Coffee Industry Expert Shares Secrets of Successful Coffee Shop Equipment Layout

Designing an efficient equipment layout is a vital step in learning how to open a coffee shop, according to Steve Bayless, a coffee shop startup consultant for award-winning coffee roaster Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea.

Over the past decade, Bayless has helped open over 140 independent coffee shops all over the country, has conducted training at another 75 coffee businesses, and has developed the coffee bar layout for dozens of shops. He said the ideal layout fits into the choreography of the business, promoting success by creating:

• Happy customers, who receive delicious espresso-based coffee drinks in a matter of minutes.
• Happy employees, who serve customers with an economy of motion and without bumping into one another.
• Happy owners, who sell more drinks with less labor and enjoy increased business from happy customers.

Bayless offered three basic tips for efficient coffee shop equipment layout:
1. The first thing customers should see is the espresso machine. Lead customers to the espresso machine, and then locate the menu nearby.
2. The cash register should be two steps away from the espresso machine, with enough counter space between the register and the espresso machine to allow for exchanging money and serving the beverage.
3. Everything — including the espresso machine, cups, spoons, syrups, a refrigerator with milk, etc. — should be within the barista’s reach.

Crimson Cup Founder and President Greg Ubert discusses coffee shop equipment layout in more detail in his book, Seven Steps to Coffee Shop Success. Now in its second printing, this guide is the foundation of Crimson 7 Steps program, which includes consultation on writing a coffee shop business plan, choosing the right equipment, coffee shop layout, hiring and training staff and much more.

Unlike an expensive coffee shop franchise, Crimson Cup’s 7 Steps program allows business owners to operate a coffee shop that reflects their individual style, from equipment layout to menus, marketing and more.
“We offer all the support of a franchise without the franchise fees and loss of control,” Ubert said.

“As a one-stop shop for independent coffee shops, we also provide award-winning coffee, the best syrups, powders and other coffee shop supplies in the business, and ongoing support to help coffee businesses thrive,” he added.

“If you’re thinking about opening a coffee shop – or if you have an existing coffee shop that is not yielding the profits and lifestyle you desire – give us a call at 888-800-9224. We’d be happy to chat about your goals and how we can help you achieve them.”

About Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea

Through its 7 Steps to Coffee Shop Success program, the company teaches entrepreneurs how to open a coffee shop in their community beginning with insight into how much it costs to open a coffee shop.

To learn more, visit crimsoncup.com.