coffee shop plan design

Coffee Shop Design & Layout Tips (With Examples)

Coffee Shop Design & Layout

Designing Your Coffee Shop Success

The thought of designing your coffee shop is a lot of fun. After all, you get to showcase your creativity that reflects your vision and coffee brand.

Coffee shop design isn't simply about the look and feel of your space but also functionality and effective workflow.

The design of your coffee shop impacts each customer's mood, energy, comfort level, and overall experience – but it also affects your efficiency, effectiveness, and capacity to fulfill orders quickly.

 In other words, your design can increase customer satisfaction and generate greater sales.

Indeed, not every coffee business concept fits every physical location. So, while you may have a design in mind, such as a concept that is bursting from the inside, you may have to adjust your design and layout due to the available space or money.

Your Coffee Shop Design & Layout

What do you want to accomplish.

Our physical surroundings can impact how each of us feels. For example, a space can make us feel comfortable and energetic, cold and unwelcome.

How your customers feel about your coffee shop space – and your business – will ultimately determine your level of repeat business, word-of-mouth recommendations, and profitability.

Do you want your coffee customers to stay around and linger? Do you want them to leave as soon as they get their coffee? Your design and layout will be decided.

Further Reading: Coffee Shop Ideas & Concepts

Before Starting Construction on Your Coffee Business

Your coffee shop or coffee design will be based on several factors:

• Lease agreements
• Zoning regulations
• Building codes

If you have a vision in mind for your coffee business space, designing your coffee shop will be lots of fun – however, there are a few things that you will need to consider first. 

Let's discuss a few essential items you must consider as you plan and design your coffee shop business.

Trending Articles on Coffee Shop Startups:

Coffee Shop Design & Layout Elements

Get the help you need.

Getting the help you need to design your coffee shop may be essential. Indeed, paying for the experience and expertise of an interior consultant may help make your life much easier.

If you hire a professional designer or architect, ensure they have experience designing coffee shops, cafes, or restaurants in your state. Again, this is because regulations can change from state to state.

Coffee Shop Building & Health Code Regulations

You will likely need to submit a plan to your county's building department. In addition, you will need to make sure that your property is in the correct zone for your business type. For example, your proposed coffee shop startup may be fine, but starting a coffee roastery would not be.

Understanding what your specific location is zoned for will help you determine the appropriate course of action. This may include signage for your coffee business and placement of outdoor seating, for example.

After you understand the parameters you will work with, much of the design will ultimately depend on you and your coffee business vision.

Your health department will have its own set of regulations – everything from design materials and ventilation to the number of sinks you'll need. So be sure to check with them first before finalizing your design and layout.

Further Reading: How to Choose Your Coffee Shop Location

Situated in the historic Pike Place Market, the “first” Starbucks has a minimalist setting – no seating and no public restrooms. The above graphic is an approximate drawing of their coffee shop design and layout.

Your Coffee Shop's Physical Space

However, remember that there will be factors you may be unable to control. These may include load-bearing walls that can't be removed or other specific regulations that must be considered before remodeling. So there will be several variables to consider before tearing down any walls.

Sometimes, you might have plenty of freedom and flexibility with wide-open spaces. Other times, you might be heavily restricted by design, tenant lease terms, regulations, permit issues, as well as your budget.

Consider your design layout possibilities and any potential restrictions and anticipated costs before signing your coffee shop lease agreement.

Your Coffee Shop Lease

Your coffee shop property lease terms should be written to help you develop your coffee shop how you see fit. However, it is common that a coffee shop business lease may dictate what your final concept will look like.

Before you start tearing down any walls, you want to make sure that you can remodel your coffee shop's design with the landlord's approval you are leasing from. Unfortunately, some leasing agreements may prevent you from doing anything to your space – so be sure to check. Additionally, ensure that you have the consent in writing – that expressly permits you to proceed.

Milstead Coffee & Co.'s design and layout are both functional and streamlined for maximum efficiency and enjoyment of coffee. Its large windows offer plenty of natural light, and its high ceilings maximize the spacious setting for customers to linger.

Your Coffee Shop Budget

Developing your coffee shop budget should factor into the equation when creating your design ideas and concept.

As you develop your budget, you'll have to see how much your account will go towards building out your café.

The coffee shop design budget will include the following:

• Cost of materials.
• Cost of contractors, such as certified plumbers, electricians, carpenters, interior designers, and architects.
• Cost of hiring a café design specialist to develop scaled plans and help you with permitting.

  The more elaborate your concept and unique your design, the more money you will spend.

Further Reading: Requirements to Open a Coffee Shop

Other Coffee Shop Design & Layout Considerations

Does your coffee shop design complement the coffee.

Ultimately, your coffee shop is about the coffee it serves and the experience it provides. Will the design of your café help you deliver the best coffee, the best service, and the most appealing space and experience?

Consider the following factors:

Your Coffee Shop Menu

Your coffee shop design should complement what you are serving. For example, will you need a slow brew bar? Will you serve ice cream or sandwiches? How will your menu choices and customer seating mesh together to offer your customers an ideal experience? Do you want to highlight the culture of the countries you get your coffee from? Or do you want to provide a sleek design next to a minimalist menu?

Your Customer Service

What type of service will you provide? For example, will it be coffee on the go, or will you offer table waiting? Is your business a small mobile business or a full-on cafe with seating? How will your design, tables, chairs, and space be designed to create the best customer experience?

Further Reading: Your Coffee Shop Permits & License Requirements

Coffee Business ADA Compliance

Your coffee shop design should be ADA-compliant and offer accessibility to all your customers and employees. The ADA is an important law and a moral obligation to your staff and customers. Offering accessibility is central to businesses in the United States and other countries. Following guidelines is not only the right thing to do, but it’s profitable to do so because you alienate fewer people.

Coffee Branding

Your coffee shop brand is an important connection that you will have with your customer. It’s important to invest in. Will your café layout and design work with your overall branding goals?

Your Coffee Furniture

Your choice of furniture will impact the feel of your café. Will your coffee shop have a modern, clean look? Will it be more rustic-looking? What will your furniture look like?

How will your lighting play into your design? Will you have to spend money on lamps and fixtures? Your lighting plays a role in the “look and feel” of your café.

The Need for Speed

Your design must consider the speed at which your customer wants their service. Are they on-the-go customers looking for convenience, or are they looking for a slow pace, relaxation, and seclusion? This will impact your layout, seating, and service area.

Uptown Espresso's West Seattle location offers the perfect place to camp and study or meet with your clients. Its large space allows for customers to enjoy their coffee and time with each other. 

Design Your Coffee Shop with the ADA

The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed on July 26, 1990. It was a historic piece of civil rights legislation prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities.

• The ADA ensures that people with disabilities have equal access to opportunities and programs.
• Entities with 15 or more employees must comply with ADA and provide accommodations to their employees.
• If state and local laws are stricter, businesses must comply with the more stringent regulations. (In Washington, companies must comply with ADA regulations with only eight employees.)

Take steps to avoid lawsuits or fines.

• Stay up to code with physical accessibility.
• Call the local ADA center for advice; the staff can come for personal consultations.
• Make sure employees follow positive customer service practices and provide employee training.

Victrola Coffee Roaster's 15th Ave. location in Seattle offers a cozy environment where customers can linger, talk to neighbors, or work at tables. Their use of space, furniture placement, and lighting create a welcoming environment for customers and create an efficient coffee bar that allows for fast service.

Mistakes coffee business owners make in complying with ADA

Inaccessible entrances: steps rather than ramps, narrow entrances, high thresholds, etc.

Limited wheelchair access in the seating area: not enough space between tables, or tables cannot be moved.

Inaccessible restrooms: inappropriate doors, narrow stalls, no space under the sink, etc.

Parking: no designated spots.

Employee attitudes toward people with disabilities.

It's essential that about half of anticipated accommodations can be very inexpensive, especially when thought of in advance. So, for example, even sign language/translations are not very expensive. The employee attitude doesn't cost you anything other than appropriate employee training.

Further Reading: Steps to Open a Coffee Shop Successfully

Your Beautiful Coffee Shop Design

Your design and layout play important roles in your ability to do your job and create a unique customer experience.

Before deciding on a coffee shop location , you may want a sketched-out layout, color scheme, and a list of materials you'd like to use. And then only set out to look for an appropriate coffee shop location that can contain your vision and layout.

Indeed, your design is personal and essential – allowing you to embed your vision, creativity, and heart.

By embedding accessibility and an efficient workflow into your design, comfortable seating, and inviting ambiance, you'll be better positioned to maximize your sales, improve your customer's experience, and create the coffee shop you've always dreamed of.

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Based in Seattle, Washington, USA, Coffee Shop Startups is dedicated to providing you with the most relevant information on how to start a coffee shop business successfully. Over the last 11 years, we've helped thousands of aspiring coffee business owners worldwide. We harness the experience, wisdom, and knowledge of many successful coffee shop owners to help you increase your chances of success and profits. We support business owners who want to start a coffee business by providing them with valuable information on starting their coffee business successfully.

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Small Cafe Designs: 30 Aspirational Examples in Plan & Section

• Written by Clara Ott | Translated by María Francisca González
• Published on March 28, 2022

The interior design of a coffee shop can make-or-break an establishment. With an inviting design, you can transform drinking a simple cup of coffee into a wonderful experience. However, when you only have a few square meters and various machines and properties to distribute, finding an efficient configuration is not easy.

To help you make better use of small spaces, below we have gathered a selection of 30 small cafe projects alongside their design drawings .

Caffe del Popolo / Rare Studio Experimental

Renovation of Largo Ning Yang Road Shop / Atelier Waterside

% Arabica Coffee / ARCHIEE

Blue Bottle Coffee Kanda Manseibashi Cafe / Schemata Architects

Felix Café / Oficina Bravo

GROUNDS Coffee / KOGAA

Cafe 7 YAD / SUBTEXT

CUUN Coffee / Design Studio Maoom

Pinheiros Coffee / Studio Boscardin.Corsi Arquitetura

Culto Café / Taller Capitán

12,000 pink-painted wooden sticks / Ideo arquitectura

Black Drop Coffee Shop / ark4lab of Architecture

Jury / Biasol

DALLAH / Associated Architects Partnership

Proti Proudu Bistro / Mimosa architekti

Fumi / Alberto Caiola

U Coppu / Studio DiDeA + Dario De Benedictis

Embajada Espress / sporaarchitects

zmianatematu / xm3

OJALÁ / Andrés Jaque

Big Small Coffee + B&B / Office AIO

El Moro / Cadena Concept Design

To Tsai Tea Room / Georges Batzios Architects

Estação Ciência Cafe / Una Arquitetos

Invisible Coffee Room / I Like Design Studio

Verdin / Tavares Duayer Arquitetura

Be.Re / Filippo Bombace

The Platform / Lukstudio

Chimney Café / GOA

Oop Coffee / PAA Arquitetura Comercial + Marina Garcia

Image gallery

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How to Create a Coffee Shop Floor Plan (Any Size & Dimension)

Designing the layout of your coffee shop? I sat down with Bryan Reynolds , the co-founder and CEO of the nine location Anthem Coffee get his advice on the coffee shop design process. Most jurisdictions require a floor plan to be submitted to the city by an architect or contractor for approval to ensure the store meets local regulations so you won’t be lone in this process. Here are the key tips Bryan shared with examples of sample big and small coffee shop layouts between spaces of 500 and 2,500 square feet in space below. 

Coffee shop with ample seating for guests, backbar and work room for employees.

Understanding the Key Elements of a Coffee Shop Floor Plan Design

Before we get into the dimensions, it’s smart to get your head wrapped around the different zones of your coffee shop. These sections help define and compartmentalize the different areas inside a coffee shop mentally. When you evaluate the layout of a coffee shop by zone, it allows you to take more bit-sized approach to evaluating a coffee shops design layout.

According to Reynolds, working with the professional on the layout of the coffee shop provided some unexpected benefits. Reynolds said “The architect’s expertise in layout design has been a game-changer for our coffee shop. Their understanding of space utilization has helped us serve our customers better and faster, leading to a measurable increase in sales at Anthem Coffee.”

Related Reading: 657+ Coffee Shop Name Ideas with Profit Potential 

The high-level goal when designing an ideal coffee shops layout is to help attract more customers, sell more product through effective merchandising, and create a comfortable environment for guests and staff. For this post, we will be evaluating nine specific zones of a coffee house defined below.

Retail Location: The location of your coffee shop will play an enormous role in the layout of your shop. Think of the location as your sandbox. You can play however and with whomever you’d like within the box. But you’re restricted within the walls of the play area.

Before you start looking for a retail location, you need to get clear the goals of your coffee shop. Before you start looking for the right retail location, get clarity on the following:

• How much seating do you want to have? This will impact square footage requirements of the location.
• What type of clientele do you hope to serve? This will effect the area of town you need to open.
• Do you plan to have drive-thru sales? You’ll need to confirm with your landlord that this is an option.

If you haven’t got clear on what type of a coffee shop environment you want to open yet, check out our in-depth guide on how to start a coffee shop .

Square Foot / Dimensions: The size and dimensions of a retail space will also impact the design. The larger the space, the more room you’ll have to include a coffee bar, fireplace, bistro style seating, and whatever else you envision. According to Total Food Service , you’ll want about 15 square feet dedicated per customer in a coffee shop to keep guests comfortable. More on this point later in the post.

The dimensions of the space will also impact the layout. If you’ve got a space that has the dimensions of a rectangle or square similar to the example Starbucks floor plan below, the layout considerations will be different than a more unique floor plan you occasionally find in retail.

Entrance Zone: This zone is the first impression customers get of your business. Think of this section as the curb appeal of your shop. When someone is on the outside looking in does your establishment welcome individuals in? Does it pique their interest or is something that consumers walk past without noticing. Your exterior signage is a consideration of the entrance of the coffee shop.

Interior Space: Once inside the store, do customer and employees have enough space to move around comfortably? Is there enough proximity of space between tables and customers?

Interior Design: This zone refers to the interior architecture of the store. The interior design will take into consideration ceilings, decorations, merchandising colors, lighting, electrical outlets for guests, positioning of furniture and other factors.

Lighting: Don’t overlook lighting. Lighting can actually make a bigger statement about a cafes identity than single piece of furniture. Research has also shown that the right lighting encourages customers to stay longer and spend more. See how picture lighting, pendant lighting, and strategically placed wall lights can transform a cafe here .

Furniture: In this zone you will take into consideration not only the available seating, tables, and location of windows, but how you arrange these pieces inside the space as well.

Coffee Bar and Kitchen: The coffee bar area is often a focal point within a coffee shop. This is where customers will go to browse the menu, pick up beverages, and interact with staff. You want to make sure this area is both appealing and merchandised correctly to increase sales. You’ll also want to ensure this zone is functional for employees to craft handmade drinks comfortably.

Before you determine the right layout for your space, take time to consider the design of each zone before approving a final design.

How Much Space Do You Need For A Coffee Shop?

Coffee businesses come in all shapes and sizes. The the goals of your business how much space you need for the store.

