Best Coffee Shop Ideas and Concepts To Start a Coffee Shop

Coffee Shop Ideas and Concepts To Start a Coffee Shop Business

Best Coffee Shop Concepts Ideas

50 Best Coffee Shop Ideas and Concepts

Before opening a coffee shop, you'll have plenty of decisions. Among them is determining what your coffee shop concept will be.

For starters, you will have plenty of coffee business concepts. There are all types of coffee business possibilities, including varieties that include:

• Café bookstore
• Mobile coffee truck
• Drive-thru coffee stand
• Coffee roastery
• An espresso catering business

From a high-end café or coffee roastery operation to a low-cost coffee business, there is no shortage of coffee business concepts. We love the idea of starting a mobile coffee truck or a drive-thru coffee shop.

While the possibilities seem exciting – and they are! – you'll have to settle on one that makes financial sense for you generally.

Developing your coffee shop concept ideas is a mixture of art and science.

Your concept is where you'll combine your “coffee shop daydream” with current financial realities and the ability to implement that dream.

How important is figuring out your coffee concept before you move forward?

It's crucial! Without determining your concept first, you will have difficulty staying on point and executing your business plan. Unfortunately, many coffee shops fail because of poor planning and budgeting.

Once you decide on a general coffee shop concept, you can refine it as you move forward.

Best Coffee Shop Ideas and Concepts

Focus on Your Customer's Experience

Your coffee shop concept ideas should center on the experience you want your customers to have.

For example, you may want to serve fresh cinnamon buns with your roasted coffee. Or you may want live music and serve local wine in the evenings. But, again, the options are nearly unlimited!

Whichever you choose, remember that your customer's experience is the essence of your business concept.

From there, your coffee business menu comes next.

Your concept and your product offerings are two sides of the same coin. They go hand-to-hand with each other regarding the experience your customers will have.

As you determine what's exactly on your coffee shop menu board, you will begin to refine your business concept. Additionally, you will start to develop your coffee shop budget as well.

Generally, your business concept also facilitates the emotional connection you want your customers to retain. Your brand also helps facilitate this connection. Things like your coffee shop's name, logo, use of colors, and signage all support this emotional connection you want to develop with your customers.

Together, these play a role in who your target customer will be – and your marketing to reach those customers.

In short, your coffee concept is based on:

• Your customer's experience
• Your coffee shop menu
• The branding you wish to develop

Additionally, many other elements orbit around your coffee shop's concept. Let's discuss them next.

Best Coffee Shop Ideas and Concepts

Let's consider the following elements that support the business concept:

Physical space

The physical space, design & layout, and even location all come together to support your coffee shop's concept and the experience your customers receive. Your physical space is where your customers will gather to enjoy your coffee and other menu choices.

Develop a coffee shop menu

Your coffee shop menu is integral to your coffee shop experience and your customer's reason for being there. Therefore, it should entirely reflect the business concept you wish to achieve.

This may be challenging because you will have to consider your customers' needs that you may not fully understand. As you begin your research, you may need to look at your customers' existing menu options (your competition's offerings), demographics, price points, etc. How can you adapt and make your menu more interesting and unique to your customers?

Your customer service

Your high level of customer service will endear your customers to you and your coffee business. Excellent customer service and a great menu often lead to more customer sales. This makes excellent customer service a priority. As you may know, customer service starts at the top. Training and company culture will impact your level of customer service, so be prepared to invest in barista training, good hiring practices, and operational management.

Your coffee shop interiors

The mood and ambiance you create will be the most immediate impression—everything from color schemes to background music to lighting positions your customer's experience. In addition, the type of seating, the arrangement of furniture and displays, and the design and layout play an important role.

Best Coffee Shop Ideas, Concepts, and Themes

Espresso catering is an excellent low-cost coffee shop concept.

How To Create The Best Coffee Shop Concept

Determining your unique sales proposition is an excellent way to develop your coffee shop concept. Your “unique sales proposition,” or USP, is the “thing” that makes your coffee business special to your customers. This unique element should be embedded in your business concept.

