ShopLaunchShopLaunch

The roadmap

How to open a coffee shop, in order

5 phases and 17 milestones, from first idea to open doors. Read what each step involves, then start a plan tailored to your concept, budget, and pace.

Start my planSee the first steps

Plan

Shape the concept and prove the numbers before you spend.

  1. 1First Things FirstSet up the legal and money basics before the fun begins.
  2. 2DreamGet clear on the concept and why it will work.
  3. 3ResearchValidate demand and study the local competition.
  4. 4Business PlanTurn the concept into numbers and a plan.
  5. 5Sales and Profit and LossProject your monthly sales, costs, and the net profit left over.

Fund

Line up the money and lock in where you will serve.

  1. 6FundingConfirm how you will pay for the launch.
  2. 7LocationLock in where you will serve customers.
  3. 8LeaseSecure the space you will operate from.
  4. 9Build OutPrepare the space or rig for service.

Build

Outfit the shop, set the menu, get legal, and staff up.

  1. 10EquipmentChoose the machines and tools you need.
  2. 11Menu DesignShape a starting menu that fits your concept and equipment.
  3. 12PermitsGet licensed to operate legally in your county.
  4. 13HiringBring on the people who will run service.

Open

Open the doors and turn a soft launch into a strong start.

  1. 14MarketingBuild awareness before you open.
  2. 15Soft OpeningTest the full experience with a small crowd.
  3. 16Grand OpeningOpen to the public with intent.

Grow

Turn first visits into regulars and build a following.

  1. 17GrowthTurn first customers into regulars and expand.