If you want to create an environment where customers stay for longer time periods, meet with others, work, and grab a bite to eat you’ll need a more space. If this is you’re goal then dining room / seating space should be at least 750 square feet to allow 50 guests at any one time. This means you’ll be looking for a minimum of 1,000 – 1,300 sq. foot locations only when you consider the space needed behind the counter for coffee makers, espresso machines, refrigerators, etc.

If you want to operate a coffee stand, however, you could operate comfortably in less than 400 square feet and still operate profitably. It totally depends on the strategy you plan to generate sales and what type of clientele you want to attract.

To give you a visual perspective coffee shop layout might look like with different space availability, we’ve provided three layouts below for small, average, and large stores.

Layout & Dimensions of a Small Coffee Shop – Under 500 Square Feet

Sample concept of a 300 square feet Coffee Shop floor plan.

Below is an example of a small coffee shop floor plan less than 500 square feet. For coffee shops of this size, you’ll usually be looking at a drive-thru kiosk or a store without any seating where customers pick up their coffee and leave. This can work well in urban locations like New York City where rent costs are extremely high and there’s a lot of foot traffic from people going to work.

Reynolds offers some has advice if you’re planning to open in 500 sq. foot or less space, “With limited space, we’ve learned to think vertically. Using wall-mounted shelves and hanging decor, we’ve created more room for seating without sacrificing style or functionality.”

The floor-plan above is for a walk-up coffee shop inside a covered patio adjacent to a bakery. There is no kitchen in this layout and only drinks will be served. Barn sliders will be used to open and serve customers. This space is only 8″ x 10″ and closer similar to what it would be like to operate in a coffee truck. All seating is outside the coffee bar.

The nice aspect of operating a small coffee business is that it makes it very realistic for an individual or couple to run efficiently. You won’t need to hire as much staff, clean bathrooms, or maintain a large space. If you run a drive-thru shop, a small 500 square foot space is plenty if room since customers will be served outside through the service window. 

Layout & Dimensions of an Average Size Coffee Shop – 1,000 – 1,750 Square Feet

The average size coffee shop is between 1,000 – 1,750 sq. feet. This size offers comfortable seating for between 50 – 70 guests on average.

Additionally, depending on if you plan to include a small kitchen will also require additional space. The furniture layout, seating, and merchandising will also determine available free space. Make sure to reserve room for storage and cleaning supplies as well.

Layout & Dimensions of an Large Size Coffee Shop – 2,500 sq. feet or more.

When you get one of these bigger coffee shop locations, you have the opportunity to serve a lot more customers and generate sales that exceed a million dollars annually.

You can get more creative in the way you create spaces in your shop and make it a true gathering destination. Stores like this can have a small stage to host concerts or special events. You may decide to have a conference area where small groups can gather to meet. A cozy fireplace with leather couches and seating are another option that can make sense. Of course, you’ll also have more space to merchandise and sell bags of coffee, mugs, t-shirts and other swag.

Bryan has leveraged their coffee shops with a larger footprint to host all sorts of events, “Our spacious coffee shop includes a small stage, which has been fantastic for hosting local bands, speakers, and artists. It’s become a community hub, attracting a wide range of customers that would have never found out about us if it weren’t for a special event.”

On the flip side, these kind of coffee shops have higher lease costs, require more employees to operate and maintenance than a smaller space. The upside is bigger, but so is the risk. If you’re a first time business owner that’s figuring it out this can be too much to handle.

In the above floor plan for a Starbucks, you can see that a private conference room has been added in addition to large communal seating options like a large table in the center of the dining room. This layout offers guests plenty ways to meet with people or get work done in the space.

Below is another example of a cafe layout with 2,500 sq. feet of space. This cafe can hold a capacity of over 100 people at one time when you combine the interior and exterior seating areas. That’s a lot of potential sales volume if you can keep the place busy.

A 2,500 sq. ft. coffee shop layout.

Creating The Ideal Floor Plan For Your Business

As we’ve outlined in this post, you’ve need to be clear on the goals of your business before figuring out the floor plan. You can be as successful selling from a drive-thru window as you can with a massive 2,500 sq. ft. coffee castle. But business goals need to guide the dimensions of the floor plan, not the other way around.

To develop a layout that lures in customers make sure each one of the nine zones listed above is thoughtfully addressed. Then organize how each of these zones will work together inside the retail space you’ve selected.

If you want to learn more about finding the right location for your coffee business, click here . In this interview, Bryan Reynolds of Anthem Coffee & Tea shares hist families journey finding their first location.

Coming up with the design of your coffee shop will be both an exciting and stressful time for coffee shop entrepreneurs. Excitement because the vision moving a big step closer to becoming a reality. Stress because the more design elements you add to a coffee shop like art, tables, chairs, lighting or display cases will all increase the overall startup cost.

While no-one wants to waste money, it’s import to remember you need to create a welcoming ambience for guests. Creating a unique environment and guest experience can literally make or break this business. There are numerous academic studies conducted finding the environment of a cafe will significantly increase the odds of first time customers becoming a repeat customer. These environmental elements include music, lighting, cleanliness, and layout to name a few.

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Creating a Coffee Shop Floor Plan: Examples + Tips

Published April 18, 2023

Published Apr 18, 2023

REVIEWED BY: Meaghan Brophy

WRITTEN BY: Mary King

This article is part of a larger series on Restaurant .

• 1 Coffee Shop Floor Plan Examples
• 2 Key Planning Factors for Front of House
• 3 Best Practices for Back of House Planning
• 4 Adding Fixtures & Furnishings
• 5 Tools for Drawing Your Coffee Shop Floor Plan
• 6 Bottom Line

A good coffee shop floor plan accounts for your shop’s electrical, plumbing, and sanitation needs and uses furnishings and barriers to guide customers through the ordering process. The best coffee shop floor plans are easy to navigate and adhere to the accessibility standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Designing your coffee shop floor plan is just one step in opening a coffee shop . You can create a coffee shop floor plan with a simple pen and paper or use a floor plan app. Whichever system you choose, you’ll need to configure customer-facing areas (also called front of house) and staff areas (also called back of house) and add furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) to comply with health code and appeal to your target customers.

Coffee Shop Floor Plan Examples

The examples below showcase several different types of coffee shop floor plans. We’ve included information about each layout’s size, ideal location, and target customer to help you find the best fit for your shop.

Coffee Counter

• Description: This pit-stop coffee shop relies on grab-and-go sales without seating.
• Why it works: The small footprint allows this shop to meet customers where they are, in business cores or near rail lines. This floor plan is built for speed to serve customers quickly on their commutes or work breaks. A quick-stop shop should utilize vertical space to sell retail items like mugs and coffee beans or impulse purchases like newspapers and chewing gum.
• Location: Busy center city locations where real estate is expensive; business districts; near business and transportation hubs
• Size: 600 to 800 square feet
• Target customer: Take-a-breakers

Galley-style Coffee Shop

• Description: This midsize shop has a long espresso bar running in the back of the shop, intimate seating arrangements of various sizes spread throughout. It may also have a drive-thru where zoning permits.
• Why it works: Most of the shop is given to flexible, movable seating. Customers can move the furniture easily to accommodate different size groups, and staff can move furniture to accommodate events like live music and book readings. This layout also pushes the espresso counter to the back of the shop to allow staff a broad view of the service floor, so they can easily see areas that need cleaning or restocking.
• Size: 800 to 1,000 square feet
• Location: Large suburban shops with parking lots
• Target customer: Socializers

Pocket Coffee Shop

• Description: With an espresso bar facing a wide open entrance, limited seating, and lots of retail display space on the walls, this circular configuration makes the most of tight spaces.
• Why it works: Circular countertops and seating spaces remove sharp angles that can be difficult to move around. Staff and customers can maneuver easily around the space. The lower levels of the circular bar are ideal for showcasing impulse purchases.
• Size: 900 to 1,300 square feet
• Location: Busy shopping centers and malls
• Target Customer: Shoppers, socializers

Full-service Coffee Shop

• Description: A narrow counter on the same plane as the front door, with counter seating along storefront windows, provides good sight lines.
• Why it works: Large, street-facing windows allow a shop to showcase visually impactful back wall displays. Running countertop seating along these windows increases occupancy while making your shop look busy and inviting (placing electrical outlets near the counter encourages customers to sit). High-contrast outdoor signage helps customers on foot find your shop.
• Size: 1,500 to 2,000+ square feet
• Location: Busy shops in an urban center, shops in suburban strip malls.
• Target Customer: Take-a-breakers, shoppers

Large-scale, Full-service Coffee Shop

• Description: Lots of lounge seating spread across various levels and rooms allows customers to use the space as a meeting place for casual dates or business meetings.
• Why it works: Large coffee shops have a community expectation that they act as a backup living or meeting room for local residents and travelers. As a result, many large coffee shops create room dividers with shelves or furniture that display merchandise. To allow room for lines to form, the espresso counter tends to run along the widest wall and be sited at the back of the shop. Where zoning allows, large shops set back from the road benefit from signage posted at a height that can be seen for several blocks or even a nearby highway.
• Size: 3,500 to 4,000+ square feet
• Location: Large shops in city centers or suburbs
• Target customer: Socializers, shoppers

Key Factors for Planning Your Front of House

The first step in designing your coffee shop floor plan is considering your customer-facing areas, frequently called the “front of house” (FOH) areas. In a coffee shop, the FOH also includes the preparation areas where you make beverages; the customers can see it, after all. Your FOH layout will be influenced by your shop’s location, size, relation to the street, and target customer.

• Target Customer

A coffee shop’s physical location greatly impacts its look. Coffee shops in densely populated cities or historic neighborhoods tend to be set close to the street and rely on foot traffic. Meanwhile, shops in suburban areas or strip malls struggle with visibility because they’re often set back from the street in wide parking lots. Coffee shops in college towns and small towns have the benefit of a captive audience that sometimes comes with the added pressure to act as a community hub.

The size of your space will determine what possibilities you have. Small spaces with limited square footage may seem like a challenge for creating a coffee shop floor plan, but they allow staff to reach all areas of the operation efficiently. Shops with a large footprint have the space to accommodate many customers but may struggle to create a layout with minimal blind spots. Minimizing blind spots is key to keeping your coffee shop clean.

Your target customer is your final consideration for creating your shop’s floor plan. The different customer types influence your shop’s fixtures and furnishings. We discuss the major coffee shop customer types in detail and how their preferences impact your coffee shop layout in the fixtures and furnishings section of this article.

Additional Factors

Counter spacing.

The espresso counter is the major set piece in any coffee shop. To fit the machine, the counter itself only needs to be about two feet wide. But in addition to the counter, consider a back bar workspace for your staff on one side and a gathering space for customers on the other. You should allow for at least 14 feet of width on your floor plan.

Wi-Fi is another connection you need to consider, not just for your customers but also for your own operation. If you plan to use a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system, like Square , you want to be sure that the Wi-Fi router is not blocked by walls, as this can create communication issues and cause your system to malfunction.

Coffee Shop Floor Plan Accessibility Requirements

All places of business open to the public have certain obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). You can find the document in full on the ADA website , but essentially the ADA will impact the width of aisles, doorways, counter height, and restroom design. Some buildings of historical value may be excused from a few of these obligations, but you want to be sure to check your local building codes to stay on the right side of the law here.

We’ve compiled some of the most common ADA requirements that affect a coffee shop floor plan. You’ll want to keep these measurements in mind as you lay out your aisles and fixtures and set aside space for bathrooms and line formation.

ADA Compliance Basics

Doorways must be at least 32 inches wide, and most hallways and passages should be at least 36 inches wide. (Source: ADA.gov)

Wheelchairs need at least 60 inches of space to turn around completely, though a properly configured T-junction also allows room for turning. These dimensions are especially important in designing an accessible restroom. (Source: ADA.gov)

To be accessible to customers in wheelchairs, your condiment stations should be no more than 34 inches tall. If your self-service areas are higher than this, be sure to add an alternative self-service station that is 34 inches or lower. (Source: ADA.gov)

Adhering to the ADA is good for business. According to projections by the Administration on Aging , there will be more than 69 million Americans age 65 and older by 2030, making up approximately 20% of the total US population. Add this to the already 50 million Americans with disabilities, and you’re looking at a customer base that outnumbers any single cultural, racial, or ethnic group in the country. Visit the ADA website for additional guidance.

Floor Plan Security Considerations

Because of their lower price point, coffee shops tend to see more cash payments than other food service businesses. This can make coffee shops a target for employee theft and robbery attempts. Owners should take these into consideration when creating their coffee shop floor plan to prevent security issues like blind spots and back entrances. These are opportunities for shop owners to place security cameras in areas that will help protect customers and staff.

A business security package from SimpliSafe covers your main entrances and exits without requiring a separate phone line. (Source: SimpliSafe)

A wireless security company like SimpliSafe has affordable options for small businesses, like the ability to format multiple PIN numbers to disarm alarms, so business owners know who is in the shop at all times. The system can send owners text messages when alarms have been set or disarmed. It also offers wireless security cameras with motion sensors and intruder alarms that can be placed near registers, safes, and back entrances to provide additional peace of mind.

Visit SimpliSafe

Best Practices for Planning Your Back of House

Unlike a restaurant floor plan , a coffee shop floor plan does not need to accommodate an entire commercial kitchen. But most coffee shops still need storage, refrigeration, and sanitation equipment outside the view of customers. These staff-only areas are frequently called the “back of house” (BOH) and may also include a small office space where you store personnel files and reserve cash.

Equipment Placement

Local building codes and health department regulations will have some influence over what type of equipment you use and where it can be placed. Hand-washing sinks and dishwashers require floor drains; refrigerators and ovens will need room for ventilation. Some buildings—particularly those in densely populated areas—may not support cooking equipment. It is a good idea to get the advice of a contractor familiar with installing restaurant equipment to let you know where you can place floor drains or ovens.

Your BOH coffee shop floor plan should consider:

• Local health code standards: Local health codes will require the placement of sinks for hand-washing and dish-washing. You will also need enough refrigerators to keep perishable products like milk below 41 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Local building codes: You may need to consult with an architect or building contractor to ensure that water lines, electrical lines, and both ventilation and sanitation plans adhere to local building codes.
• Storage needs: You may want space to store back stock, cleaning supplies, and employee belongings off the service floor.

Some things can’t be moved or are so expensive to move that it makes sense to leave them alone. When drawing your coffee shop layout, keep your eye out for where electrical lines and water lines have been run in the building. It is most cost-effective to plan your equipment placement where these lines are easily accessible. If you are looking at raw space, you will need to find a contractor to give you an estimate on running lines where you need them.

When planning your floor plan, think about how your team will dispose of garbage throughout the course of the day. A back door in a staff area that leads directly to your dumpsters is ideal, but if that is not possible and your staff will have to carry garbage out the main entrance, you’ll want to plan to have large trash receptacles throughout your shop to reduce trips.

You’ll also need to place handwashing sinks in key areas of your coffee shop. Most health departments require a handwashing sink in food preparation and dishwashing areas. You’ll also need to provide a staff restroom and—depending on your location—public restrooms for customers.

If your shop is in a shopping center or a building that provides public restrooms, you may be excused from providing restrooms for staff and customers. Check your local health codes to be sure.

