The types of coffee shops you can open vary in size, design, and cost. The shop format you choose will impact your location and the customer experience. Before you invest, learn the pros and cons of each design and estimated costs.
Coffee is one of the fastest-growing beverage categories across the globe, according to Circana. Coffee servings outpaced both tea and carbonated soft drinks in 2023. Total coffee servings were up 3% in the U.S. last year. Demand for specialty coffee is growing as more people return to the office. Traffic at gourmet coffee and tea quick-service restaurants jumped 4% in September.
“We’re seeing a notable increase in interest in these specialty items as consumers opt for on-the-go beverages and snacks while rediscovering their morning routines,” said David Portalatin, Circana’s senior vice president and industry advisor, food and foodservice, in a statement.
Coffee Shop Models
To cater to strong customer demand for caffeinated beverages, you need to understand coffee shop concepts. Beans & Brews Coffeehouse can help you determine which type of coffee shop format will achieve your entrepreneurial goals. Let’s explore the three main types and some of our estimated costs.
- Drive-thru endcap coffee shop: A drive-thru endcap location is situated at the end of a line of stores in a retail environment, such as a strip mall, or a downtown shopping district. Having a drive-thru offers customer convenience and there’s also ample room for creative design elements, comfortable seating, and the potential for a full menu that includes food and specialty drinks. You can drive repeat business and enhance customer loyalty by hosting events and becoming a community hub. Neighboring businesses help drive customer traffic and you may get to take advantage of shared amenities like parking and security. Coping with space constraints and design restrictions can be challenging. The cost of a Beans & Brews endcap location ranges from $460,000 to $760,000.
- Drive-thru location: A coffee shop drive-thru design caters to customers on the go and requires less square footage than a freestanding or endcap location. You’ll be able to offer fast service and have lower operational costs because of your smaller staff. Drive-thru service focuses on speed of service, which can affect the ability to build personal connections with your customers. One large drive-thru coffee shop franchise has an initial investment starting at $552,350.
- Express unit: A small coffee shop design is versatile and offers high visibility without the commitment of a large space. You’ll also have the potential for a built-in customer base. You may have limited control over the space and your success will hinge on the location’s foot traffic. The initial investment of a Beans & Brews express coffee franchise ranges from $305,000 to $605,000.
Join the Coffee Industry with Beans & Brews
Beans & Brews’ customers enjoy our high-altitude roasted coffee where they work, live, and play. Our flexible design strategy allows for adaptation to various types of spaces, from freestanding buildings to inline shops, maximizing the potential of each location. And our attention to detail creates a welcoming and comfortable environment that sets us apart from competitors.
In addition to offering flexible store formats, Beans & Brews focuses on quality. We offer a varied menu that spans specialty coffee beverages, energy drinks, pastries, and snacks.
Get started brewing success in your community. We’re currently seeking franchise partners. Fill out our online form to learn more about teaming up with Beans & Brews to open a coffee shop.