Since there's no one recipe for success, here are just a few basic recommendations:

• Develop a cohesive concept. In other words, plan your coffee business with everything you want to provide in mind (your logo, your coffee and menu, your service, your experience, etc.). Ensure that the elements of your concept are harmonious.

• Work on your menu. Have a strong core menu that delivers for your customers every time. Consider what market area you are entering. Do they want breakfast items, or is it geared for a lunch and afternoon crowd? Knowing who your customers will be is an important starting point for developing your menu. 

• Pay attention to details. Little things like cups and saucers should meet the overall idea. They can be of a particular color or various colors, hand-made or made of glass. The same applies to the food or desserts you serve. 

• Write a coffee shop business plan. Taking the time to flesh out your business ideas on paper (or on your screen) in a thoughtful coffee shop business plan will pay off handsomely. It will also force you to articulate your plans in a manner that is concise and comprehensive. As you do your research, you will want to ensure you understand all of the coffee shop business requirements you'll need to complete. These requirements include establishing your business structure, such as a coffee shop LLC.

Below, we offer 50 coffee shop ideas. We hope this list will make the wheels in your mind turn. Don't worry if you don't find any business you currently own – you can always incorporate your hobby into a profitable business by merging it with the coffee business.

Let's have some fun and look at some of these coffee shop ideas below!

Best Coffee Shop Ideas

50 Best Coffee Shop Concepts and Ideas:

Coffee shop concept # 1:

Coffee and Flowers

Flower businesses serve the biggest customer influx during holidays like Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, etc. It's not a seasonal business because birthdays happen constantly; however, flower businesses can see a significant decrease in customers in wintertime. Add a coffee business if you want customers to come to your flower business all year round. It will allow you to generate revenue during slow seasons.

Coffee shop concept #2:

Coffee and Garden Nursery

Garden stores and nurseries are more seasonal because people often come to plants or trees in spring and summer. In addition, some garden nurseries offer lectures, merchandise, and other services. Therefore, adding a coffee business could attract more customers to your core plant business. Moreover, it's always nice and comforting to have coffee among plants.

Coffee shop concept #3:

Coffee and Computer Repair Shop

Some computer and tech services can be provided within an hour or less. However, you don't want your customers to read an old magazine and get bored while waiting. Plus, you want to make more money too! So why not add a cozy sitting area with light-speed WIFI, delicious lattes, and pastries? This can become an excellent workspace for many freelancers and promote your repair services.

Coffee shop concept #4:

Coffee and Hair Salon

You've seen this picture often: ladies with foil in their hair reading a magazine and waiting for their hair to be dyed. Make the waiting time more pleasant for your customers. Besides, your customers might want to get a cup of coffee before or after their hair is done. Good coffee is a great way to widen your hair salon customer base.

Coffee shop concept #5:

Coffee and Beauty Salon & Cosmetic Store

Every woman knows how nice it is to sit with a coffee after a relaxing beauty procedure. So pamper your clients with exclusive body care and delicious coffee. Moreover, if your customers come with their kids, friends, or partners, your guests will have a place to stay while waiting.

Coffee shop idea #6:

Coffee and Bike Repair Shop

Adding a coffee shop to a bike repair is a growing trend. As eco-friendly bikes become increasingly popular, the demand for bike repairs and accessories grows. Allow your customers to get a coffee while waiting for their bikes. Make your bike repair a community place for those with or without bikes.

Coffee shop concept #7:

Coffee and Laundromat

A laundromat and coffee shop under one roof is a winning coffee shop idea. Like other businesses requiring customers to wait, you want to make the waiting time more comfortable. Your laundromat customers will happily spend money on coffee to pass the time.