Coffee Shop Back Office

Coffee shops tend to do more cash transactions than restaurants do, so you’ll need a cash safe and a secure place to keep reserve cash for making change. You’ll also need to secure personnel files and retain other sensitive information. Most coffee shop back offices are not large; typically, only room for a desk, some lockable filing cabinets, and a safe are all you need. But due to the sensitive nature of your office’s contents, it should have a door that locks.

Always lock the office door and any doors that exit to the outside before counting cash. It is always a best practice for cash-handling businesses to have at least two staff members on site when the shop opens and closes so no one is alone in a cash-filled office.

Adding Fixtures & Furnishings to Your Floor Plan

To complete your coffee shop floor plan with fixtures and furnishings, consider your target customer. A BRITA Professional study found that there are three main categories of coffee shop customers: shoppers, socializers, and take-a-breakers. These three types have different expectations of an ideal coffee shop experience, and their preferences will influence the type and placement of your coffee shop’s fixtures and furnishings.

The difference between fixtures and furnishings: Fixtures are built-ins that are used by your shop for service or merchandise display. Furnishings (or furniture) are items like tables, chairs, and sofas that are available for customer use.

Example: Your coffee shop has a claw-foot tub and fills it with bags of coffee beans for sale; that tub is a fixture. A claw-foot tub filled with pillows that customers use as a seating option is furniture.

Coffee Shop Customer Types

Explore the sections below to see how each customer type influences your shop’s fixtures and furnishings:

• Socializers
• Take-a-Breakers

Coffee shop “shoppers” as customers who are in your shop for a one-time transaction. Shoppers are coffee patrons that are passing through and looking for a quiet, comfortable, one-time experience in your shop.

In a busy city, “shoppers” might be visiting tourists. In a suburban setting, shoppers could be travelers passing through town. In a mall setting, shoppers are people that are taking some downtime during a longer shopping excursion.

This chair by Norpel is comfortable and can withstand high-volume use. (Source: Norpel Furniture)

These Poly and Bark chairs are a classic coffee shop shape. (source: Poly & Bark)

Vertical shelving is a great way to showcase retail merchandise without losing valuable floor space. (Source: shelfology)

To attract shoppers:

• Fixtures should showcase your own retail offerings, from mugs and whole bean coffee to branded merchandise like hats, shirts, and aprons.
• Furnishings should be comfortable and roomy, with space to place shopping bags and packages.

See our retail expert guides to merchandising and merchandising strategies for tips on driving sales from shopper customers.

Customers who meet friends, dates, or business prospects in a coffee shop are “socializers.” They tend to like secluded nooks in coffee shops and prize a welcoming ambiance. Socializers are great for business because they are the most likely to convert to regular customers—every coffee shop’s bread and butter.

Socializers may return for open mic nights or live music in your shop. They may also build relationships with your staff and add a sense of community to your business.

“Socializers” in coffee shops enjoy secluded seating nooks. Such nooks can double as stage areas for performances, so be sure they have electrical outlets. (Source: Pexels)

Mobile shelving units like this one can mark line-forming areas during busy times but are easily moved when you have events in your store. (source: sopPOPdisplays)

Coffee shops in any location will have some percentage of socializer customers. Small towns and tightly knit neighborhoods—both urban and suburban—will likely see a higher percentage of them, however.

Locations with a large number of social-style customers should have:

• Fixtures that are flexible and have various uses for events like live music, book readings, coffee tastings, and brewing classes.
• Furnishings that are sturdy and easily moved to accommodate groups of different sizes and various types of events.

Live performances sometimes require local permits or cabaret licenses. If live musicians perform covers of popular music, this may also be subject to a music licensing fee. Check your local zoning ordinances to be sure you are operating legally.

Take-a-breakers are folks who visit a coffee shop once a day or more. They tend to be individuals who work nearby and need a quick way to refuel during their day. Since they are usually coming from a work environment, they also tend to enjoy people-watching from a countertop or window seat.

Countertop seating along a window is a great way to appeal to single customers who are taking a work break. (Source: Litfad)

If you have a sidewalk permit, outdoor tables and chairs are popular with take-a-break customers. (Source: Webstaurantstore)

Tall shelving like this Econoco unit can display retail merchandise while guiding how lines form in your shop. (Source: WebstaurantStore)

Coffee shops located near office towers will likely have a high percentage of take-a-breaker customers. These shops should have:

• Fixtures that guide line formation, and clear signage for customers to navigate the menu and order queue.
• Furnishings that appeal to solitary customers, like countertops and small-footprint sidewalk or patio seating.

Sidewalk and patio seating typically require permits. Check your local zoning codes before adding outdoor seating.

Take note of the dimensions of your preferred furnishings and fixtures and add them to your floor plan. Lay out your furnishings and fixtures before placing any orders; you want to ensure that your preferred items will fit in your space, leaving enough room for your staff and customers to easily move throughout your shop.

Tools for Drawing Your Coffee Shop Floor Plan

Once you have an idea for your coffee shop layout, you’ll want to see what the various options look like. Websites like RoomSketcher and SmartDraw allow coffee shop owners to draw different layouts on a virtual space for free. Both offer some preloaded examples of various businesses to jump-start your designs. RoomSketcher has the option of 2D or 3D layout views, which can be dynamic additions to your coffee shop business plan if you are opening a new shop.

Bottom Line

Planning your coffee shop floor plan is a crucial step to opening a coffee shop. The best coffee shop floor plans are based on the shop’s location, size, and target customer. Most independent coffee shop owners plan the placement of fixtures, furnishings, and product displays alone or with the support of their suppliers. You will, however, need to consult a local building to ensure that water lines, electrical lines, and ventilation and sanitation plans adhere to building and health codes.

About the Author

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Mary King is an expert restaurant and small business contributor at Fit Small Business. With more than a decade of small business experience, Mary has worked with some of the best restaurants in the world, and some of the most forward-thinking hospitality programs in the country. Mary’s firsthand operational experience ranges from independent food trucks to the grand scale of Michelin-starred restaurants, from small trades-based businesses to cutting-edge co-working spaces.

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Coffee shop interior design and floor plan

Are you in search of inspiration for coffee shop layout design? Explore all the amazing features of advanced and easy-to-use 3D site planning tool for free - Planner 5D.

Are you in the coffee shop business and wondering how to make an impressive design concept? Planner 5D will help you master the skill of creating a coffee shop floor plan, even without any professional background. We’ll give you the right tools for customizing our templates as well as for doing interior design from scratch.

Professional Coffee Shop Interior Design

We’ve worked hard to make a floor plan design as intuitive as it can be. Even if you have limited floor space, you won’t have much trouble making it work. Here is what you’ll need to do.

Get Inspired With The Design

Take a look at our gallery for inspiration, as you might find project ideas that you never would’ve thought of. Coffee shop interior design is a very versatile area, so you can play around with different options that match your style.

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You have thousands of items to choose from. With a drag-and-drop tool, you can quickly place an object and move it anywhere in just a few clicks. There are free and paid objects, so, regardless of your budget, you'll find something that you like.

Make Your Final 3D Version

This is one of the most exciting parts – seeing your project in photorealistic rendering. In this business, you really have to make sure you’ve designed a perfect coffee shop. Convert your project to 3D and make the necessary changes.

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It’s impossible to create an excellent coffee shop interior design without the right tool. How do you know that Planner 5D is the ultimate tool for you? Here are just a few reasons why your future coffee shop needs our platform:

Best Coffee Shop Design With Planner 5D

We’re proud to showcase what other users have created using Planner 5D. Our community consists of the most creative professional and amateur designers.

Some of them have had experience with building a coffee shop floor plan, and some of them haven’t. But this didn’t stop them from creating high-end designs.

You, too, can add your project to the gallery for everybody to see. Your design and other user’s plans will act as examples of what our platform enables you to build and give you inspiration.

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Designing the Perfect Coffee Shop Layout: A Guide for Success

Dreaming of a thriving coffee shop? Our guide reveals the secrets to designing a layout that entices customers and ensures success. From maximizing space to creating an inviting ambiance, discover how an efficient floor plan can transform your caffeine haven into the talk of the town! 

Table of contents

Understanding the importance of coffee shop layout and design, understanding your target audience and their coffee preferences, creating zones for different activities in your coffee shop floor plan, maximizing space utilization in your coffee shop layout, creating a welcoming entrance for your cafe customers, showcasing your menu and products with an attractive counter, designing the perfect seating arrangement for your coffee shop floor plan, choosing the right furniture, setting up an efficient service area for your baristas and staff, lighting and ambiance: setting the mood for your coffee shop design, the role of colors in coffee shop design and branding, incorporating technology for convenience and customer experience, implementing a strong brand identity for your coffee shop business, things to think about when designing a coffee shop.

Effective layout design is crucial for the success of a coffee shop. It determines the flow of customers, maximizes space utilization, and creates an inviting atmosphere in the cafe interior.

• A well-thought-out layout and design can increase customer satisfaction and retention in your coffee shop.
• The arrangement of furniture, counters, and the espresso machine influences how efficiently baristas can serve customers. It's important to consider coffee business training to optimize these layouts.
• Creating designated spaces for different activities like ordering, seating, and socializing enhances the overall experience for patrons.

In conclusion, investing time and effort into designing a functional and aesthetically pleasing layout can significantly impact the profitability and reputation of a coffee shop.

• Identify your target demographic: Before designing your coffee shop layout , it's crucial to understand who your target customers are. Are they students looking for a cozy study spot, or professionals seeking a quick caffeine fix? Understanding your target market is crucial when you’re looking to design a coffee shop. Knowing your cafe audience will help you cater to their specific needs and preferences, ensuring a successful coffee shop.
• Consider their behavior: Think about how your target audience interacts with the space. Do they prefer communal seating for socializing, or individual tables for work meetings in the coffee shop industry? This question is essential for business owners crafting the layout of their coffee shop. Observing customer behavior can give you valuable insights into what layout elements will enhance their experience in every coffee shop.
• Personalize the experience: Tailor your coffee shop design to appeal to the emotions and aesthetics of your target audience. Whether it's creating a relaxing ambiance with soft lighting and comfortable seating or adding vibrant elements for a younger crowd, customization can make all the difference in attracting and retaining loyal customers.
• Define your zones: Divide your coffee shop into distinct areas for different activities, such as a cozy reading nook, a bustling socializing space, and a quiet work area, incorporating elements of cafe design throughout. This allows customers to choose the ambiance that suits their needs, a vital component in the cafe interior design of many coffee shops.
• Furnish strategically: Use furniture and layout to delineate each zone clearly, an essential aspect of coffee shop floor planning. Comfortable sofas and armchairs are ideal for the reading nook, while communal tables may be more suitable for socializing spaces, accommodating the diverse clientele of the coffee industry.
• Consider flow: Ensure smooth traffic flow between zones by leaving ample space for movement. Avoid cluttering pathways with unnecessary obstacles to create a seamless experience for your customers.
• Create Different Zones: Divide the coffee shop into distinct areas for sitting, ordering, and socializing to maximize space utilization and create an efficient coffee shop floor plan.
• Use Flexible Furniture: Opt for versatile tables and chairs that can be easily rearranged to accommodate different group sizes and events, a thing to think about when designing your cafe to enhance experiences.
• Utilize Vertical Space in Your Cafe's Interior Design: Install shelves or hanging plants to free up floor space and create a cozy atmosphere in new coffee shops.

When designing your coffee shop layout, consider how each element contributes to maximizing space utilization and ensuring the amount of space is well-used. By being strategic in your design choices, you can create a welcoming environment that makes the most of every inch available in coffee shop people areas.

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• Clear Signage: Essential for guiding customers effectively in your coffee shop's layout and design. So, make sure your coffee shop's entrance is easy to find with clear signage that stands out, as designing a coffee shop starts with the first impression.
• Inviting Ambiance in Your Café: Use welcoming elements like plants, artwork, and comfortable seating near the entrance to make customers feel at home.
• Warm Lighting: Incorporating warm lighting is a good idea to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere in your cafe interior. Create a cozy atmosphere by using warm lighting at the entrance of your coffee shop.

When designing your coffee shop layout, don't overlook the importance of creating a welcoming entrance where the customer walks in and feels immediately at home. The first impression sets the tone for the entire customer experience, so make sure it's inviting and easy to navigate -- a critical step for those about to open coffee shops. With clear signage, warm lighting, and café-vibe decor, you can create an entrance that draws people in and makes them want to stay awhile to enjoy their espresso.

• Clear Display: Make sure your menu is displayed prominently for customers to see as soon as they walk in. Use large, easy-to-read fonts and high-quality images to entice them.
• Highlight Specials in Your Cafe: Create eye-catching displays or boards showcasing your daily specials or featured products. This strategy, which can help drive sales and encourage customers to try something new, is well-known to every coffee shop business plan, especially when it involves brewed coffee options.
• Utilize Merchandising: Consider using shelves or countertop space to display products like mugs, coffee beans, or pastries, essential parts of coffee shop interior design . This not only adds visual interest but also provides an opportunity for additional sales, a key aspect for those who want to start a coffee shop aiming for success.

Make sure that your menu items are described clearly and descriptively so that customers know exactly what they're getting, as it’s a good idea for clear communication. Using enticing language can also help make the decision-making process easier for your patrons.

By showcasing your menu items and products effectively, you create a visually appealing environment that encourages customers to explore all that your coffee shop has to offer.

• Consider different types of seating options, such as bar stools, cozy armchairs, and communal tables, to accommodate the varied needs of the coffee shop business, focusing on coffee operations and proper layout.
• Create a balance between open spaces for socializing and more private nooks for those looking to work or relax alone.
• Position seating near natural light sources or windows to create a pleasant atmosphere for customers.

When designing your coffee shop's seating arrangement, think about the flow of traffic and how it will affect the overall vibe. Make sure there are clear pathways for customers and staff to move around comfortably in the cafe layout, ensuring a good layout. Additionally, choose furniture that is both stylish and functional to enhance the overall experience for your patrons, keeping in mind the principles of cafe interior design .

Choosing the Right Furniture for Your Cafe Interior Design

When selecting furniture for your coffee shop, consider both style and functionality. Opt for comfortable seating options like plush armchairs or cozy booths to encourage customers to linger. Choose the equipment you’ll need for your baristas to perform efficiently, durable materials that can withstand frequent use and spills, such as easy-to-clean fabrics or sturdy wood.

In addition to seating, make sure to provide ample table space for guests to enjoy their drinks and snacks, considering the proper layout. Consider a mix of small tables for individuals and larger communal tables for groups. Don't forget about incorporating bar-height counters or window seats for customers looking to work or people-watch while sipping their coffee, a vital feature in cafe design. This is integral to the shop floor layout and effective coffee shop operation.

Remember that the furniture you choose will set the tone for your coffee shop's ambiance, so aim for a cohesive look that complements your overall design aesthetic. Whether you prefer a rustic farmhouse feel or a modern minimalist vibe, select pieces that reflect your brand personality and customer preferences in your business plan , showcasing good coffee shop layout ideas.

