Starting a café can be an exciting but nerve-wracking business venture. You have to think about a lot: your theme, menu, employees, location, building, and overhead costs. And that’s just in the first few weeks!
If you’re struggling with planning or need a little support, this article is for you. We’ve created a list of the most important supplies you need to start a café, to help you get your business off the ground.
7 Essentials You’ll Need To Set Up a Café
Creating a new café is a lot, and there are so many uncertainties to consider that it can be easy to forget the basics. And the exact products differ based on your café’s theme and budget, so it can be hard to find exactly what you need.
In general, though, there are some key supplies that almost all cafés will need to function. If you’re stuck and need some support, read on for a breakdown of the products you should get to make sure your future business thrives. This isn’t an exhaustive list by any means, but it should give you an idea of the basics.
1) Coffee Machines and Kitchen Appliances
Let’s start with the obvious: you can’t have a café without some way to make coffee.
There’s a wide range of machines available on the market, from drip machines to carafe coffee makers, depending on the type of coffee you want to make for your customers. You’ll also need a refrigerator and other key kitchen appliances (which you can actually buy from BuyDirect as well) for selling food and cold drinks.
You also need a way to clean your machines. Most commercial coffee machines can be taken apart and cleaned properly, which you should do regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria or mold. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions on how to properly clean a coffee machine.
2) Takeaway Cups and Leftover Bags
Once you’ve bought the equipment to make coffee, you’ll need cups to sell it in. Alongside ceramic cups for customers who plan to eat-in, you should consider getting paper cups and matching lids as well. They’re perfect for takeaway orders and can be ordered in bulk for your convenience.
You should also consider getting some boxes or bags for leftovers and takeaway food orders. You can use paper bowls or plates , but it’s best to use specially designed food containers and lids .
3) Straws and Stirrers
Alongside mugs, glasses, saucers, takeaway cups, and bags, you’ll need straws and stirrers. Some customers might want to stir a coffee or tea before drinking it using a stirrer, while others might prefer to drink a milkshake through a straw. Consider whether you want to provide wooden or plastic stirrers, and paper or plastic straws.
If you’re selling hot drinks in takeaway cups, you’ll also need a way to protect people’s hands from the heat. Cardboard cup sleeves are ideal, as they have a ridged interior design and fit most common cup sizes.
Giving people options is the best way to encourage them to keep coming back for more.
4) Coffee Beans and Drink Ingredients
Of course, you’ll need ingredients to make hot drinks! Depending on the machine you use, you might need coffee beans or coffee grounds. You can usually find this information in the manufacturer’s instructions, so make sure you pick the right form!
Either way, make sure you have an option for customers who prefer decaffeinated coffee as well.
At BuyDirect, we’re proud to offer a wide range of bulk coffee options for cafés and office breakrooms alike to help you get started and provide your customers and employees with the refreshments you need. We can even help with syrups and creamers, which can add richness and flavor to any coffee.
5) Napkins and Cutlery
You’ll also want to get something to help your customers eat or drink your products. Customers usually expect cafés to stock napkins to help them keep themselves clean when they’re eating. We offer a range of napkins, dispensers, and towellettes to help you offer a luxurious service to your customers and keep surfaces clean and tidy.
You also can’t serve food without offering cutlery . Some cafés choose to only offer metal cutlery to eat-in customers, but you can also offer plastic options for takeaway customers who want to eat a salad or pastry on the go.
6) Cleaning Supplies
You can’t get a license to sell food and drink without keeping the place clean. At a minimum, you should have a dishwasher or a place to clean dirty cups, cutlery, and coffee-brewing equipment in your kitchen space. You should also have trash bags, trash cans, and some blue roll to wipe away messes.
We offer a range of cleaning tools to help you clean surfaces and floors, as well as trash bags and dispensers so you can get rid of rubbish or bad food quickly.
Most businesses also stock basic cleaners and detergents to help them clean kitchen appliances, customer spaces, breakrooms, and toilets. All these products can help you keep hygiene at the forefront of your business model, protecting your employees and customers alike from food poisoning or allergic reactions.
7) Breakroom Essentials
All cafés need a break room, but what should you keep in there? Most businesses have a fridge and lockers where employees can store their belongings and lunch in a safe, separate space. Like the main café area, you should have at least one table and chair so employees can sit and enjoy their breaks comfortably.
You should also consider sharing business news in your breakroom, using a cork noticeboard or whiteboard so you can easily update information as needed. At BuyDirect, we offer a range of breakroom supplies so you can make sure your employees feel safe and secure at work.
Get Supplies for Your New Café at BuyDirect
No matter what your café theme is, you’re sure to find the supplies you need online with BuyDirect. We offer a wide range of bulk coffee, cleaning supplies, cutlery, and essentials like stirrers and takeaway cups. Buying items wholesale like this can ensure you get the best value, especially if you’re a new business owner.
You can even benefit from savings as a Mission customer and stay informed about sales and special offers.
FAQs
Need some extra advice? Check out a few frequently asked questions below!
What Else Will I Need to Prepare to Open a New Café?
All businesses that sell or produce food and drink for customers must be licensed and follow national health and safety guidelines. This is especially important for businesses offering food for vegan or gluten-free clients, or anyone following a specific diet or allergy plan.
You’ll also need furniture and kitchen appliances, such as tables, chairs, a coffee bar, shelves and display cases, fridges, microwaves, and small ovens. And don’t forget about the crockery! Most cafés have trays, plates, bowls, cups, and cake display trays too.
How Long Does It Take To Set Up a New Café?
It depends! On average, though, creating and setting up a new café takes six months to a year. If you need to actively construct a new building, deal with lengthy planning permission procedures, or deal with paperwork delays, it can take much longer.
It also depends on your vision, funding, location, business model, and whether you need to complete extensive renovations before opening. But don’t give up! Cafés are a vital part of city cultures, so it’s worth the work, especially if you’re passionate about providing a safe space for people to talk and collaborate.