appendix for coffee shop business plan

Coffee Shop Business Plan Template

If you want to start a Coffee Shop or expand your current Coffee Shop, you need a business plan.

The following Coffee Shop business plan template gives you the key elements to include in a winning Coffee Shop business plan.

You can download our Coffee Shop business plan template (including a full, customizable financial model) to your computer here.

Coffee Shop Business Plan Sample

I. executive summary, business overview.

[Company Name], located at [insert location here] is a new, hip coffee shop focusing on providing a variety of high-quality coffee drinks and teas, locally-made pastries, and snacks. Our product line fits nicely for those who seek a snack and drink to take to go or to sit in our seating area.

Services [Company Name] will offer a wide range of coffees and coffee drinks, teas, and a selection of food items. A small seating area will allow social meetings within the coffee shop. Several products on the menu will be highlighted as being our specialties, using recipes developed by the coffee shop’s founders.

Customer Focus [Company Name] will primarily serve the residents who live within a 2-mile radius of our coffee shop and workers within a quarter mile radius. The demographics of these customers are as follows:

• 27,827 residents
• 1,750 workers (who do not live the neighborhood)
• Average income of $54,700
• 38.9% married
• 49.6% in Management/Professional occupations
• Median age: 34 years

Management Team [Company Name]is led by [Founder’s Name] who has been in the food service business for 20 years. While [Founder] has never run a coffee shop himself, he has waited at area restaurants for 5 years, been a cook for 5 years, and taught cooking classes at the local culinary institute for 5 years. As such [Founder] has an in-depth knowledge of the food service business including the operations side (e.g., running day-to-day operations) and the business management side (e.g., staffing, marketing, etc.).

Success Factors

[Company Name] is uniquely qualified to succeed due to the following reasons:

• There is currently no hip coffee shop targeting the younger demographic in the community we are entering. In addition, we have surveyed the local population and received extremely positive feedback saying that they explicitly want to frequent our business when launched.
• Our location is in a high-volume area with little direct traffic, and will thus be highly convenient to significant numbers of passersby each day.
• The management team has a track record of success in the restaurant business.
• The coffee shop business is a proven business and has succeeded in communities throughout the United States.
• Market trends such as the growth in coffee as an American drink spearheaded by Starbucks support our business opportunity.

Financial Highlights

[Company Name] is currently seeking $360,000 to launch. Specifically, these funds will be used as follows:

• Coffee shop design/build: $180,000
• Working capital: $180,000 to pay for marketing, salaries, and land costs until [Company Name] reaches break-even.

II. Company Overview

Who is [company name].

[Company Name] located at [insert location here] is a new, hip coffee shop focusing on providing a variety of high-quality coffee drinks and teas, locally-made pastries, and snacks. Our product line fits nicely for those who seek a snack and drink to take to go or to sit in our seating area.

[Company Name] was founded by [Founder’s Name]. While [Founder’s Name] has been in the food service business for some time, it was in [month, date] that he decided to launch [Company Name]. Specifically, during this time, [Founder] took a trip to Fort Lauderdale, FL. During his trip, [Founder’s Name] frequented an independently-owned coffee shop that enjoyed tremendous success, even in the neighborhood of a Starbucks. After several discussions with the owner of the restaurant, [Founder’s Name] clearly understood that a similar business would enjoy significant success in his hometown.

Specifically the customer demographics and competitive situations in the Fort Lauderdale location and in [insert location here] were so similar that he knew it would work. Furthermore, after surveying the local population, this theory was proven.

[Company Name]’s History

Upon returning from Fort Lauderdale, surveying the local customer base, and finding a potential retail location, [Founder’s Name] incorporated [Company Name] as an S-Corporation on [date of incorporation].

[Founder’s Name] has selected three initial locations and is currently undergoing due diligence on each property and the local market to assess which will be the most desirable location for the coffee shop.

Since incorporation, the company has achieved the following milestones:

• Developed the company’s name, logo and website located at www…
• Created the menu
• Determined equipment and inventory requirements
• Began building relationships with coffee, tea, and pastry suppliers to the local region

[Company Name]’s Services

Below is [Company Name]’s initial menu. As you can see all items are classified under the following five main categories: 1. Coffee & Espresso 2. Tea 3. Pastries

III. Industry Analysis

[Company Name]directly or indirectly competes with all foodservice providers nearby our coffee shop that offer similar dining experiences. Competition will come from supermarkets, restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries and other retail establishments. Direct competition will come from companies offering brewed coffee and grab n’ go food products similar to [Company Name].

Industry Statistics & Trends

The following industry size facts and statistics bode well for [Company Name].

• According to CoffeeResearch.org, there are over 108 million coffee consumers in the United States who spend an average of $164.71 per year on coffee.
• 54% of the adult population in the United States drinks coffee daily.
• An additional 25% of Americans drink coffee occasionally, but not daily. This represents a $9.2 billion retail industry.
• Among coffee drinkers, coffee consumption in the US is 3.1 cups of coffee per day
• Men drink 1.9 cups per day on average and women drink 1.4 cups per day on average
• 17% of adult U.S. population consumes a gourmet beverage on a daily basis
• Consumption of iced coffee has risen significantly in recent years
• 61% of coffee drinkers believe coffee improves their mental acuity

IV. Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

[Company Name]will serve the residents of [company location] and the immediately surrounding areas as well as those who work in [company location].

The area residents and workers we serve are affluent and hard-working and are expected to drink coffee more often and regularly than the national averages.

The precise demographics of the town in which our retail location resides is as follows:

Customer Segmentation

We will primarily target the following three customer segments:

• Couples: The restaurant will attract couples looking for a spot to meet between and before meal times.
• Local workers: Approximately 1,750 individuals work in offices or stores within a quarter mile of our location, and we expect a fair portion of these individuals to frequent us before starting in the morning, on lunch breaks, and after leaving work.
• Shoppers: Due to our location on a traditional main street, visiting shoppers from the town and beyond will visit when they tire from walking or are in need of a snack while window shopping.

V. Competitive Analysis

Direct & indirect competitors.

The following coffee shops are located within a 2-mile radius of [Company Name], thus providing either direct or indirect competition:

Joe’s Coffee Shop

Joe’s Coffee Shop is described by local press reviews as “a working man’s coffee shop” and has been in business for 32 years. Joe’s offers basic options for coffee and drinks, as well as sandwich options.

Joe’s offers lunch which encourages those on a meal break or taking a meal for the day at work, but has limited beverage options. Joe’s is also located on the outskirts of town and caters primarily to commuters who enter the town for work. It is not characterized as a sit-down establishment, with a focus on to-go service from the counter.

Old Time Organic Café

Old Time Organic Café has been in business for 5 years. It offers a variety of baked goods, organic teas and coffees, and sandwiches served to-go.

While Old Time Organics’ food is entirely organic, they have a very limited selection of items. The location only has four sit down tables and is thus targeting to-go customers that are either stopping for a quick breakfast or picking up baked goods and coffee for work.

Starbucks opened a location in the shopping district of [Company location] one year ago. Starbucks has been successful, especially with visitors from out-of-town, but is also victim of a backlash. There was a high level of controversy when it moved to town, with a large and vocal group of townspeople condemning it moving into town.

[Company Name] has several advantages over Starbucks including:

• Starbucks does not offer as extensive a rotating menu of flavored coffees
• Starbucks’ specialty coffees will not be as high quality as [Company Name]’s house blends
• Starbucks is avoided by a growing number of townspeople who hate the idea of chain establishments moving into their town.

We expect that Starbucks will continue to thrive based on its location and excitement about a recognizable chain among some townspeople and most visitors. However, we expect that more and more customers will frequent [Company Name] based on the high-quality ingredients we use, product selection, and the fact that we are independently owned and operated.

Competitive Advantage

[Company Name] enjoys several advantages over other coffee shops. These advantages include:

• High Quality Ingredients: [Company Name] will work with the best local suppliers for its coffees, teas, and pastries, and take special care to create and market test its own house blends which will be appreciated by gourmet coffee drinkers.
• Management: Our management team has years of business and marketing experience that allows us to market and serve customers in a much more sophisticated manner than our competitors.
• Relationships: Having lived in the community for 25 years, [Founder’s Name] knows all the local leaders, newspapers and other influencers, including the local leaders who fought the Starbucks opening two years ago. As such, it will be relatively easy for us to build branding and awareness of our coffee shop.