• Organize your workspace: Arrange the coffee machines, grinder, and other tools in a logical order to streamline the workflow.
• Create separate stations: Designate specific areas for brewing, serving, and cash register to prevent congestion and confusion.
• Invest in quality equipment: Reliable machinery, like a high-quality espresso machine, can speed up service and ensure consistency in the drinks you serve.
• Train staff effectively: Provide training on efficient processes and customer interaction to enhance productivity.

In a bustling coffee shop, setting up an efficient service area with clear layout ideas is key to success. By organizing your workspace, creating separate stations for different tasks, investing in quality equipment, and training your staff effectively, you can optimize operations and provide excellent service to your customers. With these strategies in place, you'll be well-equipped to handle busy periods with ease while maintaining high standards of quality across every cup of coffee you serve.

• Choose the right lighting to create a cozy atmosphere. Soft, warm lighting can make customers feel relaxed and comfortable.
• Consider using adjustable lighting options to cater to different times of day. Brighter lights in the morning for an energetic vibe, then softer lights in the evening for a more calming ambiance.

Create distinct areas within your coffee shop by varying the lighting levels. Use dimmer switches or separate light fixtures to define spaces like reading nooks or social gathering spots. Don't underestimate the power of good lighting in influencing how people feel when they walk into your coffee shop - it can truly set the mood for their entire experience!

• Warm tones like browns, oranges, and reds create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in a coffee shop, perfect for enjoying a specialty coffee. These colors can make customers feel comfortable and relaxed, encouraging them to stay longer and enjoy their beverages.
• On the other hand, cool tones such as blues and greens can evoke a sense of calmness and tranquility. Using these colors in your coffee shop design can help customers unwind after a long day or provide a peaceful environment for those looking to work or study.
• When choosing colors for your coffee shop, consider how different hues can impact mood and behavior. For example, bright yellows can energize customers while soft pastels promote feelings of serenity, a concept to keep in mind when you open a coffee shop. By strategically incorporating various colors into your design scheme, you can create the perfect ambiance for your patrons to enjoy their coffee experience.
• Self-Ordering Kiosks: Integrate self-ordering kiosks into your coffee shop layout to streamline the ordering process for customers. This convenient technology allows customers to browse the menu, customize their orders, and pay without waiting in line.
• Mobile Ordering App: Implement a mobile ordering app that enables customers to place their orders ahead of time and pick them up at a designated area in the coffee shop. This technology enhances convenience for busy customers who are on-the-go, a crucial aspect of the coffee shop business, especially in many coffee shops that prioritize speed without sacrificing the quality of great coffee.
• Contactless Payments in Cafes: Embrace contactless payment options such as Apple Pay or Google Wallet to provide a quick and efficient way for customers to pay for their purchases without handling physical cash or cards, a must-have feature for every coffee shop aiming for an efficient layout. This modern approach not only adds convenience but also promotes hygiene and safety in your coffee shop environment.

By incorporating these technological advancements into your coffee shop layout, you can enhance customer experience, improve operational efficiency, and stay ahead of the competition in today's fast-paced digital world.

• Consistent Themes in Coffee Shop Industry: Select a cohesive color palette, font type, and overall aesthetic that align with your brand identity as an independent coffee shop owner, focusing on the unique aspects of starting a coffee shop. Carry these elements throughout your coffee shop layout to create a unified look and feel.
• Logo Placement in Your Coffee Bar: Strategically place your logo in prominent locations within the coffee shop layout. This will help reinforce brand recognition among customers and leave a lasting impression in your successful independent coffee shop by consistently showcasing your commitment to great coffee.
• Branded Signage: A strategy to promote great coffee and the identity of independent coffee shops. Use branded signage for menu boards, promotions, and directional signs to highlight the uniqueness of your independent coffee shop and attract business owners looking for inspiration. Consistent branding across all touchpoints will enhance customer experience and strengthen brand recall.

A successful coffee shop starts with a well-designed layout that influences customer flow, space utilization, and atmosphere. By considering your target audience, personalizing your ambiance, and creating distinct zones, you can attract and retain loyal customers. You can also enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your space by maximizing space utilization, setting up an efficient service area, and selecting the right furniture.

The entrance, menu, products, and seating arrangement add layers to the customer experience, creating an environment that encourages exploration and enjoyment. Lighting, colors, and technology play a crucial role in setting the mood and convenience. A strong brand identity with consistent themes, logo, and signage reinforces your coffee shop’s personality and competitiveness.

Remember that the success of your coffee shop depends not only on the quality of your coffee but also on the design that transforms your space into a destination for coffee enthusiasts. With careful attention to every detail in your coffee shop layout, you’ll create a memorable and inviting atmosphere that keeps customers coming back for more. Cheers to the perfect blend of design and coffee that sets your coffee shop apart in the bustling world of cafes!

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Free Editable Cafe Floor Plans

Are you thinking about opening a coffee shop or remodeling your current one? You want to make sure your layout is inviting, and customers will want to return. A well-designed cafe floor plan should be easy to navigate, promote optimal customer flow, facilitate faster service, and provide much-needed downtime for the servers.

1. What is a Cafe Floor Plan?

A cafe is a social place where most people come to relax and spend some quality time. Before creating a floor plan for a cafe, one must bear in mind the zones associated with any coffee shop. Here's what those coffee shop floor plan zones are that can help make your customers' coffee experience better than ever before! However, it's essential to consider this element before you open your doors to customers and commit to buying or leasing space. Keep reading to learn how you can make your small coffee shop floor plan work in the long run!

The Queuing Zone : It's where customers place the order while being in line. It's better to place your display area in proximity. There should be a small waiting area when the cafe is full. The queuing area should have enough seats and tables for these people to do so quickly.

The Ordering Area : The ordering area should be near the display area as customers might be in a rush and prefer getting their snack parcels. After taking the order, a number is given that lets you know the time. The customer can sit in the waiting room if he wants to.

The Seating Area : In the Dine-in area, all the chairs and tables must be organized and adequate so that every customer can have a seat. The seating area is a crucial zone to be included in a cafe floor plan.

The Kitchen Area : The kitchen area is a must. That's where all the cooking and dishwashing activities take place. A separate storage area for refrigerating goods should also be attached to the kitchen area

The Storage Area : A warehouse/storeroom can be utilized for storing extra raw materials or outdated accessories of the cafe.

2. Cafe Floor Plan Examples

When you think of your favorite cafe, its layout probably comes to mind before its name or the menu items they serve. Whether it's spacious, open, or full of cute corners and nooks, a cafe's design makes an impression on you whether you notice it or not, and it can even make or break your experience there. But how do you know what kind of layout will work best for your cafe? To help, here are some inspirational cafe floor plans that you need to know so you can implement them into your establishment!

Example 1: Cafe Floor Plan

If you're thinking about opening your coffee shop, one of the first things you'll need to consider is the floor plan. However, just because your small shop will be smaller than others doesn't mean it has to be less functional or successful. Your small cafe floor plan can be just as profitable as those at larger shops.

Example 2: Cafe Shop Floor Plan

Have you ever stepped into a coffee shop and felt the need to leave immediately because the space was too crowded, too busy, or just plain uncomfortable? Planning your coffee shop layout can be difficult if you haven't done it before, but that doesn't mean you should settle for an unappealing cafe because you couldn't map out a brilliant cafe shop floor plan.

Example 3: Small Coffee Shop Floor Plan with Dimensions

Just because your small shop will be smaller than others doesn't mean that it has to be less functional or successful!. By understanding customers' perspectives, your small coffee shop floor plan has 600-800 square feet or 1500-2000 square feet. It can be just as profitable as those at larger shops. It is essential to consider this element before you open your doors to customers and commit to buying or leasing space.

Example 4: Cafe Kitchen Floor Plan

The floor plan of any building can tell you much about its function and layout, but it's essential in the case of cafe kitchens, where the floor plan must reflect the business's operation. A well-designed cafe kitchen floor plan will make for efficient and profitable cooking and service. In contrast, an unorganized or inefficient floor plan can reduce productivity, messy cooks, and dissatisfied customers. How much space you need in your kitchen depends mainly on what you're planning to do, but some essential considerations will affect all your decisions no matter what kind of kitchen you end up with. With so many elements to keep in mind, it can be challenging to decide where to start; however, thinking about the following elements early will help make the process much easier and ensure you get the best possible outcome for your space.

Example 5: Cafeteria Floor Plan

A cafeteria floor plan , otherwise known as food service or canteen layout, will typically consist of internal and external areas depending on the size of the business and its location. For example, if it's situated within an office building, there will likely be an external dining area where you can eat your lunch without going outside. Additionally, there will also be internal areas such as the kitchen, which you'll need to pass through to get to the dining area.

Example 6: Internet Cafe Floor Plan

Creating an internet cafe floor plan lets you ensure that your new business will have the optimal design, layout, and equipment to attract and retain customers and provide them with the best possible customer experience. When you're planning to open an internet cafe, the most important thing to remember is that you need to make sure that the layout of your business makes sense. You don't want your customers to have trouble finding seats or using their computers, and you don't want them to feel crowded or claustrophobic either. You also need to be sure that your internet cafe floor plan meets all of your area's health and safety regulations so that it's safe for everyone who comes in to use your computers and WiFi network.

3. Online Cafe Floor Plan Maker

Every person who has a dream of opening their cafe wishes to arrange and decorate it according to their will. A better way to structure the layouts of your cafe is by using the Templates Community from EdrawMax, which allows you to create 280 different diagrams, and it's easy as 1-2-3. From where tables are placed to what goes on the walls, with EdrawMax Online , you can find a design that reflects your aesthetic and provides your customers with a cafe experience unlike any other. You can avail the type of layouts you want, the size of the space, the need for pieces of equipment - do your analysis and get the complete floor plan you always wanted.

4. Key Takeaways

To be successful at managing floor plans, it's essential to create a floor plan that fits your business's needs and fulfills its mission statement. Initiating a cafe floor plan using EdrawMax will selectively help you effectively utilize all of the space you want and present your customers with an enjoyable and inviting environment where they could spend their leisure time.

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The World’s 29 Most Beautifully Designed Coffee Shops

By Alyssa Bird , Elizabeth Stamp , and Jessica Cherner

For more than a few of us, a visit to local coffee shops is an essential part of daily life. Whether we’re picking up a to-go cup on our way to the office or setting up shop with a laptop and a cappuccino, coffee shops have become like a home away from home. That said, frequenting the same one for too long can make you appreciate its nuances less with each visit. So no matter where you are—a big city like Singapore or a seasonal locale such as Aspen —be sure to check out the locally-owned coffee shops that offer more than just a caffeinated beverage.

And a select few of the world’s coffee shops feature interiors as delicious as the freshly baked pastries behind the counter. From a hyper minimalist spot in Chiang Mai, Thailand, to a colorful outpost with a retro edge in Atlanta, these coffee shops are giving the cup of joe we know and love a proper home. Discover these 29 must-visit coffee shops across the globe and take your daily cup up a notch.

Anh Coffee Roastery (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)

Opened in 2021 in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Anh Coffee Roastery is one of Red5studio ’s latest architectural marvels. Set far back from the street, the architecture firm used its abundance of space to create an amusement park-like space with multiple levels and plenty of communal seating. Inspired by the surrounding basalt red land, the architects designed a monochromatic space that is both easy on the eyes and attention-grabbing.

September (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)

September is the coffee shop equivalent of a wind-swept bird’s nest. The architects at Red5studio got the nest part down with hidden nooks and crannies throughout the multi-level space. As for the wind, the firm took a more literal approach: The circular wallhangings dance as the breeze blows them about. Plus they emulated the feel of a gentle wind with curved ceilings, walls, and floors. 

Muchacho (Atlanta)

The BeltLine, a 22-mile-long stretch of unused railroad tracks converted into walkways and trails, is one of the best things to happen to Atlanta in a long time. In fact, since it debuted, restaurants, shops, and even hotels have sprouted up alongside it. One such spot is Muchacho , a Reynoldstown breakfast taco cafe that serves strong coffee in its recently renovated space. Some creative sips worth trying in the Jessica Davis-designed (of Atelier Davis) space include a sorghum cold cappuccino and a blue matcha latte. There’s also house-made horchata, chai ginger beer, and orange juice. 

Felix Roasting Co. (Aspen)

Few interior designers do maximalism quite like San Francisco–based mastermind Ken Fulk, and Felix Roasting Co. —which neighbors Aspen’s Hotel Jerome—is proof. The space, with its glowing ceiling, jewel-toned velvet seating, and Murano glass fixture, is a celebration of tamed opulence. The menu is just as bold, with drinks like the s’mores latte served in a martini glass and adorned with a roasted marshmallow. 

By Katherine McLaughlin

By Charlotte Collins

Third Wave (Torquay, Australia)

On a pristine stretch of Victoria’s coastline, the undulating façade of Third Wave recalls the waves below. The compact kiosk—occupying just over 200 square feet—houses the beach’s changing rooms in addition to the coffee bar, which serves international brews. Weathered sheet-metal that was used for flood protection in the area a few years prior was repurposed for the structure, which can be easily broken down and relocated if necessary.

Don Café House (Pristina, Kosovo)

More than 1,300 pieces of plywood were used to construct the organic forms in this shop’s modern interior. The sculpted walls—along with coffee bean–shaped light fixtures and rippled tabletops—were crafted to conjure the feeling of being inside a sack of the caffeinated seeds. Local firm Innarch designed the plywood slats on the main wall to protrude outward, forming one long banquette.

Case Study Coffee (Portland, Oregon)

A chandelier depicting a caffeine molecule hangs above the bar at the Alberta Arts District outpost of the popular Portland coffee company. Owners Wes Russell and Christine Herman designed the Case Study Coffee —the company’s third location—and incorporated Heath Ceramics tile, George Nelson Bubble lamps, and woodwork by Russell, creating a midcentury vibe that nods to the iconic Case Study Houses of the era.

R Art of Coffee (Nagakute, Japan)

Architecture firm Iks Design transformed a warehouse into a warm and tranquil coffee shop in Japan. The firm outfitted the space using brass and copper accents, including the copper-clad coffee bar. The roaster is set on a platform and surrounded by bar seating, allowing patrons to watch the roasting process.

Tatte Bakery (Washington, D.C.)

“When you walk into a Tatte shop, you feel the warmth. It encourages you to treat yourself, indulge, and be inspired,” says Tzurit Or, founder, pastry chef, and creative force behind Tatte Bakery & Café. For each of her locations—which are spread across Washington, D.C., and Boston—Or has amassed a collection of furniture and light fixtures from around the world to bring a sense of authentic culture and worldliness to her shops. “We are so grateful to the neighborhoods and communities we are a part of and for the incredible support of Tatte fans across the country,” she adds. 

Voyager Espresso (New York City)

This petite spot called Voyager Espresso in a Financial District subway concourse takes inspiration from the shop’s namesake spacecraft, and was designed by architecture firm Only If. The team painted the walls of the futuristic space in aluminum enamel paint and installed a circular barista station clad in perforated aluminum and black marble. For those not grabbing their morning cup of joe on their way to work, the shop has both intimate and open seating areas.

Go Get Em Tiger (Los Angeles)

With several locations scattered across Lala Land, Go Get Em Tiger ’s Music Center outpost is one of the most charismatic. At the top of Grant Park, the coffee shop is quite a destination, to say the least. 

