Coffee shop business plan
Plan your coffee shop section by section — concept, location, menu and numbers — and download a clean plan. Free, in your browser, no sign-up.
Footfall, a strong regulars base and tight margins decide a coffee shop. The prompts below are tailored for a café.
Tips for a plan that convinces
- Location and footfall matter more than almost anything else.
- Build a base of regulars — loyalty drives coffee margins.
- Know your cups-per-day break-even.
Coffee shop start-up costs
Put a backed-up amount next to each item:
- Espresso machine, grinders and a service contract
- Fit-out, furniture and counter
- Opening stock of coffee, milk and pastries
- Licences, insurance and a till system
- Working capital for the first months
Licences and rules
A coffee shop is a food business: register with your local council (UK) or get the food service permit from your health department (US). If you put tables outside, you may need a pavement or sidewalk licence. Check the exact rules with your local authority.
Key figures your plan needs
- Average transaction per customer
- Customers per day, split over morning, lunch and weekend
- Cost per cup (beans, milk, cup)
- Staff hours per day
- Break-even: how many cups per day you need
More business plan templates
Frequently asked questions
What goes in a coffee shop business plan?
Your concept, location and footfall, menu, marketing, operations (equipment, suppliers, staffing), the team, and a financial plan with fit-out and daily cups.
Is it free?
Yes, entirely in your browser with no account.