You can see why so many people are drawn to the idea of opening a cafe. For many coffee lovers, it’s the perfect profession, allowing them to combine their passion with entrepreneurial creativity. It’s more than just a paycheck. It’s what they were supposed to be doing.
The coffee industry, seemingly always popular, is also somehow experiencing significant growth. With a CAGR of some 5.4%, the global cafe market is anticipated to reach a whopping $430 billion by 2030.
So there’s money on the table. The question is, how do you make it yours? In a highly competitive market, there’s no such thing as a sure thing, but new cafe owners can increase their chances of success by simply giving their potential customers what they want/expect.
In this post, we’ll run through just some of the things modern cafe-goers want — make sure your cafe has them, and you’ll be putting yourself on the right path towards success.
Quality Coffee…At a Good Price
OK, it sounds obvious, but if you’re going to run a cafe, then you’ll need to have quality coffee. This is one of those areas where it’s absolutely vital not to cut corners/costs. Your customers might tolerate less-than-perfect ambiance if they love your coffee. There’s no amount of features that can make up for poor coffee. Your coffee essentially is your business, the reason you’re there (and the reason your customers come to you). You can and should dress up the other elements of your cafe, but if you have just one priority, make it the cup of joe.
A Good Location
It’s not just your business that benefits from having a good location; your customers do, too. They don’t want to spend their time going out of their way to get a nice cup of coffee. Convenience is key, so much so that it can be worthwhile holding off on opening your cafe until you find the perfect space.
Modern Touches
The best cafes reflect the modern world. In an age when sustainability is becoming more important than ever (especially among younger consumers), offering milk alternatives such as oat, soy, and almond milks is key. Just try to keep the surcharge for these types of milk down to a minimum. It’s also recommended to learn more about the availability of eco-friendly coffee cups and lids — they can be great for demonstrating your cafe’s care for the planet. And while we’re talking about modern touches, let’s not forget about the importance of offering free WiFi, which is pretty much an essential these days.
A Welcoming Atmosphere
Finally, your future customers will expect to find a friendly, welcoming atmosphere in which they feel comfortable spending time with their friends and family. Cafes are more than purely transactional businesses — they’re social hubs. Your repeat customers should be open to visiting you even when they don’t want a coffee because it’s their favourite place to catch up with their loved ones. Comfortable couches, nice lighting, and an invitation to linger in the cafe should all come with their drink.
