How to Open a Coffee Shop in Minnesota

Welcome to Minnesota sign

Want to learn how to open a coffee shop in Minnesota? You don’t have to go through the startup process alone – or pay hefty franchise or coffee school fees.

Instead, learn how to open and run a successful café in Minnesota through our proven 7 Steps to Coffee Shop Startup Success process.

Why listen to our advice? Started as a small business in 1991, our award-winning coffee company combines three decades of specialty coffee expertise with over two decades of coffee shop startup experience.

Our coffee shop startup consultants have helped over 300 other entrepreneurs start coffee shops in 30 states. Many of these shops are still thriving five, 10 or 20 years later, and some entrepreneurs have opened several coffee shops.

As proud winners of Roast magazine’s 2016 Macro Roaster Of The Year Award and multiple Good Food Awards, we are ready to help fuel your success today!

As a one-stop shop for independent coffee shop owners, Crimson Cup bundles everything you need to establish a successful coffee shop. Our consultants will help you:

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!

Minnesota is a Terrific State to Open a Coffee Shop!

Business buildings in skyline of Minneapolis St. Paul MinnesotaThere’s something special brewing in Minnesota, and it’s not just the coffee!

With its diverse population, lively cities, and booming hospitality industry, Minnesota is becoming one of the most popular places in America to start a business.

And it’s safe to say Minnesota could use more coffee shops! Consider these statistics:

  • Minnesota has just five major coffee chain locations per 100,000 residents.
  • It ranks 28th in overall coffee shops, according to a study by Zoma Sleep.
  • The same study counted 6,193 Minnesota residents for every coffee shop.
  • Over 62 percent of Americans drink coffee, averaging three cups per day.
  • According to the National Coffee Association, coffee drinkers are flocking to espresso-based beverages brewed from high-quality beans.
  • Sales of cappuccinos, lattes, and mochas have increased by  50 percent since 2015, driven by strong popularity with 25 to 39-year-olds.

Minnesota has all the ingredients you need to brew up a terrific coffee business. Are you ready to get started?

Small Minnesota Cities and Towns Present Big Opportunities

Businesses in Perham Minnesota

Café competition can be fierce in Minnesota’s largest cities, including Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester, Bloomington and Duluth.

But many other cities and towns in Minnesota’s 83 counties lack a gathering place where locals can get together over quality coffee.

Startup costs may be lower in a small community with less demand for commercial real estate. You might also find it easier to hire and keep quality staff members.

Many small towns have successfully used coffee shops to promote business growth and boost community morale. Does your city or town need an independent coffee shop?

Remember the feelings you get when you walk into a well-run coffee shop? The scent of fresh-brewed coffee permeates the air. Baristas greet you by name and might even know your drink order. You run into friends, neighbors and business associates. The cozy environment makes you feel relaxed and at home.

Imagine what it would feel like to bring that experience home to your local community! Read on to learn more about how to start your coffee shop in Minnesota.

Minnesota is Open for Small Business!

Storefronts in a small Minnesota townWhether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an experienced business owner, Minnesota is a terrific place to build a business.

Combining some of America’s lowest tax rates and operating costs with an easy-to-navigate startup process, Minnesota helps create strong business foundations.

Small business is a big deal in the North Star State. Over 465,000 small enterprises account for 99 percent of all businesses.

As a result, Minnesota focuses on creating a business-friendly environment where entrepreneurs can prosper. In fact, it ranks fifth in the U.S. for the fastest startup growth. And over 50 percent of new businesses make it past five years here!

You can find a wealth of business resources on the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website, which assists small and medium-sized 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 required licenses and permits, including local health department licenses for food establishments.

The Minnesota 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

Training a barista

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
  • Evaluating likely locations in high-traffic areas
  • 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 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 success stories from some of our independent coffee shops.

Ready to Start Your Minnesota Coffee Shop Journey?

7 Steps to Success coffee shop startup guide

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 Minnesota?

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.