VI. Marketing Plan

The Marketing Plan describes the type of brand [Company Name] seeks to create and the Company’s planned promotions and pricing strategies.

The [Company Name] Brand

The [Company Name] brand will focus on the Company’s unique value proposition:

• Offering high-quality beverage and food items including coffee, teas, iced drinks, pastries, and more
• Offering a unique and wonderful house coffee blend
• Offering a convenient location that offers both eat-in or take-out options
• Providing excellent customer service

Promotions Strategy

[Company Name] expects its target market to be individuals working within a quarter mile radius and living within a 2-mile radius of its café. The Company’s promotions strategy to reach these individuals includes:

Direct Mail

[Company Name] will blanket neighborhoods surrounding its locations with direct mail pieces. These pieces will provide general information on [Company Name], offer discounts and/or provide other inducements for people to frequent the restaurant.

Public Relations

We will contact all local and area newspapers and television stations and send them a press release describing the opening and unique value proposition of [Company Name].

Advertising

[Company Name] will initially advertise in local newspapers and sponsor community events in order to gain awareness.

[Company Name] employees will initially give free coffee samples to passersby to enable them to taste the quality of our house blend and learn about us.

Ongoing Customer Communications

[Company Name] will maintain a website and publish a monthly email newsletter to tell customers about new events, products, and more.

Pre-Opening Events

Before opening the restaurant, [Company Name] will organize pre-opening events designed for prospective customers, local merchants and press contacts. These events will create buzz and awareness for [Company Name] in the area.

Pricing Strategy

[Company Name]pricing will be moderate, so customers feel they receive great value when patronizing the restaurant. Pricing will be higher than Joe’s Coffee Shop, and on par with Starbucks and Old Time Organics Café.

VII. Operations Plan

Functional roles.

In order to execute on [Company Name]’s business model, the Company needs to perform many functions including the following:

Administrative Functions

• General & administrative functions including legal, marketing, bookkeeping, etc.
• Sourcing and storing ingredients
• Hiring and training staff

Kitchen Functions

• Food preparation
• Coffee brewing and blending

Retail Functions

• Order taking and fulfillment (for take-out and eat-in)
• Customer service
• Janitor/maintenance personnel to keep the coffee shop clean

[Company Name] expects to achieve the following milestones in the following [] months:

VIII. Management Team

Management team members.

[Company Name]is led by [Founder’s Name] who has been in the foodservice business for 20 years.

While [Founder] has never run a coffee shop himself, he has taught cooking classes as the local culinary institute for 5 years. Two courses that he taught included:

• This course was designed to give students an overall understanding of basic dishes that could be cooked for everyday healthy home-style meals
• This course was designed to give students an overall understanding of how to grind and blend coffee beans to create distinctive flavors

[Founder] has also worked part-time at restaurants throughout the region. Specifically, he has worked for Gianna’s Pâtisserie and Mike’s Place, where he was responsible for overseeing kitchen quality.

[Founder] graduated from the University of ABC where he majored in Communications and from the local culinary institute with a certificate in foodservice management.

Hiring Plan

[Founder] will serve as the coffee shop manager. In order to launch the coffee shop, we need to hire the following personnel:

• Wait staff (3 full-time equivalents to start)
• Busboy (1 to start)
• Part-Time Bookkeeper (will manage accounts payable, create statements, and execute other administrative functions)

IX. Financial Plan

Revenue and cost drivers.

[Company Name]’s revenues will come from the sale of drinks and food to its customers.

The Company will have eat-in and takeout systems to cater to a broad spectrum of customers in its target market.

The major costs for the company will be food and drink supply costs, salaries of the staff, and rent for a small, but prime location. In the initial years, the company’s marketing spend will be high, as it establishes itself in the market.

Capital Requirements and Use of Funds

[Company Name] is seeking a total funding of $360,000 to launch its coffee shop. The capital will be used for funding capital expenditures, manpower costs, marketing expenses and working capital.

Specifically, these funds will be used as follows:

• Coffee shop design/build: approximately $180,000
• Working capital: approximately $180,000 to pay for Marketing, salaries, and lease costs until [Company Name] reaches break-even

Key Assumptions & Forecasts

Below please find the key assumptions that went into the financial forecast and a summary of the financial projections over the next five years. Please see the Appendix for more detailed financial forecasting information.

5 Year Annual Income Statement

5 Year Annual Balance Sheet

5 Year Annual Cash Flow Statement

Coffee Shop Business Plan FAQs

What is a coffee shop business plan.

A coffee shop business plan is a document that outlines the goals and objectives of a coffee shop business. It details the specifics of the proposed venture, including financial projections, marketing strategies, operations plans, and more. A comprehensive coffee shop business plan sets out clear goals for the success of the business and provides an overview of how to reach those goals.

Do I need a coffee shop business plan?

Yes, if you are planning to open a coffee shop, it is essential to have a business plan. A well-crafted coffee shop business plan can help you get investors and secure bank loans. It will also enable you to forecast and track your progress as your business grows.

What should be in a coffee shop business plan?

A coffee shop business plan should include key components such as an executive summary, market analysis, competitive analysis, operations and management plan, financial projections, and target customer profile.

A coffee shop business plan template is a great tool to help you quickly and easily get started and launch a successful coffee shop business.

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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. (Consider using a coffee shop name generator for more ideas).
• 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)

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

Related Coffee Shop Resources

• How to start a coffee shop with no money
• How much do coffee shop owners make
• Coffee shop names
• Coffee shop name generator

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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Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">, opportunity.

Every day, millions of Americans stop for an espresso-based coffee drink. People who would not have dreamed of spending more than 50 cents for a cup of coffee a few years ago now gladly pay $3 to $5 for their cappuccino, mocha latte or vanilla ice blended drink.

The specialty-coffee business is growing at a healthy pace. During the past 20 years, there has not been a single year, despite war and recession, in which specialty coffee sales have not grown. In many years the increase has been in double digits. In addition, no coffeehouse chains have failed during this time, although the list of casualties in other industries is quite long.

A niche exists that has yet to be filled for a high-volume, upscale, quality-driven coffeehouse with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Dark Roast Java meets this need and fills this niche. We offer high-quality products in an upscale environment. Furthermore, our high-profile location in Pleasantville provides a mixed customer base that will maintain high levels of business in every season, at all times of the day, every day of the week.

Despite economic downturns in recent years the specialty coffee business has been a bright spot. While literally hundreds of businesses in many categories are facing poor sales, negative balance sheets and even bankruptcy, coffee chains continue to show strong growth.

It’s clear that America’s love for good coffee continues during good times and bad.

Pleasantville:  The Perfect Launch Market By launching Dark Roast Java in the Pleasantville market we maximize our potential for success due to several factors:

• The highly affluent local population
• Year-round tourist activity
• Ever-changing upscale student population
• Excellent auto and pedestrian traffic by our location
• Low media costs
• High number of local special events
• Prime site location

Dark Roast Java is located at what is arguably one of the best locations for a coffeehouse in Pleasantville—in the heart of the tourist and business district, adjacent to fine dining and shopping, next to the historic Egyptian Theatre and just steps from the busiest intersection in town.

Dark Roast Java Coffee has all the ingredients necessary for immediate success.

Competition

The specialty retail coffee business as we know it today began in 1982 after Howard Schultz purchased the Starbucks name and began the expansion of the modern Starbucks chain. Prior to his transformation of the business, Starbucks sold only whole bean coffee.

Coffeehouses in America have existed since the 1600’s, and the coffeehouse concept is more than 400 years old. In the United States, even as recently as the 1970’s, coffeehouses have been primarily independent businesses, typically with an eclectic Bohemian style.

Our goal is to be the coffeehouse of choice for the local Pleasantville community, downtown business workers, tourists who visit the city, and students, by providing a higher quality experience than any competitor. As a result, we intend to create coffeehouses that quickly achieve profitability and sustain an attractive rate of return (20% or more annually) for our investors.

We also want to make our contribution to the welfare of the local community by supporting charitable and civic activities. We will support the farmers who grow our coffee by using Fair Trade, Sustainable Production and Organic products whenever possible.

Dark Roast Java also awards its business to as many local suppliers as possible, keeping the business in the community or, at the least, in the state.

