Coffee is one beverage that almost everyone needs to get their day started. Not only does coffee give people the boost they need in the morning, but the deliciously rich flavors and a wide variety of drinks make coffee an extremely versatile beverage. If you are considering opening up a coffee shop in your neighborhood, then there are many things you will need to consider, from the space you plan to open your shop to what label you put on your cups. In part one of this two-part series, we will provide you with a guide to the different types of equipment that you might need when you open your coffee business.
If you’ve already found the perfect space for your coffee shop, and you’re ready to start purchasing equipment, then look no further than Taylor Freezer of Michigan! We offer high-quality commercial food service equipment from some of the most well-known brands in the industry. Whether you’re in the market for commercial refrigeration units, griddles, or even a commercial coffee or espresso maker, we have what you need. Stop by your local Taylor Freezer sales representative to get started today!
Consider Your Menu
When you first start your coffee business, there is a good chance that your menu will only consist of the basic coffee drinks. As your business grows, you will have more opportunity to expand your menu, buy additional equipment, and reach a larger audience. That being said, you may need to start small in order to get bigger, and as you figure out what equipment you need, it’s best to start by considering your menu.
Start off by creating a menu that features a few different drinks. Perhaps you decide on a couple different coffee drinks, maybe an espresso and a latte, and then maybe you consider adding some tea or smoothies to cater to those who may not enjoy coffee. Once you have a solid menu in place, you can use it to help you determine what equipment you will need to make everything you offer.
Coffee and Espresso Grinders
Many people assume that they can save money by buying already ground coffee. While the cost up front may be slightly cheaper than having to purchase coffee and espresso grinders, doing so could lower the quality of the coffee you serve your customers. Coffee is best when it is ground right before being brewed, as this results in a richer flavor. Even grinding your coffee 10 minutes before you brew it could lead to less flavorful coffee.
When buying a coffee grinder, you will need to think about what kind of settings you might need. Do you want an automatic grinder or a manual? Will you need it to have different settings for coarse ground coffee and finer ground coffee? Additionally, if you plan on serving specialty drinks made with espresso, then you will also need to purchase an espresso grinder. In order to make a good cup of espresso, the grounds need to be much finer than they are for coffee. Grinders that are specifically designed for espresso will be much better at accomplishing that.
Blenders
If you open your coffee shop during the colder months of the year, you may notice that your customers are more interested in your selection of hot beverages instead of the cold menu items. However, once the weather starts to warm up, this can quickly change, which is why it’s important to be prepared with high-quality blenders that you can use to make smoothies, frappes, and other blended beverages.
As a coffee shop, your main concern may be customers who enjoy a hot cup o’ joe, but it’s also important to cater to those who prefer non-coffee beverages. Offering smoothies on your menu is a great way to appeal to a larger audience. That being said, you shouldn’t favor the coffee lovers by buying high-quality coffee makers and espresso machines and then settle for a low-quality blender. Yes, you may not make as many smoothies or frappes as you will coffee, but it’s still important to provide your customers with amazing beverages that will keep them coming back for more.
Find All of the Equipment You Need at Taylor Freezer!
Ready to start adding equipment to your coffee shop? At Taylor Freezer of Michigan, we offer all of the high-quality commercial food service equipment you need to not only start your business, but also expand in the future. Explore our website to view the brands and equipment we offer, and contact your local Taylor Freezer sales representative to get started today.