Citizens of SoHo (New York City)

With four locations in Manhattan, Citizens —founded by two Australians—is shaping up to be one of the city’s most beloved spots for digital nomads who have traded their offices for communal workspaces. The SoHo location is a minimalist gem on Lafayette Street, with long tables and banquettes set underneath locally-painted art. 

Bellwood Coffee (Atlanta)

Located in what people call The A, Bellwood Coffee sources beans from around the world and roasts them in West Atlanta. Founded by brothers Joel and Charles Norman, Bellwood is now in three neighborhoods across the sprawling city: Brookwood, Riverside, and East Atlanta, where the duo has partnered with The Victorian plant shop and opened up their store in a 100-year-old former private residence. 

Carpenter Coffee Bar (Austin)

This may be a myth, but coffee and treats taste better when prepared and served in a historic spot. In Austin that spot is the Carpenters Local 1266 Union Hall, which was built in 1948 and reopened as the Carpenter Hotel seven decades later. Not only does it boast 93 charming guest rooms, but it’s also home to Carpenter Coffee Bar. Like the rest of the hotel, the all-day lobby café and lounge feature an undeniable Bauhaus influence mixed with that coveted minimalist look. 

Jumpin Jacks (New York City)

The brainchild of hotelier Jack J. Sitt, Jumpin Jacks is a mix between a coffee house and a late-night bar on the second floor of the ModernHaus SoHo . With super-high ceilings and an impressive array of art—including works by Hans Hartung, George Condo, Harland Miller, Jean Dubuffet, Hans Hofmann, Nicolas Party, and Kaws—Jumpin Jacks looks like a place Don Draper would spend both an early morning and a late night. Did we mention that the art is part of Sitt’s personal collection?

Neo Coffee Bar (Toronto)

With the mission to make Neo Coffee Bar the neighborhood’s regular haunt, local architecture firm Dialogue 38, Inc. infused the Toronto outpost with that classically cool look: Curvilinear concrete walls, plenty of wood accents, and modern furniture all nestled into a minimalist space. 

Little Cove Espresso (Hong Kong)

In Sai Kung, Hong Kong, Little Cove Espresso is bringing midcentury-inspired design back in a big way. The vibe matches the relaxed interiors, as the little shop is situated on a quiet lane beside Sai Kung harbor. Plus, the food menu is just as delicious as the caffeinated beverage menu, with everything from a smoothie bowl to an artistic avocado toast.

Takarkad (Chiang Mai, Thailand)

In Chiang Mai, Thailand, Takarkad is more than just a place to grab a to-go drink and hit the road—it’s somewhere you’ll want to get comfortable and hang out for as long as possible. The warm interiors, made even more enticing by the dangling paper lanterns, offer visitors a feast for the eyes.  

Colada Shop (Washington, D.C.)

Colada Shop ’s founder may be Dominican, but her four Washington, D.C., cafes specialize in Cuban delicacies, including the namesake espresso drink. After graduating from The Culinary Institute of America, Colada Shop’s founder opened her first location to fill what she considered a big, gaping hole in the culinary scene. Almost a decade later, Colada Shop is Washingtonians’ go-to spot for authentic Caribbean flavors in a colorful space. 

Verve Coffee Roasters (Los Angeles)

Los Angeles–based Verve Coffee Roasters ’ Mateo Street outpost fits right in with the rest of the stylish shops flanking the roads of the famed Arts District. Started in 2007 by born and bred Californians, the pair of friends opened the first Verve cafe on 41st Avenue in Santa Cruz. And more than 10 years later, they’ve expanded all the way to Japan. Luckily, they’ve stayed true to their humble roots. In fact, even after all this time, the Verve baristas are still preparing the beans in vintage roasters.  

Café Standard (Miami)

Nestled within The Standard Spa Miami Beach , Café Standard expertly captures the essence of the funky coastal city. After spending a few minutes in the Shawn Hausman–designed space, it’s easy to understand what the San Francisco–based designer was going for: A casual feel with a happy aesthetic. Complete with an Arthur Umanoff midcentury-inspired bar, enamel-topped tables, and surrealist art, the space is lighthearted without losing its sense of authentic Deco. 

Poindexter Coffee (Nashville)

The lobby-level lounge shop in the Graduate Nashville , Poindexter Coffee, is quickly becoming the city’s favorite watering hole. After all, it is an undeniably cool spot, with a bar made out of hundreds of pencils, robin’s egg-blue ceilings, and jewel-toned seating. And Poindexter recently partnered with local coffee roastery Humphreys Street to collaborate on a house roast dubbed Studious Maximus.

Colo Coffee Andes (Bogatá)

The natural beauty of the coffee growing regions of Colombia inspired the lush interior of Colo Coffee Andes in Bogatá. Architecture studio Crearq used warm wood to create cozy seating areas surrounded by tropical plants. Bamboo lines the ceiling, and leaf motifs were used on the walls and textiles. The coffee shop is located near a university, so the firm incorporated different types of seating areas for gathering or studying privately.

Dodo Bird Donuts (La Jolla, California)

Dodo Bird Donuts is a spirited coffee shop located in La Jolla’s historic Piano Building, which was designed by William Kesling in 1949. Architecture and design firm Georgis & Mirgorodsky created the cheery, striped space, bringing in banana-leaf wallpaper and brass and rattan accents. The café serves a variety of coffee and espresso drinks as well as an ever-changing menu of glazed and fancy seasonal donuts.

Caffettiera (Montreal)

Architecture and design firm Menard Dworkind channeled the ’90s for Caffettiera , a stylish coffee shop in downtown Montreal. With a black-and-white tile floor inspired by Vans sneakers and a vibrant palette of aqua, orange, and yellow, the café is an Italian-style coffee bar serving espresso drinks, pastries, and aperitivi. A black terrazzo bar anchors the space, and dark wood laminate paneling adds to the nostalgic vibe, as do the Rubik’s Cube mirrors in the bathroom.

Kali Mexican Coffee Roasters (San Pedro Garza García, Mexico)

For farm-to-cup company Kali Mexican Coffee Roasters, design firm Concentrico devised a welcoming, modern coffee shop in Mexico’s San Pedro Garza García. Kali means home in the Nahuatl language, and the firm took inspiration from the home in the rural communities of Chiapas where the coffee is harvested. Clay tiles, which are used on the homes’ roofs, were installed on the walls of the shop, adding a unique texture and warm hue. The firm also collaborated with OK Design Studio to create the custom wood furniture that fills the space.

Godshot Coffee Odesa (Odesa, Ukraine)

Bauhaus design inspired the interiors of Godshot Coffee in Odesa, Ukraine. Petrossjan Architecture Studio used a bold but limited palette of vivid blue, white, and red brick and left the layout of the space open and preserved elements of the original architecture, such as the stone wall behind the bar. Hollow brick benches snake along the walls along with hand painted tiles, and a blue-tiled communal table was designed for freelancers in need of a workspace complete with built-in outlets.

The Capsule Café (Ericeira, Portugal)

Atelier Réalité transformed a long commercial space into the Capsule Cafe, a unique coffee shop and restaurant in the fishing village of Ericeira, Portugal. The firm chose a blue-and-white palette as a nod to the sea, sky, and clouds, as well as the exteriors of local buildings. The plan of the narrow interior was inspired by a diner, with a sit-down counter along the open kitchen and a modern take on booths on the other side of the space. A bright blue plastic strip curtain conceals the bathroom and technical areas.

Bolt Coffee (Providence, Rhode Island)

Housed within an unassuming early 20th-century brick building, The Dean hotel’s Bolt Coffee is a local favorite among the Providence crowd. Whether it’s because the coffee company is based in Rhode Island, or the interiors by ASH NYC are so charming, we’ll never know. However, the former and latter are reason enough to pay the colorfully nostalgic spot a visit. The design team at ASH took an eccentric approach to Bolt’s first standalone location, incorporating a good mix of custom-designed pieces and antiques sourced around the world.

By Nick Mafi

By Kathryn O'Shea-Evans

By Kristi Kellogg

20 Inspiring Small Coffee Shop Designs in Detail

Architects can make a lot of a small space—creative small coffee shop designs are a great proof for this. You can use lighting to transform the perception of a room’s size, place some space-saving furniture, or extend it to the outdoor. In fact, some of the greatest coffee experiences around the world happen in small coffee houses.

20 Inspiring Small Coffee Shop Designs in Detail:-

Arch2O listed 20 of the best small coffee shop designs around the world with the design drawings to inspire you!

zmianatematu | xm3

© Paulina Sasinowska (smileUPyourself), Mateusz Wójcicki

“The only element added is this alien form, a “hub” that creeps to the volume of the small coffee shop design from the inside of the building, which then creates the bar and divides the space into several functional areas. We can also see another division. This what is new and touches with the recently renovated external elevation of the building (the outside classical world) is new and white. The internal: dividing and construction walls as well as ceiling are in raw roughcast.”

Jury | Biasol

© Martina Gemmola

“The theme of irreverence led us to play with ideas – ideas that created a contrast between dark bluestone walls and a palette of bright colours and blond timbers in the small coffee shop design. Along with these ideas of colour, we used a mix of raw materials, plywood, structural timbers and concrete that allowed us to form a geometric colour pattern within the feature wall of Jury. This structure created a playful effect, one that brought the site to life and allowed it to move on from its dark past, as well as embrace a sense of fun for the future.” Also read:- how interior lighting design can affect a space?

DALLAH | Associated Architects Partnership

© Joao Morgado

“The making of the dallah always highlights the coalescing of the finest and most exotic ingredients an Arabic household can offer from spices and condiments that have been shipped and traded along the silk route such as cardamom, cloves and saffron. It is with which hosts illustrate their pride, exhilaration and gratitude to their visitors and passersby.” Also read:- secret room ideas 2023

Option Coffee Bar | TOUCH Architect

© Metipat Prommomate

“Option Coffee Bar is a great example for a small coffee shop designs in the city center of Udonthani, Thailand. It has a limited land area which can be approached from the main street directly. There are three primary functions which are café, restaurant, and bar, together in one space with time-sharing functions; café / bakery and healthy food restaurant in the morning, while using as a craft-beer bar in the evening.”

The Fluted Emerald Elgin Cafe | RENESA Architecture Design Interiors Studio

© Niveditaa Gupta

“We began by understanding the functional demands coupled with our modern and refreshing interpretation defined by design, materiality, and brand. Once inside, customers are invited to engage with the play of materials and the spaces they form in the cafe. One part forms the cafe area which has more of a day dining aesthetic while separating the private dining room through sliding folding shutters.”

Koji Saryo Café | Atsushi Suzuki + Transit Branding Studio

Courtesy of Transit Branding Studio™

“During the process of making koji, heat is released when microorganisms consume organic matter—which is to say, the warmth of fermentation is a vital, living warmth that changes second by second. This space was designed with a similar mindset. For instance, the flushed red fixture surrounded by benches in the center of the room is intentionally lowered to eye level to create striking contrast in hue when viewed from outside.”

Together Apart Cat Café | Davidson Rafailidis

© Florian Holzherr

“Davidson Rafailidis received a brief to transform the space into a cat café for a local entrepreneur, Buckminster’s Cat Café. Cat cafés offer a unique typology, given health regulations that demand an air-tight separation between animals and food preparation—in this case, cats and coffee. This requirement allowed ​Davidson Rafailidis ​to expand on the studio’s interest in designing partitioned spaces that support programmatic flexibility but still imply and encourage togetherness and community.”

Cafe that Resembles Jeju Island | STARSIS

© Hong Seokgyu

“With this, we decided to include the vibe of Jeju embracing nature in the small coffee shop design. The nohyung-dong cafe “Simsim” was named with the people who desire the humdrum life in Jeju in mind, and visitors will be sucked into the laid-back atmosphere. Placed in the building “Soom”, recently built by Todot Architects, cafe Simsim hopes to be a comfortable shelter full of dirt scent in the heart of Nohyung-dong.”

Tewa Cafe Ayutthaya | BodinChapa Architects

© Rungkit Charoenwat

“The front of the small coffee shop design uses lines inspired by carp weaving by choosing to use gray brick material to line up the welcome line and to define the lines of the walk into the area of the shop. This brick line coils and connects the outer space into the building. The part that flows into the building brings green space into the interior as well. Including the gray brick line at the back that serves to connect the Tewa Café area to the original context of the Patewaraj restaurant as well.”

Canvas Café Bali | Studio Tropis

© Studio Tropis

“Located close to Sanur iconic beach, the harbor point from Bali to the Nusa Islands, Canvas Cafe small coffee shop design embraces the contemporary tropical theme into the design. The name “Canvas” is chosen to show the “playful” character of the cafe — where it’s supposed to feel more like a home full of creativity, a hub for creative people.”

Fikafabriken Shopping Street | small scale projects

© Hiroki Kawat

“The renovation and the small coffee shop design in Tokyo has brought a new angle to the local shopping street. Fikafabriken is a small independent patisserie/cafe located in Setagaya, Tokyo. The concept of the shop is inspired by the Swedish culture of Fika’h which means ‘coffee break’ in Swedish, where people relax and communicate with each other with a cup of coffee or tea and some traditional sweets.”

Coffee no.9 | PHTAA Living Design

© Jinnawat B.

“Limitations of any kind require creativity in design. In this case, the interior space is 80% taken up with the coffee preparation area leaving only 20% for seating. Fortunately, the small coffee shop design has an external space by the street, which the landlord allowed the owners to use, providing the space could be used by other customers of the restaurants in the precinct, of which Coffee No 9 belonged.”

Today is Long Cafe | Absence from Island

“The hemisphere of the setting sun has been applied in various ways on the facade. This helped form a facade with a strong geometrical language which distinguishes the cafe from its surroundings of old buildings. It allows the small coffee shop design to stand out and be noticed. One of the hemispheres became the welcome arch at the entrance which formed a short tunnel to transport customers from the hustle and bustle in Sai Ying Pun to the quiet and comfortable interior.”

1402 Coffee Shop in Aranya | B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio

“Within the interior space, we insert a new volume into the existing building. The small coffee shop design forms a new cafe experience that integrates the functional needs of seating, waiting area, pour-over bar, display, and landscape while dividing the open space to offer guests a variety of spatial experiences. The pigmented Dagu cement box extends to the street-facing facade of the red brick building, which defines a new visual focus for the originally dull facade, arousing the curiosity of guests to explore the space.”

Proti Proudu Bistro | Mimosa architekti

© BoysPlayNice

“Current and connection are the main themes of the small coffee shop design in Prague district Karlín. Inspiration by František Křižík, the Karlín-born electrical engineering inovator, merged with the idea of connecting through good coffee and delicious food. The main bar wall, made of white perforated plywood, creates a grid, which all the components on the wall connect to – from the sliding targets of wires to the paper roll with daily menu.”

El Moro | Cadena Concept Design

© Moritz Bernoully

“In this small coffee shop design, classic wall tiles became the main source of inspiration, along with stained glass windows and products that have set El MORO® apart and delighted its customers for generations. The new graphic system takes into account the figurative relation between such elements and proposes a simplification in form, taking them to their minimalist expression to retain its essence but with a fresher and dynamic form.”