Expectations

The company anticipates rapid acceptance of the Dark Roast Java concept in Pleasantville, with revenues of $750,000+ in the first fiscal year, rising to more than $1,000,000+ in year three. We will be able to start giving investors dividends by year 4

Financial Highlights by Year

Financing needed.

We will get investors to put in $250,000 to get us up and  running.

Problem & Solution

Problem worth solving.

Thanks primarily to Starbucks, within the past 20 years the coffeehouse has become a familiar feature of American life. Every day, millions of Americans stop for an espresso-based coffee drink. People who would not have dreamed of spending more than 50 cents for a cup of coffee a few years ago now gladly pay $3 to $5 for their cappuccino, mocha latte or vanilla ice blended drink.

The specialty-coffee business is growing at a healthy pace. During the past 20 years, there has not been a single year, despite war and recession, in which specialty coffee sales have not grown. In many years the increase has been in double digits. In addition, no coffeehouse chains have failed during this time, although the list of casualties in other industries is quite long.

Starbucks, The Coffee Bean, Peet’s, Diedrich’s and other major chains serve average quality drinks in establishments that have the same generic design appearance. Indeed, Starbucks and The Coffee Bean are often referred to as "fast food" coffeehouses due to their "cookie cutter" design. Now that Americans’ coffee preferences have broadened and matured, many are asking for more from their coffeehouse.

Our Solution

Dark Roast Java launches with its first coffeehouse located in downtown Pleasantville. Dark Roast Java will offer residents and visitors a totally new style of coffeehouse – one offering a uniquely flavorful coffee drink and a comfortable, upscale environment at which to socialize, relax or work.

• Variety:  No other coffeehouse in the area will provide the range of coffee drinks, tea, cocoa, juice, smoothies and other products that Dark Roast Java does.
• Location:  Dark Roast Java will be located in the prime section of downtown Pleasantville in the heart of the shopping and entertainment district. Dark Roast Java locations are designed for high volume year round, with revenues and profits to match.
• Expansion:  Assuming this store is successful, it will be the first of a chain of Dark Roast Java coffeehouses located in markets that have similar demographic profiles, significant traffic by the store, year-round tourist activity and a sizeable student population.

Target Market

Market size & segments.

Market Segmentation

Dark Roast Java’s customer base in Pleasantville is comprised of five target groups.

• Affluent local residents
• Local business people
• Travelers passing through

These groups are all potentially strong customer segments. The benefit of this mix of customers is that it helps maintain  consistent business throughout the year . For example, while tourism is strong all year long in Pleasantville, it peaks during the summer months. Conversely, the student population is not as strong during the summer as it is from September through June of each year.

The other customer segments (local residents, local business and pass-through traffic on US 66) provide a consistent foundation all year long.

Also, by appealing to several market segments, Dark Roast Java does not become overly dependent on any single consumer group. For example, several local coffeehouses with primarily student customers do poorly during the non-school months. They must also market themselves anew each year to the incoming students. Dark Roast Java will avoid these peaks and valleys in business with a mix of customers.

• Affluent locals . Within five miles of Dark Roast Java are 200,000 of the most affluent people in America. Homes in adjacent Niceburg sell for $1 million to $50 million. Key influencers, trendsetters, artists, writers and celebrities have homes in Pleasantville.

• Tourists . More than 5,000,000 tourists visit Pleasantville every year. Most will pass by the Dark Roast Java location. Tourist come to "America’s Riviera" for the beaches, shopping, dining and nearby vineyards.
• Local business people . Dark Roast Java is located on the corner of ‘A’ Street and First Avenue in the heart of the prime downtown business district. It’s across from the exclusive, chic, Descarte (I Spend, Therefore I Am) department store, and one block from the number one shopping destination in Pleasantville, Lucre Galerie. ‘A’ Street and Frist Avenue are the two most heavily traveled streets in Pleasantville.
• Students . Pleasantville is home to a major branch of the State University as well as dozens of other schools, including many prestigious private schools and academies. Pleasantville High School is less than a mile from Dark Roast Java.
• Travelers on US 66 . One of the state’s two major north/south routes passes through Pleasantville. According to Dept of Transportation, more than 35 million auto trips will pass through the city. Many of these travelers will stop for a meal, to refuel and have a cup of coffee. US 66 is also a heavily traveled commuter route to Shorewood and Beachey Head to the south.

Sources:  Department of Transforation, State University, Pleasantville Chamber of Commerce.

Target Market Segment Strategy

Overall, our strategy is to maintain a constantly high customer count by leveraging our appeal to five groups of potential customers.

Local Residents . Approximately 200,000 people live within five miles of our Dark Roast Java location. The most affluent of these live even closer, within three miles. It is a short 5 minute drive to Dark Roast Java for most of our potential local customers. Excellent public parking is available within 100 yards. Local customers form the loyal core of our business. We will reach out to them through local marketing, involvement in the Chamber of Commerce, support of local charitable organizations and sponsorship of events and youth sports teams. Tourists.  Pleasantville has excellent year-round tourist activity. About 5 million people will visit the area during the next year. While hotels are virtually sold out during the summer months, tourism all year is exceptionally strong. This is due in large part to the temperate climate, weekend or day-trip visitors from the greater Ontopolis area and an unusually large number of special events (e.g. film festivals, concerts, art shows) scheduled throughout the year.

With a troubled economy and fears of terrorism, more people are opting for the relatively inexpensive, easy and safe short trip to Pleasantville for recreation. And, according to the Chamber of Commerce, 90% of all tourists visiting Pleasantville will pass by the Dark Roast Java location. We will target these potential customers with ads in local tourism guides. Local businesses . Many local businesses, both private and government, are within two blocks of Dark Roast Java. Lucre Galerie, the prime shopping center of Pleasantville, is one block away. The county courthouse is two blocks away. Dark Roast Java is in the heart of the shopping and dining area. Because much of the employee parking is out of the immediate area with shuttle service to downtown, most people stay near their place of employment during breakfast, lunch and for after-work relaxing. A significant number of these local business people find Dark Roast Java an inviting and convenient destination. We also offer coffee service to local restaurants, night spots and businesses. Coffee service brings in additional revenue and promotes Dark Roast Java among employees at these businesses. We will also reach business customers through Chamber of Commerce activities and by personally visiting the shops and businesses to distribute discount coupons and menus. Students . The area has more than 30,000 students in several schools, including nearby City College and State University. Students, most of whom are under the drinking age, have few places they can go to meet their friends. Coffeehouses have proven to be very popular with students—even high school students—as an "in" place to go that’s also affordable. To reach students we offer special student discount cards, pass out free coffee coupons at student events and offer entertainment on weekends. Students represent an excellent customer segment for several reasons: Students bring an energy and youth to the coffeehouse By attracting students we generate excellent word-of-mouth Students represent a large base of potential part-time employees Often under the drinking age, students need an affordable place to hang out with their friends Travelers on US 66 . The Dept of Transportation estimates that there will be 35 million auto trips through Pleasantville this year, a number that is increasing every year. US 66 is one of two major freeways in the state and the one favored by travelers who want to take a bit more time and make a few stops during their trip. It’s also a major commuter route to the cities to the south in Sunshine County. Our primary method of reaching this target customer group will be our participation as a AAA member, offering a 20% discount on all coffee and tea drinks when AAA members show their membership card. We also conduct PR activities in media outside the local market to expose the Dark Roast Java name to a wider state and national audience. Source:  Dept of Transportation, Pleasantville Chamber of Commerce, US Census Bureau.

Current Alternatives

4.3.1 Competitive Comparison

"Until everybody can walk to a coffeehouse and get a properly prepared espresso drink, we’re not even approaching market saturation." 

— Mike Ferguson, Marketing & Communications Director Specialty Coffee Association, Long Beach. 2002.

Leaders in the specialty coffee chain category in the United States include:

Starbucks  (6,300 stores). Started the specialty coffee chain phenomena in America in 1982. 99% are company owned. Revenues exceeded $6 billion in 2002. Average store gross revenue is $805,000. Now in 30 countries. Same store sales increased by 10% in 2002.

Caribou Coffee  (260 stores). Second largest all company-owned chain. Founded in 1992 in Minneapolis.

Tully’s  (103 stores). The third largest company-owned chain. Another Seattle-born company. The only coffeehouse chain that has not experienced excellent growth every year;  business.com  cites poor management as as the reason .  New management seems to leading a turnaround.

