Starting a coffee shop may be a dream of yours that you have been planning to materialize. And now that you have the guts to do it, you ought to move fast. This is a strong and practical business idea, knowing that more and more people are looking for quiet and serene places to lounge in—and coffee shops are one of them. Your patrons may be groups of college students, yuppies, and some people who just want to chill as they kill their time.
You may already have your fancy location or have already dealt with a stainless steel kitchen supplier in the Philippines. But above these things, you should start building a menu that your customers will love. Building a menu may seem like a simple thing, but there is a lot of work that should be put into it. If you are looking for some ways to make this much easier, here are some pointers to keep in mind:
The Type of Coffee You Will Offer
Keep in mind that there are many types of coffee, and you should offer some of them. You are not required to offer all types, as it may cause your business to experience some logistical failures. Besides, it is not practical. You may want to go for the usuals, such as Arabica beans. But if your shop is supporting a cause, go for local varieties—the type that you get from Batangas and popular coffee capitals. On top of the variety, choose recipes and mixes that you think your customers will ask. Popular choices include cappuccinos, espressos, flat whites, and cafe lattes.
Beverages Other than Hot Coffee
Other than hot coffee, you are free to offer ice-blended versions, which target younger customers or those who want a different spin on their coffee. And while you are at it, you may consider including non-coffee beverages that can cool down and refresh your customers. These may be fruit juices, shakes, milkshakes, and chocolate-based drinks. That way, you will be able to tap into different potential markets.
The Grub
Beverages may be the star of your menu, but you have to focus on something that can fill the tummies of your customers. Antipasti always make a great choice. But if it is too upscale, you can go for sausage rolls, sweet pastries, such as cakes and cookies, and pasta. The type of grub you will offer should be easy to make and should not cost you a lot. Sandwiches and salads are among the things that may tickle your customers’ fancy. Go for organic ingredients if your target market is health conscious.
Ask Around
It is vital that you get to know the actual likes of your target customers. That way, you will be able to avoid some things that may irk them, such as allergy-inducing food. In this regard, you may want to conduct a simple survey. The data you will get from it should guide you with your menu building.
Starting a coffee shop is a lucrative idea, especially if your shop is located in places, such as the central business district where the hustle and bustle make people search for a relaxing place. Let your customers take solace in the comfort of your shop and the deliciousness and flavors of your offerings.
