan is: a map to help you keep moving in the right direction when things are going smoothly and to show you how to get back on track when they aren’t.

Creating a coffee shop business plan

As you get started writing your very own business plan, keep in mind that the document you produce doesn’t have to be the final draft right away, nor does it have to include every single detail about your business.

Yes, some business plans are hundreds of pages long. Yours may reach that level in the end, but don’t allow that fact to overwhelm you now or stop you from getting started.

Get the information on the page to the best of your ability, and then go back and edit as needed to make it the best it can be. A business plan is a living document that may change as your business grows. But it and your business can’t go anywhere until you write your first draft.

Here’s how to get started.

Step #1: Ask and answer questions

As we mentioned, some business plans can be chock-full of details and facts about the business itself, and many first-time owners wonder where all that information comes from.

The answer is simple: The details in your business plan are basically answers to questions you and anyone else may have about how to go about transforming your idea into reality.

Before you write one word, sit down and consider all of the questions you have about what you’re getting into.

For example, you may ask yourself:

  • Who will run the business?
  • What makes that person qualified to do so?
  • What niche will the business fill?
  • Who are the business’s target customers ?
  • How will the business market and sell its food and beverage to them?
  • What is the size of the market you intend to sell to?
  • What is the business model for the business?
  • How will the business make money?
  • Who are the competitors?
  • How will the business compete?
  • Will the business have an advantage over the competition?
  • How does the business plan to manage growth?
  • What are the risks and threats confronting the business?
  • What can you do to mitigate those risks and threats?
  • What are the business’s financial requirements?

Go through the list and answer as many of those questions as you can in whatever level of detail you can muster.

The nice thing about starting with this step (instead of jumping right into word one of the main sections of the plan) is that you can use the answers you generate as the basis for what comes next.

Step #2: Write an executive summary

While the other sections in your coffee shop business plan can go in any order you choose, the first section should always be the Executive Summary.

This section gives a brief overview of the main elements of the coffee shop you plan on running, including:

  • Overhead costs
  • Labor costs
  • Return on investment (ROI)

Keep in mind that this information is here at the start to give readers a quick introduction to the plan. If they want more detail, they can read on.

It’s also important to remember that you’ll likely repeat much of the information in the executive summary later on in your business plan.

That’s OK. You won’t be penalized if a reader finds the exact same details elsewhere in your document.

Step #3: Describe your company

Person working at coffee shop

Next, write a description of your company. More specifically, write about the who, what, why, where, and how of your coffee shop.

View the Business Description section as the physical details about the business you intend to run, including:

  • Business name
  • Your experience
  • Contact information
  • Partners involved (if any)
  • The tax status of the business (e.g., sole proprietor, LLC/LLP, S-Corp)
  • Intended or existing location of your coffee shop

It can also be helpful to include a brief mention of your coffee shop’s short- and long-term goals as well as your plan for achieving those goals.

Step #4: Conduct a market analysis

The next section to include in your coffee shop business plan is Market Analysis.

Most market analyses describe three distinct views of the business:

  • The industry as a whole (in this case, the coffee shop industry)
  • The competition your coffee shop will face (e.g. other shops in the area)
  • The marketing you’ll execute to bring in customers

As with the previous two sections, the Market Analysis section can be a relatively brief discussion of these three concepts.

As your coffee shop business grows, you can add sections that address those concepts in more detail later on.

Step #5: Explain your coffee shop’s financials

Both you and your investors are going to want to know how much money it’s going to take to get the coffee shop set up, running, and turning a profit. That’s where the Financials section comes in.

While brevity is important (if not mandatory) in the first few sections on this list, when you explain your coffee shop’s financials, you want to be as detailed as possible.

This is especially true if you hope to secure bank funding or get involved with investors.

To provide the level of detail you need to make the Financials section as complete as possible, consider hiring an accountant to help you prepare this section so that it will be as accurate as possible.

Taking advantage of technology

Creating a coffee shop business plan

As you research and write your coffee shop business plan, include information about the technology you’ll use to help run your business.

More specifically, find a software suite that makes it easier to manage and optimize your team.

The Sling app , for example, includes a long list of tools to help make your workforce management as efficient and productive as possible, including:

  • Advanced employee scheduling
  • Integrated time clock
  • Comprehensive communication
  • Flexible task management
  • And much more

sling scheduling app

Try Sling for free today to get a better idea of the many ways it can help you once your coffee shop business plan becomes a reality.

Then, for further business management resources, help scheduling your employees, and tips for getting the most out of your team, visit GetSling.com today.

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This content is for informational purposes and is not intended as legal, tax, HR, or any other professional advice. Please contact an attorney or other professional for specific advice.

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How to Write a Simple Coffee Shop Business Plan

By team zeller.

How to Write a Simple Coffee Shop Business Plan

A strong business plan is the first step in turning your café dreams into a reality.

There’s nothing better in the morning than the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The first sip of a good blend, and the friendly banter between coffee shop owners and their customers. Coffee brings people together — it’s the morning and mid-afternoon ritual that inspires ideas and conversations. Opening a coffee shop business is a rewarding venture, however to give your coffee shop business the best chance of success you’ll need more than the right blend. 

So, what does it take to open a coffee shop? It all starts with a business plan.

Preparing to write your coffee shop’s first business plan

Business plans may be one of the most tedious tasks you’ll need to understand when starting your coffee shop business. However, the steps involved in developing your business plan are key stepping stones to running a profitable coffee shop. 

When writing your plan, consider the following: 

  • How much will it cost to open a coffee shop? 
  • What requirements will you need to fulfill in order to open your coffee shop?
  • Where will your customers come from? 
  • What will your projected profit and loss be for your first three years? 

With so many technical business plans out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the specifics. Keep reading to discover a simple and practical way to develop your coffee shop’s first business plan.

The essential parts of your simple business plan

A good business plan sets out your objectives and illustrates what strategies you’re going to use to achieve them. To create a sound business plan, there are a few key areas that you’ll need to focus on.

Executive summary

This is an outline of the fundamentals of your business — think of it as an overview of the business, including its structure, size, location, as well as objectives and financial highlights. 

If you’re planning on seeking financial investment or a loan from the bank, your executive summary will likely take some time to get just right. Your executive summary will need to capture a reader’s attention; it’s not unusual for investors to make an initial decision based on the summary alone.  

Market Analysis 

Your market analysis should include a description of your target market, as well as the segments within that market. This will allow you to dig into the specifics of your consumers’ purchasing patterns and identify any factors that may affect coffee consumption (both positive and negative), as well as any gaps in the industry that you can capitalise on. 

Current market analysis shows that the Australian coffee market is comprised of independent coffee shops, which make up 95 percent of the market — meaning larger chains like Starbucks and Gloria Jeans account for just five percent of the market. Its a highly competitive industry, so tailoring your marketing strategy to best position your offering is a fundamental aspect of your coffee shop’s business plan. 

Another factor to consider is that the type of coffee your customers will consume differs, depending on your specific market and location — and, over time, tastes change as new trends emerge. (Think of the unicorn latte art of late, or the coffee/doughnut hybrid trend.) As Bill and Chris Spathis, owners of Melbourne’s Decoy Café  stated : “Back in the 70s, people ordered their coffee so hot it was sacrilegious — but that’s the way most people liked it. There was also far less diversity. At one stage, most people were buying coffee from the supermarket. People are more discerning now. Most are buying their coffees from local roasters.”

coffee-bean-bags-in-coffee-shop

Ensuring your market analysis is up-to-date will help your coffee shop tap into current trends and stay on top of the coffee business. 

Competitive Analysis

This section should hone in on your locality and highlight all current competitors, as well as any potential future competitors that might enter the market. If you determine your competitor’s strengths and weaknesses, you will be able to discover opportunities that are present and give your coffee shop an advantage. 

Product line

If you plan on selling specialty coffee, this should be outlined in your business plan — including information about where the coffee beans are sourced, which vendors or partners you will be using for materials, and what your menu will look like. Do you want your business to become known for its affogatos? Or range of milks (and milk alternatives)? 

The products you choose to sell will have a big impact on your profit margins, so choose wisely.  

Marketing Strategy

Now that you’ve done your analysis and know the intricacies of your local market’s coffee scene, it’s time to put the data and insights you have discovered to work and develop your marketing strategy. The strategy you develop will be used for promoting your coffee shop, products, and your business. 

Consider which social media platforms will be best suited to the promotion of your coffee shop and how you will promote your business to foot traffic, as well as which sales data you’ll be tracking and reviewing to determine how well your business is performing. 

One of the most important metrics to keep a close eye on will be your total sales transactions. It’s imperative that you have visibility over not only your daily sales, but also your expenses. A tool such as Zeller Dashboard will show you a real-time comparison of the day’s sales versus sales made on the same day last week, as well as month-on-month comparisons. Having this information handy will prove invaluable when you are revenue forecasting, and developing marketing strategies to meet sales targets. 

Management plan

Creating and sticking to a management plan is a necessary part of growing your coffee shop business. It should include the tools and systems you are going to use to manage your employees, the layout of your team and their responsibilities, as well as staffing costs — including wages, training, and items such as uniforms. 

Financial considerations

Business finances are complex. Outlining your anticipated costs and how you plan to finance your coffee shop will help you in determining the profits you could hope to achieve through your coffee shop. 

Once you have outlined your costs, you can calculate what your projected cash flow will be and work out your business’s break-even point . By calculating your business’s break-even point, you’ll be in a better position to understand the timing between getting paid and paying the business’s bills — helping to keep your business in the black.  

When considering your finances, it is also important to look ahead and include the business’s projected profit and loss for a three-year period.  This will indicate your business’s net profitability as it establishes itself in the market. 

Your legal obligations

There are a few things to consider here. Depending on the type of coffee business you plan on opening — whether it be a coffee cart or shop front — there will be legal obligations you need to meet.  It’s essential that you are clear on these legal obligations from the beginning, otherwise you will hinder your business’s opening and put yourself at risk of financial penalty.  

You’ll need to ensure you obtain the correct industry-specific licences and permits for your coffee shop. Consult a legal expert on these matters, as each licence and the steps towards compliance is specific to your location and business. For instance, a specific licence may be required for the preparation and handling of food and beverages. There are also licences that certify compliance with the appropriate health and safety guidelines, and your business could also have to pass health and safety inspections before it is allowed to open. 

You’ll also need to ensure your coffee shop has the proper insurance coverage, in case of any unforeseen accidents. There are various types of insurance that you should consider, such as: 

  • General insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Public Liability insurance
  • Kitchen insurance
  • Workers’ compensation

Start-up costs

The cost of opening a coffee shop can be a major hurdle. However, if you work out what costs are associated with establishing the business — that is, what is a necessary cost and what is not — it is an achievable venture. There are five cost factors to take into consideration when planning your business. 

1. Physical space

The location of your coffee shop will be crucial to its success. As a new business, you want to find a location that has a decent amount of foot traffic and visibility from the street — otherwise, you’ll need to invest significantly more money in advertising and signage to attract customers. Consider whether your coffee shop will be a coffee kiosk, a coffee truck, a coffee shop with standing room only, or a sit-down coffee shop. 

When considering the location of your coffee shop, keep social distancing in mind. Once the current measures have been eased, many people will still be weary and likely won’t want to be constricted in tight spaces. Businesses with an outdoor area will be able to swell with demand.

2. Equipment

The equipment you choose to purchase will impact the quality of the coffee you’ll be serving, and the overall experience of your customers. Research the type of equipment that will suit your business’s purposes and determine what you must absolutely have, and what is unnecessary and can wait to be purchased later.

coffee-machine-making-cappucino

3. Your Menu

Your menu is another major cost to consider. Will you be offering a selection of gourmet coffee, and will you include sweet and savoury treats? The larger your menu selection is, the more you’ll need to invest in materials and produce. You’ll also need to ensure that you have stock on hand to meet demand, otherwise it could impact your customer service if you are underprepared.  

Your market analysis research will come in handy in determining which items to add to your menu, as well as ensuring you are up-to-date with market trends and providing your customers what they want. 

4. Staffing

Staffing costs need to be worked out from the get-go, and should form part of your business plan. Consider the technology needed to assist with employee management and payroll, training costs, penalty and overtime rates, as well as any benefits and superannuation contributions. 

You’ll want to ensure you hire trained baristas, who know how to pour the perfect cup. 

5. Marketing

How will you get the word out about your newly-opened coffee shop? As with any new business, there will be marketing costs associated with opening up; flyers, social media ads, and signage are all worth considering.  

What out-of-the-box ideas do you have for attracting new customers? Will you be offering a discount to people who check in and share your social media post on their own feed, for example? This will cost money, as it eats into your projected profits, so you’ll need to factor in a limit. Will it be for the first 50 customers, or for the first day only? 

Whatever marketing you decide to go with, you’ll need to budget it into your costs. Adopting a ‘test and learn’ approach will help you measure the impact different types of marketing has on your sales and investment, and understand what works (and what doesn’t) with your local customers.

How will you take payments at your coffee shop?

People are generally in a hurry when getting their morning and afternoon caffeine fix, and don’t like waiting too long. Your coffee shop needs to offer fast and efficient service and be able to deal with the busy periods as efficiently as possible. 

Taking payments quickly and managing customer flow is crucial to the overall customer experience. Long lines due to a slow payment system can impact customers’ perception and lead to a loss of business if people are inconvenienced with the payment process. 

What your business needs is to ensure fast and convenient service with A payment terminal such as Zeller Terminal , which offers tap and go payments, ensures fast and convenient service. Your customers can tap their watch or smartphone to the terminal, with no need to pull out their wallet. Zeller Terminal is also fully mobile, and can be taken anywhere — making it handy for all types of coffee shop businesses.

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Ensuring your coffee shop is a financial success.

Opening a coffee shop can be a profitable venture, with the right planning and equipment. Walk past any busy coffee shop, and you’ll see it buzzing with customers enjoying their coffee, sipping on tea, and nibbling on pastries and other treats. 

The success of your business will be dependent on how closely you watch over your operations, track profits and keep on top of businesses expenses. The average coffee shop’s profit margin is around five to eight percent , similar to casual food establishments. This means that it’s likely you’ll only keep five to eight cents of every dollar you make once, you’ve factored in all your business expenses. 

It’s important to note that most coffee shop businesses that fail do so due to financial issues caused by a lack of planning — not bad coffee. Choosing the right payments provider is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make. Zeller Terminal accepts every tapped, dipped, or swiped payment for just 1.4% — which can easily be passed to the customer, with the flick of a switch. By minimising your transaction costs, you’ll ensure more money stays in your business.

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Sample Coffee Shop Business Plan

how to write a business plan for coffee shop

Writing a business plan is a crucial step in starting a coffee shop. Not only does it provide structure and guidance for the future, but it also helps to create funding opportunities and attract potential investors. For aspiring coffee shop business owners, having access to a sample coffee shop business plan can be especially helpful in providing direction and gaining insight into how to draft their own coffee shop business plan.

Download our Ultimate Coffee Shop Business Plan Template

Having a thorough business plan in place is critical for any successful coffee shop venture. It will serve as the foundation for your operations, setting out the goals and objectives that will help guide your decisions and actions. A well-written business plan can give you clarity on realistic financial projections and help you secure financing from lenders or investors. A coffee shop business plan example can be a great resource to draw upon when creating your own plan, making sure that all the key components are included in your document.

