It can be challenging to think through every item you’ll need to run a successful cafe or coffee shop when you’re opening one. The number of things you need can be overwhelming, ranging from industrial bean grinders to refrigeration systems, flatware, paper products, storage, and more.
Tables and chairs, counters/bar seating, outdoor furniture, and umbrellas are all necessities—counters for food preparation and work. Visit Chairforce today to learn more!
Cafe Equipment Checklist
Opening a coffee shop is not as simple as it appears, but having a comprehensive equipment list can help you get started.
Coffee consumption is still a growing part of the hospitality industry, so more local coffee shops are needed. Keeping production costs low while keeping your offerings on-trend and local are essential factors in providing a reasonably priced but high-quality product for your guests.
So, if you’re thinking about starting a cafe, there’s a lot more to think about than just getting a coffee machine and some cups and calling it a day.
From grinders to storage, refrigeration to cutlery, the list of items to consider can quickly become overwhelming. When it comes to starting a business, however, getting the right equipment is critical.
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the fundamentals you’ll need to get your cafe off the ground.
Espresso Machines
Coffee is, of course, at the heart of your operation. What is a cafe without coffee, after all?
You’ll need state-of-the-art equipment to make the perfect, smooth cup of coffee and keep your customers coming back (because loyalty is everything). It’s all about having the “X” factor, and quality is crucial in this decision, one of the most expensive.
Invest time in researching your espresso machine; you should look for quality, speed, and efficiency, as your customers will be concerned with how quickly they are served.
Food and Drink Preparation
Alongside your espresso machine, you are going to need a multitude of other pieces of quality equipment. Expanding your offering means you can provide more customers with the items that they want.
And this is just the beginning; your needs will vary depending on what you will be serving at your venue.
Storage and Refrigeration
When it comes to food service, this should be at the top of your priority list. You’ll be dealing with many perishable goods, so you’ll need a reliable refrigeration system that also gives your employees easy access. Also, make sure your equipment and food preparation areas follow all applicable regulations.
Cups, Cutlery, and Crockery
Selecting your serving cups is an area where you should spend some time and think. If you’re serving coffee to dine-in guests, you’ll want to strike a balance between appearance and functionality. Because breakages happen, and they will, these pieces must come in various sizes (cup, mug, piccolo) and be inexpensive and easy to replace.
Consumable Goods
There is a constant demand for a wide variety of consumable paper and plastic goods in any coffee shop. Among the items are:
- Takeaway Coffee cups and lids
- Plastic cups and lids
- Straws
- Paper Towels
Your requirements will vary depending on the services you provide, but these are good foundational items to have on hand. Receipt rolls for your printers and tills are another consumable to remember to order!
What is the best material for making furniture?
Because of the variety of pieces, it can produce, wood continues to be a popular choice for furniture. Wooden furniture is long-lasting, low-maintenance, and has natural oils that keep it from rotting. Teak, pine, cedar, and oak are the most common woods used.
What are cafe tables made of?
Most coffee tables are made of wood (though faux wood tables are becoming more popular), glass, and metal, usually stainless steel or aluminium, and may include cabinets or drawers.
What are cafe tables called?
The most common use for a bistro table is as a small serving table. They’re ideal for light meals such as breakfast, lunch, or hors d’oeuvres. If you don’t have enough space for a larger patio table, a porch or back patio is an excellent place for bistro tables.
What is the raw material for furniture?
The most commonly used raw materials for contemporary furniture are wood, cane, metal, leather, and fabrics, though creativity is limited by imagination.