How to Start a Small Cafe

You have dreamed of owning your own small business, and there is a good chance that things are lining up to open that small café that has been in the back of your mind for some time. Before you jump in with both feet, there are several matters to address, and planning that must take place.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Business Plan
• Business Site
• Business License
• Equipment and Appliances
• Furnishings
• Inspection and Approval
• Menu

1. Draft a business plan. While the plan may not be as comprehensive as a business plan for a large corporation, you still need goals, direction, and a definition of how the café will function. Drafting the business plan before beginning any other steps will make it easier to locate all the elements that will bring your dream to life.
2. Find the right site for your café. For example, if you plan on catering to the lunch crowd during the week, look for a location that is easily accessible to office buildings and surrounding businesses that operate during a standard business day. If you are more interested in late afternoon and evening business, then look for locations near residential areas, small shopping villages, and movie theaters. The right location can make all the difference in the world to your success.
3. Apply for your business license. The combination of knowing how your business will run according to the business plan coupled with your identification of the right location will make it much easier to secure the license, even if the application must come before a review board. Make sure you are in compliance with all the requirements of local laws before making the application and that will speed along the process.
4. Set up the space. Stock the kitchen with appliances and equipment that are up to local standards. Select seating that is attractive, comfortable, and safe for your customers. Design the layout of the seating to comply with fire and safety codes, and make sure there the exits are clearly marked. Choose decorating accents that create the right atmosphere, and are in compliance with local codes. Also make sure sprinkler systems and other safety measures are up to code as well.
5. Schedule the health inspection. You will need this done before you open, and the rating must be posted in a prominent place. If you did your homework, the rating should be excellent and will serve to create good word of mouth for your new café.
6. Design your menu. Stick with dishes that you can create quickly, and will be desirable to your target audience. That means if you are going for clients who have to eat quickly and get back to work, keep the menu selections to items that can be ordered, created, and delivered to the table in five minutes or less. If your café will be focused on afternoon or evening customers, you can go with some entrees and other offerings that require more preparation time.
7. Advertise your new café. Start off with a promotional campaign to advertise your grand opening, and follow through with regular advertising. With some advertising in the local media as well as good word of mouth, you will be well on your way to having your small café become a big source of pleasure in your life.

Tips & Warnings

• Start with the basics, even if you have big dreams. Once the café is turning a profit, you can expand the menu, the business, or the hours of operation as you like.
• If you know nothing about running a business, take some time to learn local laws and perhaps take a business course before you undertake something this ambitious. In the long run, getting educated will save you a lot of time and many costly mistakes.