So you’ve decided to start a coffee! Congratulations! In my coffee shop business plan package, I’m going in more detail the equipment, but lack of space here, I just want to check them a few basic ideas, that if we are your equipment.

Above all, do yourself a favor and not buy any equipment used, though the exact age, where it comes from, who uses it knows, and maintenance records are verifiable. I say this just something with a motor or compressor. Wells used, tables, desks, etc. are fine while they are in decent shape. All other devices, be very careful!

Even if you do it from a friend, you could assure them that the equipment properly maintained and frequently are, however, were accustomed, and that they received such a guarantee, which bought out? And how old are you really?

As you may have guessed, I fell into this trap and had to break things, if I did not expect that shortly after I opened the café. Yes, even my espresso machine. I was in a bad place! Luckily I had access to a group of machines for backup and a local boy was able to fix the other fast, but are not so fortunate.

I eventually upgrade to new devices in particular when, but with the creation of new devices can be avoided beforehand. Not regret it, trust me!

The equipment is

Cash register or POS computer? – A computer POS (Point of Sale) system is good, no doubt. Are that the touch-screen monitor, and so they have. However, it is likely (and probably) the best for the analysis of sales and inventory data alone, and not much more. Not speed customer hotline.

If you are one of these guys want to be prepared to pay about $ 5,000 for a basic system. Price increases for different terminals and printers, monitors, a kitchen, printers, etc.

In my opinion, but a fast food POS register that has the price look up (PLU) and the categories of department, is sufficient for most of the cafes. Trying to get what you can download data on your computer. Most have this feature now. However, you can increase your manual inventory and sales tracking, if you have this information in your accounting software and spreadsheets manually, but you can save a lot of money. If you get used to enter the numbers every day, do not have to do a large amount of data entry at the end of the month. In general, it is possible this type of recording for about $ 800 or thereabouts.

If you end up opening more stores, I think the touch screen POS computer the way to go, because then you do your management and inventory management much easier, and you can connect all your branches together and control them from a place.

Espresso Machine

This is the Mack Daddy of the whole thing, your blood of life. Do not save DO IT ON! However, they said that the line of overkill, you do not need to cross. I say more than two groups, if you want more power or a backup copy will receive a group as well.

The feasibility of a three or four groups is great, but hard to get more than one person working on them because of the distance between the group headers, etc. You should not need more than one person who prefers to take pictures and espresso drinks however. It is almost impossible to use for a bartender in all four groups at the same time, so you be the judge! However, is that until the debate, it is always very crowded. However, two of the group is always my choice.

There are three basic types of espresso machines: Semi-automatic, automatic or super automatic. Now my choice is always automatic, because you can program a shot at 23 seconds, or what ever you choose, but do it by hand cut. The semi-automatic system that requires manual stopping by the operator.

The super-machine grind the beans, clog, pull the shot off and discard the used grounds. Yes, I’m serious. I think you lose a lot of ‘art’ if you’re one of them. You’d be surprised how many people that love a bartender, see Setting and then pull a great shot. These super cars are also a lot of money. But if all you want is to move the cattle call on the line, which is the machine for you!

The power of the boiler must be big enough for a big race, should be sufficient 9-14 liters. You do not want the steam or hot water boiler in a hurry and with a smaller, what will happen! Trust me in this experience!

You buy a computer to obtain the availability of parts and services directly on site. Not only on price, or “cool” or “characteristics” of a machine-based purchase. Are all good in those days. Features that do not mean anything if you do not receive the local service, on your computer.

As for water softeners, the choice of an entire system water softener can be obtained, depending on where you are. In the middle of Texas, the water is very hard, but I decided not to soften my water system a whole, only the espresso machine. If you are not familiar with hard water, which is what causes calcium build up. This building is a white, crusty looking to kill your $ 5000, or 10,000 espresso machine. E ‘clogs up the pipe, which over time accumulate to the point where the water can pass. Then the computer will be completely dismantled and de-liming. Is not enough and not cheap!

They are more likely to have a complete de-liming performed several times during the life of your machine, but if the water is very hard and does not soften the espresso machine, you probably should be de – whitewashed at least once per year . In this way get some time-consuming and expensive, even if you learn to do it themselves. I had a de-group for about $ 900, so do the math calcination. Avoid the construction of calcium deposits, providing a water softener.

Espresso Grinders

You must be a decaffeinated and regular coffee. There are several manufacturers and models. I’ll tell you, though make sure that automatically and distributor of coffee and funnel. Make a model doserless, the right to grind in the filter, and though this fresh ground espresso coffee, but can turn bad in a hurry! The devices can use a funnel, funnel for filling the floor with Espresso and a lid, have from the air. The larger units have a large funnel, and vice versa. These have a container for the coffee you are about 2 kg of coffee beans can enter

Bulk Coffee

These are the types you see in the storage of such gear coffee in bulk. Be sure to get the full scale, not the shortest. The only difference I can see, the greater is easier to get a grant under the grind for customers. As no less! Try to have a grinder for regular and decaffeinated, and another of coffee purchased, when to serve you. With all three regular and decaffeinated coffee can taste the coffee flavor. This mill will require proper maintenance and replacement ridge after many hours. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on this issue.