The coffee shop business plan sample below will give you an idea of what one should look like. It is not as comprehensive and successful in raising capital for your coffee shop as Growthink’s Ultimate Coffee Shop Business Plan Template , but it can help you write a coffee shop business plan of your own.

Example – BeanBrews Corner

Table of contents, executive summary, company overview, industry analysis, customer analysis, competitive analysis, marketing plan, operations plan, management team, financial plan.

At BeanBrews Corner, we’re proud to introduce our community-focused coffee shop located in the heart of the city’s bustling downtown area. Our mission is to serve high-quality, artisanal coffee and a selection of gourmet pastries and sandwiches, catering to both the early morning rush and the leisurely afternoon crowd. Our establishment is not just about serving great coffee; it’s a place where patrons can feel at home, whether they’re grabbing a quick takeaway or settling in for a few hours of work or relaxation. With our prime location and commitment to excellence in every cup, BeanBrews Corner aims to become a beloved staple in our local community, offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere that coffee lovers will cherish.

Our journey at BeanBrews Corner has been marked by several key success factors and accomplishments. Our focus on high-quality ingredients, coupled with our staff’s expertise in coffee brewing, has allowed us to offer a distinctive selection of coffee blends and drinks that stand out in the market. Our location has also played a crucial role in our success, providing us with high foot traffic and visibility. To date, we’ve successfully fostered a loyal customer base through our exceptional service and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, our engagement with the local community through events and partnerships has strengthened our brand presence and contributed significantly to our growth.

The coffee shop industry is experiencing a period of robust growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for specialty coffee and a rising culture of coffee appreciation. This industry is characterized by its high competitiveness and the importance of location, product quality, and brand differentiation. There is a significant trend toward sustainability and ethical sourcing of coffee beans, as well as an increasing preference for unique and customizable coffee experiences. Given these trends, BeanBrews Corner is positioned to thrive by focusing on quality, sustainability, and creating a unique customer experience that resonates with the values and preferences of today’s coffee enthusiasts.

Our target customers range from busy professionals seeking a quick coffee fix to students and remote workers looking for a cozy place to spend several hours. We also cater to coffee aficionados who appreciate the art of coffee making and seek unique blends and brewing techniques. Recognizing the diverse needs of our clientele, we’ve designed our product offerings and store layout to create a welcoming environment for everyone. Our approach to customer service is tailored to make every visit memorable, ensuring that BeanBrews Corner becomes a preferred destination for a wide range of coffee lovers in our community.

Java Joe’s: A chain with a wide selection of coffee and quick service. The Grind: Known for its cozy atmosphere and strong community engagement. Café Artisan: Focuses on high-end, specialty coffee offerings.

Our competitive advantages lie in our commitment to quality, our prime location, and our strong community ties. Unlike our competitors, we balance the convenience of quick service with the experience of enjoying artisanal coffee in a welcoming environment, making us a go-to spot for a broad customer base.

Our product line includes a wide variety of artisanal coffees, gourmet pastries, and sandwiches, with a focus on quality and uniqueness. Our pricing strategy is competitive, aimed at offering value for premium products. To promote BeanBrews Corner, we leverage social media, local events, and word-of-mouth, emphasizing our community involvement and unique offerings. We plan to introduce loyalty programs and seasonal promotions to encourage repeat business and attract new customers.

At BeanBrews Corner, our daily operations are centered around ensuring excellence in every aspect of our service. This includes meticulous inventory management, strict quality control, outstanding customer service, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, efficient order fulfillment, effective financial management, strategic staff management, proactive marketing and promotion efforts, attentive feedback collection, and responsible energy and resource management. Our operational milestones include achieving consistent customer satisfaction, expanding our product offerings, and implementing sustainable practices across all operations.

Our management team at BeanBrews Corner brings together individuals with a passion for coffee and a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry. Led by our founder, a seasoned barista and entrepreneur, our team includes experts in operations, marketing, and customer service. Together, we share a commitment to creating an unrivaled coffee experience for our customers, fostering a positive work environment for our staff, and contributing to our community’s vibrancy. Our collective expertise and dedication are the driving forces behind our success and growth.

Welcome to BeanBrews Corner, a fresh and vibrant coffee shop nestled in the heart of Charlotte, NC. As a local coffee shop, we pride ourselves on filling a much-needed gap in the area—a high-quality, local coffee experience. Our passion for coffee, combined with a commitment to our community, drives us to serve not just a drink, but an experience.

At BeanBrews Corner, our menu boasts a wide range of offerings designed to cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Our coffee beverages stand out for their quality and variety, ensuring every coffee lover finds their perfect cup with us. For those who prefer a different kind of warm comfort, our tea selection offers both classic favorites and unique blends. But we don’t stop at drinks; our pastries and bakery items are the perfect companions to our beverages, made fresh daily. For those looking for something more substantial, we offer a selection of sandwiches and snacks, ideal for a quick lunch or a leisurely afternoon treat. And for those special occasions or simply to indulge, our specialty drinks provide a unique BeanBrews Corner experience.

Our location in Charlotte, NC, is no accident. We chose this vibrant city to be close to our customers, understanding their needs and being part of the community we serve. It’s not just about serving coffee; it’s about creating a space where people can gather, share, and connect.

BeanBrews Corner’s potential for success is rooted deeply in several key factors. Our founder brings invaluable experience, having previously run a successful coffee shop. This experience guides our vision and operations, ensuring we understand the intricacies of creating a beloved coffee destination. Furthermore, our commitment to quality sets us apart; we confidently claim to make better coffee than our competition, supported by our extensive variety of coffee and tea options. This combination of experience, quality, and variety positions us uniquely in the market, ready to become a favorite among the coffee-loving community of Charlotte.

Since our founding on January 6, 2024, we’ve made significant strides as a Limited Liability Company. Our journey began with the essentials: developing a company name that resonates with our vision, designing a logo that reflects our brand, and securing a great location that meets the needs of our customers and our business. These accomplishments are just the beginning of our story—one that we are excited to continue writing with our community in Charlotte.

The Coffee Shop industry in the United States is currently a thriving market, with an estimated size of over $45 billion. This figure reflects the growing popularity of coffee culture and the increasing demand for specialty coffee beverages among consumers. With a steady increase in coffee consumption over the years, the industry is expected to continue its growth trend in the coming years.

One of the key trends in the Coffee Shop industry is the shift towards customization and personalization. Consumers are looking for unique and personalized experiences when it comes to their coffee choices, driving the demand for specialty coffee shops like BeanBrews Corner. With a focus on providing high-quality, customizable coffee options, BeanBrews Corner is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend and attract a loyal customer base in Charlotte, NC.

Furthermore, the increasing preference for convenient, on-the-go coffee options has also been a driving force in the industry. With more consumers opting for quick and efficient coffee solutions, BeanBrews Corner can leverage this trend by offering fast service and grab-and-go options for busy customers. By aligning its offerings with the current market trends, BeanBrews Corner can establish itself as a competitive player in the Coffee Shop industry in Charlotte, NC.

Below is a description of our target customers and their core needs.

Target Customers

BeanBrews Corner will target a diverse range of customers, with local residents forming the core of its clientele. These individuals, seeking convenience along with quality coffee and a comfortable space to relax or work in, will find BeanBrews Corner especially appealing. The shop will tailor its offerings to meet the preferences and needs of this group, ensuring a steady flow of patrons from the surrounding neighborhoods.

Commuters and professionals working in or near Charlotte will also constitute a significant customer segment for BeanBrews Corner. The shop will provide a quick and efficient service for those in need of a morning coffee fix or a casual meeting spot. By offering Wi-Fi and work-friendly spaces, BeanBrews Corner will cater to the demands of this busy demographic, establishing itself as a go-to spot for both convenience and quality.

Moreover, BeanBrews Corner will also attract students and young adults looking for a cozy place to study, socialize, or enjoy artisan coffee. This segment values atmosphere as much as the quality of the coffee, and thus, the shop will create a welcoming and vibrant environment. Special promotions and events aimed at this demographic will further ensure their loyalty and frequent visits.

Customer Needs

BeanBrews Corner provides high-quality coffee that meets the expectations of residents with a discerning taste. Customers can savor an array of expertly crafted beverages, ensuring that their desire for premium coffee is fully satisfied. This commitment to excellence sets the foundation for a loyal customer base that values superior taste and quality.

In addition to serving top-tier coffee, BeanBrews Corner creates a welcoming atmosphere where individuals and groups can gather, work, or relax. The shop offers comfortable seating and complimentary Wi-Fi, catering to the needs of remote workers, students, and casual meet-ups. This environment encourages customers to spend time enjoying their coffee, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

BeanBrews Corner understands the importance of convenience for its customers. The coffee shop provides options for quick service, including online ordering and a mobile app for fast pick-ups. This ensures that even the busiest customers can enjoy their favorite beverages without significant delays, meeting the modern need for efficiency and time management.

BeanBrews Corner’s competitors include the following companies:

Summit Coffee – SouthPark:

Summit Coffee – SouthPark offers a wide variety of coffee blends and specialty drinks, as well as a selection of baked goods and light bites. Their price points cater to the mid-range consumer, providing a balance between affordability and premium quality. The revenue generated by Summit Coffee – SouthPark signifies a strong presence in the Charlotte market, with growth reflecting a loyal customer base and effective marketing strategies.

Summit Coffee – SouthPark operates primarily in the SouthPark area, serving a diverse clientele that includes young professionals, families, and students. Their key strength lies in their commitment to sustainability and community involvement, which resonates well with their customer segment. However, their location, while advantageous for reaching a specific demographic, may limit their geographical reach compared to competitors with multiple outlets.

Mugs Coffee:

Mugs Coffee is known for its cozy atmosphere and a broad selection of coffee and tea options, alongside a variety of sandwiches, pastries, and vegan options. They position themselves at a competitive price point, appealing to budget-conscious consumers without compromising on quality. The revenue of Mugs Coffee suggests a steady flow of regular customers and a positive reception in the local market.

With its location in a bustling neighborhood, Mugs Coffee attracts a mix of students, freelancers, and local residents looking for a comfortable place to work or relax. One of their key strengths is the welcoming environment and free Wi-Fi, making it a popular spot for work and study. A potential weakness for Mugs Coffee is the limited seating capacity, which can deter larger groups or peak-hour customers.

Thousand Hills Coffee:

Thousand Hills Coffee prides itself on its direct trade coffee, offering a premium range of single-origin coffees and artisanal blends. Their price points are on the higher end, targeting coffee connoisseurs and those willing to pay a premium for ethically sourced beans. The revenue trends for Thousand Hills Coffee indicate a niche but growing market share, benefiting from the increasing consumer interest in sustainable and ethical consumption.

Thousand Hills Coffee serves the greater Charlotte area, with a particular focus on the upscale market segment, including professionals and ethically conscious consumers. Their key strength is their commitment to quality and ethical sourcing, which distinguishes them from competitors. However, their premium pricing and niche focus could limit their appeal to a broader audience, potentially impacting their market reach.

Competitive Advantages

At BeanBrews Corner, our commitment to quality sets us apart in the vibrant Charlotte coffee scene. We pride ourselves on making better coffee than our competition, a claim rooted in our meticulous selection of beans and our perfected brewing techniques. Our baristas are artisans, trained in the craft of coffee making, ensuring each cup exceeds our customers’ expectations. This dedication to quality is not just a promise but a reality that can be tasted in every sip. Our customers come back not just for the coffee, but for the assurance of excellence that comes with every visit.

Furthermore, our variety is unmatched. We offer an extensive range of coffee and tea varieties, catering to the diverse preferences of our community. Whether a customer seeks the comfort of a classic espresso or the adventure of trying a new, exotic blend, we have something to satisfy every palate. This extensive selection allows us to provide a unique experience for each customer, making BeanBrews Corner a destination for both coffee aficionados and casual drinkers alike. Our variety extends beyond beverages; our cozy, welcoming space is designed to suit a range of needs, from a quiet spot for studying to a comfortable venue for social gatherings.

In addition to our superior coffee and wide variety, our location offers an added advantage. Situated in a convenient spot in Charlotte, we are easily accessible to both locals and visitors, making us a popular choice for anyone in search of quality coffee in a comfortable setting. This strategic location, combined with our commitment to excellence and variety, positions BeanBrews Corner as a leading coffee shop in the area, inviting more customers to discover the unique experience we offer.

Our marketing plan, included below, details our products/services, pricing and promotions plan.

Products and Services

At BeanBrews Corner, customers can indulge in a variety of meticulously crafted coffee beverages. The coffee menu encompasses everything from the classic espresso to more contemporary concoctions, ensuring there’s something for every coffee enthusiast. With an average price point of $3 for a basic coffee to around $5 for more intricate beverages, patrons can enjoy high-quality coffee without breaking the bank.

Aside from coffee, BeanBrews Corner offers a broad selection of teas to cater to non-coffee drinkers or those simply in the mood for something different. From traditional black and green teas to herbal and fruit-infused blends, the tea selection is designed to satisfy a wide range of palates. Prices for tea beverages are generally in the range of $2 to $4, making it an affordable option for tea lovers.

Complementing the beverage options, BeanBrews Corner also boasts an assortment of pastries and bakery items. Whether customers are in the mood for a sweet treat or a savory snack, the bakery section offers fresh, daily-made options including croissants, muffins, and scones, with prices averaging between $2 and $5. These bakery items are perfect for pairing with a cup of coffee or tea.

For those seeking a more substantial meal, the coffee shop also serves a variety of sandwiches and snacks. From gourmet sandwiches to wraps and salads, there’s something to satisfy any appetite. These menu items are ideal for lunch breaks or a quick, healthy snack, with prices ranging from $5 to $8, offering both value and quality.

Last but not least, BeanBrews Corner prides itself on its specialty drinks menu, which includes a range of unique and seasonal beverages. These specialty drinks are a testament to the creativity and passion of the baristas, showcasing flavors and combinations that can’t be found elsewhere. With an average price of $4 to $6, these specialty drinks offer a unique experience for those looking to try something new and exciting.

In summary, BeanBrews Corner caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences with its extensive menu of coffee and tea beverages, pastries, sandwiches, and specialty drinks. With its focus on quality, affordability, and variety, it’s the perfect spot for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious beverage or snack in a welcoming atmosphere.

Promotions Plan

BeanBrews Corner embraces a comprehensive promotional strategy to attract a vibrant customer base. At the heart of its efforts lies a robust online marketing campaign. The coffee shop leverages social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to engage with potential customers. By posting captivating content, including high-quality images of their coffee and pastries, BeanBrews Corner will build a strong online presence. Moreover, the shop will utilize targeted ads to reach coffee enthusiasts within Charlotte, NC, ensuring that their marketing efforts resonate with the local community.

In addition to online marketing, BeanBrews Corner will implement several other promotional tactics. The coffee shop will initiate a loyalty program to encourage repeat business. Customers will accumulate points with every purchase, which they can redeem for discounts or free items. This program not only incentivizes frequent visits but also fosters a sense of belonging among customers.

