How to Open a Coffee Shop or Sandwich Shop

Coffee Shop Business Plan

Ever dream of owning a quaint and cozy coffee shop like Central Perk on the show Friends? What about a snappy little deli or adding a coffee shop and bakery to your existing bookstore?

As with starting any business, you need to know what to do for every process and step of your business. Some questions to ask yourself: Do you need a loan? How much money will you need? Where will the business be? How is it going to attract customers from other businesses like yours?

Once you have answered these questions you are ready to complete your coffee or sandwich shop business plan and begin to firm them into your dream business.

Instructions

1. Begin with a business plan. Making a business plan will require you to lay all your cards on the table. What you know, what you don't know, funds required, licenses, etc... This is the essential first step to beginning any new business venture.

2. Talk to other small business owners in your area and check out the competition. Make special note of their pricing structure, services and products they offer, and ask yourself how your products and services will stack up.

3. You will need to find a location for your business before you begin obtaining licenses to open. Signing a lease, gaining access, and setting up utilities is necessary before any additional steps are completed.

4. Once you have established that you are willing and able to start this type of business and have found the perfect location, you will need to contact your local and state regulatory agencies.

5. If you will be incorporating or creating a limited liability company, you will need to register the new entity with the state and apply for an employer's identification number or tax I.D. number.

6. Next stop will be the local insurance agency. Most businesses and licenses for businesses will require some type of General Liability, Workman's Compensation, and possibly automobile (delivery or catering)insurance policies.

7. Restaurants and coffee shops require registration with additional regulatory organizations be sure to check with your local health department for a check list.

   In addition to a regular city and/or county occupation license and occupational permit, you may need a seller's permit usually issued by the State Board of Equalization, State Franchise Tax License, and a County Health Permit.

8. At this point funds may be getting a little low and obtaining a small business loan may be in order. You did fill out that business plan, didn't you?

9. At least 30-60 days prior to opening day, contact suppliers and vendors for products. Set up accounts and schedule the first delivery to coincide with the opening date for the business.

10. Line up advertising at least 60 days prior to opening week. Many newspapers and other advertising venues require proofs be approved one to two weeks before going to press.

Tips & Warnings

• Strengthen your business skills by taking a refresher course at your local community college.

• Invest in a meeting with a local business attorney to ensure the new business has complied with all local and state regulations.

• Consider offering Wi-fi or set up a little stage for the local talent, poetry readings, comedians, and music always draws a crowd.

• Save money and support local artists by contacting the local artists guild and displaying their work on your walls. Even earn possible commissions for works sold at your establishment.

Resources

• How to Open a Financially Successful Coffee, Espresso & Tea Shop
• How To Start & Manage A Sandwich Shop/deli Business
• How to Start a Restaurant and Five Other Food Businesses
• Building a Successful Business Plan: Advice from the Experts
• Writing a Winning Business Plan: Not Only How to Prepare a Business Plan but Also the Basics of How to Start Up a Business
• More Resources for Starting a Successful Coffee Shop or Sandwich Shop