Coffee shop concept #8:

Coffee and Shared Workplace

Shared workspaces attract a lot of freelancers, gig-economy workers, and millennials. Most of them can't survive without coffee! If you own an industrial or commercial space, you can quickly turn it into a shared workspace where people rent to work. Besides, space itself requires little investment. Don't forget to provide a fast Wi-Fi connection and delicious coffee.

Coffee shop concept #9:

Coffee and Children's Indoor Play Gym

Indoor playgrounds are popular among parents who want to provide a quality and safe pastime to their kids. If the weather is terrible, or if you want to meet with other parents or organize a kid's birthday party – this could be the perfect coffee place. While kids play, their parents would love to sit with a cup of coffee and relax. There are also many ways to make your coffee shop kid-friendly.

Coffee shop concept #10:

Coffee and Fly Fishing Store

This unusual coffee shop idea can become profitable if planned correctly. Selecting the right fly fishing gear might take time, and your customers would like to have a glass of water or a cup of Americano. You can play around with a fishing theme and name your signature drinks appropriately. Various merchandise like t-shirts and thermoses will get a lot of attention, too.

Coffee shop concept #11:

Coffee and Photography Studio

Adding a coffee bar to a photography studio is a perfect way to retain photographers and regular customers. In addition, photo exhibitions would have added value to your coffee area. Bringing together photographers in a cozy space that allows them to network, share, and discuss ideas is a concept that can succeed.

Coffee shop concept #12:

Coffee and Printing Store

If you own a printing store, adding a coffee bar would increase your income and shorten your customers' waiting time. However, if you own a coffee shop, you can add a printing station. This is because people always need to print something out even if they don't know about it – they will remember to do so while having coffee at your printing house.

Great Coffee Shop Ideas

Coffee shop concept #13:

Coffee and Bookstore

Books and coffee go very well together. A coffee shop bookstore is a winning concept that has already proven its success time and time again. Whether you own your used books store or want to piggyback a coffee shop on an existing bookstore, you can create a profitable symbiosis. Drinking coffee in a coffee shop bookstore propels customers to buy books, postcards, and other items – driving up profits!

Coffee shop concept #14:

Coffee and Comic Book Store

Superhero fans can spend hours browsing comic books, novels, and board games. If the comic books don't sell so well, selling coffee, pastries, and other items can boost your revenue. In addition to comic books, there are so many unique things to sell at a coffee shop and a comic book store. 

Coffee shop concept #15:

Coffee and Gaming Café

A gaming café is another popular coffee shop idea that combines computer and console games with the food business. After gaming, gamers will be willing to spend money on coffee and snacks for a few hours. This is a potentially very profitable type of business if you understand computer games and their technical requirements and hardware needs. It could also be a lot of fun! 

Perhaps go mobile? Starting a mobile coffee shop business is an excellent low-cost coffee business idea.

Coffee shop concept #16:

Coffee and Record Store

Record stores and coffee shops make great partners. Nothing can be better than listening to a new record while sipping freshly roasted coffee. Even people who are not into records love to come to coffee and record stores for great vibes, cool music, and good coffee. My favorite record store and café are Easy Street Records and Café in Seattle.

Coffee shop concept #17:

Coffee and Financial Services

If you own a financial company that deals with many customers daily (like insurance), you can have an additional income stream by offering coffee to your clients. Serving great coffee would also help you market your financial company name.

Coffee shop concept #18:

Coffee and Notary Services

Notary offices see a flow of customers every day. Don't let your clients roam in your corridors, waiting for their documents to be sealed. Instead, provide a cozy sitting area with coffee and pastries.

Coffee shop concept #19:

Coffee and Art Gallery

Art can be beautiful. Coffee can be delicious. Coffee and art is another winning combo idea that can be very profitable for you and benefit your community. Visitors to art galleries are prone to spend money on coffee, tea, and other drinks. Offering coffee during art will also help to attract more people to your art gallery.

