Did you know that coffee is the second most popular beverage in the United States? Every day, approximately a third of Americans sip on a cup of Joe, and half of Americans drink at least one cup of coffee per week. This type of consumption adds up as Americans spend an average of $20 on coffee each week.
Looking at statistics like these, it’s no wonder so many people consider buying a coffee franchise. If you’re one of the many people who are eager to welcome patrons into your shop and serve up a hot cup of coffee or a frothy latte, here are four questions to keep in mind as you narrow your search for the perfect franchise.
1. Do I Want Space for Patrons to Sit?
While many people run in and out of the coffee shop on their way to work, others like to sit for a while in the space and unwind. Having a place to sit offers up a relaxing way to start the day. It creates an inviting atmosphere that can attract a crowd and enhance the experience a person has in the shop. On the other hand, it requires more space, capital expenditures, and more upkeep.
2. Do I Want to Offer Free Amenities?
Offering free amenities, like the Internet and areas to plugin will attract a very specific type of patron. People will use your coffee shops like an office or a study hall in the library. They’ll camp out for hours and invite their friends or clients for meetings.
There are pros and cons to this approach. Inviting people into your coffee franchise as a meeting spot can help you drum up more sales. It can also eat up real estate and make it harder for people to sit down. The people who are there for hours might not buy more than a single cup of coffee, so you might not turn much of a profit, despite housing them for such a long period of time. The key here is to get clear on the type of person you want to attract.
3. Do I Want to Have a Drive-Through?
Coffee is one of those beverages that’s often enjoyed on the go or in the car. To cater to the lifestyle of the people drinking coffee, many shops offer drive-through service. This lets patrons get in and get out quickly.
Drive-throughs are tricky. You must have an efficient workflow for them to contribute to the person’s experience with your brand. Many franchises that have stores with drive-throughs have an operating model to cater to this approach. If you’re considering offering a drive-through, look over how the franchise runs this feature to ensure it’s something you want to offer.
4. Do I Want to Serve Food?
Coffee is often paired best with a sweet treat or gourmet food option, but that doesn’t mean your coffee shop has to be the one to provide that treat. Serving food adds a whole different element to the mix, such as cooking, storing, baking, cutting, and presenting. Consider whether food is worthwhile enough for you to serve, or if you’d rather leave it off your coffee shop menu.
Up for a Cup of Joe in Your Own Coffee Franchise?
Sip your way to success by owning a coffee shop franchise. By considering these factors, you can narrow your search to find the perfect franchise to fit your wants and expectations.
Source: Franchise Direct