Coffee maker (drip)

Make sure you buy the book. Automatics are better, because they are connected to a water hose. Pouring drive, you must compile manually! Producers are the dish of air, better suited, because brew coffee directly into pots of air. There are single and double models drive models of unity. You can save a lot of time, especially in a hurry, with a double unit of production of beer.

Pastry Case (refrigerated or not)

There are different sizes. Take account of its size, but also buy the reinforcement and visual presentation. A beautiful, attractive unit, and has shown a nice selection of baked goods is the key to merchandising. Dual-zone cases are a good idea, because they left some of you already cold, and some temperature (dry) case, pastries are not too cool.

Blender

There are several models to choose from, but some are features that you do not need straight. Be sure to get a commercial mixer. Units of consumers do not have the severe types of engines, commercial units have. This means that they are much faster than a commercial break! I suggest to Vitamix give a look here.

Sandwich Prep Unit

These come in single, double and triple door units. Of course, planning for your entire space, but your needs. The larger units have more capacity within the device, but the most important is the area in preparation for the top, which most players would be, meat, vegetables, etc. Others If you plan a regular service and deli sandwiches, which I double door unit would be good to say. You can also delete the smallest!

Under Counter Refrigerator

Do yourself a favor and get a double door unit. This is basically like the sandwich preparation unit, but without the top compartment. The internal capacity should be large enough to maintain a good part of your dairy, soy and opening cartons, smoothie mix, bottled water and soft drinks (if you do not plan on a greater subject or dealer for water and soda. Second.

Coldstore

This is for the back of your store. This is your commercial refrigerator in the back, to get back to the house of chilled products as milk, cooking and ingredients, food, etc. There are double and single door units.

Ice Cream Maker

Obtaining the ice machine, which is an average of 600-1000 kg per day is good. There will be enough and you can do even more within 24 hours. In a lively business, you would be surprised to ice as it can go through: soft drinks, fruit smoothies, frappes, chai frozen.

Freezer

This is one of the following need to keep your ice cream and other foods and ingredients must be frozen.

About

Get this on your level of cooking. ¼ size may be too small and can be larger in actual size. The central unit is half in height and has 3 shelves.

Convection oven? Most of the pastries, cakes and other cooking can also be done in a convection oven. This is an oven that has a fan wheel that distributes the heat evenly and quickly in the oven. Therefore, their cooking time is generally reduced by half.

Panini Grill

Cast iron (not ceramic) plates are ribbed drive, the better. The coastline, rather than flat panels, you get the “grill marks” on the bread and always seems impressive. I recommend a dual system of plate, and then you can grill up to four sandwiches at a time if you have a big order

Three compartment sink

This is essential to wash most of the departments of health, washed and disinfected. If you have a commercial dishwasher, usually prevails 3 bay sink. However, many restaurants have both. You do not need large, just big enough to attract the largest “washable” play cooking or baking in hardware.

Sink (s)

Review your health department requirements, because it is necessary to remove a hand every so many feet or how many employees you have, or according to plan. These wells are just big enough to wash your hands and you’re done. That is why they are so small.

Furniture

Choose what is in the middle and not comfortable. This avoids the occupants to remain the love of the day. Normally, people are in your company is a good thing, but not while you are taking space and it’s just cheap! This makes the tables and chairs and a couch, her hair wing, etc. If you include an eclectic coffee, there may be a good located Goodwill and other resale shops.

Phone

Take an easy to listen to when you play! A cordless phone is a great idea.

Radio System

If u is possible, and at least one additional speakers in all four corners for the best sound quality.

Credit Card Machine

This is Swiper w / PIN Pad – If you accept credit cards and debt, this is essential. They are usually purchased on the processor card. Leasing one of them is usually a rip-off. Try to buy it outright.

Prep Tables

These are made of stainless steel or aluminum to make cooking and preparation of large dimensions. They are easy to clean. They are available in different heights and widths, with or without a backsplash and are usually under a shelf.

So there you have some useful information to start planning your dress to fix a coffee shop. Be sure to consider a stand to find out if the size of equipment. Also ensure that the volumes on behalf of clients expected. Advanced planning is the key to start with the right equipment.

Tony DiCorpo owns a coffee shop, operator, barista and entrepreneur. He is also a coffee shop business consultant. He has written numerous articles on the business of specialty coffee and a package of business plans that can be found at http://www. Tonys coffee shop business plan. com