Coffee shop concept #20:

Coffee and Souvenir Shop

Souvenir shops appeal to the impulsive need to buy things. With postcards, magnets, mugs, and bags, offer your visitors locally roasted coffee and freshly baked pastries. Adding or installing a coffee bar within your souvenir shop would bring added value to your business and naturally allow people to stay longer and stand out among your competition. 

Coffee shop concept #21:

Coffee and Newspaper Stand

People still buy newspapers and magazines on their way to work! (It's true!) However, you can significantly increase the average price per receipt by offering quality coffee, pre-packed sandwiches, and pastries – anything people would like to grab on their way to the office.

Coffee shop concept #22:

Coffee and Indie Boutique

If you own or collaborate with an apparel brand store, you might be thinking about ways to market your items. For example, it's proven that the scent of coffee and bakery promotes buying. So, you can also sell your branded coffee bags and accessories to boost sales.

Unique Coffee Shop Ideas, Themes, and Concepts

A cafe roastery is a coffee shop concept that has big benefits.

Coffee shop concept #23:

Coffee and Lingerie Shop

Wow! This might seem very unusual, but it can work! Many women come to lingerie shops with their partners, who are not very excited about shopping. Often, men feel lost and abandoned in lingerie shops. Instead, they could be sipping coffee and reading the news in the coffee area. If you are afraid that they will spill coffee on the clothes, separate this area with artificial barriers or flowers and sign up.

Coffee shop concept #24:

Coffee and Pet Grooming

Pet grooming salons often become a community space for pet owners. They like to hang out together and share the latest gossip. Everyone would win if you added a coffee bar to your pet grooming salon. Special pet treats would also delight the owners.

Coffee shop idea #25:

Coffee and Pet Shop

About 68% of Americans own pets. This is a huge potential customer base for a coffee business. This makes coffee a perfect addition to a pet shop. Moreover, many owners come with their pets, and they might want to sit down after a long stroll and drink coffee or tea.

Coffee shop concept #26:

Coffee and Vet Clinic

A busy vet clinic is an ideal spot for coffee. When pet owners wait to be invited or for their pets to come out, they might feel worried about their darlings. Warm coffee, tea, or cocoa is something that can help calm down and reduce tension.

Coffee shop concept #27:

Coffee and Language School

Language schools were made for coffee. If your coffee school is busy, many people come earlier, others want to stay after classes, some like to sip coffee during class, parents bring and wait for their kids… All these people are potential coffee shop customers. Allow them to get coffee from you, and don't give the potential money to a coffee shop around the corner.

Coffee shop idea #28:

Coffee and Tattoos

A few more statistics here. 35% of Americans have at least one tattoo. About a third of them are planning to get another one. These people might come to your tattoo salon to talk to you about the design or make an appointment. Seeing a coffee bar might also propel them to buy coffee. Other customers who are not interested in getting a tattoo might just come for the concept, coffee, and unique vibe.

Coffee shop concept #29:

Coffee and Watch Store

We've seen a couple of coffee shops like that where a watch store decided to expand and add a coffee shop. If you come to drink coffee, your eyes will inevitably fall on the watches that you might decide to buy. And vice versa – if you come for watches and sense the delicious coffee aroma, you might want to sit down and have a cup of joe. It's important that the coffee shop concept at least somehow matches the watch store's theme.

Coffee shop concept #30:

Coffee and Vintage Store

Vintage and antique shops are a popular type of business that blends well with coffee. The overall startup costs of this type of business symbiosis can be smaller than those of other options because your inventory is mostly made up of used things.

Coffee shop idea #31:

Coffee and Furniture Store

Whether you have a small or big furniture store, a coffee business will be a great addition. While browsing through catalogs or ordering furniture, your clients will be more relaxed with a cup of coffee.

Coffee shop concept #32:

Coffee and Stationery Shop

We've seen this unexpected coffee and stationery combination that was very successful. Some customers came for stationery only, some bought stationery and coffee, but most were sitting by the windows drinking coffee. The coffee and menu were driving sales.