Furthermore, BeanBrews Corner will harness the power of local partnerships. By collaborating with nearby businesses and community organizations, the shop will gain exposure to a broader audience. These partnerships could include coffee pop-ups at local events or offering exclusive discounts to employees of partner organizations. Such collaborations will bolster BeanBrews Corner’s visibility and reputation within the community.

Email marketing will also play a crucial role in BeanBrews Corner’s promotional efforts. By collecting email addresses both in-store and online, the shop will send out regular newsletters. These newsletters will feature new products, special promotions, and upcoming events, keeping customers informed and engaged.

To cap off its promotional strategy, BeanBrews Corner will host a grand opening event. This event will not only serve as a celebration of the shop’s launch but also as an opportunity to showcase its offerings to the community. Live music, free samples, and special deals will attract a large crowd, generating buzz and excitement around the brand.

In summary, BeanBrews Corner employs a multifaceted promotional strategy encompassing online marketing, loyalty programs, local partnerships, email marketing, and a grand opening event. By executing these tactics, BeanBrews Corner will attract and retain a loyal customer base, establishing itself as a cherished destination for coffee lovers in Charlotte, NC.

Our Operations Plan details:

  • The key day-to-day processes that our business performs to serve our customers
  • The key business milestones that our company expects to accomplish as we grow

Key Operational Processes

To ensure the success of BeanBrews Corner, there are several key day-to-day operational processes that we will perform.

  • Inventory Management: We continuously monitor our stock levels to ensure we have all necessary ingredients and supplies, such as coffee beans, milk, and paper cups. This enables us to serve our customers without delay.
  • Quality Control: Daily checks are performed on our coffee machines and grinders to maintain the highest quality of coffee. We also taste our coffee throughout the day to ensure consistency in flavor.
  • Customer Service: Our staff engages with customers in a friendly and helpful manner, taking orders accurately and providing recommendations when asked. We ensure a welcoming atmosphere for all customers.
  • Cleanliness and Hygiene: Regular cleaning schedules are maintained throughout the day to ensure the shop, including the kitchen and seating areas, is clean and hygienic. This also includes sanitizing surfaces and equipment regularly.
  • Order Fulfillment: We efficiently manage the queue and prepare orders promptly while ensuring that every coffee served meets our quality standards. This minimizes wait times and improves customer satisfaction.
  • Financial Management: Daily sales are tracked, and expenses are monitored to manage the shop’s budget effectively. This includes performing cash handling duties and preparing deposits.
  • Staff Management: We schedule staff shifts to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours and manage the workload effectively. Staff training sessions are also conducted regularly to improve service quality.
  • Marketing and Promotion: We engage with our customers on social media platforms to promote our daily specials and upcoming events. This helps in building a community around our brand and attracting new customers.
  • Feedback Collection: We encourage customers to provide feedback on their experience and suggestions for improvement. This information is used to make necessary adjustments to our service and offerings.
  • Energy and Resource Management: We implement measures to reduce energy consumption and waste, such as using energy-efficient appliances and recycling, to ensure our operations are sustainable.

BeanBrews Corner expects to complete the following milestones in the coming months in order to ensure its success:

  • Securing a Prime Location : Identify and secure a lease for a location that is visible, accessible, and situated in a high-traffic area within Charlotte, NC, to ensure a steady flow of potential customers.
  • Obtaining Permits and Licenses : Successfully navigate the local regulatory environment to obtain all necessary permits and licenses required to legally operate a coffee shop in Charlotte, NC. This includes health department permits, business licenses, and any other local requirements.
  • Building Out the Coffee Shop : Complete the interior design, purchase, and installation of all necessary equipment and furniture to create a welcoming and efficient space for customers. This also includes ensuring the space meets all health and safety standards.
  • Hiring and Training Staff : Recruit, hire, and thoroughly train a team of baristas and support staff who are passionate about coffee and customer service. This team will be crucial in creating a positive customer experience and building a loyal customer base.
  • Marketing and Promotional Activities : Implement a strategic marketing plan that includes a grand opening event, social media campaigns, and local community engagement to generate buzz and attract customers to the shop.
  • Launch Our Coffee Shop : Officially open BeanBrews Corner to the public, ensuring that all operational, staffing, and marketing elements are in place for a successful launch.
  • Establishing Supplier Relationships : Secure relationships with high-quality coffee bean suppliers, local bakeries, and other necessary vendors to ensure a consistent and premium product offering.
  • Implementing a Customer Loyalty Program : Develop and launch a loyalty program or system to encourage repeat business and build a dedicated customer base.
  • Monitoring and Adapting Operations : Regularly review operational efficiency, customer feedback, and financial performance to identify areas for improvement and adapt strategies accordingly.
  • Get to $15,000/Month in Revenue : Reach the critical financial milestone of generating $15,000 in monthly revenue, which indicates a growing customer base and operational success. This will involve continuously optimizing the menu, pricing strategies, and marketing efforts to increase sales.

BeanBrews Corner management team, which includes the following members, has the experience and expertise to successfully execute on our business plan:

Benjamin Taylor, CEO

With an impressive track record in the coffee shop industry, Benjamin Taylor brings a wealth of experience to his role as CEO of BeanBrews Corner. His previous success in running a coffee shop demonstrates his deep understanding of the business, from operations to customer satisfaction. Benjamin’s leadership skills, combined with his passion for coffee and commitment to excellence, make him uniquely qualified to lead BeanBrews Corner towards lasting success. His experience not only in managing day-to-day operations but also in strategic planning and execution, places BeanBrews Corner in capable hands.

To achieve our growth goals, BeanBrews Corner requires a strategic investment in marketing, product development, and further establishment of our community presence. This investment will support our expansion plans, including enhancing our existing location, extending our product range, and implementing innovative marketing strategies to attract a broader customer base. Our financial strategy is designed to ensure sustainable growth while maintaining our commitment to quality and community engagement.

Financial Statements

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Income Statement

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Cash Flow Statement

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Coffee Shop Business Plan Example PDF

Download our Coffee Shop Business Plan PDF here. This is a free coffee shop business plan example to help you get started on your own coffee shop plan.  

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Coffee Shop Business Plan PDF Example

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  • February 23, 2024
  • Business Plan

Business plan template for a coffee shop

Creating a comprehensive business plan is crucial for launching and running a successful coffee shop. This plan serves as your roadmap, detailing your vision, operational strategies, and financial plan. It helps establish your coffee shop’s identity, navigate the competitive market, and secure funding for growth.

This article not only breaks down the critical components of a coffee shop business plan, but also provides an example of a business plan to help you craft your own.

Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or new to the food and beverage industry, this guide, complete with a business plan example, lays the groundwork for turning your coffee shop concept into reality. Let’s dive in!

Our coffee shop business plan is structured to cover all essential aspects needed for a comprehensive strategy. It outlines the shop’s operations, marketing strategy, market environment, competitors, management team, and financial forecasts.

  • Executive Summary : Offers a quick look at your coffee shop idea, market research, your team, and money plans.
  • Coffee Shop & Location: Talks about the design, special features, and why the spot is great for customers.
  • Operations: Describes how your shop runs daily, like hours, staff roles, and your menu items with prices.
  • Key Stats: Gives numbers on how big the coffee shop world is and what’s trending.
  • Key Trends: Points out new things in coffee shops, like eco-friendly practices or tech for ordering.
  • Key Competitors: Looks at other coffee places nearby and how your shop is different.
  • SWOT: Lists strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and risks for your shop.
  • Marketing Plan : Ideas for getting the word out and keeping customers coming back.
  • Timeline : Major steps and goals from starting up to the first year.
  • Management: Highlights Info on your leading team and their roles.
  • Financial Plan : Predicts financials for 5 years, like how much you’ll make, spend, and keep as profit.

Business plan template for a coffee shop

Coffee Shop Business Plan

Download an expert-built 30+ slides Powerpoint business plan template

Executive Summary

The Executive Summary presents a concise overview of your coffee shop’s business plan, encapsulating the essence of your establishment and its offerings. It should articulate your market positioning, the variety of coffee and related products you offer, its location, size, and a brief on the daily operations.

This section should also delve into how your coffee shop will carve its niche within the local community, including an analysis of the number of direct competitors in the vicinity, identifying who they are, as well as highlighting your coffee shop’s unique selling points that set it apart from these competitors.

Moreover, information about the management and co-founding team should be included, elaborating on their roles and the value they bring to the coffee shop’s success. Additionally, a synopsis of your financial projections, including anticipated revenue and profits over the next five years, should be provided here to offer a clear view of your coffee shop’s financial strategy.

Make sure to cover here _ Business Overview _ Market Overview _ Management Team _ Financial Plan

Coffee Shop Business Plan executive summary1

Dive deeper into Executive Summary

Business Overview

For a Coffee Shop, the Business Overview section can be neatly divided into 2 main slides:

Coffee Shop & Location

Talk about your coffee shop’s look and feel, highlighting cozy seats and nice lighting that make it welcoming. Mention its location, noting how easy it is to get there, like being close to shops or having easy parking. Explain why this spot is great for attracting customers.

Operations & Offerings

List the kinds of coffee and other items you sell, including snacks or light food. Discuss pricing, making sure it matches the quality of what you’re selling and suits your target customers. Share special features of your shop, such as using local products or offering unique coffee flavors. Mention any deals or events you have to keep customers coming back.

Make sure to cover here _ Coffee Shop & Location _ Operations

Business Plan_Fast Food RESTAURANT

Market Overview

Industry size & growth.

In the Market Overview of your coffee shop business plan, begin by exploring the size of the coffee industry and its potential for growth. This analysis is key to understanding the breadth of the market and pinpointing opportunities for expansion.

Key Market Trends

Next, discuss current trends in the coffee market, like the growing demand for specialty coffee, the appeal of ethically sourced and organic beans, and the innovation in coffee brewing techniques. Highlight the interest in offerings that cater to diverse preferences and dietary needs, such as plant-based milk options and artisanal blends, as well as the increasing importance of sustainability in the coffee industry.

Key Competitors

Then, examine the competitive landscape, which encompasses a variety of coffee shops from high-end specialty cafes to more affordable, convenient options, as well as the rise of home brewing. Focus on what sets your coffee shop apart, whether it’s through top-notch customer service, a unique selection of products, or expertise in certain types of coffee. This section will underscore the demand for coffee shop services, the competitive atmosphere, and how your coffee shop is well-placed to succeed in this vibrant market.

Make sure to cover here _ Industry size & growth _ Key market trends _ Key competitors

Coffee Shop Business Plan market overview1

Dive deeper into Key competitors

Start by doing a SWOT analysis for the coffee shop. Point out Strengths (like skilled baristas and a variety of coffee options), Weaknesses (such as high running costs or lots of competitors), Opportunities (for instance, more people wanting unique coffee experiences), and Threats (like economic changes that might reduce how much people spend on coffee).

Marketing Plan

Then, make a marketing plan that shows how to draw in and keep customers. This could include ads aimed at the right people, deals to save money, an active and interesting online presence, and getting involved in the local area.

Lastly, set up a detailed timeline that marks important steps for the coffee shop’s start, marketing actions, growth in the number of customers, and goals for getting bigger. Make sure there’s a clear plan and goal for moving the business forward.

Make sure to cover here _ SWOT _ Marketing Plan _ Timeline

how to write a business plan for coffee shop

Dive deeper into SWOT

Dive deeper into Marketing Plan

The Management section focuses on the coffee shop’s management and their direct roles in daily operations and strategic direction. This part is crucial for understanding who is responsible for making key decisions and driving the coffee shop toward its financial and operational goals.

For your coffee shop business plan, list the core team members, their specific responsibilities, and how their expertise supports the business.

Coffee Shop Business Plan management1

Financial Plan

The Financial Plan section is a comprehensive analysis of your financial projections for revenue, expenses, and profitability. It lays out your coffee shop’s approach to securing funding, managing cash flow, and achieving breakeven.

This section typically includes detailed forecasts for the first 5 years of operation, highlighting expected revenue, operating costs and capital expenditures.

For your coffee shop business plan, provide a snapshot of your financial statement (profit and loss, balance sheet, cash flow statement), as well as your key assumptions (e.g. number of customers and prices, expenses, etc.).

Make sure to cover here _ Profit and Loss _ Cash Flow Statement _ Balance Sheet _ Use of Funds

Coffee Shop Business Plan financial plan

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How To Create A Coffee Shop Business Plan: Step By Step

Coffee shop business plan

Opening a coffee shop is both exciting and challenging.

If you want your business to succeed, learning how to write a coffee shop business plan is important .

Coffee shop owners enjoy a great deal of freedom when it comes to the products and services they offer, the decor within the establishment, the people they hire, and many other aspects of the business.

Even small coffee shops can turn a substantial profit. Why?

Well, coffee shops also add value to the surrounding community, giving residents a safe, uplifting place to gather.

However, some coffee shops will fail .. In fact, the U.S. Small Business Administration reports that approximately one-third of small businesses will fail within the first two years.

By the end of five years, half of all small businesses will fail. To give your coffee shop the best chances of success from the first moment the doors open, you need a solid business plan. To create an effective business plan, follow the steps below.

Competition

Company overview, exit strategy, step 1: brainstorming and market research.

Before you begin writing your coffee shop business plan, spend some time learning about business plans in general. Business plans for all types of businesses usually have six different sections: executive summary, opportunity, execution, company and management summary, financial plan, and appendix.

You should have an executive summary at the beginning of your business plan, although it may well be the last part of the plan that you write.

It is also a good idea to spend some time brainstorming basic ideas for your new coffee shop and performing market research. Write down any ideas you have for the business so you can refer to them later. As you research the market, be sure to focus on your specific region for the best results.

If other people will have a stake in the business, consider including these individuals in the process of brainstorming and writing the business plan.

Step 2: Opportunity Section

The next step in completing your business plan involves constructing the opportunity section of the document. This section focuses on defining several key components of your business, including the products you intend to provide, the problems you will solve within the community or market, your target consumer, and your competition.

Identifying Problems And Solutions

Begin this part of the plan by outlining the problem you will solve for consumers and how your solutions will be different from the competition. Some examples of problems a new coffee shop may solve include:

  • Consumers have no access to gourmet coffee within a reasonable driving distance.
  • Consumers lack good places to congregate in town.
  • Consumers have access to inferior coffee and/or bakery options only.
  • The area’s coffee shops have poor service, high prices, or some other characteristic that causes problems for customers .

Now, describe the strategy you will use to solve the problem you have defined.

For example, if you are establishing the town’s first coffee shop, you may be hoping to provide consumers with access to gourmet coffee and bakery products closer to home. On the other hand, if you will be competing with other coffee shops in the area, you may be hoping to provide better quality products, a better atmosphere, and/or better prices.

Target Market

Analysis about the target market

Your business plan’s opportunity section should also define your target market. Although you may be hoping that your new coffee shop will appeal to everyone in the area, you need to narrow down this target market, so you can focus your efforts on the people most likely to frequent your establishment.

For example, your target market may be young adults between the ages of 18 and 35.

Alternatively, you may be looking to advertise as a family-friendly establishment, focusing your efforts on people with children. In some cases, you may define two or more market segments you hope to target.