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf  (210 stores). Oldest privately held specialty coffee retailer in the U.S. (founded 1963). 90% of stores are franchises.

Peet’s  (58 stores)  One of the few successful IPO’s in 2001. 58% of revenues come from sales of whole coffee beans. Gross profit last year was 49.5%.

Gloria Jean’s  (291 stores, 195 in U.S.). Only 19 stores are company owned.

Seattle’s Best  (150 stores). Owned by AFC, which also owns Popeye’s Chicken, Church’s, Cinnabon and  Torrefazione Italia Coffee  (21 stores). Seattle’s Best is also distributed at 7,000 locations such as grocery stores and office buildings.

Bucks County Coffee  A Mid-Atlantic chain of 40 stores founded in 1982. Has a very good reputation.

PJ’s Coffee & Tea  (22 stores). This New Orleans-area chain owns four of their stores.

Java Dave’s  (14 stores). Mostly in the Oklahoma area, 12 are franchises and two are company owned.

Quikava  (68 locations). A unit of the Massachusetts-based Chock Full O’Nuts organization. Many are kiosks. All but three are franchises.

New World Coffee  (33 stores). Mostly concentrated in the New Jersey/New York area. All but three are franchises. A division of Manhattan Bagel.

Bad Ass Coffee Company  (29 stores). Begun in Hawaii, this company has grown rapidly by offering a Hawaiian-grown coffee and a milder, mellower brew.

It’s a Grind  (86 stores). Fast-growing chain that began in Long Beach, California seven years ago. Most locations are franchises. Concentrated in Southern California and Las Vegas. Company reported $12 million in revenue in 2002. Its stores average more than $500,000 gross revenue.

Dunkin’ Donuts  More than 800 outlets serving a surprisingly good coffee. Many people think it’s the best.

Specialty coffee chains in Canada:

Blenz  (27 stores).

Second Cup  (401 stores)

Tim Horton’s  (2,100 stores/150 in U.S.). This store is very close to being a Dunkin’ Donuts style operation where baked goods are the primary products.

Although the specialty coffee industry is successful and expanding rapidly, there is still much room for growth—especially in niche market segments, according to The Specialty Coffee Association of America. Market maturity is not expected to be reached until at least 2019.

Sources:  Business.com, Yahoo Business, Dun & Bradstreet, Hoover’s Business Data, Starbucks Corporation, Specialty Coffee Association, National Coffee Association. 2002.

Local Competition

Surprisingly, the leading coffeehouse chain, Starbucks, has only mediocre stores in the Pleasantville area (eight locations). Its highest volume store (1,150 customers daily) is at an excellent location on ‘A’ Street, the main thoroughfare in town, but the store is unattractive, small and lacks outside seating.

The other high-volume Starbucks is located at the end of a shopping mall in Mount Hill and averages 952 customers daily. It is not a particularly attractive store, although it does have a sizeable lounge area and some outside seating.

Other Starbucks locations in the Pleasantville area are even less memorable, with small facilities and mediocre locations. Photos of some of these locations are shown in the appendix.

Coffee Bean also has an excellent location directly across the street from Starbucks on ‘A’ Street in downtown Pleasantville. This busy coffeehouse is very small. A counter inside and a couple of tables outside are the only areas for customers to sit down. A second Coffee Bean opened in 2002 on the northern end of ‘A’ Street, about three miles from downtown. Another location in Mount Hill is scheduled to open in Summer 2004.

Other competitors include three independent coffeehouses. Paradiseo is located on State Street in a good location. They serve good coffee but have a limited menu and a very "funky" decor. It is a big hangout for the "Goth" and "punk" crowd. A second Paradiseo is located in Shorewood. New managers are trying to improve the store but without success so far.

Another independent is Grounds for Action, located in a residential neighborhood but on a busy street in what was once a gas station. This coffeehouse is also very "collegiate" in its decor, and a favored haunt of the law school students, but manages to average more than 250 customers per day. They have a second location in Springfield.

Ambrosia Kaffe is primarily a student hangout located about three blocks off First Avenue in the northern end of the business district. Its business is modest. The business has undergone changes in management during recent years.

Both Barnes & Noble and Borders Books have integrated cafes that serves espresso drinks into their store plans. Both of these are within two blocks of the Dark Roast Java site.

The Barnes & Noble coffee cafe is very small, located in the rear of the store, and not very busy despite serving Starbucks coffee.

The Borders Books cafe is larger, about 1,000 square feet, and does a good business. They are in a good location, adjacent to the same major parking garage as Dark Roast Java and they also draw from book shoppers and drop-ins from ‘A’ Street. The quality of their coffee and pastries does not compare with ours, and the service can often be quite slow.

The Pleasantville Roastery is a bean roaster and coffeehouse with brick walls and a "San Francisco" style. The coffee is roasted on site. They do much of their business by mail order. They suffer from a very poor location in a difficult to find (or even see) shopping mall off lower ‘C’ Street. A second, small outlet opened in 2003 in Lucre Galerie. Despite their poor location, this is probably the most formidable competitor in town. They make a quality cup of coffee and have a loyal following.

Our Advantages

Our competitive edge, compared to the other coffeehouses in the greater Pleasantville area includes the following:

A significantly higher quality, better tasting coffee product.

Our current location can arguably be considered the best in the market—in the heart of the downtown shopping, dining, entertainment and cultural district in Pleasantville and adjacent to the historic Egyptian Theatre.

An ambiance superior to all other coffeehouses in the area with upscale "Cote d’Azur" look. It features stained glass decorations, art glasswork, Mediterranean Riviera style furnishings and outdoor dining.

The only coffeehouse downtown to provide regular weekend evening entertainment.

A wider variety of popular drinks than our competitors, including flavored coffee drinks, tea, chai, cocoa, juice and Italian sodas. We have several drink options for people who don’t drink coffee: tea, cocoa, juice and smoothies.

Our Internet website will include sales of whole coffee beans, tea, chocolates, gift items and gift baskets.

Keys to Success

The keys to our success will be:

• A superior-tasting product backed by a unique quality store
• A relaxing, upscale interior design
• Prime site selection with an upscale affluent population, year-round tourist activity, heavy pedestrian traffic by the site, a dynamic student population and a concentration of local businesses
• A market that exposes Dark Roast Java to high-profile "trend-setters" and "key influencers"
• Ongoing, aggressive marketing
• Highly trained and friendly staff
• Multiple revenue streams including gift items, gift baskets and coffee gift/frequency cards in addition to coffee, pastry, chocolates, tea, juice, water and soft drinks
• A dynamic website with online sales capability

Marketing & Sales

Marketing plan.

Other coffeehouses rely almost entirely on word-of-mouth marketing to generate business. We will engage in an ongoing aggressive marketing program that will help us establish profitability quickly and set the stage for continual growth.

Our strategy will be to position Dark Roast Java as the "Lexus" of coffeehouses, offering a high quality product and superb service in a superior environment.

The retail coffee industry is a sales-oriented business with historically very little experience in marketing and advertising. This is likely why little is done. As yet, the major players have not been taken over by sophisticated companies like Pepsico, where marketing is viewed as essential to gaining market share. 

We will be using advertising and social media marketing to gain awareness, build customer traffic and establish a strong brand image. We intend to create immediate customer awareness and not wait for word-of-mouth. We are also building customer traffic immediately with an aggressive Facebook and Twitter marketing campaign 

Our sales strategy includes:

Staff salaries that are 10% above the industry average in order to attract the best people

Hiring for attitude so that we always have a friendly, enthusiastic staff to make customers feel welcome and appreciated; constant staff training to assure the best quality possible

State-of-the-art sales/inventory system to (A) reduce customer waiting time, and (B) create efficient product ordering

Create a mobile kiosk to take Dark Roast Java into the community at special events, farmer’s markets, art shows, etc.

Sell coffee, gift baskets and glass artwork on our website

Establish coffee service at local businesses

Sell gift cards, frequency cards, pre-paid cards, and offer discounts to key groups

Create an ongoing sampling program

Conduct a consistent, aggressive marketing program

Be an active member of the community; be visible at charitable functions

Solicit customer feedback to constantly improve and streamline our operation Key Strategy: an advanced and expandable point-of-sales system

After carefully tracking the performance of the Pleasantville store through an expandable and highly detailed point-of-sale system, we will use this as a "blueprint" for expansion. For example, daily sales are tracked and analyzed by item, time period and cost of goods. Labor requirements are matched to projected in-store sales based upon past performance for maximum efficiency. Even after paying higher than average wages we expect to allocate no more than 25% to labor costs.