Coffee shop concept #33:

Coffee and Pottery Shop/School

Pottery schools or pottery showrooms mixed with coffee are becoming increasingly popular. According to many customer reviews, a café gives a huge perk to the pottery business. Knowing that many kids come to pottery schools, it's good to add a kids' menu to the coffee bar.  

Coffee shop idea #34:

Coffee and Board Game Store

Many board game stores plan gaming evenings for board game lovers. When gaming, many people like to sip coffee or any other drink. Besides, coffee would bring many more customers to your board game shop if things are slow. A coffee shop game store is another kid-friendly coffee shop idea that is fun for the whole family.

For a deeper dive, check out our post, How to Start a Game Board Coffee Shop.

Unique Coffee Shop Ideas, Concepts, and Themes

A mobile coffee trailer is an excellent coffee shop concept to start.

Further Reading: How to Start a Coffee Shop Trailer

Coffee shop concept #35:

Coffee and Knitting Shop

Knitting stores often become community centers for women (and not only women!). If you are thinking about expanding your customer base and increasing your income, then adding a coffee shop can be a good idea.

Coffee shop idea #36:

Coffee and Wine Shop          

If we talk about food pairings, then coffee and wine go very well together. Coffee by day. Wine by night. Both products are rich in taste and aroma, having thousands of overlapping flavonoids. If you are thinking about expanding your wine business, add coffee to it and start the coffee and wine pairing workshops. Serving alcohol in your coffee shop could bring a rush of revenue if planned right.

You may also decide to open a coffee and wine bar. We love this idea so much we decided to dedicate a whole article about it. Please read How to Open a Coffee and Wine Bar.

Coffee shop concept #37:

Coffee and Kites

You might be thinking: Coffee and kites? Well, why not!?

If you love coffee and know a thing or two about kites, then your business idea has the potential for success. If you understand the kite market, you'll know some very devoted kite lovers. So market your kites with coffee and your coffee with kites – and watch your profits soar!

Coffee shop idea #38:

Coffee and Cannabis

Searching for high profits in coffee? (Sorry, I couldn't resist the pun!) Cannabis cafes are a popular idea that has a rich history in Amsterdam. The possibilities are clear in many parts of the United States, including Washington State, California, and Colorado. If you plan to open a cannabis store, this might require high startup costs, administrative effort, and tax help. However, pairing cannabis with coffee and snacks could be a winning blend. After all, everyone knows that people get hungry and may need a jolt after using cannabis, so why not use this business opportunity?

Coffee shop concept #39:

Coffee and Lamps

We like the idea of promoting your core business with the help of coffee. The more people are coming to get coffee at your lamp store, the bigger the customer base you will develop for your lamp store. Organize a small coffee corner at your store, and you will see that people like the idea.

Best Coffee Shop Ideas To Start a Coffee Shop

A coffee shop concept can thrive anywhere people are.

Coffee shop concept #40:

Coffee and Real Estate Realtor Office

Real estate offices can also use coffee to bring more food traffic to their business. The best way to build a connection with your potential customer is through coffee, utilizing this unique opportunity.

Coffee shop concept idea #41:

Coffee and Locksmith Office

Even though a locksmith is a popular business, some of them don't make as much as they would want. If you research the competition in your area and find that there are no coffee shops around, adding a coffee business will benefit you and your community.

Coffee shop concept #42:

Coffee and Shoe Repair

Shoe repair is a type of business that will always be in demand. Just like coffee! So, adding a coffee bar to your shoe repair can significantly increase your revenue. Also, if you've been in a shoe repair business for a while, your startup costs will be nominal. This will allow you to reach the break-even point quickly.

Coffee shop concept #43:

Coffee and Musical Instruments

People who can afford a musical instrument will definitely afford a cup of coffee to praise a new purchase or just a good day. However, like with record stores, many customers who are not interested in buying a musical instrument will come for coffee, a great ambiance, and cool music.