To complete the opportunity section of your business plan, take some time to research and describe your coffee shop’s competition. Are there other businesses in the area offering the same types of solutions?

Examples may include small coffee shops, as well as chains. If you plan to sell baked goods along with coffee, you may consider local bakeries or counter service restaurants as competition as well.

Step 3: Execution Plan

The execution section of your business plan focuses on the exact strategies and tools you will use to bring your coffee shop vision to life. This section will include information about marketing plans, sales strategies, the specifics of your operations, and your goals and objectives for the business.

This section of your business plan is one of its most important components, as it gets into the details as to how you plan to run your business and achieve success.

Marketing Plan

The purpose of this part of your business plan is to determine how you will reach your target market and draw them into your coffee shop. This plan should include details about the pricing structures you will use for the different products you serve, as well as information about your advertising strategies.

Begin the marketing plan by crafting a position statement. This statement describes how you will present your coffee shop to customers and how you will set yourself apart from the competition.

For example, your position statement may describe your business as a high-end gourmet establishment with quality products that aren’t available anywhere else.

On the other hand, if you are hoping for a more casual coffee shop, your position statement may describe your establishment as low-key and more affordable than other options in the area.

Your marketing plan also must include a pricing structure. As you determine prices for the different products you intend to sell, remember that prices should cover your costs, comply with market rates for the same product, and turn a profit. Your pricing structure will be intricately tied to your positioning statement as well.

Finally, spend time developing a strategy for advertising and promoting your coffee shop to the public.

The operations section of the business plan lays out the details of your business’s day-to-day operations. Having a solid operational strategy will make a significant difference in the efficiency and profitability of your establishment. Subsections that should be covered in this part of the business plan include:

  • Sourcing – Before opening a coffee shop, you will need to find sources for the ingredients in your products, including coffee and any food products you want to serve.
  • Milestones – Your milestones are your planned goals that indicate what you want to accomplish with your coffee shop over time. For example, you may indicate that you want to open by a certain date or serve a specific number of customers within a certain amount of time.
  • Metrics – The metrics section of operations will indicate how you plan to measure your coffee shop’s performance. Examples of metrics include revenue, profit, number of customers served, and number of repeat customers.
  • Assumptions and risks – The assumptions and risks section outlines the factors you assume will support your business, as well as the factors that threaten the success of your business.

Step 4: Company And Management Summary

The company and management summary covers the structure of your business and names the key players. In a smaller coffee shop, this section of the business plan may be relatively short. However, you should still list the people who are invested in the success of the establishment.

Team Overview

The team in charge of your coffee shop may consist of the owner as well as the people you have hired to act as managers. If you have not yet hired anyone to act as a manager, you can list the qualifications you hope to see in prospective managers instead.

In fact, if you haven’t hired anyone yet, constructing this part of the business plan is an exercise that will help you figure out exactly how many people you will need to hire before your coffee house can have its grand opening.

In this section, you can include a mission statement that describes the way you will approach customer service. Ideally, this statement should be only one or two sentences in length.

Your company overview can also include information about the business’s location and its legal structure. If your coffee shop has an interesting backstory, you can include a subsection on company history as well.

This section is optional for many coffee shop businesses, but it is a good opportunity to solidify your business’s identity and purpose. If you are seeking help from investors, including this section in the business plan can improve your chances of success.

Step 5: Financial Planning

people talking about financial plan

The last major part of your coffee shop business plan deals with finances. For many people, this is the most difficult part of the plan to write. However, because it will play an important role in the success of your coffee shop, having a solid financial plan is essential.

In order to construct your financial plan, you need to draft several financial statements. These statements include:

Sales Forecast

The coffee shop’s sales forecast is designed to predict how your sales revenue will look over the first few years of your business. If you don’t have much experience in the coffee business , it may be difficult to guess how much you will expect to sell.

If you are not sure how to begin, you can start with average sales information for other businesses in the area and adjust it based on different factors, such as the fact that your business will be new and won’t have regular clientele immediately.

When constructing your sales forecast, remember to take the direct expenses you will incur to make your sales into account. These expenses, which are also known as the “cost of goods sold,” will include any expenses you incur when creating your menu items.

Examples of direct costs include the cost of ground coffee, syrups, and bakery product ingredients. Do not include expenses that are not directly related to products, such as the cost of business insurance or the wages you pay to employees.

Personnel Plan

The personnel plan you create for your coffee shop will include detailed information about the expenses related to employees. These expenses include the wages you will pay as well as other costs such as insurance and payroll taxes.

Although larger businesses may break this information down based on categories of people, smaller coffee shops will usually list employee costs on an individual basis.

Profit And Loss Statement

Your profit and loss statement is the financial statement that demonstrates whether your business is making a profit. If your business does not make a profit, this statement will demonstrate the size of the loss.

Because you have not yet started operating your coffee shop, all of the information on this sheet will be hypothetical when you create your business plan. However, this statement still has value for planning purposes.

Your profit and loss statement will pull information from the two financial statements you have already created (the sales forecast and personnel plan). It will also incorporate other information that hasn’t been covered yet, such as the other expenses you will incur while running your business. Examples include building rent, utilities, and insurance expenses.

In addition, your profit and loss statement should include a final figure that takes all of your hypothetical revenue and expenses into account and calculates either a profit or a loss.

Specific components of a profit and loss statement include:

  • Income – This will include the estimated amount of money you expect to bring in from coffee sales and any other source.
  • Cost of goods sold – This figure will include the cost of ingredients and other items you must purchase in order to make and serve your coffee, bakery items, and anything else your coffee shop sells.
  • Operating expenses – These expenses are indirect expenses associated with running your coffee shops, such as the cost of insurance, rent, and wages paid to baristas.
  • Gross margin – Your coffee shop’s gross margin can be calculated as the cost of goods sold subtracted from its total sales.
  • Miscellaneous expenses – If you have expenses related to depreciation, taxes, interest, or a similar cost, list them here.
  • Total expenses – This figure is the total of all operating expenses and miscellaneous expenses for your coffee shop.
  • Operating income – The operating income is your coffee shop’s earnings before taxes, interest, and other such expenses have been subtracted. To calculate this figure, start with your sales total and subtract the cost of goods sold and total operating expenses.
  • Net profit or loss – Your net profit or loss is the bottom-line figure that tells the exact amount of profit or loss for your coffee shop.

Balance Sheet

balance sheet

Your coffee shop’s balance sheet is a basic overview of the business’s financial health . This statement will list all of your company’s assets as well as its liabilities. Assets may include a building (if owned) and equipment. Liabilities include any unpaid debts, such as business loans and outstanding employee wages.

Cash Flow Statement

Your business’s cash flow statement is designed to track the flow of cash in and out of your business over time. Most cash flow statements will begin with the amount of cash you currently have on hand. The statement also incorporates anticipated income and expenses.

The coffee shop’s cash flow statement will help you anticipate how your business’s buying power and needs will change over time, so you can make wise financial decisions.

The final section of your financial plan is your exit strategy, which will include details about how you will end your business. If you are just starting out and as such don’t have any plans to sell your business, this section could be omitted or kept very short.

If you decide to include this section, it should describe your ideal situation for leaving the coffee shop business. For example, your exit strategy may involve merging with another coffee shop or chain. Alternatively, you may hope to sell your business to a new owner.

Step 6: Executive Summary

Although the executive summary is usually listed first in a business plan, it is easier to construct this component of the plan after the other sections have been completed. The executive summary section will introduce your coffee shop and provide an overview of the remainder of your plan.

Your executive summary be suitable as a standalone document if necessary. As you construct your executive summary, be sure to include: As you construct your executive summary, be sure to include:

  • The problem your coffee shop solves
  • The way your coffee shop solves the problem
  • The coffee shop’s target market
  • The coffee shop’s competition
  • An overview of your management plans
  • A summary of your finances
  • The milestones you hope to meet

The Final Word On Your Coffee Shop Business Plan

Constructing a detailed, useful coffee shop business plan takes time and research. If you are having trouble getting started, consider reaching out to a professional for help. You may also be able to find a business plan template online to help guide your writing.

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Aisling O'Connor

Aisling is an Irish food and drinks writer and journalist fueled by coffee and herbal tea. She followed up her journalism degree with nutrition studies. Find Aisling on LinkedIn .

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How to Write a Business Plan for a Coffee Shop (A Detailed Guide)

How to Write a Business Plan for a Coffee Shop (A Detailed Guide)

Writing a business plan is no fly-by-night task. It takes many weeks, maybe even months or years to complete a thoroughly detailed business plan.

Table of Contents

To write a coffee shop business plan:

Conduct the research needed to write the coffee shop business plan. analyze the local and national coffee industry. start hosting coffee-related surveys on social media groups affiliated with the area in which you will open your coffee shop. forecast your first 3 years’ sales. write the business plan section by section..

It may seem daunting to undertake these steps, but as you get into the groove of it, you’ll never go back kind of like when you find your favorite coffee that you may never go back to other brews!

1. Conduct the Research

You will be devoting many hours to thoroughly research to write a thorough coffee shop business plan. Keep a detailed notebook of the research that you find and what date you found it. List the source information into your notebook whether it is from online, a periodical, or a textbook so that you can reference it again if needed.

So that you do not lose the information in your written notebook, be sure to have a typed-out file with this information. Save it to your chosen word processor on your computer, a couple of USBs, and even a copy of it on your Google Drive just to be sure that you have backup copies if some were to get lost.

Coffee Shop Industry Problems

What problems are occurring in the coffee shop industry that hasn’t been solved by any local or chain location yet? Keep a list of them in a special section of your notebook to keep track of your findings. Once you have come up with a list of 5-10 problems, choose the problem that you think your coffee shop could be able to solve the best.

Figure out your startup costs. Find out how long it will take to break even to earn back your startup costs before you can start making a profit on your coffee shop investment.

Project your:

  • Cost of goods sold per month for your best-selling coffee products and the profit on each of them.
  • Total yearly revenue.
  • Total yearly expenses for equipment, maintenance, bills, etcetera.
  • Profit for the first year after expenses.

How to Write a Business Plan for a Coffee Shop (A Detailed Guide)

Market Research

Look up articles to find the group of people who drink the most coffee throughout the country. More than likely, this will be true for your local area, too. Form your target market around not only the conclusions you draw from who drink the coffee, but also from the group that dominates your local area that is dedicated, coffee drinkers.

Refer to step 3 on how to conduct observations at small business coffee shops and national coffee chains to use as part of your market research.

2. Analyze the Local and National Coffee Industry

Analyzing the local and national coffee industry will help you to decide who will be your target market, how to market your coffee products, and what promotions you will spotlight once your coffee shop is open.

Researching these industries does not have to be limited to online search engine research and reading in periodicals, newspapers, and recent books about the industry from your local library. You can:

  • Speak with notable figures in the local and national industry for their input about the trends and reasoning for their outlook.
  • Watch videos on YouTube or other video streaming services that outline current jobs in the industry.
  • Read press releases from the top coffee chains in the country to see their views on the industry trends.

The Local Coffee Industry

Take your time to analyze the local coffee shop industry. While this may seem laborious, consider ordering at least a coffee and sitting at a local coffee shop that will be your future competition once your doors open. You may want to repeat this process for all the coffee shops that are within a 15-20 mile radius of the local area in which you want to open up your business.

Whenever you sit in a coffee shop and observe the activity, you should:

  • Have a copy of the menu pulled up on your laptop or a paper copy in front of you to familiarize yourself with the menu.
  • Listen out for what the customers order in the dine-in area. If the coffee shop has a drive-thru, it could be difficult to listen to these orders and the dine-in orders simultaneously. Just focus on dine-in orders for more appropriate results.
  • Write down everything you hear in each order.
  • At the end of your observation period, tally up any repeat orders. Observe for 1-2 hours for the best results. Note in your entry the time frame of your observation and the name of the coffee shop in which you observed.
  • Have a pen and pad (or a laptop connected to Wifi with a Word Processor or using Google Docs) to record your observations.
  • Repeat this process for the other coffee shops you visit.
  • Cross-reference any patterns you see amongst the coffee shops to see what items are ordered the most and at what times in which they are ordered the most.

To reduce the amount of work you have to do, you could have your co-owner observe one shop as you observe another one day. Be sure that you observe the coffee shop at different peak times of the day. For example, take one day to observe Jamie’s Java Junction from 7 am to 9 am (peak breakfast hours) and then take another day later that week to observe from 11 am to 1 pm (peak lunch hours). If the coffee shop is open during evening hours, consider an observation period of 5 pm to 7 pm for the dinner rush.

The National Coffee Industry

Do not forget to put aside some time to do observation hours at your local coffee shop chains, too. Not that you want your coffee shop to exactly be like Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts, but learn from the greats in the national industry, so you can take their practices and make them your own!

Follow the same process as described in the local industry section to observe what people are ordering in your local coffee shop chains. Frequent Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Tim Hortons, Dutch Bros. Coffee, Peet’s Coffee, and wherever else you can visit within a 15-20 mile radius of where you are going to place your coffee shop. Coffee shop chains will be considered your competition, too!

Besides observing coffee shop chains to analyze the national coffee industry, you can:

  • Interview the franchise manager of a national coffee chain for input about the industry.
  • Connect with national figures in the coffee shop industry on LinkedIn, so you can introduce yourself as a future coffee shop small business owner and discuss the industry together.
  • Look up coffee shop national statistics to include in your business plan.

3. Start Hosting Coffee Related Surveys on Social Media Groups

Take to social media and join groups that are for the local people in your area. You will have access to thousands of people that will be happy to share their input into surveys that share on these group pages.

How to Write a Business Plan for a Coffee Shop (A Detailed Guide)

Surveys can ask:

  • Do you prefer hot coffee or iced coffee?
  • What is your favorite type of coffee beverage?
  • How many cups of coffee do you drink per day?
  • What is your favorite brand of coffee? (list some notable name brands, they have an option for “other” where members can comment with a favorite brand that is not listed in the original brands you provided)
  • What type of coffee creamer do you use? (make this an open-ended question as there are many dairy and non-dairy creamers on the market that it would be annoying to try to cover them all in a listed multiple choice selection)
  • What meal do you drink the most coffee? (list breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • If you went to your local coffee shop, what would be your usual order (make this an open-ended question).

No matter what survey you decide to post on these Facebook groups, you will be collecting valuable market research that you can use in your business plan. For example, say that you got 1,000 responses to a survey about whether people answering preferred hot coffee or iced coffee. If 600 people said that they prefer hot coffee, that means that 60% of respondents in that survey say they prefer hot coffee. That means that 400 people (40%) of respondents prefer iced coffee.

Compare these local survey results to the national trends to see if it corroborates the local information. According to HuffPost , a little over half of Americans prefer hot coffee, which is close to the percentile that you achieved in your local survey.

4. Forecast Your First 3 Years’ Sales

Forecast the first 3 years of your coffee shop’ sales in the main forecast section of your business plan.

Make a revenue goal based on that of other coffee shop’s first-year successes and project a 3% to 5% every year afterward. Your first year’s expenses are going to be a bit higher than the second and third year’s expenses because you will be spending money on equipment and other supplies to get your coffee shop started. Be sure that you project your yearly revenue to be higher than those larger expenses the first year.

