Kick-start your café idea

You've been thinking about it for a long time. Maybe longer than you'd like to admit. The dream of having your own cozy café, where customers sip their latte, eat your homemade cake and chat while the sun shines through the windows. But how do you make your dream a reality without it being a big flop? Here's our step-by-step guide, based on our many years of experience with café projects across the country. It should help kick-start your startup.

1. Define your vision

Before you jump into anything, ask yourself: "What do I really want with this café?" Should it be a cozy little oasis where you know all the names of the regulars, or do you dream of a café chain that will become the new Joe & the Juice? Your vision will determine the decisions you need to make later.

Example: If you love baking, your café could be known for freshly baked sourdough buns and homemade cakes. If you’re passionate about coffee, you could open a specialty coffee shop focusing on locally roasted beans.

2. Do your research

Here comes the tedious but necessary part: research. You need to do a market analysis to find out who your competitors are and what your target audience wants. Explore the area, check out what cafes already exist, and ask yourself the big questions: What's missing here? Is it a café for busy commuters, a family-friendly café, or something completely different?

Example: In a smaller town, there may be room for a café with a focus on local coziness and gathering. Think coffee and cake service, where the children can draw in a corner while the parents relax.

3. Get control of your money

Money isn’t everything – but it’s a bit difficult to start a café without it. Sit down and make a budget. Remember to factor in costs for premises, equipment, marketing and salaries. Also consider your financing options: Should you lease equipment? Take out a bank loan? Or find an investor who believes in your vision?

Example: Many café owners start by leasing a professional espresso machine because it is expensive to buy but essential to the business.

4. Create a concept that lasts

A good concept is the personality of your café. It shouldn't just be something you think is cool – it should also be something your customers love. Consider what makes your café unique. Is it the menu, the decor, or maybe a petanque court in the backyard?

Example: Think of a bike cafe where customers can get their bikes repaired while enjoying a freshly brewed cappuccino. Or a cafe with a mini-library where people can swap books.

5. Create a business plan

Business plans sound dry, but they are worth their weight in gold. This is where you gather all your ideas and plans – from market analysis to budget. It becomes your license to start your café and convince the bank or investors that your café is a good investment.

6. Find the right premises

Your café's location can be the difference between success and failure. Consider things like customer flow, visibility, and rent. And don't forget practicalities like access to exhaust fans and space for a dishwasher.

Example: If you dream of outdoor dining, premises near a marina or a square could be perfect. Here, customers will enjoy their coffee in the sun.

7. Start light but smart

Start simple – you don’t need to have everything from day one. A clear menu and the necessary equipment can go a long way. You can always expand later once you learn what your customers love.

Example: A new café in Aarhus started with just coffee and three types of cakes – and that was enough to attract the first customers.

8. Market yourself

Before you open, customers need to know you exist. Use social media to build hype and consider hosting an opening party with tastings. Nothing beats a good story, so share your journey and passion – it creates a connection with customers.

Example: Share photos of your café's interior design on Instagram, or run a competition where the winner gets free coffee for a month.

Ready to get started?

Starting a café is no easy task, but it can be an amazing journey. If you’re stuck or need a sparring partner, we’re here for you. Contact Cosina on 42613995 or info@cosina.dk – we’ll help you with everything from equipment to great advice.