Sales are linked to inventory to both streamline the efficiency of ordering and reduce "shrinkage" by instantly alerting us to unusual shortages compared with revenues.

Scheduling can be done online and easily revised to accommodate changes—all while projecting weekly, monthly, quarterly or annual labor costs. Schedules can be sent via email to staff members.

Cost of goods can be monitored for increased efficiency too. As we continually research methods of delivering a high quality but cost-efficient product, and by making small incremental improvements in the costs of items we expect to increase overall COG by a minimum of 5% during the first year of operation.

As expansion occurs, the POS system can be adapted to each individual location and allow the central office to monitor the stores remotely as well as the overall combined operation. Close monitoring will allow us to achieve a high level of communication between stores as well as spot problems immediately and take corrective action.

Locations & Facilities

The location of the first Dark Roast Java in Pleasantville is a prototype of future sites. Our second site on busy Shoreline Road in Mount Hill will feature our flagship store. It will be located just off the Oak Patch Road and Highway 66 exit, across from the Mount Hill Inn and The Junction Restaurant. It is by far the best location in Mount Hill—one of America’s most affluent cities.

We will build Dark Roast Java coffeehouses in the best locations possible, as this is the key element in a successful operation.

Site selection criteria include:

• High traffic location
• Small or mid-size affluent market
• Nearby (within 5 miles) student population
• Outside dining

Other sites that meet these criteria include Newburg, Springfield, Bayview, Shorewood, Orchard Valley, Beachey Head, and Capital City.

Exceptions will be made for some sites if they are deemed to be potentially very profitable.

Sites in other states might include Utah, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho, Colorado, etc. Plans are to locate Dark Roast Java coffeehouses in the Western states for efficiency of supply and management.

Outside Dining

The coffeehouse/cafe experience is indelibly linked to its European origins, where al fresco dining is a way of life. Americans have embraced sidewalk dining. It is one of the fastest growing additions to the American dining scene.

Sidewalk dining also provides an excellent way for prospective customers to see and "check out" the coffeehouse for the first time.

We will engage in several sampling activities to introduce potential customers (and current customers) to Dark Roast Java’s range of drink options.

• Samples will be distributed at the coffeehouse
• Samples will be given to passers-by on the street
• Discount coupons will be distributed on the street, via direct mail and at special events
• Complementary coffee will be served at charitable and civic events
• Free coffee service will be provided to the Chamber of Commerce, a radio station, the newspaper and at select government offices (e.g. the Planning and Zoning Department)

Portable Kiosk

Within 6 to 8 months we will create a portable Dark Roast Java kiosk to sell and market our products at special events and community activities. Pleasantville has more than 130 such events every year. It will be an excellent way to publicize Dark Roast Java coffee.

The kiosk will be highly visible and fun. It will also potentially be very profitable, although it’s hard to determine how profitable with any accuracy until the local response is measured. We believe it could generate $75,000 – $100,000 annual revenue.

Pre-paid, re-loadable, frequency and discount cards

We will promote our program of gift cards and customer frequency cards to drive business and stimulate cash flow. Industry records indicate that 25% – 40% of all gift card amounts go unused. Also, gift cards have proven to be a popular holiday item accounting for more than 5% of total sales during December.

Pre-paid and re-loadable cards have also proven to be very popular with the major chain coffeehouses, again accounting for a significant percentage of sales. These cards promote customer loyalty as well.

Frequency cards rewarding the repeat customer with a free drink after a specified number of visits are popular and proven methods to forge customer loyalty.

Discount cards are used to build goodwill among specific groups such as the Chamber of Commerce members and college students.

By tying in with our computerized sales and inventory system we will be able to track usage and allocate the expense to marketing.

The number of Dark Roast Java locations could easily reach 20 – 25 within five years. While the financials in this Business Plan only address the Pleasantville location, we can extrapolate from the store’s performance (which will be carefully monitored and tracked) to get a general idea of the chain’s projected profitability.

With ten coffeehouses the gross revenues, when fully realized, would be more than $10 million using the third year performance figures. Even factoring in the cost of additional staff and other resources, a 10-store chain would likely generate a minimum of $1 million in profits annually, while building significant valuation. A 25-store chain would easily top $2.5 million in annual profits.

Dark Roast Java’s start-up, implementation and operation in Pleasantville will be the "blueprint" for future efficient expansion. Our new Mount Hill location will incorporate the knowledge we gain with our first store as well as new creative ideas, and become our "flagship" operation.

Sources:  SRDS, Interep Radio, Scarborough Market Data Survey.

Equipment & Tools

Milestones & metrics, milestones table, key metrics.

Our Key metrics are: 

• # of customers who purchase caffeinated drinks in a day
• # of customers who purchase caffeinated drinks in a month 
• # of customers who tweet or retweet our tweets 
• # of Facebook page views 
• # of website shares 
• # of customers purchasing pastries or non alcoholic drinks 
• product cogs vs price 
• month to month inventory 
• # of coffee bean bags sold 

Ownership & Structure

Dark Roast Java is a privately held corporation. It is registered as a state LLC Corporation, with ownership shared by Ned Powers-Sebastiane, Victor Lubitsch, Curt Yamaguchi and other outside investors.

Management Team

* Confidential and proprietary information omitted from this sample plan.

The expansion of the Dark Roast Java concept will be managed by Ned Powers-Sebastiane and Victor Lubitsch, with assistance from our outside support team.

Ned Powers-Sebastiane

Ned has more than 35 years experience in marketing/sales with special expertise in the retail sector.

President of Powers-Sebastiane Advertising & Public Relations. 

Owner/founder of Pan National Motor Tours.

Sr. VP/Chief Creative Officer at ******.

President/General Manager of ******.

• VP/Director of Marketing & Advertising at ******.

VP/Chief Marketing Officer at ******.

VP/Creative Director and Team Leader at ******.

Ned Powers-Sebastiane will be responsible for the site development, construction supervision, equipment ordering, marketing/PR, website design/development and government issues. Ned is a graduate of the Specialty Coffee Association’s training program for coffeehouse operation and management.

Victor Lubitsch

Victor has more than 25 years experience in business and selling. He has been a motivational speaker and image consultant as well.

• President/CEO of the Pleasantville Chamber of Commerce, 
• Founder/Owner of Specialty Agency, 
• State Business Man of the Year.
• Owner/founder of Brilliant! Idea company.
• Director of Placement, Local Business College.
• Top recruiter at ****** Company.
• Top recruiter at ******.

Victor will be responsible for staffing, menu development, training, product ordering, interior design and accounting supervision. Victor is a graduate of the SCAA coffeehouse management program and recently attended several training seminars at Coffee Fest 

Personnel Table

Financial plan investor-ready personnel plan .">, key assumptions.

Our key assumptions are: 

• The 20-year record of positive growth for specialty coffee drinking will continue at a healthy rate. The Specialty Coffee Association says that the market is far from saturation and will not reach maturity until at least 2019.
• The resilience of the coffeehouse industry to negative national and world events will continue. Despite recession and war the coffeehouse industry has shown strong growth every year for the past two decades.
• The quality of national chains will remain the same or decline slightly rather than improve as they standardize their stores, increase automation of espresso drinks and mass-produce the roasting process.
• Coffee drinks will continue to be considered an "affordable luxury."
• 15% minimum sales growth rate over the next three years as Dark Roast Java becomes well known.

Revenue by Month

Expenses by month, net profit (or loss) by year, use of funds.

Start-up expenses are in line with those of other coffeehouse chains. For example, Starbucks spends approximately $380,000 on average to build-out a new store location. Our costs are an estimated $225,000 and $25,000 for opening inventory and operating capital. Future stores should cost no more than $175,000 to build out since many of the costs incurred here will not have to be repeated later.

The Start-up requirements, below, include $77,000 of short and long-term assets.