You can expect that your revenue will only be a little higher than your expenses for the first year because you are just starting. As you project your revenue for the next couple of years, increase it by 3% to 5% and state the reasoning being that you will increase your prices by this percentage range on your products as well.

You can refer to an example of a bar graph that shows revenue, expenses, and profit over 3 years for a fictitious coffee shop on B Plans in the Executive Summary section.

5. Write the Business Plan Section by Section

Now that you have conducted your research and analyzed the local and national coffee industry, it’s time to write the business plan section by section. Take your time on each section remembering to leave the executive summary to write last.

How to Write a Business Plan for a Coffee Shop (A Detailed Guide)

Executive Summary

  • Target Market
  • Competition
  • Your Competitive Edge
  • Your 3 Keys to Success
  • Marketing and Sales
  • Milestones & Metrics
  • Ownership & Structure
  • Management Team

Go here for a mini example of a written business plan in this format on B Plans.

While it is the first section of your coffee shop business plan, you will write this section last. That’s the rule of thumb for any written business plan. Write out the body and conclusion of your plan, and you will have all the information you need to write your executive summary.

You will summarize your information in the following order with these subheaders:

  • The Problem (Name of Your Coffee Shop) Wants to Solve
  • The Solution We Propose
  • Our Competition
  • Sales Forecasts and Expectations
  • Financing We Need

Describe Your Coffee Shop’s Opportunity

Outline the problem you see.

Take that problem that you chose from your list of 5-10 problems and describe it. How is this problem making it harder for people to enjoy coffee and how are customers overall affected?

State Your Solution

How will you solve this problem you chose for your coffee shop to rectify? Describe 3-5 steps you will take as you open your coffee shop to have that problem solved in your area.

Analyze Your Target Market

Figure out the demographics of the main group of people that will be interested in frequenting your coffee shop. Build a profile based on said demographics and then touch on how you will effectively market to them.

Recognize Your Competition and Outline Your Business’s Advantages

What local coffee shops are in your area? How many of them are there? How about national coffee chains? Name the chains that will also be your rivaling competition. End this section with your coffee shop’s niche and competitive advantage that will set you apart from your competition.

Touch on a Minimum of 3 Keys to Success

Share 3-5 keys to success that will constantly help you to stay in business for many years. It could be marketing-related, niche-related, or something else!

Company Overview

Discuss how you are the owner of the company and what business structure you chose for your company. If you have a co-owner, you will run as a Limited Liability Company (LLC). Since a coffee shop is a larger entity than other independently owned small businesses, consider affiliating as an LLC. Learn more about this business structure at sba.gov.

Touch on who will manage your coffee shop. You could have a Head Manager, Assistant Manager, and as many Baristas as you need to operate your coffee shop based on customer traffic and labor budget. Don’t forget to appoint Shift Leads that will act as one of the Managers should one of them not be present at the shop during business hours.

Check out our guide to profit margins HERE .

While we covered already how to forecast sales, you must include the following financial statements:

  • Balance sheet.
  • Income statement.
  • Net profit by month
  • Expenses by the month.
  • Revenue by the month.
  • Profit and loss statement.
  • Projected cash flow.

As for financing, discuss:

  • Crowdfunding
  • Donations from family and friends
  • Personal savings
  • How much from each resource you have collected so far.
  • How much money you still need to achieve your startup cost goal.
  • How much money you want to seek from a bank or creditor to satisfy the rest of said goal.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, there is no alternative to replace how valuable these observations play a role in your research. The best way to analyze the local industry is to observe the local coffee shops. You do not have to do it all day long, but doing the couple hours during peak operation hours as recommended will help give you a snapshot of what your specific local industry wants from your coffee shop.

People and organizations who help to fund your coffee shop want to see that you are thinking ahead into the future to make your business profitable. They want to see that you are projecting constant growth in profit for your coffee shop on a year-by-year basis.

To learn more on how to start your own coffee shop checkout my startup documents here

Please note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a legal expert to address your specific needs.

how to write a business plan for coffee shop

Hi! I’m Shawn Chun

My adventure in coffee began when I first launched my first coffee shop back in the early 2000s. I had to figure out so many things on my own and to make it worse within 2 years of opening two large corporate coffee chains moved in just blocks away from me!

As I saw smaller and even some larger coffee shops in the neighborhood slowly lose customers to these giant coffee chains and slowly close up shop, I knew that I had to start getting creative…or go out of business.

I (like you may be) knew the coffee industry well. I could make the best latte art around and the foam on my caps was the fluffiest you have ever seen. I even had the best state-of-the-art 2 group digital Nuova Simonelli machine money could buy. But I knew that these things alone would not be enough to lure customers away from the name brand established coffee shops.

Eventually, through lots of trial and error as well as perseverance and creativity I did find a way to not only survive but also thrive in the coffee/espresso industry even while those corporate coffee chains stayed put. During those years I learned to adapt and always faced new challenges. It was not always easy, however, in the end, I was the sole survivor independent coffee shop within a 10-mile radius of my location. Just two corporate coffee chains and I were left after that year. All told the corporate coffee chains took down over 15 small independent coffee shops and kiosks and I was the last one standing and thriving.

Along the years I meet others with the same passion for coffee and I quickly learned that it is not only “how good a barista is” that makes a coffee shop successful, but the business side of coffee as well.

Hence why I started this website you are on now. To provide the tools and resources for up and coming coffee shop owners to gain that vital insight and knowledge on how to start a coffee shop successfully.

Stick around, browse through my helpful blog and resources and enjoy your stay! With lots of LATTE LOVE!

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how to write a business plan for coffee shop

how to write a business plan for coffee shop

Latest Post

How to Write a Coffee Shop Business Plan

If your goal is to open a successful coffee shop , writing a business plan is a smart place to start. The idea of a business plan is overwhelming and even scary for MOST people – But it doesn’t have to be. To put it simply, the point of a business plan is to get the idea for your business off of the cocktail napkin into a more organized and thought out format. It forces you to ask yourself some tough questions, get organized and think things through before you spend the first dollar. The first phase of writing a coffee shop business plan is figuring out if your business concept is even remotely viable. Meaning, is there even a market for this? Then after some high level analysis of some key points of research, if it seems plausible, you move into the second phase which is compiling all the costs associated with launching the business. This will include things like rent, equipment, buildout, and so on. After you have figured out what it will cost to launch the business, you need to figure out how long it will take to get the your initial start-up investment back out of the business. Finally, you need to figure out what the next steps are for growing the business once it has become profitable. This is an essential document if you seek financing or outside investment in your coffee shop business. Again, it doesn’t have to be difficult, you just need to know what the lenders and investors are looking for. To write a coffee shop business plan just follow this step-by-step template. 

7 Essential Elements in a Coffee Shop Business Plan

1: executive summary.

The executive summary is the introduction to your business plan. It highlights the most essential elements of your plan in a clear, concise manner–it shouldn’t take more than two pages. Using positive language, this section may summarize your goals and objectives, a description of the gap you’re filling in the market, and your high-level business concept. You want the person reading this section to have enough information to feel optimistic about your idea and eager to dive deeper into the details. 

Even though this is the first section in your business plan, it might serve you to write it last. It needs to be refined and polished, as it can be the make-or-break section for potential stakeholders. You’ll be able to more effectively prioritize and bring to light the best parts of your business plan once you’ve written all of them out.

2: Company Summary

The company summary section of your coffee shop business plan features a nuts-and-bolts description of your company and explains the concept in depth, and what will make it disruptive and different from every other coffee shop. Include the following:

  • Proposed name of the coffee shop
  • Owners’ names 
  • Location (it may just be a city and state for now)
  • Mission and Vision
  • Company history (Any information that describes events that led up to the idea for the business)
  • Overall unique and differentiating concept (what sets it apart)

(Remember, anybody can have a great product or service. Meaning, anybody can start a coffee shop business and sell delicious coffee, pour beautiful latte art, and have an aesthetically pleasing interior design. At this point these factors are expected by consumers – They fall within the most basic consumer needs. Sadly, most coffee shop owners believe these are their major differentiating factors… Think about the last five coffee shops you’ve visited. They probably all offered around 95% the same user experience, menu, and messaging with slight twists on the aesthetics. You need to dig deeper. How will you set your business apart from all the rest? What will make your coffee business unique, disruptive, and special? Most importantly, how will you keep your coffee business fulfilling and relevant 2 years from now?)

3: Management Team Overview

The credibility of a new business always hinges upon the credibility of its management team. The goal of this section of your plan should be to impress upon the reader the trustworthiness and credibility of your team. Include information on the background and experience of each member, and highlight their main accomplishments in this (or related) businesses up to this point in their careers.

4: Product and Customer Targeting Strategy

Every coffee shop serves a slightly different group of people. Who are YOUR people? Men. Women. Anyone who drinks coffee? This would be way too general! You first need to know your unique selling proposition that sets you coffee shop apart. (It isn’t having great coffee! Everybody in the coffee business says they have great coffee.) You need a unique point of view where you can plant your flag in the ground to differentiate from other coffee businesses. Then you need to identify who specifically will align most with your concept, vision, and unique point of view. (YOUR people, also known as a target audience.) How will you reach your target audience? How will you influence their buying behaviors? What is your marketing budget? (For more information on identifying your ideal customer, read our post here. )

5. Store Design Ideas, Equipment Choices, and User Experience

In this section, describe not only the design choices and aesthetic of your cafe, but go into detail about your disruptive and unique user experience too. Make sure the environment and user experience directly tie into your business concept and the aspects that make it unique and disruptive. Think about how customers can interact with your environment, products, and staff differently than every other coffee shop. How will it stand out? (Here’s a tip. Don’t look for your inspiration inside the 4 walls of the specialty coffee industry. Dare to be different. We suggest looking for inspiration in unlikely and unrelated places.)

These are topics we discuss in great depth in our 3-Day Coffee Business Master Class and our How to Open a Coffee Shop Online Class , we also provide sample coffee shop floor plans, equipment lists, and guide students through creating coffee shop concepts with staying power. Check out our class schedule to learn more.

6: Proposed Location and Market Analysis

Successful coffee shop owners know that location is especially important in this business. One major point to consider is that it takes more than just finding a location near a major thoroughfare, business park, residential area or shopping center. You need to make sure the “soil is fertile” with YOUR specific target customers that will actually support your coffee shop business concept. Propose a handful of specific locations that are rich with your ideal customers. Also, do some research into factors such as market size, the area’s projected growth over the next 5, to 10 years, drive-by-traffic, and walk-by traffic. (For more information on finding the right location for your market, read our post here. )

7: Financial Plan

A successful business start up is one that is able to ramp up sales fairly quickly, with the goal of bringing in more revenue than it requires to keep the business running. In other words, it needs to be able to turn a profit. This is what your financial plan can help you determine. 

Sit down with a good spreadsheet software program and make educated but slightly conservative estimations on factors like:

  • Estimated number of transactions per day
  • Projected average $ transaction
  • Estimated gross sales per day, week, month, and year
  • Start-up budget based on your location’s estimated earning potential
  • Operating budget including fixed expenses and prime costs
  • Projected net profit after all expenses have come out
  • Return on start-up investment timeline
  • 5 Year growth strategy

This is one of the most critically important aspects of writing a coffee shop business plan. We teach our students a very detailed and easy to grasp process for how to project all of the above financial bullet points of the business plan and a lot more in our 3-Day Coffee Business Master Class and our How to Open a Coffee Shop Online Class . We also provide a coffee shop 5 year financial plan template and budgeting spreadsheets. Since we have helped so many students open successful coffee shops over the years, this is something we have a lot of hard data on – not just vague industry averages! If you need help writing your coffee shop business plan, we help!

Write your coffee shop business plan with expert guidance

For many entrepreneurs, writing a business plan is the first step in putting their ideas into motion. For comprehensive, step-by-step training to open, manage, or own a coffee shop, register for our Texas Coffee School classes in person and online.

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How To Write a Business Plan for Coffee Shop And Bookstore in 9 Steps: Checklist

By henry sheykin, resources on coffee shop and bookstore.

  • Financial Model
  • Business Plan
  • Value Proposition
  • One-Page Business Plan

Are you dreaming of opening your own coffee shop and bookstore? You're not alone! The coffee shop and bookstore industry in the US has been experiencing steady growth in recent years, with an annual growth rate of 5.5%. In fact, it is projected to reach a market value of $1.2 billion by 2025. With such promising prospects, it's important to have a solid business plan in place to ensure your success. In this blog post, we will walk you through the 9 essential steps to writing a business plan for your coffee shop and bookstore venture.

Before diving into the details, it's crucial to conduct thorough market research. By analyzing market trends and customer preferences, you can identify opportunities and potential challenges that may arise. Take the time to understand the demand for coffee and books in your target area, as well as the preferences of your target audience. This will help you tailor your offerings and create a unique and appealing concept.

Once you have a clear understanding of the market, it's time to identify your target audience. Who are your ideal customers? Are they students looking for a quiet study space? Bookworms searching for the latest bestseller? By defining your target audience, you can tailor your marketing efforts and provide a personalized experience that resonates with your customers.

Next, it's important to analyze the competition in your chosen location. Take note of other coffee shops and bookstores nearby, and determine what sets you apart. Whether it's a unique selection of books, specialty coffee offerings, or a cozy atmosphere, finding your competitive edge will help attract customers and set your business apart.

The location of your coffee shop and bookstore can make or break your business. Consider factors such as foot traffic, visibility, and accessibility when choosing a premises. Ideally, you want to be situated in an area with high foot traffic, such as a bustling downtown or near a college campus, to maximize visibility and attract potential customers.

Creating a concept and brand identity is a crucial step in establishing your coffee shop and bookstore. Your concept should reflect the atmosphere and experience you want to create for your customers. Think about the ambiance, décor, and overall vibe you want to convey. Your brand identity should align with your concept and resonate with your target audience.

Developing a financial plan is essential to ensure the financial success of your business. Consider all the costs involved in starting and operating your coffee shop and bookstore, such as rent, equipment, inventory, and staff salaries. A well-thought-out financial plan will help you determine your pricing strategy, break-even point, and projected revenue.

Setting pricing and menu options is a crucial step in determining your business's profitability. Consider factors such as ingredient costs, competitors' pricing, and your target audience's willingness to pay. Offering a variety of high-quality coffee drinks and snacks, as well as a carefully curated selection of books and reading materials, will appeal to a broader customer base.

Securing funding and/or investors may be necessary to turn your coffee shop and bookstore dream into a reality. Consider traditional financing options, such as bank loans, as well as alternative funding sources like crowdfunding or angel investors. A well-prepared business plan will significantly increase your chances of securing the necessary funds.

Finally, outline your marketing and promotional strategies to attract and retain customers. Consider both online and offline marketing channels, such as social media, email marketing, local partnerships, and community events. Don't forget to leverage your unique offerings, such as author readings, book clubs, and coffee tastings, to create a buzz and generate interest.

With these 9 steps, you'll be well on your way to writing a comprehensive and effective business plan for your coffee shop and bookstore. Remember, attention to detail and thorough planning are key to turning your business idea into a success.

