If you have never created or run a cafe or coffee bar, you will typically make some mistakes during the start-up. Even if you get competent advice. However, we have some tips and experiences that we would like to share.
The first piece of advice is that you adjust your menu so that it can be made on as few machines as possible and as efficiently as possible. Not needing as many machines frees up money from your budget to buy better equipment that is more energy efficient and provides faster work processes. For example, you can choose an oven that is Energy Star certified , which gives a saving of approx. 20% on the electricity bill . Another example is that you choose a glass-ceramic clamp grill instead of a regular cast iron clamp grill . It provides a saving of up to 60% in electricity and you can prepare your sandwiches faster.
The second piece of advice is that you prioritize your budget on the machines you depend on the most, and maybe even buy a used backup. It is e.g. a good espresso machine if you are a coffee bar, a good combi oven if you serve hot dishes or a good vegetable slicer if you make a lot of salads. Then you can buy used furniture, lamps and other cafe furniture instead.
The third piece of advice is that you make sure that there is a full warranty on your equipment, and not least that there are spare parts for the selected brands in Denmark. Otherwise, you risk 1) that you have to pay for a technician yourself, which often costs DKK 2,000 for one visit and 2) that you have to wait 2-4 weeks for the technician to get the spare part home.