Estação Ciência Cafe | Una Arquitetos

© Una Arquitetos

“During daylight, there is a complete transparency from the inside of the small coffee shop design whereas from the outside visitors see an opaque volume. As the night falls we have the inverse situation. The sliding glass panels allow a wide open access from the platform and natural cross-ventilation. Also the brise soleil opens for maintenance and cleaning. The internal space is organized through the cafe’s counter, the only fixed piece of furniture which concentrates all necessary installations and equipment.”

Chimney Café | GOA

© Lu Hengzhong

“From design to completion, it took only a short period of two months for this small coffehouse ; it is less than 60 square meters’ Chimney Café, which open up in a light gesture in the courtyard of SPSI Art Museum. Passers-by from the sidewalk of Jinzhu Road could vaguely see the cafe and bamboo courtyard space through a semipermeable steel mesh wall.”

To Tsai Tea Room | Georges Batzios Architects

© Konstantinos Kontos

“To Tsai Tea room it’s the first of half of dozen of tea rooms that were created in the area in the last ten years in a rayon of 200 meters and offer a variety of 500 teas from all over the world. The difference with the other tea room in the area, apart from its amazing collection of teas it’s that after its renovation, it combines the tea room services with a retail shop and a light tea oriented specialties restaurant in the same space.”

Black Drop Coffee Shop | ark4lab of Architecture

© studiovd.gr

“In the center of Kavala, a city located in the northern Greece, you can have an alternative small coffee shop design. The black drop is a cafe where coffee is treated more like an experience, an urban act. A stand built of mosaic becomes an interactive space for informing and exchanging views on the art of coffee. Materials such as Copper, terrazzo, exposed concrete, old wood surfaces, rusted walls give you the sense that you are a part of a laboratory where you can act and react.”

Tags: Coffee Shop Designs Small Coffee Shop Designs

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The 14 Rules of Coffee Shop Design

Coffee shop design

Design is an integral part of operating a specialty coffee business. Aside from coffee, what other reasons do people have for visiting a coffee shop? Ambiance and environment play a huge role in attracting customers through your doors. 

We’ve helped thousands of people over the years open coffee shops. We’ve seen firsthand what they’ve struggled with, and have asked for help with. The process can be daunting.

One of the top things people come to us for advice with in this process is Coffee Shop Design. It makes sense. You’re investing thousands of dollars and hard work into making your dream come true, and you know that the little details are equally as important as the product you sell and the customer service you provide.

If your customers don’t instinctively know the right place to stand, maybe they’ll get confused, feel uncomfortable, and be less likely to return. If your aesthetic doesn’t match your target clientele, maybe they’ll feel alienated, and again…not come back. 

If your baristas are having a hard time maneuvering behind the counter, resulting in longer than needed wait times – you guessed it, that could ruin somebody’s experience, too. 

With all the variables up in the air, it makes sense to look for help. As long-time pioneers of Specialty Coffee Education, we are here to be the experts you can call upon. 

Here are the 14 rules of coffee shop design, plus a bonus. 

The Importance of a Great First Impression

The importance of a great first impression can not be overlooked in the coffee business. Every day you will be met by new customers that have never seen your business before, let alone have walked in, interacted with a barista, or made a purchase.

The look and feel of your coffee shop must convey the impression that your business is approachable, appealing, and desirable to the community it serves.

Your customer’s first impression of your cafe is a crucial and highly important factor from a marketing perspective because it largely determines who will become your customer.

Loud rock music might work to help your business in a certain neighborhood that caters to people who enjoy loud rock music, but if other parts of your aesthetic imply that this is a place to sit down and read the paper, perhaps you need to take a moment to consider your target demographic and if your choices are consistently catering to them effectively.

Be sure that there is a cohesiveness to your brand that people can remember as the place they go to when they want “that” type of experience. Cozy and quaint? Vibrant and happening? Stay consistent, so people know what to expect when they come in and also when they tell others about you. 

If your operation is poorly designed, either from the standpoint of ambiance or of working layout, your opportunity to make a great first impression (and long-term sales) will suffer.

A common mistake that many cafe owners make is failing to view their operation from the eyes of a new customer.

Imagine it’s your first time walking in to a coffee shop. Would you immediately know where to stand to get in line? Where to stand when waiting for your order? Is it instinctive where to add cream and sugar to your coffee? 

These kinds of details are crucial, as nobody likes to feel confused. If it’s someone’s first impression of your business, it might mean it will be their last.

As surprising as it may sound, even small design deficiencies can impact your bottom line. First impressions leave a lasting impression to nearly every customer you’ll ever have. Design errors can add up to significant losses for your business. That’s why professional designers can justify being paid as much as they do.

Use your first impression to be sure your customers see your operation as superior to the other coffee shops that they could be visiting.

Your design decisions must also reflect your dedication to quality. Ambiance is a huge part of customer perception and is crucial to your overall marketing effort. Aim for design features that delight and make customers comfortable, to encourage them to come back, again and again. Remember, they can go to other shops. Do your best to make your place more welcoming than theirs. A first impression lasts a lifetime. 

The Ideal Layout

Great ambiance doesn’t just happen. It begins with a good layout. You want a clear sense of welcome as people enter, with simple menus that are easy to read and understand. Always try to keep in mind that your goal is to serve people efficiently, especially during peak times.

If you’ve been in business for years and can’t afford a remodel, try to view your operation from the customer’s perspective to reveal low-cost changes that would facilitate better service. Are your baristas moving efficiently? Are all the seats easy to access? 

You want your design to help you serve each customer promptly even at your busiest times, while still making them feel relaxed and welcome. People understand that coffee shops get busy, but they don’t want to feel like they’re the reason that your baristas are stressed, and they especially don’t want to feel stressed themselves because the layout of your coffee shop was poorly designed and they’ve got to figure out how to grumpily navigate through it before they’ve had their morning coffee.

One good example of this is to make sure customers waiting in line will have a good view of the pastries and food case, so that they will have their order ready by the time they approach the counter. If this is impossible, consider having a large menu above you so that they can consider their order before they ever approach the register. If a hungry customer has to wait in line without the opportunity to consider their order beforehand, it is likely they will spend two minutes looking through the pastry case asking questions what everything is, holding up the line for everybody else.

Time savers like these can make or break a new coffee shop. People in a hurry will start to view your location as the place with the long, slow lines, and likely never return.  It’s a good general philosophy to solve the problem before it ever becomes one. 

If you’re not good at this sort of thing, ask a decorator or interior designer to do a walk-through and make comments. The look and feel of your coffee bar conveys your business image and determines how your business is perceived. It’s a crucial and highly important factor in marketing because it largely determines who will become your customer. If you’re not appealing to someone, you’re not appealing to anyone. 

Do Your Homework Before Starting

If you are not yet open, it’s worth the effort to go to other stores and get a feel for what makes them unique. What is the reason that their customers go there? What gives them their own competitive advantage? What could you do better? Are they catering to a specific group of people or just anybody who lives nearby? Study the details.

If your cafe intends to have machinery that drives sales, be sure to place visually appealing items (like granita machines , for example), in full view. Brightly colored granitas, turning in their cylinders, will catch your customers’ eyes as they walk up to your counter. A granita machine tucked away where few will see the product will cost you sales. Similarly, if you have ugly machinery, like a dirty toaster readily available for all to see, remember that a customer might find this unattractive and off-putting. A good rule of thumb is to place the attractive things outward, and the less-attractive things in less conspicuous areas.

Long before you sign any contracts with interior builders, look at your plans though the eyes of the customer. What do customers need? What makes things easy for them? For example, one of the biggest sources of confusion is where to place an order.

You want your store to be customer-friendly. An order counter near the front reduces the feeling of being lost as soon as you walk in. Be sure it is obvious where people will stand to put cream and sugar in their coffee, and that there is an obvious trash can nearby.

A crowded area in front of a bar might be overwhelming for many of your customers.

Good layout and rational traffic patterns are crucial to making everything work. Strive to be original to set your coffee bar apart from your competition. Have a definite theme and concept in mind before you begin. Planning for excellence begins with a rough draft of a concept that will set you apart. You must transform your dreams and imagination into a clear sense of what you want before you hire your experts.

Consider this: do you want your coffee shop to be bright and spacious? Subdued, cozy, and intimate? Do you want an Italian or Southwestern theme, cool sophistication or L.A. chic? Collect concepts, make a list of features and themes that fit your dreams, visit operations similar to what you envision and study and take notes on what you like and dislike about each. Aim to keep your branding consistent.

Of course, layout and design of your café will depend upon the amount of space you have, your customers and your theme. Work within the given limits, then aim to make your store the best. What have successful chain operations in your area done to make their stores unique? Often they have hired top designers to contribute to the design. Can you afford to do that as well? If not, it’s important to spend time early on to consider all of these concepts.

Industrial and modern spaces are becoming increasingly trendy.

Look at the colors they use and the art on their walls. Study their menu boards, tables, chairs, and stools. You should certainly duplicate certain aspects of what the chains have done well, but then opt for a design that creates a unique space to give your customers a special experience.

After all, you’re an independent coffee shop, not a big chain, aren’t you? Use that to your advantage.

Showcase what makes you unique, and prove that you’ve considered the customers needs, reward them with an excellent experience and they’ll come back again and again.

We talk quite a bit about how to come up with your coffee shop’s design in our startup course .

Design the Back of the Bar Before Your Menu

Your menu will determine what food-service equipment you’ll need, and similarly, the space and equipment you have will determine the kind of menu you’re able to create.

Remember what we said about efficient layout from the customer’s perspective. The same goes for your staff. If they have to move inefficiently, or if simple processes require multiple steps, different machines, walking back and forth, not only will your employee quickly grow tired of doing this task, it will also mean that your customers are having to wait longer than they need to be served their food.

So, first consider the amount of space you have.

Where will your equipment be placed? Where is each task performed? Unless you have years of experience working in retail coffee or kitchens, you’ll never envision the hundreds of small considerations involved in design such as:

“Where will I prepare and stage my sandwich assembly?”

“Where will I wash the lettuce and store my tomatoes?”

“Will my baristas be able to pull shots and assemble drinks without colliding with an employee making iced drinks?”

The basic rule is to design the back of your bar first. Proper layout in this area is the key to good compact workflow so you can provide the service required and have happy employees, all of which will make your operation much more successful.

Precision planning allows for the proper flow of work in the smallest area. This is important when you remember that only the square footage in the seating area generates profit.

A well designed coffee shop workstation is vital. Spend time imagining all of the tasks that each employee is asked to do, and be sure that they can do as many of them as possible without annoyance, or having to stray far from their workstations.

Efficiency equals time, and time equals money.

A Word About Designing Your Coffee Shop Menu:

Using various online tools, you can produce clear, simple and legible point-of-sale signs to put on the counter and in display cases. But hire a graphic designer to create the larger signs outside and inside your business, including your large menu boards. Make your menu easy to understand, easy to read and not too cluttered or complex. Put your food menu near your drink menu, where it’s easy to see and may prompt an impulse buy.

Give items original names. But don’t get too cute. Foreign words, not translated, can put people off. If you offer a Bangkok Panini, explain what it is or you’ll leave customers baffled. Study the menus of other coffeehouses. Read the menus of successful upscale restaurant chains for inspiration and creativity.

If you’re in a fast-paced business district, distribute menus with your phone number and Web address. Let people phone-in orders and pick them up with no waiting. Your menu should be both descriptive and alluring.

Only a professional coffee bar design firm can understand all of the space and motion relationships that will make your operation work smoothly, well before any concrete is poured or any cabinets are built. Not every famous national design firm has experience in café layouts and few local firms have any at all.

A Florida client resisted our advice to contact a firm specializing in coffee bar design and spent several thousand dollars working with a local architect to make their own dreams come true. After reviewing the plans, we recommended more than thirty changes. At that point, six weeks behind schedule, she realized she DID need someone who specialized in coffee design.

With the help of industry professionals, developing a winning food-service area along with a great concept and efficient layout is easier than you might think.

Hire pros and you won’t have to build three coffee operations to finally get everything right. It might seem like a lot to invest in up front, but trust us, you don’t want to fail because you were stingy in the beginning.

Designing Around Your Theme, For Comfort, and Designing the Retail Area

After the service areas, the next step is to design the front — the part of your operation where most of your in-store marketing will take place.

Design this part of your operation with your cafe’s theme in mind, recalling that your money will be made in the square footage in front of your workspace and counters.

Designing for Comfort

Unless you have a small operation in a downtown metropolitan area where most of your sales are to-go drinks, you will need to design your café to accommodate customers who want to linger. Think your customers want to read? Consider the lighting, and where they’ll put the paper down when they need to use the restroom.

A good “third place” (first being home, second being work, third being the ‘other’ place where people go to feel comfortable) will have attractive and comfortable seating, and feel inviting for them to want to bring their friends.

Think your customers are going to spend a lot of their time working on their laptops? Think about how many electrical outlets you have. People who work from their computers frequently decide where they are going to go to a cafe based solely on whether they’ll be able to keep their computers charged.

Designing the Retail Area

If you are going to sell merchandise, you will need to create a retail area that fits into your overall design. Chains employ experts to position retail items at key points in their stores, so before you add retail items, visit a chain and take notes on the ways that they do this. You can be sure they have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to study the merchandising aspect of the business.

Pay attention to the way successful coffee bars and large chain stores integrate retail into their floor plan. Ask yourself how practical your display will be. Will your mugs, T-shirts and other retail items be in clear view of your cashier to prevent theft?

Interior Finishes

You don’t need to spend a million dollars to build a great coffee bar. One of Bellissimo’s clients installed a floor of inexpensive fiberboard covered with a transparent gym coating. It was stunning.

Another practical flooring option is acid-etched concrete. The new high-traffic, commercial vinyl tiles come in a variety of slate patterns and colors, are long wearing, easy to lay and very inexpensive.

Quality non-slip ceramic tile is expensive but lasts longer than other choices, with minimal care. Choose patterns that camouflage soil.

Avoid carpets as they soil quickly, are hard to clean and need to be replaced all too frequently. A big, beautiful rug might look nice in the beginning, but after a few spills, it will quickly make your place look like it’s seen better days.

Hardwood floors require care and can warp if exposed to moisture. Mats near the entry keep floors cleaner. The kick guard at the counter, about five inches high, can be made with rubber that coordinates with your color scheme.

If your operation is in an older or historic building, leave the walls in their natural state if they are in good condition. Old brickwork, cleaned up, is beautiful.

Aged wood has a unique appeal. You can camouflage ductwork or paint it bright colors to make a statement. Dark ceilings work well in large spaces, while small spaces feel much more open with bright ceilings.

We’ve found that in general, lighter earthy colors work best for walls. Study decorating websites for ideas. Wall treatments such as murals, wainscoting, wall textures, faux finishes or decorated borders add a distinctive touch.

Ergonomic Designs

Ergonomics, or human engineering, is about making the designed environment fully compatible with people. Ergonomics was originally the domain of industrial efficiency experts.

It’s the science of the design of devices, systems and working conditions to match the requirements of the human body. It talks about how workers move through their tasks and how to make it easy for them to do their best.