Conduct Market Research

Market research is a crucial step in the process of starting a coffee shop and bookstore. It involves gathering and analyzing data about your target market, competitors, and industry trends. This information will help you make informed decisions and develop strategies to position your business for success.

When conducting market research for a coffee shop and bookstore, there are several important factors to consider:

  • Demographics: Begin by understanding the demographics of your target audience. Consider factors such as age, gender, income level, and interests. This information will help you tailor your offerings and marketing efforts to attract and retain customers.
  • Customer preferences: Gain insights into the preferences and behaviors of your target audience. This can be done through surveys, interviews, or observation. Find out what type of coffee drinks and snacks they prefer, the genres of books they enjoy, and the ambiance they seek in a coffee shop and bookstore.
  • Competitor analysis: Evaluate the existing coffee shops and bookstores in your area. Identify their strengths, weaknesses, and unique selling points. This knowledge will enable you to differentiate your business and offer something unique that appeals to customers.
  • Industry trends and forecasts: Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and changes in the coffee and bookstore industry. This could include emerging coffee brewing methods, popular book genres, or new technologies that enhance the customer experience. Keeping abreast of industry forecasts will also help you anticipate potential challenges and opportunities.

Tips for conducting market research:

  • Utilize online survey tools to collect data from a wide range of potential customers.
  • Visit other coffee shops and bookstores to observe customer behavior and gain inspiration for your own business.
  • Engage with local community members and book clubs to understand their preferences and potential interest in your coffee shop and bookstore.
  • Attend industry conferences and workshops to network with industry experts and learn about the latest industry trends.

Identify Target Audience

Identifying your target audience is a crucial step in creating a successful business plan for a coffee shop and bookstore. Understanding who your potential customers are will help you tailor your offerings and marketing strategies to meet their needs and preferences. Here are some important factors to consider when identifying your target audience:

  • Demographics: Start by considering demographic factors such as age, gender, income level, and education. These characteristics can help you determine who is most likely to be interested in your coffee shop and bookstore.
  • Interests and Behaviors: Think about the interests, hobbies, and behaviors that align with your business concept. Are you targeting book lovers, students, professionals, or a specific community? Understanding the motivations and preferences of your target audience will help you shape your offerings accordingly.
  • Location: Consider the location of your coffee shop and bookstore. Are you situated in a bustling urban area, a college campus, or a suburban neighborhood? The characteristics of the local community will influence the type of audience you attract.

Tips for Identifying your Target Audience:

  • Conduct surveys and interviews to gather feedback from potential customers.
  • Engage with online communities and forums related to coffee, books, and similar interests to better understand your target audience.
  • Study the demographics of the local area and use this information to refine your target audience.
  • Utilize social media platforms to gather insights and feedback from your target audience.

By identifying and understanding your target audience, you can develop marketing strategies that effectively reach and engage with them. This step is crucial for ensuring that your coffee shop and bookstore appeals to the right people and meets their expectations, resulting in customer satisfaction and business success.

Analyze Competition

When starting a coffee shop and bookstore, it is crucial to analyze the competition in your area. Understanding your competitors will give you valuable insights into their strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to position your business effectively in the market.

1. Research local coffee shops and bookstores: Begin by researching the existing coffee shops and bookstores in your target location. Look for businesses that offer a similar concept or target audience. Visit their establishments to get a feel for their atmosphere, menu items, and book selection.

2. Identify their unique selling points: Pay attention to the aspects that set your competitors apart from others. It could be their specialty coffees, a specific genre of books they focus on, or unique events and promotions they offer. Understanding their unique selling points will help you identify areas where you can differentiate your business.

3. Assess customer reviews and feedback: Take the time to read customer reviews and feedback for your competitors. This will provide valuable insights into their customers' experiences and satisfaction levels. Look for common complaints or compliments to understand what customers appreciate or dislike about their establishments.

Tips for Analyzing Competition:

  • Make note of pricing strategies: Pay attention to how your competitors price their coffee drinks and books to ensure you remain competitive in the market.
  • Explore their marketing strategies: Analyze how your competitors market their businesses. Look for effective strategies and consider how you can adapt them to suit your own brand.
  • Identify gaps in the market: Assess whether there are any gaps or unmet customer needs that your competitors have overlooked. This can present an opportunity for you to fill those gaps and attract a niche audience.
  • Stay updated: Continuously monitor and analyze your competitors' activities. Keep track of any changes they make to their menus, events, or branding to ensure you stay ahead of the competition.

Determine Location and Premises

Choosing the right location for your coffee shop and bookstore is crucial to its success. The location you select should provide visibility, accessibility, and convenience for your target audience. Here are some important factors to consider when determining the location and premises for your business:

  • Demographics: Research the demographics of the area to ensure that it aligns with your target audience. Consider factors such as age, income level, education level, and lifestyle preferences.
  • Foot Traffic: Look for a location with high foot traffic, such as busy shopping districts, office complexes, or near colleges and universities. This will help attract customers and increase the visibility of your business.
  • Complementary Businesses: Consider neighboring businesses that can generate cross-promotion and drive traffic to your coffee shop and bookstore. For example, being located near a yoga studio or a community center can attract customers interested in a holistic experience.
  • Accessibility: Ensure that the location is easily accessible by both pedestrians and vehicles. It should have ample parking facilities and be well-connected to public transportation options.
  • Size and Layout: Evaluate the space requirements for your coffee shop and bookstore. Consider the number of tables and chairs, bookshelves, coffee bar, and other amenities you plan to offer. Choose a premises that can accommodate the desired layout and provide a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
  • Lease or Purchase: Determine whether you want to lease or purchase the premises. Leasing may provide flexibility, especially if you are starting a new business, while purchasing may offer long-term stability and potential for property appreciation.

Tips for Choosing the Right Location:

  • Visit potential locations during different times of the day and week to assess foot traffic and customer flow.
  • Consider the competition in the area and assess the market saturation.
  • Research the local zoning regulations and permits required for operating a coffee shop and bookstore in that specific area.
  • Work with a commercial real estate agent who specializes in retail properties to help you find the ideal location.
  • Calculate the costs associated with the location, including rent, utilities, maintenance, and any renovations required.

Create A Concept And Brand Identity

Creating a strong concept and brand identity is crucial for the success of your coffee shop and bookstore. It helps differentiate your business from competitors and gives customers a clear understanding of what to expect when they visit.

Firstly, think about the type of atmosphere and experience you want to create for your customers. Do you envision a cozy and rustic environment or a more modern and minimalistic space? Consider factors such as the layout, furniture, lighting, and overall ambiance that align with your target audience and the concept of your business.

Next, develop a unique brand identity that reflects the values and essence of your coffee shop and bookstore. This includes choosing a memorable name, designing a visually appealing logo, and crafting a compelling brand story. Your brand identity should resonate with your target audience and effectively communicate the core values of your business.

Develop A Financial Plan

A strong financial plan is crucial for the success of any business, including a coffee shop and bookstore. It helps to ensure that your business is financially viable and sustainable in the long run. Here are some important steps to take to develop a comprehensive financial plan:

  • Calculate startup costs: Determine all the expenses involved in setting up your coffee shop and bookstore, such as lease deposits, equipment purchase, interior design, inventory, licenses, permits, and advertising. It's essential to have a clear understanding of your initial investment requirements.
  • Evaluate ongoing expenses: Consider the regular expenses you'll incur to keep your business running smoothly. This includes rent, utilities, employee wages, inventory restocking, marketing costs, insurance, and maintenance.
  • Estimate revenue: Predict your expected revenue based on factors such as daily average sales, customer traffic, and average purchase per customer. This estimation will help you analyze the financial feasibility of your business and set realistic goals.
  • Forecast cash flow: Create a cash flow forecast to track the money coming in and going out of your business. This will help you identify potential cash flow gaps and plan accordingly, ensuring you have enough funds to cover expenses during slower periods.
  • Identify funding options: Determine whether you'll fund your business through personal savings, loans, investors, or a combination of sources. Research different funding options and consider their terms, interest rates, and repayment schedules.
  • Set financial targets and milestones: Establish short-term and long-term financial goals for your coffee shop and bookstore. This will provide you with a clear direction and help you measure your business's financial progress.

Tips for Developing Your Financial Plan:

  • Consider consulting with a professional accountant or financial advisor to ensure accuracy and reliability in your financial projections.
  • Regularly review and update your financial plan as your business grows and market conditions change.
  • Include a contingency fund in your financial plan to prepare for unexpected expenses or emergencies.
  • Conduct thorough market research to gain insights into revenue potential and pricing strategies.
  • Consistently monitor your cash flow to maintain a healthy financial position.

Set Pricing And Menu Options

Setting the right pricing and menu options for your coffee shop and bookstore is crucial to attract customers, maximize revenue, and ensure profitability. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind:

  • Menu Variety: Offer a diverse range of coffee drinks, snacks, and food options to cater to different tastes and preferences. This could include specialty coffees, teas, pastries, sandwiches, and salads. Be sure to regularly update your menu to keep it fresh and exciting for your customers.
  • Pricing Strategy: It's important to strike the right balance between affordability and profitability. Research the pricing of similar establishments in your area to get an idea of the market rates. Consider factors such as ingredient costs, overhead expenses, and desired profit margins when determining your pricing.
  • Value Proposition: Differentiate your coffee shop and bookstore by offering unique value to your customers. This could be through exclusive menu items, organic or locally sourced ingredients, or personalized customer service. Highlight these unique selling points in your menu to attract customers.
  • Special Offers and Bundles: Consider offering special promotions, happy hour discounts, or meal bundles to incentivize customer visits and increase sales. This could include coffee and pastry combos, book and beverage packages, or discounted membership options for frequent customers.
  • Menu Presentation: Invest in visually appealing menu boards, signage, and descriptions that showcase your offerings and entice customers to try new items. Use quality photographs and creative descriptions to make your menu items more appealing.
  • Upselling Opportunities: Train your staff to effectively upsell menu items by recommending complementary drinks or snacks to enhance the customer's experience. This can help increase the average transaction value and overall revenue.

Tips for Setting Pricing and Menu Options:

  • Regularly evaluate the popularity and profitability of your menu items to make informed decisions about what to keep, update, or remove.
  • Consider offering seasonal menu items or limited-time promotions to create a sense of urgency and encourage repeat visits from customers.
  • Monitor customer feedback and preferences to understand their preferences and adjust your menu accordingly.
  • Regularly review and adjust your pricing strategy based on market trends, cost fluctuations, and customer demand.
  • Conduct regular benchmarking and competitor analysis to ensure your prices and menu options remain competitive in the market.

In conclusion, setting the right pricing and menu options requires careful consideration of menu variety, pricing strategy, value proposition, special offers, menu presentation, and upselling opportunities. By understanding your target audience's preferences and implementing effective pricing strategies, you can attract and retain customers while maximizing profitability.

Secure Funding And/Or Investors

Securing funding and/or finding investors is an essential step in turning your coffee shop and bookstore business plan into a reality. While it can be challenging, successful entrepreneurs understand the importance of seeking financial support to help cover startup costs and ensure the smooth functioning of the business.

Here are some important considerations when it comes to securing funding and/or investors:

  • Prepare a comprehensive business plan: A well-written and detailed business plan will not only serve as a roadmap for your coffee shop and bookstore but also demonstrate to potential investors that you are serious and organized. Include information on your target market, competition analysis, financial projections, marketing strategies, and more.
  • Identify suitable funding sources: Research different options for funding, such as loans, grants, or partnerships with investors. You may explore traditional lenders such as banks, credit unions, or small business administration programs. Consider reaching out to private investors or crowdfunding platforms that can connect you with individuals interested in supporting your venture.
  • Present a compelling pitch: When approaching potential investors, be prepared to present a persuasive pitch highlighting the unique aspects of your coffee shop and bookstore. Clearly outline the market opportunities, competitive advantage, and the potential return on investment. Practice your pitch to make sure it is clear, concise, and engaging.
  • Build relationships and network: Attend local business events, industry conferences, and entrepreneur meetups to connect with individuals who may be interested in investing in your coffee shop and bookstore. Networking can provide valuable opportunities to meet potential investors and gain insights from other business professionals.
  • Consider alternative funding options: In addition to traditional funding sources, think creatively about other means of raising capital. You may explore options like personal savings, borrowing from friends or family, or even utilizing platforms that facilitate peer-to-peer lending.
  • Prepare a well-researched financial forecast that highlights the expected return on investment for potential investors.
  • Create an engaging presentation or pitch deck to accompany your business plan when approaching investors.
  • Consider offering equity or profit-sharing opportunities to potential investors to make the proposition more enticing.
  • Utilize online resources and platforms that connect entrepreneurs with potential investors, such as angel investor networks or crowdfunding platforms.

Securing funding and finding investors for your coffee shop and bookstore may require persistence and perseverance, but with a well-prepared business plan and a compelling pitch, you increase your chances of attracting the financial support needed to bring your vision to life.

Outline Marketing And Promotional Strategies

Effective marketing and promotional strategies are crucial for the success of any business, especially for a coffee shop and bookstore. By effectively reaching your target audience and creating a buzz around your brand, you can attract more customers and build a loyal customer base. Here are some key steps to outline your marketing and promotional strategies:

  • Identify target audience: Before you start promoting your business, it's essential to identify your target audience. Are you targeting students, professionals, or families? Understanding your audience will help you tailor your marketing efforts to effectively reach and engage them.
  • Create a compelling brand story: Develop a brand story that reflects the unique concept and personality of your coffee shop and bookstore. Highlight what sets your business apart and what value you bring to customers. Use storytelling techniques to engage and captivate your target audience.
  • Establish an online presence: In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is vital. Create a professional website, set up social media accounts, and engage with your audience regularly. Be sure to showcase your products, events, and promotions to attract potential customers.
  • Leverage social media: Utilize popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to connect with your target audience. Share engaging content, such as book recommendations, coffee tips, and behind-the-scenes glimpses. Encourage user-generated content and interact with your followers to build a community around your brand.
  • Engage in local partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses and organizations to cross-promote each other. Partner with nearby schools, libraries, or community centers to offer special discounts or host joint events. This can help you reach a wider audience and strengthen your brand's presence within the local community.
  • Offer loyalty programs and incentives: Encourage repeat business by implementing a loyalty program, where customers can earn rewards for their purchases. Offer incentives, such as free coffee after a certain number of visits or exclusive discounts for loyalty club members. This will not only keep customers coming back but also generate word-of-mouth referrals.
  • Host regular events like book signings, coffee tastings, or open mic nights to attract new customers and encourage repeat visits.
  • Collaborate with local influencers or bloggers who align with your brand values to promote your coffee shop and bookstore on their platforms.
  • Utilize email marketing to keep your customers informed about new book releases, upcoming events, and exclusive offers.
  • Sponsor local community events or donate books to local schools or libraries to establish goodwill and gain exposure.

By outlining and implementing comprehensive marketing and promotional strategies, you can effectively reach your target audience, raise awareness about your coffee shop and bookstore, and generate the customer interest and loyalty necessary for long-term success.

