In order to open a coffee point, it is not enough to find and rent premises or space in a shopping centre – a coffee point also needs some investment in order to get started. To be successful, a coffee point needs supplies and equipment, as well as ancillary items. Here are the common necessities:
Equipment
The most important equipment for making coffee is a reliable coffee grinder, which ensures freshly ground beans, which is critical for quality. A quality espresso machine is essential for making consistent, professional quality coffee. Iced coffee, smoothies and specialty drinks require a blender.
You will also need two other things. One of them is a water filtration system – to ensure the water used is clean and enhances the taste of the coffee, the other one is a refrigeration unit – to store milk, cream and other perishable ingredients.
Supplies
Find high-quality coffee beans suited to your target customers’ preferences, throw in some bagged tea options for rare tea enjoyers.You must stock a variety of cups and cup lids of different sizes for both hot and cold beverages, with eco-friendly options if possible. Best way to get them is to make a contract with paper coffee cup manufacturers to obtain branded paper cups for your coffee point. Paper napkins and single-use stirrers are essential for customer convenience. You may also need a variety of syrups and flavorings, especially for seasonal drinks.
Furniture and setup
For the employee place you might need display shelves for showcasing baked goods, snacks, or retail items like coffee beans and mugs. A sturdy and well-designed counter for preparing and serving drinks is also a must. If space allows, provide chairs, tables, or stools to create a comfortable spot for customers.
Utilities and accessories
An assortment of storage containers will help you to keep organised all your supplies, including coffee beans. For transactions, you might need both a cash register and a POS system. Do not forget about trash bins around the coffee point for convenience and both employee and customer use.
Branding and marketing
Develop brand colours and a logo to be used on clear, attractive signage needed to draw attention to your coffee point. Menu boards will help to clearly list what is on offer and the prices. Consider developing a loyalty program: you can offer rewards to build a regular customer base.
With the right mix of equipment, supplies, and customer-friendly features, a coffee point can become a welcoming and efficient business.