Long term assets: $62,000

Undercounter Refrigerators $5,000

Service/Prep Counter

Ice Machine $3,500

Large Refrigerator $1,000

Milk Coolers (3) $1,000

Cash register (2) Point of Sale System $14,000

Espresso Machine $11,000

Fetco Coffee Brewer $2,500

Counters/Condiment bar/shelving $12,000

Short-term assets: $15,000

Tables, Chairs, Furnishings $12,000

Persian Carpet $1,000

Lighting Fixtures $2,000

Site design, architectural plan $10,000

Demolition/Construction $25,000

Electrical, Lighting $12,000

Electrical, Other $10,000

Flooring/installation $5,000

Bathroom Construction $4,000

Plumbing $10,000

Fireplace Construction $5,000

Painting $2,500

City permits/licenses/fees $6,500

Accounting $2,000

Legal $4,000

Insurance$2,500

Opening marketing/advertising $3,000

Graphic design for signage, menu boards $2,000

Outside Signage $1,500

Office equipment $600

Computer, scanner, printer $2,000

Telephones/Fax/DSL $500

Stationery etc.$1,000

Gift item displays (3)$1,500

Preparation equipment $1,000

Dishwasher $3,500

Blenders (3) $2,000

Microwave $500

Panini maker $700

Storage racks $1,000

Music system $800

Food display case $6,000

Storage room shelving $1,000

Bulk bean grinder $700

Sinks (2), prep counters $1,200

Menu board construction $2,500

Cups/Lids (50,000) $14,000

TOTAL START-UP EXPENSES $147,000

Start-up Inventory $25,000

Other Current Assets $15,000

Long-term Assets $62,000

TOTAL ASSETS  $103,500

Total Requirements $250,500

Sources of Funds

We will be getting investors to give us a total of $250,000. 

Projected Profit & Loss

Projected balance sheet, projected cash flow statement.

Our biggest savings of the year

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Cafe Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Cafe Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their cafes. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through a cafe business plan template step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

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What is a Cafe Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your cafe as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Cafe

If you’re looking to start a cafe or grow your existing cafe you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your cafe in order to improve your chances of success. Your cafe business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your cafe grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Cafes

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a cafe are bank loans and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable. But they will want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business.

The second most common form of funding for a cafe is angel investors. Angel investors are wealthy individuals who will write you a check. They will either take equity in return for their funding, or, like a bank, they will give you a loan.

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Your cafe business plan should include 10 sections as follows:

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of cafe business you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have a cafe that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of cafes.

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the cafe industry. Discuss the type of cafe you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target market. Provide a snapshot of your marketing plan. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.  

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of cafe you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types:

• Take-Out Cafe: this type of cafe doesn’t have seating (or has limited seating) and is mostly visited by customers looking to grab a coffee and/or bakery item on their way to work or elsewhere.
• Restaurant Cafe: this type of cafe is most similar to a restaurant and offers a full, sit-down menu in a nice atmosphere with a full wait staff.
• Casual cafe: also known as a corporate, student or co-working cafe, this type of cafe typically offers food and drinks from a counter with no waiters or waitresses. Patrons purchase items and consume them in the cafe, often while performing work on their laptops or conversing with friends or colleagues.
• Coffee Shop: This is a popular type of cafe. Coffee shops usually offer a selection of tea, coffee, pastries and other drinks

  In addition to explaining the type of cafe you operate, the Company Analysis section of your business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question such as:

• When and why did you start the business? What is your business concept? What is your unique selling proposition?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include sales goals you’ve reached, new store openings, etc.
• Your business structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the cafe business.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the cafe industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy particularly if your research identifies market trends. For example, if there was a trend towards cafes with ultra high speed internet connections, it would be helpful to ensure your location could offer such a service.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your cafe business plan:

• How big is the cafe business (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key local suppliers in your market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your cafe. You can extrapolate such as figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The market analysis section of your cafe business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: local office workers, college students, sports enthusiasts, soccer moms, techies, teens, baby boomers, etc.

As you can imagine, the target audience you choose will have a great impact on the type of cafe you operate. Clearly baby boomers would want a different atmosphere, pricing and product options, and would respond to different marketing promotions than teens.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, include a discussion of the ages, genders, locations and income levels of the customers you seek to serve. Because most cafes primarily serve customers living in their same city or town, such demographic information is easy to find on government websites.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other cafes (and restaurants and/or bakeries depending on the type of cafe you operate).

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from you that aren’t direct competitors. This includes restaurants, supermarkets and customers making coffee and bakery items themselves at home. You need to mention such competition to show you understand that not everyone in your target market will visit a cafe each day.

With regards to direct competition, you want to detail the other cafes or coffee shops with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be cafes located very close to your location.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What products do they offer?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

  With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to stand outside your competitors’ locations and ask customers as they leave what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide superior cafe products?
• Will you provide cafe products that your competitors don’t offer?
• Will you make it easier or faster for customers to acquire your products?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a cafe business plan, your marketing plan should include the following:

Product : in the product section you should reiterate the type of cafe that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific products you will be offering. For example, will you offer pastries, soups, items such as café latte, cappuccino, espresso or macchiato?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your marketing plan, you are presenting the menu items you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your cafe. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. For example, is your cafe located next to a heavily populated office building, or gym, etc. Discuss how your location might provide a steady stream of customers.

Promotions : the final part of your cafe marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Making your cafe’s front store extra appealing to attract passing customers
• Distributing samples outside the cafe
• Advertising in local papers and magazines
• Reaching out to local bloggers and websites
• Partnerships with local organizations (e.g., gym members get a free cup of cafe with each pastry they purchase)
• Local radio advertising
• Banner ads at local venues

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your cafe such as serving customers, procuring supplies, keeping the cafe clean, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to serve your 10,000th customer, or when you hope to reach $X in sales. It could also be when you expect to hire your Xth employee or launch a new location.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your cafe’s ability to succeed as a business, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally you and/or your team members have direct experience in the cafe, coffee shop and/or restaurant business. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act like mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in cafes and/or successfully running retail and small businesses.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statements.

Income Statement : an income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you serve 100 customers per day or 200? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets : While balance sheets include much information, to simplify them to the key items you need to know about, balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. For instance, if you spend $100,000 on building out your cafe, that will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $100.000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement : Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and make sure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt. For example, let’s say a company approached you with a massive $100,000 catering contract, that would cost you $50,000 to fulfill. Well, in most cases, you would have to pay that $50,000 now for supplies, equipment rentals, employee salaries, etc. But let’s say the company didn’t pay you for 180 days. During that 180-day period, you could run out of money.

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a cafe:

• Location build-out including design fees, construction, etc.
• Cost of fixtures like chairs, tables, signage and cafe decor
• Cost of equipment like grinders, espresso machines, blenders, refrigerators
• Cost of ingredients and maintaining an adequate amount of supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your store design blueprint or location lease.

Putting together a business plan for your cafe is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, you will be able to prepare a winning cafe business plan or a coffee shop business plan. You will really understand cafe business planning, business operations, your competition and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful cafe.

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How to write a Coffee Shop Business Plan

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Last Updated: October 7, 2024

Executive Summary

Every good business plan should start with an executive summary. This section represents the summary of your entire business plan , and it's very important.

An executive summary is meant to give the reader a summarised explanation of your entire business plan. It's a short summary that they can read quickly instead of reading the entire document.

It shouldn't be more than one page long. 

Here's what your executive summary should include:

• A short overview of your business
• The current state of operations (if you are already in business)
• Your financial summary
• The future vision for your business
• Funding requirements

List the name of your coffee shop, the location, and key elements of your business. 

Adding a short overview of your target market is advisable. For a coffee shop, it can be college students, office workers, local residents, etc.

If your coffee shop is already in business, or if you want to buy an existing coffee shop, your summary can contain the shop's current state of operations.  

Briefly mention your business's finances/projections and any funding requirements you may have. 

Remember to include a short section on your future vision. Talk about what you hope to achieve with your business, including your short-term and long-term goals.

It's a good idea to write your executive summary last. That way, you will know exactly which elements and key pieces of information to focus on.

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Business Description

The business description is also known as the "About the Company" section. 

It allows you to quickly describe your business, its history, and your unique value propositions. 

This section can include the following elements:

• Business overview and history
• Mission and vision statements
• Business concept and brand identity
• Legal structure
• Short-term and long-term objectives

This section is necessary because it gives you a chance to make your business shine. 

Explain your business structure. Is your coffee shop a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation?

Your mission statement and vision statement are very important. It lets you discuss your business's core purpose and long-term aspirations.