Writing a business plan for a coffee shop and bookstore requires careful consideration and planning. By following the 9 steps outlined in this checklist, entrepreneurs can ensure they have covered all the necessary aspects to create a successful and thriving business. Conducting market research, identifying a target audience, analyzing competition, determining the ideal location, creating a unique concept and brand identity, developing a financial plan, setting pricing and menu options, securing funding or investors, and outlining effective marketing strategies are all crucial steps in the process. By following this checklist, aspiring coffee shop and bookstore owners can increase their chances of success in the competitive market.

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How to Write a Food and Beverage Business Plan + Sample Business Plan PDF

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Elon Glucklich

7 min. read

Updated February 17, 2024

Free Download: Sample Food and Beverage Business Plan Templates

The food and beverage sector is booming. Restaurant openings rose 10% in 2023 compared to 2022 — even higher than in pre-pandemic years.

From fine dining to food trucks, farmers to brewers, and wholesalers to coffee makers, there are opportunities across the food and beverage industry. 

But starting a business without covering the basics — your operations plan, marketing tactics, financial strategy, and more — carries huge risks. 

That’s why we recommend you write a business plan.

  • Why write a food and beverage business plan?

Writing a business plan is an easy first step that you can start for free. Plus, businesses that take time to plan are significantly more successful than those that don’t.

Many food and beverage establishments fail because of one of the following:

  • Poor inventory management
  • Underestimated expenses
  • High employee turnover
  • Misjudged the size of their market

Writing a business plan can help you:

  • Develop processes for managing inventory and logistics
  • Understand your cash flows and create a realistic expense budget
  • Budget for competitive employee pay that increases worker retention
  • Analyze your competition and determine how big your market is  

If you’re looking for funding from investors for your business, you’ll definitely need a business plan.

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  • How to write a food and beverage business plan

Many business plans follow a standard format and you can use it as a starting point when writing your own plan. Here’s what that includes:

Executive summary

  • Company summary and funding needs
  • Products and services
  • Marketing plan
  • Management team

Financial plan

For food and beverage companies, you must give extra attention to your market analysis, operations plan, and financial forecasts.

If you’re ready to start, download a free business plan template and fill it out as you read this article.

A sample business plan outline for a food and beverage business.

Every business plan should include an executive summary . It’s a brief outline summarizing the plan, no more than one or two pages.

We recommend that you write the executive summary last after fleshing out the details of your plan. 

Just summarize the vision for your business, describe your offerings and target market , and touch on your management team and financials. Don’t go into tons of detail — just provide a high-level sense of what you want your business to accomplish.

Opportunity: problem and solution

This section of your food and beverage business plan describes the opportunity you hope to capture.

Maybe you’re a farmer looking to diversify your revenue streams by distributing to grocery stores. Or a bar owner with high-end liquor that competitors in the market aren’t serving. 

Whatever your business is, describe the gap in the market and how you aim to fill it.

If you’re operating a more common type of business, like a restaurant , you can probably keep this section short. But it’s useful to document what makes your business unique and it will help focus your sales and marketing efforts later on.

Market analysis

In a field as crowded with competitors as the food and beverage space, a detailed market analysis is essential. 

Your focus should be on identifying the specific customer segments you aim to serve. 

Maybe you’re a butcher with connections to fresh livestock. Will you be more successful selling directly to consumers, or should you focus on selling to grocery stores and markets in your area?

Or, you’re opening  a diner. Should your menu focus on healthy meals or easy-to-make child-friendly options?

These are the types of questions that market research helps you answer. This section should detail the defining characteristics of your target market, including the demographics and preferences of your ideal customer and the size of the market you’re targeting. Market research questions specific to a food and beverage business could include:

  • Business location and characteristics
  • Area income
  • Local food and beverage preferences
  • Existing food and beverage options 

Elaborate on how your food and beverage offerings align with that target market ’s needs. Remember, you can’t please everyone, so focus on a specific group of people or type of person and build out from there.

Marketing and sales

For food and beverage businesses promotions are how you stand out and seize a share of your market.

The marketing and advertising chapter of your business plan is where you’ll detail your strategies for capturing the attention — and loyalty — of the customers you identified as your target market in the previous section.

With so many options for consumers in the food and beverage space, you’ll likely have to rely on multiple marketing channels , including::

  • Advertising on websites, television, and in relevant publications.
  • Content marketing — developing an engaging website and writing blog content that’s search engine optimized to drive traffic to your site.
  • Engaging with your customers on social media.
  • Offering discounts and customer loyalty programs.
  • Appearing at food and beverage industry trade shows and community events.

It doesn’t matter how delicious your recipes are, how fresh your crops are, or how innovative your cocktails are — if you don’t operate efficiently, your business probably won’t last long.

The operations strategy may be the most detailed section of your business plan, especially if you’re writing it for a bank loan or investment. This section describes how you will run your business day to day.

When writing the operations section, describe the following:

Physical space

Whether it’s a restaurant, a farm, or a food transportation business, describe the space you’re operating in, and all of the physical assets and equipment you’ll need to be successful. 

If it’s a sit-down restaurant, consider including a floorplan mockup in your appendix.

Supply chain 

List the suppliers and partners that get your product to customers. Think about the businesses you purchase ingredients from, the warehouses that goods are stored in, and the trucking companies that deliver your products to grocery stores. 

These are your supply chain partners. It’s crucial that you maintain good relationships with them.

Production processes

How long it takes to make your product, and what materials and equipment are required. Documenting how you produce your goods or services demonstrates that you understand the costs of making them. 

You may also uncover ways to produce them more quickly, or at a lesser cost.

Detail how you’ll handle matters of efficiency like order fulfillment, storage, shipping, and returns, as well as customer satisfaction. If you provide delivery services, document how you will handle the process of getting your product to customers’ homes or businesses.

List your staffing needs, training, and experience requirements for key staff. Also, document the management structure of your business. 

This helps ensure that important tasks you don’t have time to monitor are being done and that workers are being supervised.

Describe investments in payment processing systems, inventory management software, and other tools that support sales or operations in your business. Cataloging your technology systems will help you determine where it might make sense to invest in upgrades for efficiency.

Take some time to write a financial plan . Create detailed financial projections, including sales , expenses , and profitability .

If that sounds intimidating, take a deep breath, and remember that financial forecasts are really just best guesses. If you’re running an existing business, you can start with your previous year’s numbers. If you’re starting, make an educated guess about where you hope to be financially a year from now.

Investors will want to see a: 

  • Sales forecast
  • Income statement (also called a profit and loss statement )
  • Cash flow statement
  • Balance sheet 

If you use a tool like LivePlan , you’ll be able to build out your financial forecasts relatively quickly, even if you don’t have experience with business numbers.

Even if you aren’t seeking investment, the financial plan is crucial for understanding the viability of your business. It allows you to adjust your business model based on projected performance, and make informed decisions about where to spend your money.

  • Food and beverage business plan templates and examples

If you want to see how other food and beverage businesses have created their plans, check out our free library of food and beverage business plans . 

You can download all of them in Word format and jump-start your own business plan.

See why 1.2 million entrepreneurs have written their business plans with LivePlan

Content Author: Elon Glucklich

Elon is a marketing specialist at Palo Alto Software, working with consultants, accountants, business instructors and others who use LivePlan at scale. He has a bachelor's degree in journalism and an MBA from the University of Oregon.

Check out LivePlan

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how to write a business plan for coffee shop

How to Write a Coffee Shop Business Plan

Have you always dreamed of opening a coffee shop? Then you’ve come to the right place.

Starting a coffee shop business plan is the first step to success. If you’re planning on raising startup capital by pitching to investors , make sure your coffee shop business plan is ready because they will definitely ask to see it.

If you’ve never seen a coffee shop business plan before, here’s a sample you can use (along with the template below) to get you started. It covers all the basic elements of a proper business plan, including an executive summary, overview and description of a coffee shop business, marketplace information, marketing initiatives, business operations, and financial plans.

how to write a business plan for coffee shop

In this article, we provide a step-by-step approach on how to write a successful coffee shop business plan. We outline each section needed in a good plan, explain that section’s purpose, and provide an example you can use as a starting point.

6 things to consider before  writing your coffee shop business plan

Before you start actually writing your coffee shop business plan, there are a few things you want to nail down first that will save you time and make communicating your vision a lot easier.

Make sure you can answer each of the following questions:

1. How long should a coffee shop business plan be?

A business plan can be anywhere from a few sheets to hundreds of pages long, depending on the size of your proposed business.

For a relatively small business like a coffee shop it’s best to keep the plan as brief and succinct as possible. We recommend 30 pages or less – especially if you intend to submit it to financial lenders for debt or equity financing. They will be looking for solid research, analysis, and strategy written in a concise form.

2. Who’s going to read your coffee shop business plan?

Take into consideration the audience of your coffee shop business plan. Will you be approaching financial lenders or investors? Or is your plan specifically for you and your management team? Just like creating a marketing plan , you need to adjust your writing style and messaging to match the audience’s interest. Certain sections might need more emphasis over others depending on your primary audience.

3. Where will your coffee shop be located?

If you aren’t ready to choose an exact location for your coffee shop , you should at least know which neighbourhood you’re targeting. The location you choose will determine important elements of your coffee shop business plan, such as your competitive analysis and venue type.

4. What is your venue type?

It’s important that you have a clear idea or concept of the type of coffee shop you want to open . What you need to cover in your coffee shop business plan will depend on whether you’re opening a small intimate cafe, gourmet food stand, or craft microbrewery. These can all be considered coffee shops. Sometimes it’s helpful to create Pinterest boards to help you fully visualize your concept.

5. What are your business goals?

Do you have any ideas of what your short- and long-term business goals are for your coffee shop? Are you going to start with one location and then expand a year after launching? Do you want to start off smaller with a food stand and then, once you have enough sales, open a sister coffee shop in a different neighbourhood? Be as specific as you can when communicating your vision and the goals you’re aiming to achieve.

6. What are your credentials and experience?

Have you ever worked in the coffee shop industry? Do you have any certifications? Consider the skills and experience you have that would give your audience confidence that you’re the right person for the business.

If you’re confident you have the skills and experience, then it should show in the coffee shop business plan. But if you’ve never spent any time working in the foodservice industry, you may want to get some hands-on experience so that, at the very least, you know what you’re getting yourself into.

5 Tips for Writing a Coffee Shop Business Plan

So now you’re ready to start writing your coffee shop business plan. To make the writing process easier for you, here are five useful tips:

  • Collect relevant resources (in addition to this article) that will help you when writing. This can include how-to guides, research and trends, and sample business plans – real or imagined. You can use all of these as inspiration and include them in the appropriate sections of your business plan.
  • Write down as much as you can without filtering yourself in the first round. Once everything is out, you can then determine which parts are relevant to which part of your business plan.
  • Don’t let yourself get stuck on one section. If you get writer’s block, make a note and move on to the next section. You can revisit it later, once you have more information or clarity.
  • Use visuals such as graphics and images to clarify your message wherever appropriate. As you write your coffee shop business plan, pull images from any Pinterest boards you created while visualizing your venue and concept.
  • All good things take time. So will your coffee shop business plan. Don’t worry if it takes longer than what you were hoping for. As time passes and you continue to work on your plan, you’ll be able to fine-tune your message and express your thoughts in a cohesive and succinct way.

Coffee Shop Business Plan Template

1. table of contents.

Even for a small coffee shop, your business plan is going to be a long document. A table of contents makes it easier for someone to find specific sections as they read through your plan.

2. Executive Summary

While the executive summary should appear at the beginning of your business plan, it’s the last thing that should be written because it’s an overview of the full business plan. It’s the most important part of your business plan and should be no longer than one page. The purpose is to summarize the main points of the plan, which helps save your audience time. They can then review the sections that are of most interest to them if they want to learn more. Remember to keep this section concise yet inspiring.

3. Business Overview

This section should include a list of basic information about your business. Refer to our coffee shop business plan template to see what it should look like when it’s fully fleshed out.

Below are common details that should be included in your plan, especially if you’ll be seeking bank loans or pitching to investors:

  • Legal name of business
  • Trade name of business (doing business as)
  • Business address (or potential business address)
  • Nature of business
  • Structure of business
  • Date business was established
  • Current mailing address
  • Phone number
  • Banking details (branch and banker’s name)
  • Social media handles

4. Business Description

This section is where your coffee shop concept comes to life.

It’s time to describe your business in great detail: elements like what the concept is going to look like, where it will be located, and the kind of vibe or brand you’ll be creating. Your business description provides paint a clear picture of your vision and goals.

Here’s what to include in your business description:

Will your coffee business be a sole trader, partnership, limited liability partnership or limited liability company? What people will be involved and what are their roles? Will some wear multiple hats? Be concise – you’ll go into more detail about the team later on.

Your coffee shop concept is your big idea . Take the time to describe why your idea is unique and what differentiates you from other coffee shops. Why should coffee drinkers choose your shop over the one down the street or two blocks over? Also, consider what kind of experience you want to create for your customers. Having a restaurant is not just about what you serve to customers but how you serve the whole experience.

Mission statement

Your restaurant mission statement  is one sentence that describes what your coffee shop will achieve. Think of your end goal as the ultimate driving force behind your business. Your mission statement should be something that can be displayed on marketing materials, so keep it short and straight to the point. It needs to easily express to people what your business is about.

Short- and long-term goals

In this section, you’ll want to mention any relevant personal and/or business goals. Your short-term goals describe your first year as a coffee shop owner. Long-term goals involve bigger picture thinking. They are things like how to scale your business or expand into new markets. Be descriptive in this section, but also realistic (i.e. stay within the scope of your financial projections ).

Menu and services

Include a sample menu and discuss your concept in greater detail. If you’re going to offer catering, delivery, or any other services, also include details about complimentary parts of the business in this section. Describe anything else you’ll be selling, such as pre-packaged foods, canned or bottled drinks, or retail products.

You probably haven’t secured a location or negotiated a lease just yet. No problem. Instead of those details, mention the neighbourhoods you’re considering for your venue and why. Answer the following questions and consider the effects they will have on your business:

  • Attraction: Which features of the neighbourhood will affect your coffee shop?
  • Competition: What other coffee shops or related businesses are located in the area?
  • Demographics: What kinds of people live, work, or visit the neighbourhood?

Describe your concept with as much visual detail as possible. Communicate why these details are important and how they relate back to your brand. If you’re working with a design agency or interior designer, mention them in this section and include their visual proposals or mockups.

Business description summary

This section covers a lot, so briefly sum it all up at the end. The business description tends to be filled with a lot of necessary details, so a summary will help your audience understand the main points.

5. The Marketplace

For this section of the coffee shop business plan, you want to demonstrate that you have thoroughly analysed the target market and can prove there is a demand for your business.

A good way to gather intelligence is to do a competitor analysis . Visit your competition, document their menu items, marketing tactics, business practices, pricing, and brand positioning, then analyze your findings from a variety of different angles.

You can also ask people in your prospective neighbourhood about how businesses perform in that area. By gathering as much information as you can, your marketplace assessment will be realistic and paint a clearer picture of how your business can be successful.

The marketplace section is another lengthy part of the coffee shop business plan, that includes the following components:

Market segment

In this section, you should provide an overview of your target audience. Consider details like demographics, psychographics, and segments of your target market.