Good ergonomic design will allow your staff to do things with the fewest steps and the least reaching, performing their jobs quickly without colliding with others or creating hazards. Good ergonomics will increase convenience, raise efficiency and reduce wasted effort.

Use ergonomics to maximize safety and help prevent accidents, while reducing frustration and fatigue, and increasing staff comfort.

Good ergonomics is also design that respects your customers. Today, it includes an understanding of how chairs and tables and counters fit, how people line up, how they view signage and how long they will enjoy sitting in a particular chair. Let ergonomics help you achieve the best fit for your service counter, seating areas, coffee displays, pastry cases and more.

Natural light is all the rage these days. Do your best to maximize natural light, but also think about the consequences. With all the heat generated by your machines, customers, and employees, sunny windows and skylights can put an extra load on your cooling system.

The most effective way to shade big windows is with an outside awning to block direct sunshine before it gets to the glass. Use interior drapery, shades or shutters as needed, to cut direct sunlight or to keep the heat inside during very cold weather. Lighting design is crucial to your operation.

Bluish fluorescent light and shiny surfaces can assault the senses. Colored incandescent bulbs and mini-halogen track lighting create a much warmer environment. Provide some areas bright enough for reading, and other areas where the light is subdued so customers can relax.

Lighting is a complex art form and new technology is rapidly evolving. Study lighting design blogs, books and magazines for ideas, but don’t try to come up with a lighting plan yourself.

Power usage, safety and security, mood, color, and other considerations enter into good lighting design decisions. When in doubt, talk with lighting experts before you make your choices.

Is your business a coffee shop where people will come to relax with friends? You’ll want soft couches and chairs with low coffee tables.

Or is it a high-volume coffee bar where people make a brief visit and are content with tall, high stools or hard chairs that are easy to keep clean? Small, hard chairs encourage shorter stays.

Offer many seating options. Large commercial restaurant wholesalers will have the best choices. Be sure that the chairs you choose can be repaired, repainted or replaced when they wear out. Look for good back support and chair heights that work well with your tables. Bring a couple of critical friends along and try out every piece of furniture you’re considering. Look for tables that are easy to clean and of a finish compatible with your design and theme.

We’ve found that tables 32 inches high are ideal, comfortable for most people and chairs fit well. Some table styles allow height adjustments. A black base is simple to touch up with paint when it gets scuffed.

Design With Work In Mind

Today, most coffee houses offer wireless Internet connections. Most also offer plugs to power laptop computers and save battery power. At almost every coffee business I walk into, I see numerous people working on laptops or surfing the Internet as they sip their favorite drinks.

This technology, like others, is changing rapidly. Choosing a service provider can be a difficult decision. Be sure you keep up with the latest technology. Be sure you offer fast, reliable wifi, and as many power outlets as possible. If you’re lucky enough to be in the early planning stages of a cafe, be sure to talk with an electrician to try and provide as many power outlets as possible (don’t forget to consider your electricity breaker’s capacities). Trust us, you’ll never lack for a need for outlets. If you’re in an older location, consider getting a reliable extension cord for multiple people to plug in with. 

If you happen to be located near a high school or college, keep in mind that a majority of your customers will need space to study, and spread out with a book, notebook, and laptop. Plan accordingly to meet their needs, or they’ll find a cafe that wi

Plan for music from day one. If you intend to have a good music system, the wiring has to be installed before the sheetrock and wall coverings go on. And you need to make decisions about where to keep the stereo system and plan procedures for who will be changing them. Remember that baristas are people, too, and frequently have strong opinions on music. Perhaps they’ve got great taste, but that doesn’t always mean your customers will appreciate it. Try to be mindful about who your target audience is.

Music is a crucial part of your ambiance. The type of music you play will often dictate the mood of your customers and what kind of customer walks through your doors, and who walks out. Be sure staff appreciates the fact that the music is not for their entertainment, but for the pleasure of the customers.

If you don’t know much about music, find someone to help you select a background sound that creates the atmosphere you want for your business. The music you play in early morning may be very different than what you play at noon or in the late evening with wine and dessert. Pandora and Spotify are easy enough to understand these days, and will make your life a lot easier when choosing music to match your ambiance. 

Perfection in the Simple Touches

To help you design your business, look around the internet for the term “cafe designs”. When we work with our clients at Bellissimo, we advise them to look through images of cafes that look great to them, then tell us what they like about particular designs. Most of these clients like certain aspects of four or five different operations. The educated client with strong ideas gets the best work from the design professional. By doing your own research, you help your consultant or professional designer hone in on what is important to you and on the feeling you want to convey in your operation.

With limitless design options, there is no reason you can’t create a one-of-a-kind coffee operation. You may decide to acid-etch your floors in four colors. Looking for a quiet, peaceful ambience good for reading? Why not get creative with floor to ceiling drapery down one of your walls? Local art that changes each month can provide ambiance and an added income source (and it’s always great to support local artists). Murals can transport your customers to a different place or time. Let your imagination and that of friends and professionals lead you to create a setting that is attractive, comfortable, workable, unique and very profitable.

The design of your work areas determines how well your staff can function. The image projected by your design decisions will create your store’s atmosphere. It’s difficult to measure or even to define, but everyone who comes in can feel it. When the atmosphere is enticing, comforting, exciting or fun it draws people into the store and enriches their experience, making them want to return

Don’t Forget That You’re a Coffee Shop

No matter how extensive your menu is, your business is first and foremost a coffee operation. Your primary identity is your coffee. You want to be known as THE coffee operation in your area, the one that serves the very best coffee. To do this, you must fully understand the nuances of your product. That is a tall order, and requires you to fully educate yourself.

Few start-up coffeehouse owners have done this. The result is that purists and knowledgeable aficionados could feel ripped off and resort to home brewing.

Obviously we’re biased, but we offer a week-long coffee skills workshop each month in “Independent Coffee Mecca”, Portland, Oregon. We wholeheartedly believe that our workshops will put a coffee shop owner a significantly higher chance of success, and all are invited to contact us anytime at (503) 232-2222.

There are no better workshops when it comes to teaching espresso skills or coffee business training.

Be Your Own First Customer

Store ambiance is something that is incredibly important when considering coffee shop design.  In today’s world especially, beautiful cafes are popping up everywhere with seemingly endless budgets. Design your coffee shop with your intentional branding in mind, keep your customer always at the center of your focus, and do your best to stand out while remaining authentic to your vision and your self. Remember that the customers will come in for you as much as they will come in for the design of your location.

Think we missed something? Something not clear or need updating? We always appreciate corrections and inquiries about anything that needs clarification. Email us anytime. We’ll be happy to hear from you.

More Articles For Coffee Business Owners

Effective coffee shop signage.

The goal of signs are to get people’s attention and to create enough intrigue to want to buy something. Great signs are usually bright, colorful, use large font, and are very easy to read. We usually only think about signs that are on the outside of buildings that get people into stores, but store signs … Effective Coffee Shop Signage Read More »

How to Open A Coffee Shop

If you’re looking for the definitive guide to opening a coffee shop in 2020, this is it. Our business is built entirely on the foundation of “Helping People Succeed in Specialty Coffee”. In short, this is what we do. We help people open coffee shops, and help people who own coffee shops run them to … How to Open A Coffee Shop Read More »

It has come to our attention that scammers are using trade names to defraud individuals who have not otherwise interacted with the companies they purport to represent. 

The scam involves processing fraudulent transactions (typically less than a few dollars) on a consumer’s credit card in the name of a business which has no prior or continuing relationship to the scammer or the victim. 

Because these businesses (as is the case with ours) have had no interaction with the bad actors OR the individuals being targeted, there is no means for intervention. Like all of the businesses being impersonated, we have no record of these fraudulent transactions. To ensure maximum consumer safety, we have completed an internal systems audit and are certain that we have not experienced a security event. In addition, we have investigated each of the cases reported to us, individually, and in each case we found no record of interactions of any kind with those impacted, nor do we have awareness of or connection to the identity of the scammers responsible. 

If you believe you are the victim of a financial crime, please contact your banking institution and law enforcement as soon as possible. We have learned that this scam is growing in popularity and is likely to impact thousands of businesses and individuals. 

Please be careful!

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7 Things to Think About When Designing a Coffee Shop Floor Plan

Many of our 3-Day Coffee Business Master Class students are excited to start designing the aesthetic of their coffee shops. Before choosing furniture and wall colors, though, it’s important to layout your coffee shop floor plan. Your floor plan is going to dictate many components of your customer experience–from how they line up, to where they sit, to how long they sit, to what food and drinks you are able to serve, and more. 

Here are seven things to think about when designing a coffee shop floor plan. 

Prioritize a layout that fits your equipment. 

It’s fun to think about design elements and furnishing for your customers, but the first thing to prioritize is the large equipment you’ll need to bring those customers in the door. 

We tell our students to finish planning their menu before laying out their coffee shop floor plan. The menu will dictate what kind of equipment you need in your kitchen and on the coffee bar. Start at the back of the house and design forward. This ensures you’ll have enough space for your specific equipment and workflow.   

Finally, equipment needs to be able to be able to easily come in and out of your coffee shop for installation, service, cleaning, or replacement. When designing your coffee shop layout, be mindful of this important detail. Make sure it can all fit through your doors and around your walls and counters. (In other words, think extra hard about that three-door refrigerator in the back.)

Window Seat Coffee

Make sure your coffee shop floor plan provides employees optimal space to work efficiently. 

Finding the right amount of space in your employee work station is a balancing act. To be efficient and safe, you want to avoid making employees cross paths often. You also want to avoid making them run all the way down the bar and back. 

If the space is too big, though, they’ll have to take a lot of steps to serve customers. Lay out your workspace so employees have stations and can rotate 360 degrees to touch everything they need to do their job on that station. That way, they won’t have to pass around each other, and you’ll free up space in the front for customers.

Native Coffee Co.

Use vertical space for storage. 

Make sure you have the highest ceilings possible in the back of the house (kitchen and bar area.) Install shelving all the way up for maximum storage capacity for large boxes of paper products, coffee, and more.

If you have a drop ceiling in the kitchen or storage areas, tear it out!  You want to make sure you can (safely) utilize all of that vertical space for your storage needs.

Choose the right furniture.  

Your home living room is most likely cozy, but avoid replicating that same atmosphere in your coffee shop design. Having couches significantly limits seating and your ability to serve the maximum number of customers. (Couches can also look dirty and worn quite quickly!)

Also consider that most strangers rather not sit close together in communal seating areas (especially in the post COVID world.) Often, two people will take up a large eight top table and nobody else will sit at the table with them. This is highly inefficient, and makes for a bad user experience for your other customers looking for a place to sit. We recommend smaller two-top tables so you can maximize on seating for the most customers. You can always push them together to accommodate larger parties, then separate them back out again when they leave. 

It’s also important to consider how much time your customers plan to stay. Power outlets and large tables make for great work spaces. But, the longer your customers plan to stay, the more you need them to purchase. If you’re planning on creating a great place to hang out for hours, make sure your menu accommodates your guests with snacks, lunch, or even alcohol options.

Create a logical flow for customer lines. 

Take into account how a line of customers will affect your overall user experience in your cafe. You don’t want a line to make it feel chaotic and uncomfortable. Design customer flow to be out of the way, or to the side. 

Design a circular customer flow, not linear. Avoid lining up people who are waiting to pick up their drink in the same area you want others to order. Also, be sure customers pass by at least three opportunities to buy retail items before they even get to the cash register to order. This includes retail shelves, impulse items, pastries, and merchandise. 

Wayward Coffee

Make cleaning, health, and safety easier. 

Cleaning is even more important now than ever before. To make cleaning and sanitizing easier, the ceilings and back splash areas in your workspace need to be smooth (nonporous) and wipeable. Make sure the materials can withstand commercial levels of frequent cleaning with strong sanitizing and cleaning agents. In accordance with most city health codes, be sure to use “cove base” (curved) tile/flooring around the perimeter of the bar and kitchen areas where the floor meets the wall. 

Make sure to install sneeze guards over any pastry displays and possibly between your customers and employees. When possible, many customers are opting for contact-free options to get their coffee.

Design your coffee shop floor plan for the post-pandemic world. 

It’s imperative you take into account the changing ways customers are interacting with coffee shops after COVID-19. During the pandemic, we watched as coffee shop owners found innovative ways to continue serving their customers. Drive thrus,  walk-up windows, curbside pick-up, delivery service pick-up areas, and more outdoor seating became imperative.  

Jupiter House

We offer step by step coffee shop layout and design resources in our business class. 

Ultimately, your coffee shop floor plan will need to work in tandem with your retail space, menu, equipment needs, and coffee shop concept. For more information about creating a space that works for you (and to see example layouts) register for our 3-Day Coffee Business Master Class. Need personalize consulting? Contact us for one-on-one consults, or learn more about it here.

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Hands-on training for every step of starting your coffee shop business.

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Klatch Coffee Opening Five New Shops Inside Sprouts Stores

Daily Coffee News Staff | May 15, 2024

A Sprouts Farmers Market. Klatch Coffee photo.

Southern California-based specialty coffee roaster and retailer Klatch Coffee plans to exponentially increase its retail footprint in 2024, with the first of five new stores soon to open inside a Sprouts Farmers Market .

Four additional Klatch cafes, all in the coffee company’s home region east of Los Angeles, are slated to open inside separate Sprouts grocery stores in the coming months. The financial terms of the partnership have not been made public.

The Phoenix-based grocery chain — which now boasts more than 400 stores in 23 U.S. states with a focus on fresh produce and organic-certified products — piloted the branded in-store coffee shop concept with Phoenix-based Press Coffee Roasters in 2022.

A Press Coffee shop inside a Sprouts location. 2023 Press Coffee Roasters press photo.

Last December, the grocer and Press announced they were opening four more Press-branded coffee bars inside Sprouts markets in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The five new Klatch bars are coming to the Los Angeles suburbs of Fullerton, Redlands, Eastvale and Klatch’s home base of Rancho Cucamonga . The first Klatch-in-Sprouts to open is at 16964 S. Highland Avenue in Fontana , where a grand opening weekend is taking place May 24-27.

The shop will expand Klatch’s retail footprint to eight locations. To mark the occasion, Klatch is rolling out new store-exclusive menu items such as a cold brew lemonade and a berry ricotta toast with bread from Los Angeles-based Rockenwagner Bakery .

The Klatch Coffee logo.

“Here at Klatch, being a part of the community has been a staple value since our founding 31 years ago,” Klatch Coffee CEO Heather Perry said in an announcement shared by Sprouts. “This partnership with Sprouts helps us to live out that value in an even larger way. Between more opportunities to meet our customers where they are, enhancing the Sprouts shopping experience and introducing offerings that incorporate local ingredients, this partnership is more than just coffee.”

Comments? Questions? News to share? Contact DCN’s editors here . 

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Tags: Arizona , California , chains , Eastvale , Fontana , Fullerton , grocery , Heather Perry , Klatch Coffee , Los Angeles , Phoenix , Press Coffee Roasters , Rancho Cucamonga , Redlands , Rockenwagner Bakery , Scottsdale

Calico Jack Coffee Roastery to open in Mentor

• Updated: May. 14, 2024, 9:43 a.m. |
• Published: May. 14, 2024, 9:27 a.m.

