Want to learn how to open a coffee shop in California? You’ve come to the right place!
You don’t have to go through the coffee shop startup process alone – or pay hefty franchise or coffee school fees.
Instead, learn how to open and run a successful coffee shop in California through Crimson Cup’s 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 U.S. – most with little or no coffee shop experience – open over 300 coffee shops in 30 states.
Using the 7 Steps process, our consultants can help you develop a strong coffee shop business plan and calculate coffee shop startup costs in your California community.
As a one-stop shop for independent coffee shop owners, Crimson Cup also can 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!
California is a Terrific Place to Open a Coffee Shop!
If you’re thinking about starting a coffee shop, California is a great state to do it. There are plenty of prime locations for setting up shop, and the state’s vibrant coffee culture means there’s always demand for new and interesting cafes.
With just 24 major coffee chain locations per 100,000 residents in California, there’s plenty of opportunity to open and run a successful independent coffee shop in your local community.
California ranks 13th in overall coffee shops per capita, according to a study by Zoma Sleep. The study counted 4,270 California residents for every coffee shop in The Golden State.
According to a 2022 YouGov poll, 75 percent of Americans drink coffee, so it’s safe to say there’s room for more coffee shops in California to serve both residents and the millions of annual visitors from other states and countries.
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 California Cities and Towns Present Big Opportunities
With many parts of California underserved by major coffee chains, consider starting a coffee shop outside larger cities such as Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and San Jose.
Coffee shops often do well in smaller cities and towns because there is less competition than in larger cities. Startup and commercial real estate costs often are lower, and support for local businesses is higher.
Small-town coffee lovers are looking for somewhere comfortable and familiar to gather, chat with friends and conduct business. Yet many cities and towns in California‘s 58 counties lack an independent coffee shop to call home.
Does your California community need an independent coffee shop? Read on to learn more about how to start a coffee shop in your California community.
California is Open for Small Business
With the best economic climate in the U.S. and better access to startup capital than any other state, California is a great place to open a coffee shop!
In fact, if California were a sovereign nation, it would have the fourth largest economy in the world, behind Japan and ahead of Germany.
Californians are known for their support of small businesses. In fact, according to a recent survey, nearly two-thirds of Californians say they prefer to patronize small businesses over large corporations. This is good news for entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to establish themselves in the Golden State.
Home to over 4.1 million small businesses that account for nearly half of all jobs, California focuses on creating a business-friendly environment where entrepreneurs can prosper.
The State of California government website offers vital resources for entrepreneurs. This website assists small and medium-sized California 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 California 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.
Ready to Start Your California 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 California?
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.