Torontonians love their coffee and while there are a few major chains with their fair share of loyal customers, this city is just as fond of its local, independent cafes. So, if you’re dreaming about opening a coffee shop of your own, Toronto is a market with plenty of opportunities.
However, in a city with a competitive and complex food industry, there’s a lot to consider before opening a coffee shop – even for seasoned investors. That said, with the right planning and strategy in place, you can get your cafe up and running smoothly. Keep reading for more insights.
Building a Business Plan
Like any small business, bringing your coffee shop to life starts with creating a complete, well-thought-out business plan. Any way you slice it, opening and operating a cafe is a major undertaking. From ensuring you have the funds and resources necessary to afford your first year in business to building a menu, crafting a distinct brand, and everything in between, there’s a lot of work to be done before you’re ready to serve your first customers.
All that said, it’s crucial to have a blueprint in place before you start investing time and money into your cafe. Rushing into the process without a solid plan will not only cause stress but can also set your business back.
Finding the Right Space
Next, it’s time to find the right location for your coffee shop. With a solid business plan in tow, you’ll be able to accurately assess what you need in a physical business space and what you can afford.
In Toronto, choosing the right location for your business is absolutely essential to your success. Your coffee shop’s location will impact what kind of clients you attract (and how many), your overhead costs and earnings, access to suppliers and deliveries, and a heap of other logistics. In other words, there’s a lot to consider before you start looking through available restaurant listings.
Another important choice to make as you navigate the commercial real estate market is whether you’re looking to buy or lease your cafe space. As both avenues have their pros and cons, you’ll want to mull over your options in detail before settling on the path forward.
Don’t forget to work with an experienced restaurant real estate agent while searching for your business space. They’ll help you find a perfect location based on your specific needs and goals – and, they may even be able to help you find an available restaurant that comes with some of the essential equipment and furnishings.
Thinking about opening a coffee shop, cafe, or other type of restaurant? Check out these other blog posts for helpful tips!
- Buying a Restaurant? Here Are 5 Questions to Ask
- How to Hire Restaurant Staff
- Key Terms in Restaurant Real Estate You Should Know
Sourcing Equipment & Stocking Up
A professional, full-service cafe requires a long list of equipment, furnishings, and other supplies. Once you’ve found the ideal space to open up shop, it’s time to start stocking up on essential equipment.
Here’s a look at some of the basic appliances and items you’ll need for your Toronto coffee shop.
Essential Cafe Equipment
Espresso Machine: Arguably the most important piece of equipment in your coffee shop. With several options on the market, you’ll want to do your research before you invest in a specific espresso machine.
Grinder: Another keystone appliance, choose a high-quality, commercial-grade grinder that will provide a consistent grind on your beans. For extra-precise grinding, consider investing in a burr grinder.
Brewer: Along with espresso drinks you’ll likely be serving up brewed coffee too. So, you may need one or more brewers depending on your specific offerings. Brewer types include pour-over brewers, batch brewers, or French presses.
Non-Coffee Items
- Commercial Blender
- Refrigeration Units and Freezers
- Display Cases
- Commercial Oven or Microwave
- Dishwasher
- Reusable Mugs, Glassware, and Cutlery
- Tables and Chairs
- Shelving Units Cabinetry
Choosing the right space to open up shop is a major part of reaching your business goals. Have a look at these blogs for more advice and information!
- How to Sort Through Restaurant Listings
- What to Look For When Choosing a Restaurant Space
- Does Your Small Business Need Bricks & Mortar?
Build (& Develop) Your Team
Finally, you’ll need staff members to help you run your coffee shop. Make a list of roles that need to be filled. This could include baristas, cashiers, bakers (if applicable), managers or supervisors, and other miscellaneous team members.
Like any business, having a robust screening and interview process in place is your best bet for finding the right staff. Prioritize candidates who have specific barista or coffee industry experience and share your passion for the product.
Coffee is a notoriously intricate beverage. Given the sheer diversity in bean type, preparation methods, and more, it’s important that your team is knowledgeable about the product they’re serving. After assembling a team, be sure to provide comprehensive (and ongoing) training programs to equip them with the education and skills they’ll need to deliver a consistent, high-quality product.
Looking to open a coffee shop in Toronto (or beyond)? We can help! Send us an email or give us a ring at 416-618-0054 to get in touch.
