FAQ

Who is Crimson Cup?

Simply stated…we roast and package quality, great-tasting coffee and teach others how to be successful in the specialty coffee business. We’ve been roasting and packaging coffee since 1991 in Columbus, Ohio. We have taught over 150 coffee houses how to set up and run a profitable coffee shop business. For more information about us, go to the About Crimson Cup page.

Is Crimson Cup® a coffee franchise?

No, all coffee shops that do business with Crimson Cup are independently owned and operated, so there are no royalty or franchise fees.

How is Crimson Cup different?

We not only have the highest quality coffee house products but we also teach others how to be successful in the specialty coffee business. Our ability to teach coffee house owners how to make the best drinks, promote themselves and their products, and be profitable sets us apart from others.

What is The Crimson Cup® Coffee Shop “Community”?

By purchasing products from us, you will be part of the Crimson Cup Community of coffee houses. Your participation in this Community gives you on-going access to coffee shop training and marketing, a network of our coffee shop owners, and coffee shop products.

What are some of the benefits of belonging to The Crimson Cup Community?

  • Awesome coffee & tea products
  • No franchise fees or royalties
  • Coffee house business & financial plan
  • Real Estate expertise – site location assistance
  • Ongoing training, marketing and operations support
  • Coffee bar & equipment layout
  • Menu board design & pricing structure
  • State of the art proprietary point of sale (POS) system

What is the Seven Steps to Success?

The Seven Steps to Success is a book written by Greg Ubert, the Founder and President of Crimson Cup, which illustrates the fundamental philosophy for success in the coffee shop business. We have helped coffee house startups since 1991 and know what it takes to succeed. We know what works and what to avoid. The book includes a fully realized coffee shop business plan that is written specifically for the coffee shop business. For more information or to order the book, go to the Seven Steps to Success page.

How much money will I make?

Your biggest question—and we can’t blame you—is usually “how much money will I make?” Profits are important for every business and there are numerous factors that contribute to a profitable business. Therefore, it’s a question that we can’t entirely answer. The best we can do is point you toward what other coffee shops have done in the past. Keep in mind every coffee house is different and the future is undetermined, however, it’s these unique characteristics that make it great to be a part of The Crimson Cup Community.

Who picks the location of the coffee house?

Location is crucial to your success in the coffee shop business. We can assist in your location process by offering advice and years of experience. We will give you guidelines to work from but ultimately it is your choice. You know your community better than anyone else.

How do I get coffee shop business training?

Crimson Cup specializes in teaching you all the basics for running a successful coffee shop. Your training consists of:

  • location assistance
  • coffee shop layout and design
  • coffee shop business plan review
  • on-site barista training
  • customer service training
  • coffee knowledge, menu/product guidance
  • grass roots marketing techniques
  • financial coaching

Where do I get all my coffee products and coffee equipment when opening a coffee shop?

Crimson Cup of course! Great coffee is a “must have” when opening a coffee shop. Crimson Cup roasts only the top 5% of coffees grown in the world and we’ve developed a distinctive and tasty coffee, Armando’s Blend®, that consumers love worldwide. In addition, the coffee brewing equipment pays a vital role to ensure the delivery of awesome coffee or tea drinks. Since 1991, we’ve been testing state-of-the-art espresso machines and coffee brewers to determine which equipment guarantees longevity and produces the perfect coffee drink every time.

Do you have products other than coffee/espresso?

Yes, we offer a full line of coffee house products including:

  • fruit smoothies and chai
  • syrups and sauces
  • iced and hot teas
  • frozen drink bases
  • cups, lids and sleeves
  • paper goods and supplies/equipment

What do I do first?

Fill out the CONTACT US page and purchase The Seven Steps To Success.

For more information about opening a coffee shop, CONTACT US, or call our office at 888-800-9224 between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST.