3 Important Tips for Setting Up a New Coffee Shop

Thinking of Opening a Coffee Shop? Here Are 3 Tips You’ll Thank Yourself For Later

Starting a coffee shop is exciting — the dream of creating a space where people feel at home, where the coffee is great, and the vibe is just right. But before you start hanging art on the walls or ordering cups, here are three tips I’ve learned from experience that can save you time, money, and stress:

1. Don’t Rush Into Leasing a Coffee Machines from a Roaster 
It’s easy to jump at a "free-on-loan" deal from a coffee supplier, but take a breath and explore every option. Leasing a machine can tie you into long contracts with beans that might not suit your vision as it progresses. I have seen a lot of coffee shops open and for whatever reason the coffee just isn't popular in that particular area, which can be detrimental to your business if you are tied to a supplier or left trying to pay your way out of a contract. Try every avenue first: consider buying second-hand, chatting to independent service providers like our partner Mark Rafferty Solutions, or even short-term rentals while you test the waters. Keep your options open so you stay in control of your offering. 

2. Equipment and Workflow is Everything
A beautiful space means nothing if your barista has to do a 12-step dance to make a flat white or you can't efficiently have two people working together. Think about your layout and what equipment you can afford. Below is an example of drawings we do for clients before they open. Small details can often be overlooked. 

• What power does each machine have
• Do you have water, power and waste where you need it?
• Can the person at the till jump in to help with coffee if needed?
• Are the holes in the counter done? Are they in the correct space and are they the correct size.

3. Hire for Attitude, Train for Skill
The people you hire will define your café’s culture more than your furniture or logo. Look for individuals who are curious, kind, and have a natural sense of hospitality. A positive attitude and willingness to learn will go further than barista skills alone. Create a team that genuinely cares, and you’ll build a community, not just a customer base. My (Darren) background as Group Head of Coffee for a contract caterer has given me a lot of experience in hiring the right people and offering industry leading coffee training. Sharing what I know about coffee is one of my passions. 

Opening a café is hard, let us help you. We are a coffee roasters based in Dublin. Roasting speciality coffee for all. At Behind the Label we don't want customers, we want partnerships with customers who appreciate our wholesale coffee offer. Utilise our experience and learn valuable tips from mistakes we have made over the 10 years in coffee.