How to Start a Coffee Shop

Many new coffee shop owners open their doors thinking that the specialty coffee's recent popularity guarantees success. More often than not, they quickly lease their space, buy value priced equipment, and start serving drinks with very little training or education. Another mediocre coffee shop is born.

In this situation, short term survival is possible, but genuine long term success is rarely realized. Most markets are saturated with places to buy coffee, and many consumers are perfectly happy with their current options. The big chains have a long history of making specialty coffee accessible and convenient for the average customer. Unless a new store can offer something new, or something better, what purpose does it serve?

This paints a somewhat gloomy picture, but also presents a large opportunity. There is a definite need for quality oriented coffee in this country; Not just another company with the seemingly mandated "dedication to quality" statement, but a shop that is genuinely passionate about serving the best product possible. A well trained barista, working with top of the line equipment and high quality ingredients, can create an espresso drink that truly puts their competition to shame. Once a customer experiences coffee at its best, Starbucks will never taste the same.