Coffee help....

makeandcreate

I am looking at opening a shop , my main business is in the craft and DIY sector with workshops and classes. I want to have a small coffee shop but I am not a coffee drinker, the only coffee I drink is Azerra instant American with lemon - so how do I decide what coffee to serve? Commercial coffee machines are so expensive I could not afford a new one. I was thinking cafetieres but do more people want a cappuccino or a latte these days? When you go into a cafe what are you more likely to order?

P. Breathnach

This group is probably not representative of the average coffee-shop customer, so basing a decision on what people here prefer might not be a good idea.

How much time, space, and effort are you prepared to put into the coffee-shop part of the business?

adrian522

Most people want espresso based drinks from a cafe. Espresso/americano/latte/cappuchino.

If you are not going to offer that your business will need some other aspect to stand out from the competition such as excellent food or ambiance or whatever else.

I suppose it depends on the area and what competition there is but cafetiere most people could make at home so it would not draw people to a coffee shop I don't think.

Also the equipment is only part of the issue, you also need the expertise to use it which is where a lot of places fall down.

Best o luck with it whatever you decide.

89linda

Almost half of the world prefers instant coffee. Markets is the place where instant coffee is appealing because of its ability and satisfy of new coffee drinkers and evolving the taste. So instant coffee is must in cafe.

CailinGaillimh

Have worked in a coffee shop for 3 years now. I remember when we first opened, our machine decided to stop working one afternoon so we ended up giving people the option instant coffee or tea. The majority of the customers went for tea/nothing.
In my opinion if a customer is eating/drinking out, then they will want something they cannot necessarily get at home.
If youre serious I'd suggest investing in a barista machine. We have a 2 espresso one and apparently it wasn't cheap, but we've only had maybe 3 days trouble over 3 years! YOur investment will pay off.

Gran Hermano

89linda wrote: »

Almost half of the world prefers instant coffee. Markets is the place where instant coffee is appealing because of its ability and satisfy of new coffee drinkers and evolving the taste. So instant coffee is must in cafe.

With respect, that's a load of balderdash.
Instant coffee is not a viable alternative.
As already stated above if you're not serving coffee I'll go for tea/water. Would you offer instant tea?

katydid

89linda wrote: »

Almost half of the world prefers instant coffee. Markets is the place where instant coffee is appealing because of its ability and satisfy of new coffee drinkers and evolving the taste. So instant coffee is must in cafe.

Maybe it's not a case of "prefers", but "can afford"...

I would be shocked to find instant coffee even as an option in a café

Joolzie

makeandcreate wrote: »

I am looking at opening a shop , my main business is in the craft and DIY sector with workshops and classes. I want to have a small coffee shop but I am not a coffee drinker, the only coffee I drink is Azerra instant American with lemon - so how do I decide what coffee to serve? Commercial coffee machines are so expensive I could not afford a new one. I was thinking cafetieres but do more people want a cappuccino or a latte these days? When you go into a cafe what are you more likely to order?

There are Coffee Companies out there that will supply you with a free espresso machine, and training on how to operate it. In return they supply you with all the coffee that you buy. They also give you branded cups and saucers. Go Google.
PM me if you need company names.

Joolzie

Gran Hermano wrote: »

With respect, that's a load of balderdash.
Instant coffee is not a viable alternative.
As already stated above if you're not serving coffee I'll go for tea/water. Would you offer instant tea?

I totally agree. No way does half the world prefer instant coffee, only people that have n't yet experienced a decent and proper cup.

Joolzie

Gran Hermano wrote: »

With respect, that's a load of balderdash.
Instant coffee is not a viable alternative.
As already stated above if you're not serving coffee I'll go for tea/water. Would you offer instant tea?

I totally agree. No way does half the world prefer instant coffee, only people that have n't yet experienced a decent and proper cup.
So many cafes burn the milk too.