Determining the best location for a coffee shop involves thorough research and consideration of various factors. Here’s what to understand for optimal site selection.
Coffee is the No. 1 beverage in the U.S. – even more popular than water, according to the National Coffee Association. Since 2004, the number of American adults who have had coffee in the past day has risen by 37%, reaching its highest level in over 20 years. With demand for coffee at an all-time high, opening a coffee shop offers a lucrative opportunity. Coffee shops also serve as community gathering places where people can come to work remotely or spend time with friends.
Franchise Royalty Fee Basics
There are many different types of royalty fees, but the fee is usually a percentage of the franchisee’s gross sales or revenue. They can also be a flat fee, but a percentage-based model is more common because it scales with the franchise’s performance. Royalty fees ensure that the franchisee benefits from the franchisor’s continued efforts to maintain and enhance the brand’s reputation and success.
Coffee Shop Real Estate Tips
Finding an ideal location is one of the first hurdles you’ll need to conquer to own a coffee shop. Understanding the intricacies of site selection can significantly enhance your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you find the right spot:
- Market research: The first step in determining the best location for a coffee shop is conducting detailed market research. Assess the lifestyle and routines of the local population. Do they prefer to grab coffee on the go, or do they want to sit, work, and socialize?
- Determine budget: To achieve your financial goals you’ll need to keep overhead costs down. Analyze your finances and budget to determine how much you can afford to pay for a lease to find a location in your price range. Experts recommend that your total operating costs should not exceed 10% of gross sales.
- Visibility: When determining where to open a coffee shop, you’ll want a high-traffic location near offices, schools or universities, or a busy retail area to guarantee a steady flow of customers.
- Access: The location of your coffee shop needs to be easy for customers to access from the road. Is it located near an exit off the highway? Do you have ample parking to accommodate people who want to relax and enjoy their brew?
- Competition: After you find a busy spot, research the competition. You’ll want to make sure the market isn’t over-saturated with coffee shops that may hamper your business.
- Zoning: Before you sign a lease make sure you consult a professional to understand any local zoning laws and regulations that might impact your business.
Partner with a Franchise
Partnering with a franchise, like Beans & Brews Coffeehouse, can streamline the site selection process. We have a dedicated team that specializes in market analysis, site scouting, and negotiating leases. Having support and guidance can take the guesswork out of finding the perfect location. As part of our support, we provide:
- Access to proprietary data on demographics and market dynamics
- Assistance with negotiations and securing favorable lease terms
- Guidance on compliance with zoning and regulatory requirements
- Insights into the brand’s target market and established customer base
Beans & Brews Coffeehouse is one of the fastest-growing coffee chains and we have multiple prototype designs to fit any location, including free-standing coffee shops, end cap units with drive-thrus, and smaller grab-and-go kiosks for high-foot-traffic locations, such as airports or grocery stores. The initial investment to open a Beans & Brews location is $518,500 to $761,500. In our initial investment, we budget $7,000 to $14,000 for a property lease.
In addition to guidance on acquiring the best location for your coffee shop, Beans & Brews provides training on management, operations, technology, customer service, purchasing, and bookkeeping. We opened our first coffee shop in 1993 and have ample experience helping local owners create community gathering spots with high-altitude roasted coffee as our cornerstone. Our locations also serve a full menu of snacks and breakfast items, as well as energy drinks, specialty coffee beverages, and more.
Get started to learn more about what it takes to run a successful community-focused beverage franchise.