How many people have you met who don’t like coffee?
It’s no wonder then that you’re considering investing in a coffee shop of your own!
To help you on your way, we’re going to explore whether a coffee shop is a good investment and what it means to be part of a UK coffee shop franchise.
Why a Coffee Shop Is a Good Business to Start
Did you know that 2.3 billion cups of coffee have been sold in the UK in the last ten years, with 82% of consumers visiting a coffee shop every week?
The UK coffee industry has been one of the fastest-growing sectors in retail over the past decade, with £8.9 billion in turnover - and this will only keep rising over the next ten years.
Unlike with restaurants or bars, your products at a coffee shop are far less complicated. So long as you’re serving the best possible coffee and have an array of snacks, you’ll be golden!
Plus, it’s not just about the coffee (though it does help). Coffee shops have been growing in popularity for a multitude of reasons that we explore further below.
How Much Can a Coffee Shop Return on Investment?
Before you begin investing, one of the most important questions is, exactly how much profit does a coffee shop bring in?
On average, the returns of small independent coffee shops are between £100,000 - £150,000.
Only 12% manage to make more than £250,000, but considering these are post-COVID numbers, it just goes to show the enduring popularity of coffee, which is why a shop makes for an excellent business venture, even more so if bolstered by a franchise.
Innovative Business Ideas for a Successful Coffee Shop
There are four things to keep in mind if you intend to run a coffee shop to its maximum potential, namely:
- Passion
- Uniqueness
- Values
- Consistency
Passion for Coffee
There will inevitably be bumps in the road or things you don’t expect along the way, and a genuine enthusiasm for the business you’re investing in will carry you through a lot of it.
A Unique Brand
Next up is standing out. Ask yourself, what do you do that’s so different to every other coffee shop? What makes your coffee shop special?
Sustainable & Ethical Ingredients
Another important step is ensuring that your values as an owner are shown through your coffee shop. Practice what you preach!
For example, if you say you care about sustainability, reflect your ethos in the menu by investing in higher quality Fairtrade and organically sourced ingredients.
A Consistent Coffee Shop Experience
Finally, make sure you’re consistent. You need to keep your customers coming back for more. Always show excellent customer service, and you’ll have people ordering with a smile.
How to Stand Out From Competing Coffee Shops
As with any investment, there can be drawbacks to investing in a coffee shop. With the coffee market growing exponentially, a lot of other people have the same idea. This means that there’s a lot of competition out there for coffee shops, especially small independent ones.
The trick is to stand out! You need to do what the other big-name brands aren’t.
Bear in mind that running a coffee shop is not all about sitting in the window reading Jane Austen with a cappuccino in hand. Just like running any successful business, it takes work!
How Do Franchise Opportunities Help Coffee Shop Businesses in the UK?
Are you considering investing in a coffee shop but don’t know where to start? Why not look at becoming one of our franchise partners? As a partner, you can live your dream of owning and running your own coffee shop with the added boost of our brand name.
The biggest obstacle for independent coffee shops trying to get off the ground is an initial lack of brand awareness. This is why a franchise partnership is one of the best ways to get you started.
Not only will you be able to use our decor, operational system and menu, but you’ll also receive ongoing support in areas such as:
- Corporate training for owner/operator and team
- Favourable contracts with suppliers
- Marketing promotions and support
- Site selection and leave negotiation
- And so much more!
If you think you’d be the perfect fit for one of our franchise partners, or you want more information on the Esquires Coffee shops, contact a member of our team today.