It’s time to put your target customers under the microscope, show how well you know them. What types of people will frequent your coffee shop and what similarities/differences do they share? Get qualitative and quantitative data, and reference external resources that provide statistics about your customer segments and any other relevant information. Note that each customer segment within your target demographic will most likely have specific needs.

Market Trends

Include relevant statistics about past and current trends within your targeted marketplace. Anything that relates to the demand for a coffee shop business, as well as social and economic factors that have affected similar businesses in the area. Also mention if you’ve conducted your own research or hired a third-party to conduct research on your behalf.

Competition

In this section, you’ll want to be specific about who you consider to be competition. You’ll have both direct and indirect competition within your chosen neighbourhood. Your direct competitors are the coffee shops that offer similar customer experiences and types of cuisine. Indirect competitors may be different from your coffee shop concept but still compete for your target market’s attention and spend.

Now that you’ve analysed the competition, you should be able to articulate what makes you stand out from the others. What does your coffee shop offer to your target audience that no one else currently provides? Why should someone choose your business over another?

Opportunities

Taking into account your competition and customers, you should see where the gaps lie between supply and demand. Use this knowledge to fine-tune your concept and provide a better option for customers. From the menu to opening hours, whatever your coffee shop can do better than everyone else should be highlighted in this section.

Now consider the flip side: what advantages do your competitors have over your business? What do they offer to the market that your coffee shop doesn’t? Provide rationale as to why your coffee shop faces these barriers and, most importantly, how you’ll tackle them once you’re officially open.

Marketplace summary

Time to sum it all up. Expect this section to be a long one, because you’ve got to summarise everything you’ve outline in regards to your marketplace. Highlight the pieces of information that will have the most impact on your audience, such as the demographics of your target market, advantages, and opportunities.

6. Marketing

You may be an amazing barista who can make a killer cappuccino, but without consistent customers and sales, your business isn’t going to last for very long. You need a marketing strategy to keep people coming through the doors.

In this section, we’ll provide an overview of what to include in your marketing strategy, which you can use later on as the framework for your full restaurant marketing plan .

Positioning

Describe how you’ll appeal to your target customers and stay top of mind. Use the differentiators you outlined in the marketplace section to guide your positioning strategy. What do you offer that your target customers can’t get anywhere else? How will you communicate these offerings?

Describe your pricing strategy and how it compares to competitors. The most common question small businesses owners have is, “How do you know what price to charge?”

Questions that will help you decide on a pricing strategy include:

  • What are your food costs? (the total amount spent on food and beverages)
  • What are your food portion costs? (the sum total of all ingredients in one menu item)
  • What is the market price of similar menu items? (i.e. your competitors)
  • How does your pricing compare to the market price?
  • How is your pricing competitive?
  • What kind of return on investment do you expect with this pricing strategy, and within what time period?

Once you’ve determined your pricing strategy, make sure it aligns with your financials. The prices you charge have to be competitive but still allow you to make a reasonable profit.

Online promotion

  • Social Media: If you plan on creating and maintaining social media accounts like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, explain how you’ll use them to promote your business and brand.
  • Website: Describe your website’s overall concept and how it aligns with your brand. Provide visuals of the main elements and design style. Also, mention if you plan to built the site in-house or pay for professional services.
  • Advertising: List all of your paid digital promotions such as review sites, email marketing, and social media ads, as well as any agencies you’ll work with to develop and execute your digital marketing initiatives.

Traditional promotion

Will you be hosting an event for coffee lovers? Running a free coffee for a month contest? What about mailing printed ads to tempt locals with photos of your pastries? It’s always a good practice to have a mix of promotional tactics, so if you plan on utilising traditional channels as well as digital, list all your planned traditional ones here.

Marketing summary

Again, here’s your opportunity to briefly summarise your overall marketing strategy and describe which channels you’ll be investing in the most. Emphasize why your marketing strategy is the best approach for both the type of coffee shop you’re opening and the neighbourhood.

7. Business Operations

You’ve described your vision, the marketplace, and how you plan to market your business. Now it’s time to outline how you’ll actually execute your plan. This means outlining who will operate the day-to-day of your coffee shop.

Describe the main business management categories relevant to your coffee shop and identify the core team members who are going to have responsibility for each category. Introduce everyone on your payroll, from your restaurant consultant to management team to star baristas. List everyone’s qualifications, skills, and responsibilities, placing emphasis on how each role will help you reach your business goals.

List your suppliers according to type. Include descriptions of how each supplier will serve your coffee shop’s needs , as well as their credit and payment terms. This will include everything from food to technology to takeout coffee cups – even landscaping, if you location needs it. Consider how these suppliers may fit into your overall brand, in terms of what quality they are and how they’re sourced.

Since your coffee shop needs insurance coverage , conduct research to determine what’s mandatory. From general liability to workers’ compensation, getting the right insurance will help you sleep at night knowing you’re covered if something goes wrong (a big knock on wood here). Be sure to check with local and national requirements because these requirement may vary. Also, compare quotes from insurance providers. List each type of insurance your coffee shop will need and include what’s covered.

Figuring out what licenses your coffee shop will need is similar to insurance requirements (though this list may be longer). Required licenses and permits can be everything from a business license to food handler permits to music licenses. Start your research as soon as possible by checking your local government office website. List all of the licenses and permits required for your coffee shop and staff in this section.

Business operations summary

Summarize the main points discussed in the Business Operations section. This should be fairly straight forward, as it’s more fact-based than other sections.

8. Financials

The financial plan is the most important section of your coffee shop business plan – especially if you need debt financing or are trying to pitch to investors. Your financial plan has to demonstrate your business’ potential for growth and profitability. To do this, you will need to document your forecast in four main parts:

  • Revenue (forecasted sales)
  • Controllable costs (food and beverage costs, cost of labour)
  • Expenses (rent, supplies, utilities, marketing, etc.)
  • Start-up costs (costs related to opening your coffee shop, such as capital improvements and training)

For new businesses, a good rule of thumb is to underestimate revenues and overestimate expenses – the age old “under promise, over deliver” strategy.

We’ve created a forecast within our coffee shop business sample plan to demonstrate what numbers need to be included. Once you understand the sample forecast, you can then create your own forecast sheets and add in your numbers to project how profitable you’ll be.

9. Coffee Shop Business Plan Summary

Your business plan summary needs to tie together the overall message you’re trying to communicate. Use this final section to highlight how your coffee shop is different from what’s currently available in the market. It’s an opportunity for you to reiterate the most important points about your business.

Make sure to include the following sections:

  • Why your business will be successful: In a few sentences, repeat how your coffee shop is different and why your business will work.
  • What you need to be successful: If you’re asking for funding, repeat that ask here.
  • A thank you note: Thank your audience for reading your coffee shop business plan and remind them that you value their time and feedback.

If you’re thinking about opening a coffee shop then creating a business plan needs to be at the top of your priority list. Remember: you’re building a foundation for success. This includes saving money – because you’ll have your financials organized – and being able to actually get funding from banks and investors.

It’s a lot of work, yes. But keep in mind that you’re working toward making your dream a reality. Any time you can put in now, and we highly recommend additional research wherever possible, will benefit you on the other side – from the first cup to that last drop.

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VIDEO

  1. How To EASILY Write A Coffee Shop Business Plan [Step-by-Step]

  2. How to Write a Coffee Shop Business Plan Presentation

  3. How to Start a Coffee Shop Business

  4. How to write a Coffee Shop Business Plan by Paul Borosky, MBA.

  5. How to Write a Coffee Shop Business Plan [Executive Summary] (pt. 1/2)

  6. How to Write a Coffee Shop Business Plan [Mission Statement] #1

COMMENTS

  1. How To Write a Coffee Shop Business Plan & Executive Summary

    Start with your executive summary - a short and high-level overview of each section in your coffee house business plan. In any business plan sample for a coffee shop, you'll see that this is the first section because it gives readers crucial information about your business before you dive into details.

  2. How to Write a Coffee Shop Business Plan (with Templates)

    1. Clear Vision and Objectives When you set up your coffee shop, having a business plan establishes a clear vision and defines your objectives. It is the backbone that steers every decision you'll make. Without a clear outline, you may find yourself swaying from one idea to the next.

  3. How to write a coffee shop business plan

    Nirit Braun Oct 30, 2023 12 min read A coffee shop business plan is a detailed and strategic document outlining the essential aspects of starting and operating a coffee-focused business.

  4. How to Write a Coffee Shop Business Plan + Free Sample Plan

    8 min. read Updated February 7, 2024 Free Download: Sample Coffee Shop Business Plan Wake up and smell the business potential! In the US, 72% of adults reported drinking coffee in 2022. Globally, coffee consumption rose to 175.6 million bags of coffee from 2021 to 2022 - that's up 4.2%.

  5. How to Write a Coffee Shop Business Plan

    How to Write a Coffee Shop Business Plan in 2024 (Free Template) | On the Line | Toast POS By clicking any of the above links, you will be leaving Toast's website. Read this next Operations How to Open a Coffee Shop: Starting a Coffee Shop Business Steps Thinking of opening a coffee shop? Here's a checklist and the average cost to start a cafe.

  6. How to write a coffee shop business plan

    Below is a sample cover page for a simple coffee shop business plan.¹ BUSINESS PLAN (Business Logo) Always Book a Coffee Adams Boulevard (321) 647 - 7168 Email: [email protected] Presented to: (Name) Company or Financial Institution < 1. Introduction 1.1 Executive Summary 1.2 Background of the Business 1.3 Significance

  7. How to Write a Business Plan for Opening a Cafe

    Section 1: The executive summary Section 2: How will your cafe business succeed? Section 3: Study your competition Section 4: Analyze your target market Section 5: Tell us what you'll sell and how you'll sell it Section 6: Create a marketing plan Section 7: Ownership structure Section 8: Your operations plan Section 9: Financial planning

  8. The Ultimate Coffee Shop Business Plan and Template

    Table of Contents 1 Why Write a Coffee Shop Business Plan? 2 Coffee Shop Business Plan Template 2.1 Executive Summary 2.2 Company Overview 2.3 Market and Customer Analysis 2.4 Sales and Marketing Plan 2.5 Management Team 2.6 Financial Plan 3 Wrapping Up Why Write a Coffee Shop Business Plan? The basic idea behind a coffee shop is simple.

  9. Coffee Shop Business Plan (How to Write & Template)

    Step 1: Gather the Necessary Information Before you begin writing your coffee shop business plan, gather the following crucial information to lay a strong foundation: Define your target market for the coffee shop. Identify your unique selling proposition (USP) that sets your coffee house apart.

  10. How To Write Your Coffee Shop Business Plan

    Property managers Partners You (The owner) Benefits of Putting Together a Plan Business plans can effectively bring your thoughts and ideas in sync with your vision, budget, and other elements.

  11. How to Write a Coffee Shop Business Plan + Free Template

    Key Takeaways Craft a compelling executive summary for your coffee shop business plan. Add key details regarding financials, marketing, business objectives, and operations to help investors evaluate your business idea.

  12. Successful Coffee Shop Business Plan

    Going Beyond the Coffee Shop Business Plan. Greg's book became the foundation for our 7 Steps to Coffee Shop Startup Success process which has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs open and run successful coffee shops. We provide all the support you need to open a coffee shop - without expensive franchise fees or royalties.

  13. How To Start A Coffee Shop (2024 Guide)

    Having a business plan is important. It's similar to a map, helping you get from point A to point B.It's also essential if you are seeking a loan or investment. You want your lender to see what...

  14. How To Write a Coffee Shop Business Plan: Step by Step

    Why Sling? Templates & Guides Want to open a coffee shop of your very own? Give it the best chance for success by writing a coffee shop business plan. But, what exactly is a business plan, why do you need one, and what's the best way to make such a plan?

  15. How to Write a Simple Coffee Shop Business Plan

    1. Physical space. The location of your coffee shop will be crucial to its success. As a new business, you want to find a location that has a decent amount of foot traffic and visibility from the street — otherwise, you'll need to invest significantly more money in advertising and signage to attract customers.

  16. Sample Coffee Shop Business Plan

    The coffee shop business plan sample below will give you an idea of what one should look like. It is not as comprehensive and successful in raising capital for your coffee shop as Growthink's Ultimate Coffee Shop Business Plan Template, but it can help you write a coffee shop business plan of your own. Example - BeanBrews Corner

  17. Coffee Shop Business Plan Example

    Explore a real-world coffee shop business plan example and download a free template with this information to start writing your own business plan. Don't bother with copy and paste. Get this complete sample business plan as a free text document. Download for free.

  18. Coffee Shop Business Plan PDF Example

    Business Overview. For a Coffee Shop, the Business Overview section can be neatly divided into 2 main slides: Coffee Shop & Location. Talk about your coffee shop's look and feel, highlighting cozy seats and nice lighting that make it welcoming. Mention its location, noting how easy it is to get there, like being close to shops or having easy ...

  19. How to Write a Coffee shop Business Plan

    Section 1: Executive Summary Welcome to the first section of our coffee shop business plan: the Executive Summary! This is where you'll provide a high-level overview of your entire business plan. It's like the sneak peek that grabs investors' attention and convinces them to keep reading!

  20. How To Create A Coffee Shop Business Plan: Step By Step

    Step 1: Brainstorming And Market Research Step 2: Opportunity Section Identifying Problems And Solutions Target Market Competition Step 3: Execution Plan Marketing Plan Operations Step 4: Company And Management Summary Team Overview Company Overview Step 5: Financial Planning Sales Forecast Personnel Plan Profit And Loss Statement Balance Sheet

  21. How to Write a Business Plan for a Coffee Shop (A Detailed Guide)

    1. Conduct the Research Coffee Shop Industry Problems Financials Market Research 2. Analyze the Local and National Coffee Industry The Local Coffee Industry The National Coffee Industry 3. Start Hosting Coffee Related Surveys on Social Media Groups 4. Forecast Your First 3 Years' Sales 5. Write the Business Plan Section by Section Executive Summary

  22. How to Write a Coffee Shop Business Plan

    2: Company Summary. The company summary section of your coffee shop business plan features a nuts-and-bolts description of your company and explains the concept in depth, and what will make it disruptive and different from every other coffee shop. Include the following: Proposed name of the coffee shop. Owners' names.

  23. Craft a Winning Coffee Shop & Bookstore Business Plan in 9 Steps

    1. Research local coffee shops and bookstores: Begin by researching the existing coffee shops and bookstores in your target location. Look for businesses that offer a similar concept or target audience. Visit their establishments to get a feel for their atmosphere, menu items, and book selection. 2.

  24. How to Write a Food and Beverage Business Plan + Sample Business Plan

    The food and beverage sector is booming. Restaurant openings rose 10% in 2023 compared to 2022 — even higher than in pre-pandemic years.. From fine dining to food trucks, farmers to brewers, and wholesalers to coffee makers, there are opportunities across the food and beverage industry.

  25. Coffee Shop Business Plan: Templates, Tips and Tools

    1. How long should a coffee shop business plan be? A business plan can be anywhere from a few sheets to hundreds of pages long, depending on the size of your proposed business. For a relatively small business like a coffee shop it's best to keep the plan as brief and succinct as possible.