If you want to learn how to open a coffee shop in Connecticut, 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 Connecticut 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’veo 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 – most with little or no coffee shop experience – open over 300 coffee shops in 30 states. And we currently support a coffee shop in Colchester, Connecticut.
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 Connecticut 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!
Connecticut is a Terrific State to Open a Coffee Shop!
With just 11 major coffee chain locations per 100,000 residents in Connecticut, there’s plenty of opportunity to open and run a successful independent coffee shop in your local community.
Connecticut ranks 15th in overall coffee shops per capita, according to a study by Zoma Sleep. The study counted 4,658 Connecticut residents for every coffee shop in The Constitution State.
Considering that 62 percent of Americans drink coffee, averaging three cups per day, it’s safe to say there’s room for more coffee shops in Connecticut 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 Connecticut Cities and Towns Present Big Opportunities
With many parts of Connecticut underserved by major coffee chains, it might pay to consider starting a coffee shop outside the largest cities of Bridgeport, New Haven, Hartford, Stamford, and Waterbury.
Many cities and towns in Connecticut‘s eight counties lack a gathering place where locals can get together over a cup of coffee. Does your Connecticut community need an independent coffee shop? And would you like to be the result that comes up when people in your part of Connecticut search for “coffee near me?” Read on to learn more about how to start a coffee shop in Connecticut.
Connecticut is open for Small Business
With the 9th-best access to venture capital in the USA, Connecticut is a great place to open a coffee shop!
Home to more than 322,000 small businesses accounting for nearly 50% of all jobs in the state, Connecticut 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 Connecticut government website.
This website assists small and medium-sized Connecticut 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 Connecticut 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.
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.
Connecticut Coffee Shop Owner Recommends the 7 Steps to Success
Our coffee shop customers 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 our customer in Connecticut thinks about working with Crimson Cup.
Sweet Aroma Coffeehouse & Bakery, Colchester, Connecticut – Founded 2021
At Sweet Aroma Coffeehouse & Bakery, Owners Kim and Mark Sementa are bringing friends and neighbors in Colchester, Connecticut, together with terrific espresso-based coffee drinks and fantastic homemade baked goods.
“Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw the need for a family-friendly gathering place for our community,” Kim said.
“We wanted to share our love for coffee and my recipes for homemade cookies, muffins, cupcakes and more!”
Their shop at 139 South Main Street invites guests to gather in comfortable indoor and outdoor seating.
Larger groups meet in the dedicated community room.
Creating Sweet Aroma from Scratch
After owning a liquor store for 10 years, the couple knew how important customer service would be in building their new coffee business.
Kim’s skills as an accountant and bookkeeper gave them the business foundation to succeed.
Still, a lack of coffee industry experience loomed as an obstacle to opening Sweet Aroma. To gain specialty coffee savvy, they reached out to Crimson Cup.
“We knew we needed help, but didn’t want to be a franchise,” Mark said. “We liked what Crimson Cup brought to the table with their support package.”
Following the 7 Steps to Coffee Shop Success
After calling Scott Fullerton from our 7 Steps team, the couple began learning how to open their coffee shop.
“Crimson Cup delivers terrific service, incredible coffee-shop products and excellent training,” Kim said.
“The drinks are fantastic. As long as we follow the recipes, we can’t go wrong!”
Mark said systems were easy to use and efficient. “Everything is thought out,” he said. “Crimson Cup knows exactly what they’re doing.”
The couple found Step 5: Focus on Training the most valuable of the steps.
“We couldn’t have done it without the help of 7 Steps Trainer Steve Bayless,” Kim said.
Steve came to Connecticut before the shop’s opening to show the couple and their baristas how to prepare drinks using the equipment in their shop.
He stayed on site a full week to train them in all aspects of coffee shop operations and will return to help with the shop’s grand opening celebrations later this year.
This hands-on, on-site training is a critical element in setting up coffee shop owners for success.
“Although there are a lot of coffee and barista schools out there, it’s hard to learn everything in a classroom over a few days,” said Greg Ubert. “Our experience is that on-site training costs the coffee shop owner less. Plus, you remember more of what you learn by doing.”
Sweet Aroma Owners Offer Advice on Opening a Coffee Shop
Asked what advice he has for those who are considering opening a coffee shop, or adding coffee to their existing bakery or café, Mark said, “Get yourself a good consultant with Crimson Cup. Don’t try to go it alone!”
“Opening a coffee shop would be nearly impossible if you don’t have prior coffee experience,” he added. “Even then, a barista only knows so much. You have to learn how to run the complete business.”
Visit Sweet Aroma Coffeehouse and Bakery
The Sementas invite everyone in New London County to visit their shop at 139 South Main Street in Colchester.
Find out why the coffee and sweet treats have attracted dozens of positive reviews on Facebook and Google!
“Wonderful local coffee shop!” wrote one Google local guide. “I’d say it’s the best in town!!The service was awesome and their Sweet Aroma Mocha really hit the spot. I also tasted a few of their delectable treats and was not disappointed….I’ll definitely be back for more!”
Ready to Start Your Connecticut 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 Connecticut?
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.