If you want to learn how to open a coffee shop in Alabama, you’ve come to the right place!
You don’t have to do it alone – or pay hefty franchise or coffee school fees.
Instead, learn how to open and run a successful coffee shop in Alabama through our proven 7 Steps to Coffee Shop Startup Success process.
Why listen to our advice? We have decades of coffee industry experience since our founder started roasting coffee in 1991. Over three decades, we’ve won major awards, including Roast magazine’s 2016 Macro Roaster of the Year.
Plus, our experienced coffee shop startup consultants have helped entrepreneurs across the USA open more than 300 coffee shops in 30 states.
Using the 7 Steps process and our consultants, we can help you develop a strong coffee shop business plan and provide insight into coffee shop startup costs in your Alabama community.
As a one-stop shop for independent coffee shop owners, Crimson Cup can also help you find a terrific location, lay out your shop, hire and train staff, market your shop, and more. You’ll also gain access to award-winning coffee and coffee shop products that will keep your customers coming back!
Keep reading to learn more or call 888-800-9224 now to connect with our coffee shop startup consulting team!
Alabama is a Terrific State to Open a Coffee Shop!
With only four major coffee chain locations per 100,000 residents in Alabama, there’s plenty of opportunity to open and run a successful independent coffee shop in your local community.
Alabama ranks 49th in coffee shops per capita, according to a study by Zoma Sleep. The study counted 8,952 Alabama residents for every coffee shop in the Yellowhammer State.
Considering that 62 percent of Americans drink coffee, averaging three cups per day, it’s safe to say there’s room for many more coffee shops in Alabama to serve both residents and the millions of annual visitors.
And, according to the National Coffee Association, coffee drinkers are flocking to espresso-based beverages brewed from high-quality beans. Consumption of cappuccinos, lattes, and mochas has increased by a staggering 50 percent since 2015, driven in part by strong popularity with 25 to 39-year-olds.
Small Alabama Cities and Towns Present Big Opportunities
With many parts of Alabama underserved by major coffee chains, it might pay to consider starting a coffee shop outside of the biggest cities such as Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, and Montgomery.
Many cities and towns in Alabama‘s 67 counties lack a gathering place where locals can get together over a cup of coffee. Does your Alabama community need an independent coffee shop? And would you like to be the result that comes up when people in your part of Alabama search for “coffee near me?” Read on to learn more about how to start a coffee shop in Alabama.
Alabama is Open for Small Business!
With the third-lowest tax burden and the seventh-lowest cost of labor in the USA, Alabama offers a terrific environment for entrepreneurs to open a coffee shop!
Home to nearly 324,000 small businesses, Alabama focuses on creating a business-friendly environment where entrepreneurs can prosper.
You can find a wealth of resources covering business formation and operation on the State of Alabama government website.
This website assists small and medium-sized Alabama businesses with:
- Starting a business
- Taxes
- Workforce
- Choosing a legal business structure. Many coffee shops operate as sole proprietorships or limited liability corporations (LLCs).
- Getting a business license and various other licenses and permits, including local health department licenses for food establishments.
The Alabama Small Business Development Center also assists entrepreneurs who want to start or grow a small business. Experienced business professionals offer management advice, financial analysis, marketing support, and more.
Get a Head Start with Our Coffee Shop Startup Consultants
As a coffee roaster and coffee business consultant, Crimson Cup believes our company only succeeds when our customers do.
As a result, we support coffee shop owners at every step, from concept through opening day and beyond.
A one-stop shop for independent coffee shops, Crimson Cup supplies award-winning coffee and industry-leading coffee shop equipment and supplies.
Based on the book, Seven Steps to Success: A Common-Sense Guide to Succeed in Specialty Coffee by Crimson Cup Founder and President Greg Ubert, our program covers everything business owners need to run profitable coffee shops:
- Writing a sound business plan
- Choosing a terrific location
- Calculating startup and operating costs
- Designing an efficient shop layout
- Choosing an espresso machine and other coffee shop equipment
- Training your baristas
- Marketing your shop to attract customers
- And much more.
Backed by over 30 years of specialty coffee know-how, our 7 Steps to Success program has taught hundreds of entrepreneurs in over 30 states how to open and run successful independent coffee shops.
We love small businesses. We believe that small businesses build communities in ways that big businesses can’t and that being part of a community can be the most rewarding part of independent business ownership.
To learn more about how members of our community became successful in their communities, check out our testimonials.
Alabama Coffee Shop Owners Recommend the 7 Steps to Success
Our coffee shop customers in Alabama say they saved time and money and grew their coffee business faster by following our 7 Steps to Success. But don’t take our word for it. Hear what coffee shop owners think about working with Crimson Cup.
Bird & Bean Coffee House, Dothan, Alabama – Founded 2017
At 144 North Foster Street in Dothan, Alabama, Bird & Bean Coffee House has crafted the perfect atmosphere for enjoying a cup of coffee with friends or a favorite book.
“Good coffee, great atmosphere, and friendly people are what drives us!” said Owner Christy Keyton. “We want to be the ‘Cheers’ of coffee in Dothan!”
The cozy coffeehouse sits next door to Keyton’s Naomi & Olive home decor and gift shop in beautiful downtown Dothan.
“I already owned a thriving retail business in a historic downtown building, and I love coffee,” she said. “When we bought another historic building next door, opening a coffee shop seemed like a terrific opportunity.”
“We put an arched entrance between the two buildings, and the two businesses complement each other perfectly.”
The serial entrepreneur knew a lot about home decor and gifts, but not about the coffee business.
She turned to our 7 Steps to Success coffee shop startup program to learn how to open and run her new venture.
“I believe Crimson Cup is like nothing else in the coffee industry,” she said. “They make sure that you know what you are doing and that you are successful. You never feel alone!”
“I might have a coffee shop, but it wouldn’t be the amazing place that it is without all that Crimson Cup has done to help us!”
Thriving Through the 7 Steps to Success
“I don’t know where we would be without the incredible work, planning, training, and support that Crimson Cup has given us,” Christy said.
“Someone is always available to answer questions and help us work through issues that come up.”
She found Step 5, Focus on Training, especially valuable.
“The training and follow up was stellar,” she said. “I also like that there is ongoing training if you choose to take advantage of that.
“I love the marketing that is provided as well. It saves me so much time!”
Visit Bird & Bean Coffee House!
Christy Keyton invited everyone in Dothan, and Dale, Henry, and Houston counties to visit Bird & Bean.
“We extensively train our baristas – just like Crimson Cup taught us – to produce an amazing cup of coffee every time!”
She said the exposed brick walls and abundant seating make Bird & Bean a comfortable place to get together with friends, read a book, work or just relax.
“Our building is over 100 years old and has a lot of original features including old heart pine floors,” she said. “Come see us!”
Follow the Bird & Bean Facebook page for updates on hours, menus and events.
Ready to Start Your Alabama Coffee Shop Journey?
Begin by reading the book that put hundreds of other coffee shop owners across the USA on the road to success!
Backed by a risk-free guarantee, Seven Steps to Success: A Common-Sense Guide to Succeed in Specialty Coffee lays out a map for opening and running a thriving coffee shop serving your local community.
Inside the book, you’ll find a proven template for creating a solid coffee shop business plan, plus guidance on everything you need to get up and running.
Questions About Opening a Coffee Shop in Alabama?
We can help. Call 888-800-9224 to connect with our coffee shop startup consultants during regular business hours (Eastern time). Nights and weekends, you’re welcome to fill out this form and we’ll get back to you within one business day.