Coffee shop concept #44:

Coffee and Bikinis & Surf Shop

Bikinis or surf shops are super popular on the West Coast and Florida regions. Adding a bikini barista concept to your coffee shop can be a winning combo: you can promote your new bikini attire and offer coffee while they shop!

Coffee shop concept #45:

Coffee and Alteration Shop/Tailor

Some tailor places can be bustling during the day, so you want to create a positive atmosphere for your clients to wait to take measurements or try new clothes. If an alteration shop is struggling for customers, adding a coffee bar will also promote your business.

Coffee shop concept #46:

Coffee and New Age Store

Enchanting music, the scent of various incense, dim lights… Adding coffee (and teas) to it will be beneficial for many reasons. You will create a space for your customers to come together and increase your New Age store customer base through coffee.

Further Reading: Should You Serve Alcohol in Your Coffee Shop?

Best Coffee Shop Ideas To Start a Coffee Shop

Coffee shop concept #47:

Coffee and Skate Shops

Skate shops are popular hubs where skaters buy or repair their skating gear and simply hang out together. Adding a skating-theme coffee shop will surely become a popular spot for all skaters in the area. It's the perfect place to add a cold brew or nitro coffee selection.

Coffee shop concept #48:

Coffee and Car Repair

This idea is nothing novel, but adding a coffee bar can be a good idea if you are thinking about boosting your car repair income. Many car repairs have vending machines with mediocre coffee, but the money it brings doesn't really belong to you. Adding your own coffee bar will increase your customer satisfaction.

Coffee shop concept #49:

Coffee and Smoke shop/Cigar Lounge

We're thinking out of the box here. Coffee and cigars pair so well together because they offer unique, rich tastes for some consumers. While alcohol may be served, some customers may choose not to drink and drive. So, the taste of coffee and cigars can overlap, complementing each other. If done right, it can provide a luxurious experience. If you balance the taste of cigars and coffee and provide the right setting and atmosphere, you can be sure that your cigar lounge will always be full of customers.

Coffee shop concept #50:

Coffee and YOUR Hobby!

Your hobby can be the foundation of your coffee shop concept. No matter what kind of hobby you have – you can always adapt it to a coffee business.

Think about what you are passionate about (besides coffee) and how you can merge it with a coffee business to create a perfect symbiosis. What will emerge is a coffee shop concept that you are entirely passionate about.

The most unexpected combinations have the potential to be the most successful due to their uncommon concept!

Best Coffee Shop Ideas To Start a Coffee Shop

Developing a menu is a big part of your coffee shop concept.

Are You Ready to Get Your Idea Started?

The opportunities in coffee are nearly endless! After you decide on a concept, you will want to take the next steps. Many of these steps don’t require money to get started. But they do require a little bit of time and research.

First, you will want to consider putting together a business plan. A business plan will help you articulate your ideas into one cohesive plan. A lot of little elements need to be decided, and a coffee shop business plan will help iron out your thoughts.

Additionally, you should consider developing your coffee business budget. Whether you’re starting on a shoestring budget or have ample funding, a thorough budget will help ensure you stay financially sound.

Related Coffee Shop Resources

How to Start a Coffee Shop

Develop a Budget for a Coffee Shop

Strategize and Fund Your Coffee Shop

How to Develop Your Coffee Shop Funding Mix

Low-Cost Coffee Shop Ideas

How to Start a Coffee Truck

Start a Coffee and Wine Bar

Setup a Coffee Trailer

Develop Your Coffee Business Operating Agreement

How to Setup a Coffee Shop LLC

Are You Ready To Get Started?

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Coffee Shop Startups

Based in Seattle, Washington, USA, Coffee Shop Startups is dedicated to providing you with the most relevant information on how to start a coffee shop business successfully. Over the last 11 years, we've helped thousands of aspiring coffee business owners worldwide. We harness the experience, wisdom, and knowledge of many successful coffee shop owners to help you increase your chances of success and profits. We support business owners who want to start a coffee business by providing them with valuable information on starting their coffee business successfully.