This is a great example of a mission statement for a coffee shop:

Our coffee shop aims to provide our customers with a warm and inviting space to gather, relax, and enjoy exceptional coffee and pastries. 

Here's how you can present your goals:

The goal of the unique selling proposition (USP) is to highlight what makes your coffee shop unique. This could be a special coffee blend, a distinctive ambience, or exceptional customer service.

Market Analysis

A full analysis of your market shows you are prepared to launch your business and face the challenges of that industry. 

A market analysis is an important part of any business plan, especially for a coffee shop. 

Understanding your market lets you make informed decisions about your target audience, pricing, and marketing strategy.

Here are a few tips on how to do market analysis for a coffee shop:

• Define your target audience.
• Analyse your top competitors.
• Assess the market demand. 
• Do research on your industry.
• Do a SWOT analysis.

Who are your ideal customers? What are their demographics? What are their needs and preferences?

Once you know who you are targeting, you can tailor your marketing and product offerings to appeal to them.

Take the time to analyse other coffee shops in your area. Look at their strengths and weaknesses to figure out how to differentiate your coffee shop.

A competitive analysis allows you to review the competitive landscape. You will be able to figure out your competitive advantage, which you can present like this:

Studying market demand and market trends is also important. Is there a demand for a coffee shop in your area? How many people live or work in the area? What are their coffee-drinking habits?

You can also do a SWOT analysis to identify your coffee shop's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. 

For example, a strength might be a prime location, while a threat could be a new competitor opening nearby.

Organisation and Management

This section is all about your team and your company's organisational structure.

When writing the organisation and management sections of your business plan, you can cover the following:

• Ownership structure 
• Management team
• Organisational structure
• Human resources
• Training and development

When adding the ownership structure section, it's important to list the owners' or partners' names and roles.

Provide info about the key members of your management team. This includes their experience, qualifications, and responsibilities.

Outline your coffee shop's organisational structure. You can list some of the key roles of your staff. For example, your managers, baristas, and kitchen staff.

Describing your plans for recruiting, hiring, and managing employees is important. Adding your compensation and benefits policies is another recommendation.

Explain how you will train and develop your employees. Describe how you will ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to do their jobs effectively.

Products or Services

This section of your plan is where you will explain your business offerings, a.k.a. coffee!

Businesses in the food and drink industry use this section to present their menu.

Describe the coffee, beverages, and food items you plan to offer. If you plan on having a signature coffee or anything that will make you stand out, this is your chance to emphasise that. 

Include details of preparation methods and any special recipes. Also, discuss how you plan to source your ingredients. 

What will your packaging look like? What materials do you plan to use for the cups? Do you have any special design in mind? All these questions are important. 

Your pricing scheme is an important aspect of this section. Explain your pricing model. Think about factors like the cost of goods sold, competitor pricing, and customer willingness to pay.

As a coffee shop, you may consider delivery services for customers who want to buy your coffee but can't reach you for some reason. 

If you plan on working with delivery agencies or having your coffee products delivered in another way, mention it in your plan.  ‍

Marketing and Sales Strategies

The marketing and sales section is one of, if not the most important sections of your business plan. 

This section is important because it outlines how your coffee shop intends to attract and retain customers, differentiate itself from competitors, and ultimately generate revenue. 

It ensures the success and sustainability of your coffee shop. More importantly, it shows that you plan to grow your business to banks and investors. 

You need a solid marketing plan before you even launch your coffee business. This includes the following steps:

• Researching your target customers. 
• Figuring out which marketing channels to use (online and offline).
• Conducting a positioning strategy.
• Exploring partnerships and collaborations.
• Making promotional strategies (grand opening specials, loyalty programs, seasonal promotions, etc.). 
• Describing your sales strategies and sales forecasts. 

Define your coffee shop's brand, including its name, logo, tagline, and aesthetic. Ensure that your brand identity reflects your coffee shop's atmosphere and values.

For example:

• Bean Haven - Your Cozy Coffee Retreat
• The Coffee Corner - Where Community Brews
• Cup & Community - Brewing Bonds One Cup at a Time

When it comes to marketing channels, you must consider both online and offline marketing. 

Online marketing channels can include social media, email, and SEO. 

Offline marketing can include local advertising, fliers and posters, and events and sponsorships. 

As for your sales strategy, describe your approach to sales. This could include training staff to upsell items (e.g., suggesting a pastry with a coffee order) or providing excellent customer service to encourage repeat business.

Operations Plan

The operational plan is used to explain how you plan to run your business.

This involves details on day-to-day processes, resources, and systems that will enable the smooth running of your coffee shop.

This section can also include information about:

• Daily operations
• Location and facilities
• Supply chain management
• Technology and systems
• Health and safety protocols
• Legal elements (permits, certifications, insurance, approvals, etc.)

Daily operations can include opening and closing procedures, customer service protocols, maintenance, etc. 

Describe the location of your coffee shop and explain why you chose it. Consider factors like foot traffic, proximity to target customers, and visibility.

List the required equipment and supplies required to run the coffee shop. Essential equipment can include espresso machines, grinders, refrigerators, POS systems, etc. Supplies can be coffee beans, cups, straws, napkins, etc.

Regarding supply chain management, you can talk about suppliers and vendors. Mention your inventory management system as well. 

Talk about health and safety regulations and the legal aspect of launching/running your coffee shop. 

It's important for coffee shops to discuss food and beverage safety. Discuss how you plan to train staff on proper food handling, storage, and sanitation practices.

Financial Plan

Your financial plan is one of the most important parts of your business plan. 

If you are seeking funding , investors and banks will be interested in this section the most. So make sure to do it properly, or hire an accountant to help you.

Creating a financial plan for a coffee shop business plan involves outlining the financial aspects of starting and running the business. 

This includes estimating startup costs, projecting revenues and expenses, and planning for profitability. 

This section should include the following elements:

• Startup costs
• Cash flow statement
• Profit and loss statements
• Balance sheet
• Break-even analysis

If you are going to open a coffee shop, these are some startup costs to keep in mind:

• Licenses and permits
• Initial inventory
• Leasehold improvements
• Marketing and advertising
• Legal and consulting fees

Revenue projections are very important because they estimate your expected revenue. It will be based on market research and your business model.

Provide detailed financial projections as well. This should include an income statement, cash flow statement, and balance sheet for the following three to five years.

This is an example of an income statement table taken from our free business plan template:

Include projections for daily, monthly, and annual sales, and explain how these will be achieved.

Include a break-even analysis to show when your coffee shop will become profitable.

‍ You might need to explain your funding requirements. Go into detail about your funding needs and potential sources of funding. These could be personal savings, loans, or investors.

By including these elements in your financial plan, you provide a detailed roadmap for your coffee shop's financial health and sustainability. 

This will help attract investors, secure loans, and guide your business decisions. ‍

A conclusion should be similar to your executive summary.

Summarise the key points of your plan, reiterate the potential for success, and outline the next steps. Just like the executive summary, it shouldn't be more than one page long.

Here, you can talk about your plans for future milestones and growth. You can even create a table for future milestones and their target dates, like this:

Here is an example of a great conclusion for a coffee shop business plan:

[Coffee shop name] plans to become a beloved community coffee shop with its unique blend of sustainably sourced coffees, cozy atmosphere, and exceptional customer service. Our detailed market research indicates a strong demand among local residents and young professionals who value high-quality, ethically produced coffee in a welcoming environment. With a well-defined marketing strategy and robust operational plan, we are confident in our ability to achieve our projected revenues of $270,000 in the first year and break even within the first 12 months of operation. We are excited to start this journey and are seeking an investment of $67,000 to cover startup costs and initial operating expenses.  With this support, we can secure a prime location, complete necessary renovations, and open our doors to the community. We invite you to join us in bringing [coffee shop name] to life, creating a space where every cup serves joy and connection.

If you are seeking funding, add a call to action. 

An appendix is not mandatory, but you can add it if you want. This section is for additional details and supporting documents , such as:

• Resumes of team members
• Market research data
• Permits and licenses 
• A detailed menu
• Financial statements and projections
• Marketing materials
• Lease agreements

Edited by Jordan Carroll

Jordan Carroll, former Institutional Banking Associate at Commonwealth Bank Australia, leads our team of business writers, financial modellers and graphic designers. With a passion for business success, Jordan believes in building strong relationships with founders, offering guidance and unwavering support.

