Start a coffee shop
Typically $25,000 to $250,000 to start, from lean to comfortable. It usually takes full-time hours from the start.
Licenses and permits
This is general information to help you research, not legal advice. Requirements change and vary by location, so confirm with each issuing authority. Allpage doesn’t guarantee it’s complete or that your business is compliant.
The work itself usually doesn’t need a state license, though you may still need to register the business and get local permits. What applies depends on your state and city. Pick your state for what businesses like it typically need there, with each agency’s page.
What it takes
- To start
- Typically $25,000 to $250,000 to start, from lean to comfortable.
- Time
- It usually takes full-time hours from the start.
- License to practice
- The work itself usually doesn’t need a state license, though you may still need to register the business and get local permits.
- How it charges
- Per drink, with beans and subscriptions sold by the bag.
- A space with water, power and room for an espresso machine
- Food service and health permits from your city or county
- An espresso machine, grinders and a reliable roaster
What goes wrong early
- Rent and equipment before the first cup
- Thin margins per drink
- Mornings make or break the day
Steps to start
- Check the licenses and permits. The work itself usually doesn’t need a state license, though you may still need to register the business and get local permits. What applies depends on your state and city: pick your state for what businesses like it typically need there, with each agency’s page. This isn’t legal advice.
- Get what you need to start. A space with water, power and room for an espresso machine. Food service and health permits from your city or county. An espresso machine, grinders and a reliable roaster. Typically $25,000 to $250,000 to start, from lean to comfortable.
- Set your prices. Per drink, with beans and subscriptions sold by the bag.
- Set up your website and bookings. Answer a few questions and Allpage drafts your website (a menu, photos of your bakes and a custom order form) and turns on booking reminders and reward earned. You approve anything that matters.
What Allpage sets up
Answer a few questions and Allpage drafts your website (a menu, photos of your bakes and a custom order form) and turns on booking reminders and reward earned. You approve anything that matters.
- Booking reminders. Reminds each customer before every session they’re booked into, including each one of a series.
- Reward earned. Tells customers when they’ve earned a reward.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a coffee shop?
Typically $25,000 to $250,000 to start, from lean to comfortable. Costs vary by place, so check prices where you are.
Can I start a coffee shop part-time?
It usually takes full-time hours from the start.
Does a coffee shop need a license?
The work itself usually doesn’t need a state license, though you may still need to register the business and get local permits. What applies depends on your state and city: pick your state for what businesses like it typically need there, with each agency’s page. This isn’t legal advice.
How do businesses like it usually charge?
Per drink, with beans and subscriptions sold by the bag.
What goes wrong early?
Rent and equipment before the first cup. Thin margins per drink. Mornings make or break the day.
How does Allpage help?
Answer a few questions and Allpage drafts your website (a menu, photos of your bakes and a custom order form) and turns on booking reminders and reward earned. You approve anything that matters.