Calico Jack's Roastery in Mentor plans to open a coffee shop in June. Austin Barbian

• Paris Wolfe, cleveland.com

MENTOR, Ohio—In 2018, Chris and Charisse Barbian, and their nephew Austin, bought a popcorn machine at Goodwill. They modified it to reach higher temperatures and used it to roast coffee. The new hobby was a distraction for Chris, a mechanical engineer, who was undergoing chemo/radiation treatment for cancer.

Chris, 54 has beat three Stage 4 cancers -- throat, lung and osteosarcoma -- and has been cancer-free since Fall 2020.

“He found that roasting on our popcorn popper was grounding and could be used as a much-needed distraction from the hard treatments,” says Austin. “We started giving the coffee we were roasting on the popcorn machine to our family and friends.”

The positive response surprised them, and the hobby grew into Calico Jack Coffee Roastery .

Soon after, a family friend gifted them a coffee roaster. So, Chris studied coffee roasting to learn the science and processes. That led to three varieties of roasts, an online e-commerce site and a table at the Willoughby Farmers Market.

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Today Calico Jack offers 12 blends/roasts using beans grown in various countries. Soon they will be supplying their own shop as well as long-time customers CLE Juice Box and several grocery stores.

On June 9, the company is launching it first storefront Calico Jack Coffee Roastery at 8595 Mentor Avenue, Mentor (next to CLE Juice Box). They’re taking over the former Lakeshore Coffee Company, which was operated by a friend who is stepping away for personal reasons.

The Lakeshore Coffee Company will continue to operate a store in Andover, Ohio.

The exterior is currently getting a fresh coat of paint to match the black, white, and orange color scheme from the company’s’ branding. Think calico cat colors.

They have plans to extend the deck to increase outdoor seating. And the interior space is getting a refresh.

The shop is different from most because coffee is roasted onsite.

“There are many reasons why being both a roastery and cafe is important to us,” says Austin. “The number one reason is the freshness of the coffee.”

“After the coffee gets roasted, the coffee has to ‘de-gas’ over 24 to 48 hours because the beans are still giving off carbon dioxide from the roasting and cooling process,” he explains. “There is a sweet spot right after de-gassing where the coffee is at peak quality.”

“The best part of having a roastery in the same building is that we will always be serving our coffee at that peak freshness and quality,” he notes.

The shop will feature monthly roasts and offer specialty drinks, smoothies, matcha, and teas. And they plan to offer classes about coffee roasting.

Chris hopes the business will give back to the cancer community for research and development to beat the life changing disease.

Send dining, drinking and culture story ideas to Paris Wolfe at [email protected] . Review her previous stories here. Follow Paris Wolfe on Instagram @pariswolfe.

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Dunn Brothers Coffee wants to add 250 more locations from Minnesota to Texas

D unn Brothers Coffee is brewing up some high-octane growth with plans to add 250 more locations over the next five years, starting along the Interstate 35 corridor stretching from Minnesota to Texas.

The Roseville-based coffee shop franchisor currently has about 50 locations, with 28 in Minnesota. The private equity-backed brand also operates in Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Missouri and Texas.

"We're already entrenched in states surrounding Minnesota, and we'll continue to look at those opportunities for growth," said Scott Harvey, president of Dunn Brothers Coffee. "But as we consider to go outside of the states that we're in, the I-35 corridor is just a great path for us to follow."

I-35 runs through Des Moines, Kansas City, Oklahoma City, the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area and San Antonio.

Dunn Brothers is first planning to open five shops in Minneapolis over the next several months, four of them company-owned, Harvey said. The ratio of new company-owned to franchisee-owned shops has not yet been determined, he said, but the brand's new phase of growth leans on a franchise model.

Meanwhile, the Uptown Minneapolis location at 34th Street and Hennepin Avenue, operated by a franchisee, closed in April, Harvey said. That location will not reopen as a Dunn Brothers coffee shop, he said.

Expanding means competing with larger coffee chains like Starbucks and Dunkin' for real estate and consumer dollars, which are already being stretched amid inflation — a challenge Harvey is well aware of.

"We have to be super conscious of delivering on the expectations of what they're getting for the value of what we're looking to charge," Harvey said. "You have to be very studious in those approaches and really try to find alternate ways of not passing it on to the consumers."

Ed and Dan Dunn founded the coffee chain in St. Paul in 1987. Dunn Brothers gained a following for roasting coffee in small batches in its coffee shops for the freshest possible brews.

California-based private equity firm Gala Capital Partners bought Dunn Brothers in 2022 and promised expansion.

"We believe Dunn Brothers is the best kept secret in the coffee segment and we look forward to working with the management team and franchise partners to bring this great product and brand to the rest of the world," Gala Capital founder Anand Gala said when acquiring the chain.

In the years since, Dunn Brothers has started selling coffee beans and packages of single-serve K-Cups at local grocery stores and is looking at drive-thru-only models for new locations.

"It's a prime time to be able to start scaling the brand," Harvey said.

Gala Capital hired Harvey last summer to come up with a growth plan for the company. Harvey started by upgrading the company's beverage offerings and its real estate footprint.

In addition to building more shops across the central part of the U.S., Harvey said the company is aiming to expand the brand's presence on store shelves in that corridor.

"We're going to continue to do that because it helps us from brand recognition," he said.

For the second half of 2022, Dunn Bros Franchising had $1.4 million in revenue and a $25,000 profit, according to the most recent franchise disclosure documents. Franchisees pay royalties, marketing fees and a franchise fee. Harvey declined to disclose a projected growth rate for company revenue.

©2024 StarTribune. Visit startribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Rusmania • Deep into Russia

Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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Money blog: 10 wealthiest cities in the world revealed; bank launches £175 switch offer

Taylor Swift is coming to the UK - and bringing her massive economic influence with her. Read this and all the latest consumer and personal finance news in the Money blog - and leave a comment or your money problem in the box below.

Thursday 16 May 2024 00:01, UK

• Burberry suffers massive profits fall as figures 'leave a lot to be desired'
• Santander launches £175 switching offer
• Vinted forced to apologise to sellers for payment issues
• Taylor Swift to bring nearly £1bn boost to economy
• UK economy in safe hands 'whoever wins' election, top bank chief tells Sky News

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Ask a question or make a comment

A record 3.1 million emergency food parcels have been handed out in just a year, according to a charity.

The Trussell Trust says 3,121,404 were distributed by its network of 1,300 food banks in the year to the end of March.

Some 1,144,096 were for children and nearly two million for adults. The total is nearly double that of five years ago.

The number of parcels given out during the 12 months to March 2023 was just under three million.

You can read more here...

Nearly 40% of money laundering around the world is flowing through London, overseas territories and crown dependencies, the deputy foreign minister has said.

In a speech at the Bright Blue thinktank, Andrew Mitchell said the dirty money was passing through the capital and that "crown dependencies and the overseas territories have not yet done as much as they must do", The Guardian reports.

"If these overseas territories and crown dependencies want to have our king and our flag, then they must also accept our values, which is why we are so intent on ensuring dirty money cannot flow in and from there," he said.

The comments come a month after Mr Mitchell promised to work with the international community to tackle illicit flows of money "through increased transparency of company ownership".   

Feel like you've been on hold to the taxman for hours? You're not alone.

Customers spent around seven million hours collectively waiting to speak to HMRC in 2022/23, the spending watchdog has revealed.

That's more than double the time spent waiting in 2019/20, which was around 3.2 million hours.

It's the equivalent of 798 years.

Once answered, calls more than doubled to over 23 minutes in 20022/23, up from just over 11 minutes.

Advisers also answered 22% fewer calls.

HMRC's strategy is to encourage customers to turn to its digital services first - but it is not clear how far and fast digital services will reduce demand for telephone and correspondence services, the National Audit Office said.

And the move to digital services has not eased pressure on traditional services as much as HMRC expected.

Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, said: "HMRC's telephone and correspondence services have been below its target service levels for too long.

"While many of its digital services work well, they have not made enough of a difference to customers, some of whom have been caught in a declining spiral of service pressures and cuts. HMRC has also not achieved planned efficiencies.

"HMRC must allow more time for these services to bed in and understand the difference they make before adjusting staffing levels."

New York has topped the list when it comes to the world's wealthiest cities, with 349,500 millionaires and 60 billionaires. 

In its latest report,  Henley & Partners  found the Big Apple's millionaire population has surged by 48% in the past decade.

And San Francisco came in second place, with 305,700 millionaires and 68 billionaires.

Meanwhile, Tokyo has seen its millionaire population declining by 5% to 298,300 people.

Joe Biden has confirmed he is going to raise the special tariff on electric vehicles coming from China. 

The standard US tariff (the amount you have to pay to get goods into a given country) on cars used to stand at 2.5% but then Donald Trump levied an extra 25% tariff on China in 2018. 

Now, Mr Biden has gone further and is quadrupling the tariff to 102.5%.

Why is the US doing this?

Our economics and date editor Ed Conway  describes the latest move as "one of the biggest issues in economics right now".

He says the move "is partly because the US is worried about competition from China".

China in the past few years has become dominant when it comes to electric cars and their manufacture of the components that go into the vehicles.

But they are not dominant when it comes to electric car imports into the US.

"The US is trying to increase its share but it is going to be difficult," Conway says

"It's only the beginning of a very big saga here and the next question is what about the EU and UK?"

Will it have an impact?

Conway says the new electric vehicle rate "won't affect many goods at all" because the "vast majority of Chinese electric vehicles are going not to America but to Europe and elsewhere", including the UK.

"We're buying loads," he says.

You can watch Conway's analysis here...

Santander has become the latest bank to offer a £175 switching offer on their current accounts, joining First Direct, which relaunched its incentive this month.

The Santander switch is open to both new and existing Santander customers and those eligible will get the payment within 90 days of starting the switch process.

To qualify you must:

• Complete the full switch within 60 days of requesting the switch process;
• Pay in at least £1,500 within 60 days of requesting the switch;
• Set up two active direct debits within 60 days;
• Continue to hold the qualifying current account on the day the payment is made.

New customers can switch to a current account online through the Santander website or in branch. 

But existing Santander customers must visit a branch to take advantage of this offer .

To qualify for the First Direct incentive you must: 

• Go through the full Current Account Switch Service (Cass) process;
• Transfer a £1,000 balance into the account;
• Switch at least two regular payments;
• Use their debit card at least five times within 30 days of the account opening.

 The chairman and chief executive of JPMorgan has told Sky News he is confident the UK economy will be in safe hands "whoever wins" the election.

Jamie Dimon told Sky's Wilfred Frost that he had met with both Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer and liked that they were both "pro-business".

"Growing the economy is a good thing, and that should benefit everybody," he said.

"Everyone I heard in the Labour and Conservative government are talking about growing the economy, technology, research and development, simplifying regulations and making it easier for people to start and grow businesses.

"Those policies work."

Asked if he was confident the UK economy would be in safe hands no matter who won the election, he replied: "Yeah, I certainly hope so, and we would help whoever wins."

Mr Dimon also said the world "had been through a difficult and weird time".

On the UK specifically, he said: "It's a great country and partner and friend of America."

He said he was "optimistic" about the UK, and said the government should keep investing in "education, work skills and technology".

Here's Mr Dimon's interview in full:

By James Sillars , business news reporter 

A solid start to the day for the FTSE 100 despite one of its well known constituents posting a big drop in profits.

The index rose by 0.5% in early dealing to stand at 8,469.

Leading the gainers were industrial and mining stocks. 

Among the big names reporting its progress this morning was Burberry.

Its annual results to the end of March showed a 34% fall in operating profits as demand for luxury slowed in the second half.

The company's chief executive, who is in the process of taking the firm more upmarket, said he expected the current year to remain challenging but with a pick-up in sales weighted to the final six months.

Burberry, nevertheless, awarded a 61p per share dividend which was flat on the previous financial year.

Its shares were down by more than 3%.

Sophie Lund-Yates, lead equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: "Burberry's latest figures leave a lot to be desired, amid slowing demand for luxury... Not only does this highlight the extent of consumer caution across the globe, it also puts a spotlight on some Burberry-specific issues. 

"Refreshing the store estate is all well and good, but only if those costs and charges can be recouped by selling the clothes they hold. While Burberry's brand repositioning has come a long way, it’s not yet sharp enough to slice through to the core of the even more resilient end of the luxury market."

She added: "Slowing trends are being seen across the board in the sector, so these weaker results aren't a total bolt from the blue. The question now will be how quickly demand picks up, and that of course is in the hands of the economy... Burberry faces challenges, but it remains a strong heritage brand, with a lot of the right strategic ideas."

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour has been predicted to provide a £997m boost to the UK economy. 

Fans are expected to fork out an average of £848 to see the star on one of her 15 tour dates. 

That's according to data from Barclays, which has added up the total spending of the Swifties lucky enough to get a ticket.

After tickets, fans will spend the most on accommodation at around £121, with other notable costs including £111 on travel and £56 on an outfit. 

Those visiting London, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Cardiff for the concert are expected to spend £79 each on official merchandise, as well as £59 on a pre-show meal. 

The average amount spent on an Eras Tour ticket is £206, yet for 14% of fans, including those who purchased VIP ticket packages with premium seating and exclusive merchandise, the total exceeds £400.

Dr Peter Brooks, chief behavioural scientist at Barclays, said fans of "cultural icons" like Swift have a "powerful" spending power. 

"Whoever came up with the phrase 'money can't buy happiness' clearly wasn't a Swiftie," he said. 

"When it comes to cultural icons like Taylor Swift - like we saw with Elvis and Beatlemania in the 50s and 60s - supporters have such a strong connection to the artist and to the rest of the fandom that the desire to spend becomes even more powerful.

"For non-fans, £848 may seem like an enormous amount to splash out on a concert - but for Eras Tour ticketholders, every pound they spend is an investment in the memories they'll create."

Every Wednesday we get Michelin chefs to pick their favourite Cheap Eats where they live and when they cook at home. This week we speak to Andy Beynon, chef patron of Behind in London - which was awarded a Michelin star after being open for just 20 days. 

Hi  Andy, c an you tell us your favourite places in London where you can get a meal for two for less than £40?

I love Lahore Kebab House in Whitechapel. It's family run and I've been going there for about 15 years. I used to go with my dad - we'd get a couple of lagers from the shop next door, then tuck into lamb chops, tarka daal, the Peshwari naan, which is always cooked fresh on the tandoor, and all the dips on the menu. 

You can't beat a "That Spicy D" from Dom's Subs . There's just something about that burnt chilli mayo and schiacciata piccante. It's my favourite lunch to have on the go, and totally worth the mess. 

Umut 2000 in Dalston is my go-to for a kebab fix. They also do this amazing chargrilled lamb mince on a bed of tomato sauce with yoghurt and clarified butter. So good.

What's your go-to cheap meal at home?

I don't cook at home often, but when I do it's usually a big pot of spicy daal. It's super easy to make and keeps well in the fridge or the freezer. My secret ingredient for making the perfect daal is condensed milk - simply add a spoonful at the end to balance all of the spice.

We've spoken to lots of top chefs and bloggers - check out their cheap eats from around the country here...

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