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Coffee Shop Business Plan Template & PDF Example

• September 4, 2024
• Food & Beverage

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.

Coffee Shop Business Plan Template (Download)

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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.

Coffee Shop Business Plan Executive Summary Example

Business Overview

The  business overview  section should detail the coffee shop’s specific features, including its size, seating capacity, and concept. This is where you explain what makes your coffee shop unique, such as its focus on specialty coffees and local artisanal pastries, and how it operates.

Example: “Bean Haven,” located in the bustling Midtown area, spans 2,000 square feet and can seat 40 customers. It stands out with its range of gourmet coffees and fresh pastries, all sourced from local suppliers. The shop’s modern POS system ensures efficient service, enhancing the overall customer experience.

Market Overview

In this section, analyze the local and national coffee shop market. Discuss the size of the market, growth trends, and consumer preferences. This analysis should position your coffee shop within the broader industry context and highlight its potential to meet current consumer demands.

Example: Bean Haven enters a U.S. coffee shop market valued at $45.8 billion. In its neighborhood, known for a dense population of young professionals, Bean Haven’s focus on health-conscious options and its role as a community hub align with shifting consumer preferences, setting it apart from six main competitors in the area.

Management Team

This section outlines the experience and roles of your management team. Detail how their background and skills contribute to the success of the coffee shop.

Example: Bean Haven is led by a CEO with 10 years of experience in café management, overseeing daily operations and supply chain efficiency. The CFO, with a background in hospitality sector marketing, handles the shop’s financial strategies and marketing campaigns, ensuring robust business operations.

Financial Plan

Here, present your financial goals and projections. Include revenue targets and profit margins, providing a clear picture of your coffee shop’s financial aspirations and health.

Example: Bean Haven aims for $830,000 in annual revenue with an 11%  EBITDA  margin by 2028. This goal is supported by a focused approach on high-quality offerings, strategic marketing, and community engagement, positioning Bean Haven for success in the  competitive  market.

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.

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.

Competitive Landscape

A  competitive analysis  is not just a tool for gauging the position of your coffee shop in the market; it’s also a fundamental component of your business plan.

This analysis helps identify your coffee shop’s unique selling points, which are essential for differentiating your business in a  competitive  market.

In addition, competitive analysis is integral in laying a solid foundation for your business plan. By examining various operational aspects of your competitors, you gain valuable information that ensures your business plan is robust, informed, and tailored to succeed in the current market environment.

Identifying Your Coffee Shop’s Competitors

The first step in conducting a competitive analysis for your coffee shop is identifying your direct and indirect competitors. Direct competitors include nearby coffeehouses or chains that offer similar services and products, while indirect competitors might encompass local juice bars, tea houses, or even convenience stores selling coffee.

Utilize tools like Google Maps to map out competitor locations and understand their distribution across your area. Online platforms like Yelp, Google Reviews, or social media channels provide invaluable insights into customer reviews and ratings, shedding light on competitor  strengths and weaknesses . For instance, if a rival coffee shop receives praise for its artisanal coffee blends and cozy ambiance, it signifies a notable strength.

Coffee Shop Competitors’ Strategies

To gain a deeper understanding of the competitive landscape, analyze various facets of your competitors’ strategies:

• Coffee Menu Offerings:  Assess the range and uniqueness of coffee offerings. For instance, if a local competitor, “Brew Masters,” is gaining traction with exotic single-origin coffees or specialty cold brews, it highlights a potential trend or gap in the market for distinctive coffee blends.
• Service and Ambiance:  Consider the ambiance and customer service. Perhaps a competitor, “Sip & Chill Café,” is known for its relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff, enhancing the overall customer experience.
• Pricing Strategy :  Compare your pricing with competitors. Are your coffee prices aligned with those of other local cafes, or do you position yourself as a premium establishment akin to “Gourmet Grinds,” offering artisanal blends at a higher price point?
• Marketing and Branding:  Analyze how competitors market their brand. Do they rely heavily on social media campaigns, influencer collaborations, or community events? Understanding their marketing tactics can help refine your promotional strategies.
• Innovative Offerings and Technology:  Look for innovative approaches. Are competitors embracing technology for online ordering or loyalty programs? For example, “TechBeans Café” might leverage an efficient app-based ordering system, catering to tech-savvy customers.

What’s Your Coffee Shop’s Value Proposition?

Defining your coffee shop’s  unique value proposition  is critical. Perhaps your establishment specializes in single-origin, ethically sourced beans, or you have a signature blend that customers rave about. Emphasize these unique offerings to distinguish your brand in the market.

Consider market gaps and evolving customer preferences. If there’s a growing preference for sustainable practices or an increasing demand for specific coffee types (organic, fair trade, etc.), tailoring your offerings to meet these needs can position your coffee shop favorably amidst competitors.

Tailoring your offerings to your location is essential. A coffee shop in a bustling business district might emphasize quick service and convenience for professionals on the go. At the same time, a suburban café could focus on creating a warm, family-friendly environment to attract locals seeking a relaxing spot for gatherings or leisurely coffee breaks.

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.

Marketing Channels

Utilize various marketing channels to reach and engage your audience effectively.

Digital Marketing

• Establish a Strong Online Presence:  Leverage social media platforms like Instagram for visually appealing coffee shots, TikTok for engaging short videos, and Twitter/Facebook for engaging with customers and sharing updates.
• Email Marketing:  Build an email list and send newsletters featuring new coffee blends, upcoming events, or promotions. Offer incentives for signing up, such as a discount on the first purchase.
• Website and SEO:  Develop a user-friendly website showcasing your menu, the story behind each coffee blend, and a blog section for brewing tips or coffee-related content. Optimize for local SEO to attract nearby customers.

Local Advertising

Connect with the local community to increase foot traffic:

• Flyers and Local Print:  Distribute eye-catching flyers in nearby offices, community centers, and partner businesses. Advertise in local newspapers or magazines to reach a broader audience.
• Community Engagement:  Host events like cupping sessions, live music nights, or art exhibitions to create a gathering space. Partner with local artists, musicians, or charities to foster community connections.
• Partnerships: C ollaborate with neighboring businesses, such as bakeries, bookstores, or gyms, for cross-promotions or joint events.

Promotional Activities

Attract customers with enticing offers and loyalty programs:

• Special Deals:  Launch seasonal or themed promotions to attract customers. For instance, during colder months, promote warm beverage options with discounts, or offer a summer-themed menu with refreshing iced coffees or specialty drinks.
• Loyalty Programs:  Implement a rewards system where customers earn points for every purchase. These points can be redeemed for free drinks, merchandise, or even exclusive experiences. This encourages repeat business and fosters a sense of loyalty among customers.
• Referral Incentives:  Encourage your existing customers to refer friends and family by offering incentives. This could be in the form of discounts or free beverages for successful referrals. Word-of-mouth remains a powerful tool in the coffee industry.

Sales Channels

Optimize  sales channels  to maximize revenue and customer satisfaction.

In-Store Upselling

Maximize each customer’s visit:

• Upsell Specialty Items:  Train baristas to suggest specialty drinks, pastries, or merchandise based on customers’ preferences or current promotions.
• Merchandising:  Display branded merchandise like travel mugs, brewing equipment, or specialty beans near the checkout counter to encourage additional purchases.

Subscription Services

Offer subscription-based models for regular income and customer retention:

• Coffee Delivery Subscription:  Introduce a coffee delivery subscription service where customers receive their preferred coffee blends regularly at a discounted rate. Customize subscription options based on frequency and quantity to cater to diverse preferences.
• VIP Memberships:  VIP memberships can provide exclusive benefits such as early access to new blends, members-only events, or personalized recommendations. These memberships create a sense of belonging and offer additional value to loyal customers.

Mobile Ordering and Pickup

Facilitate convenient ordering and pickup options:

• Mobile App Ordering:  Develop a user-friendly mobile app that allows customers to browse your menu, place orders, and make payments seamlessly. Offer incentives such as loyalty points or app-exclusive deals, to encourage app usage.
• Curbside Pickup:  Implement a curbside pickup option, allowing customers to order ahead and collect their beverages without leaving their vehicles. This convenience factor can attract busy individuals or those seeking contactless service.

Strategy Timeline

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.

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.

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

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