CHECKLIST:

Opening a Cafe
1. Define your vision
Write down what you want to achieve with your cafe and what kind of atmosphere you want to
create. You may even wish to create a vision board that provides inspiration for how your cafe will
look, what kind of food you’ll serve, and how you’ll make your customers feel.

2. Create a detailed business plan

Write out your business plan, including:

• An executive summary detailing what your business is, and why it will be successful.
• A list of the other suppliers and organisations you’ll be working with.
• Market analysis, including competitor research.
• A management plan to layout the hierarchy of your team, defining who is responsible for
what.
• A marketing and sales plan that has the flexibility to evolve and change over time.
• Any funding requests you might be requiring.
• Financial projections.
• A location and lease strategy.
• Talk to your accountant about setting up the right business structure, financing options
and accounting systems.
• Register for an ABN & business name with ASIC (link: asic.gov.au)

3. Find a location
Use the space below to identify what you’re looking for in a location.

• Research the commercial real estate market. Start talking with agents and landlords to let
them know the type of site you’re looking for.
• Talk with a lawyer that specialises in retail leases to help avoid any leasing pitfalls.

Checklist: Opening a Cafe Page 1

 • Research the site at different times throughout the week. Observe foot traffic, access to
parking and competition.
• Talk with the town planning ‘duty officer’ at your local council (they can be surprisingly
helpful). Ask about requirements for outdoor seating, signage, food safety & toilets.

4. Find the best suppliers

Coffee
Milk
Bread
Fresh produce
Groceries
Tea
Drinking Chocolate
Bottled Drinks
Packaging (Takeaway cups, bag, trays, etc)
Tableware (cups, glasses, plates, cutlery)
Kitchenware
Other

5. Source commercial equipment

Receipt / Docket Printers
EFTPOS / Credit Card terminal
Jug Rinser
Knock Tube
Barista Tools
Water Filtration
Ice Machine
Safe
Microwave
Toaster
Sandwich Press

Checklist: Opening a Cafe Page 2

6. Design your cafe
Consider sourcing a professional interior designer to help you get the atmosphere and workflow
right.

In most cases, you will also need to:

• Hire a shopfitter (builder)

• Submit a development application with the local council & apply for an outdoor seating
permit
• Get a trade permit from your local water authority
• Notify your local state food authority ( link: www.foodstandards.gov.au/about/
foodenforcementcontacts/Pages/default.aspx )

7. Create a menu
Calculate the ingredient costs and margin of each item. As a rough rule of thumb to get you
started, the ingredient costs should be no more than 35% of the retail price (excluding GST).

8. Hire the right people

Place ads for baristas, chefs and waitstaff.

Here’s a quick list of things you’ll need to consider:

•
Interview questions • Wage procedures
•
Job descriptions • Pay slips
•
Induction procedures • Time sheets
•
Employee handbook • Occupational Health and Safety signs
•
Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) training and procedures
•
Barista Training ( link: www.sevenmiles. • Uniforms and/or dress code
com.au/education/training-program/ ) • Opening & Closing Checklists

9. Market your coffee shop

Consider whether you will:

• Set up your social profiles with your new cafe name

• Start to post content prior to opening
• Create a customer loyalty program
• Contact local media such as radio stations and newspapers with a press release
announcing your opening date

Checklist: Opening a Cafe Page 3

 • Setup or claim your business listing for Google Maps, Tripadvisor, Beanhunter and Yelp (if
relevant)
• Offer free samples or discounts to local businesses, schools and other institutions to
encourage trial.

10. Host an opening

To hold a successful grand opening, start planning early. Make sure you have enough staff for the
event and check for any other local events that might clash with yours.

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