So you’ve decided to open a coffee shop. After making this momentous decision, aside from picking a location and name, you’re probably wondering what else you’ll need to get in order to run it on a daily basis.
We’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll be going over some of the most important equipment you’ll need to open a coffee shop.
Equipment You Need for Your Coffee Shop
Espresso Machine
Although there are many things you can get in the average coffee shop these days, your espresso machine will probably be the star of your countertop. It almost goes without saying that you’ll need a high-quality one.
If you’re wondering just how important it is, think about the fact that the most popular coffee order in America is the latte. You’ll need an espresso machine to make it.
There are a number of factors you’ll need to think about before you pick an espresso machine. Some of the most important aspects to take in mind include your estimated volume of espresso orders, maintenance, and your or your employees’ skill level.
Check out our article about the best commercial espresso machines if you need a little more guidance on the topic.
Espresso and Coffee Grinders
Due to oxidation, espresso and coffee grounds get stale pretty quickly. Because of this, experts will almost always strongly recommend brewing your coffee as soon as possible after grinding it.
In other words, the fresher your coffee grounds, the better the taste in your cup. To make the freshest drinks, you’ll need your own espresso or coffee grinder.
Depending on the volume of espresso and coffee orders, it’s entirely feasible to have one grinder for espresso only and one for drip coffee, too. Of course, there are many grinders which can do both.
For more information on choosing the best commercial espresso grinder for your business, take a look at our post on the subject.
Drip Coffee Dispensers and Maker
Nowadays, the majority of people prefer specialty coffee drinks like lattes and cappuccinos over your basic drip coffee.
However, even though drip coffee is slowly decreasing in popularity, 45% of people in this survey still said they’ve drank it within the past day. That means that almost half of people in the United States still consume drip coffee fairly regularly.
You’ll want to make sure you’re able to provide it to your customers. One of the best ways to do this is to have your drip coffee brewed in advance with a coffee maker, then stored in a drip coffee dispenser.
You can have a few dispensers set on your counter with different blends. For example, you could have a decaf dispenser and regular dispenser, or light roast and dark roast.
Refrigerators and Cold Storage System
There are a lot of things that go into your drinks which will need to be kept cold. Frozen fruits, milk, and whipped cream are just a few examples.
It’s crucial that you have a good refrigerator and freezer system in place. This will allow you to safely keep unused ingredients at the end of the day.
Furthermore, if you sell food, many of your components will need to be stored in cooler temperatures. Eggs and meat are two illustrations of ingredients you can’t just leave out in the open.
Containers and Pumps
Flavored drinks are immensely popular. Vanilla, caramel, and chocolate syrups can turn plain-tasting drinks into indulgent liquid versions of famous desserts.
And there are many more syrups beyond just those three flavors. If you think of a flavor, there’s probably a syrup of it.
To provide these flavors to your customers, you’ll need to have containers with pumps at the top to dispense them.
Containers also refers to a broader spectrum of storage here, though. You’ll need to have cups and storage containers you can put leftover ingredients in, provided they are still acceptable to use.
Dishwasher
When you’re in the middle of a rush, you won’t have the time to stop and wash dishes to ensure your customer has a clean mug. A speedy dishwasher will be vital to your operation.
Even during your slow times, this will free your employees up to attend to other tasks. They can just pop dirty dishes into the dishwasher and talk to customers, create new recipes, or do any number of things to better your business.
Cooking Equipment
If you have more on the menu than just drinks, it’s important to have the machinery to back those options up. An oven, toaster, panini grill, and meat slicer are just some things you might want to consider to simplify the cooking process for your employees.
These types of machines will allow you to add all kinds of meals to your menu. When customers can get breakfast, lunch, or dinner at your shop instead of just a cup of joe, they’ll have more reasons to swing by.
Commercial or Industrial Blenders
Smoothies and juices have been an immensely successful health trend. The smoothie industry is expected to continue growing over the course of the next few years as a result.
This is a trend that coffee shops can easily get in on. With a couple commercial-quality blenders, you can whip together fresh and delicious smoothies for your health-conscious customers.
But smoothies aren’t all you can use the blender for. Frappucinos are another common drink you can get from coffee shops which are made in a blender.
Some blenders can be used for making sauces, juices, and much, much more, too. The right one could be poised to become a star player in your coffee shop’s kitchen.
POS System
Like many other businesses, coffee shops make sales to customers. A point of sale system (POS system) will greatly streamline the process for you and is vital to virtually any company.
And there are many features you can look for in your own POS. Increased capabilities and compliance with payment security requirements are just the start.
Just make sure whichever system you use is intuitive and easy for customers and employees alike. Your customers will be much more willing to spend when you make the process effortless for them.
Storage and Shelves
Storage for your food and goods can be so basic, it’s easy to forget. But there’s a lot to store in your coffee shop that’s not just food or drink supplies.
You’ll have dishes that you need to keep somewhere. Your syrup bottles and pumps will need to be within easy reach.
And an attractive display case that customers can look into for baked goods or sandwiches is a must, too. Put it right by the register so they can see these extras as they order.
If you’re selling merchandise, too, shelves are essential. Something attractive to keep your merchandise on will get your guests’ attention.
Wrap Up
There are so many things to consider when you first open a new coffee shop. Because of all the goods you can get in one now, there are numerous pieces of equipment you’ll need to run yours on a day-to-day basis.
But with the equipment on this list, you’ll be off to an excellent start.
Need some more ideas for running your coffee shop? Look into planning some events to host in yours.
We’ve got some fun suggestions for events right here.