How to Run a Coffee Bar

A coffee bar is a small coffee shop that serves coffee and other drinks and light fare.

A coffee bar is the small-scale equivalent of a coffee shop. To run a coffee bar successfully, you must understand that the coffee bar is not trying to serve as a replacement to larger, full-service coffee shops. Rather, it's a cozier and more intimate option for those seeking to get a quick caffeine fix.

Things You'll Need

• Business plan
• Facility to operate out of
• Coffee bar supplies and equipment
• Marketing materials

Instructions

1. Prepare a business plan, obtain financing and select a location for your coffee bar. Try to select a location in a high-traffic area that gets both foot and vehicle traffic and has nearby parking. Enter into a lease or rental contract with the building owner, or purchase a space if you have the financial ability to do so.

2. Design your coffee bar in a casual manner. Maximize the space you have. Avoid putting in tables or booths. Make sure seating is available. Utilize perimeter walls by installing long bars with stools for sitting. Decorate the space in soothing and relaxing tones and shades. Install a stereo or speaker system. Make sure the restrooms are easily accessible. Create a coffee fixing area complete with utensils, napkins and coffee condiments.

3. Decide on a menu. Choose both coffee and non-coffee-based beverages. Offer low-cost, casual foods such as croissants, muffins, cookies, wrap sandwiches, fresh fruit, yogurt, granola or salads. Remember that your coffee bar will be smaller than a full-service coffee shops, so only offer food that can be taken to-go or eaten while standing.

4. Get started on your marketing plan and advertising strategy before opening your business. Create brochures, fliers and business cards. Create a website. Distribute marketing material to businesses and buildings located within a 5-mile radius of your business. Offer special coupons when you open the business, and give all potential customers loyalty cards to generate repeat business. Print miniature versions of your menu to showcase offerings at your establishment.

5. Hire appropriate staff members. Make sure to hire at least one person who has been formally trained as a barista. Hire people who have experience in making unique and customized coffee. Make sure that you sell more than just plain coffee in order to compete against larger, more comprehensive coffee shops.

6. Keep a ready supply of materials, equipment and goods on hand to service the needs of your customers. Walk through the coffee bar at least once per day to ask customers what they like and dislike about your coffee bar. Pay attention to comments and concerns mentioned by customers and use those ideas to tweak your business.

Tips & Warnings

• Running a coffee bar is similar to a coffee shop, though less space is required and the clients tend to come and go quickly without lingering.

• Do not start or fund a business that you cannot afford.

References

• Entrepreneur Magazine: That's a Starbucks?
• Entrepreneur Magazine: Gourmet Coffee Kiosk
• Entrepreneur Magazine: Coffee Shops With a "Smooth" Business Plan
• Inc. Magazine: How to Write a Bakery Business Plan

Resources

• The American Barista & Coffee School