How to Open a Coffee Shop in Montana

Welcome to Montana sign

Want to learn how to open a coffee shop in Montana? We’re here to help!

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 Montana through our proven 7 Steps to Success coffee shop startup process.

Why listen to our advice? Since our founder started roasting coffee in 1991, we’ve risen to the forefront of the coffee industry. Our attentive roasting, startup support and global partnerships support the greater good of communities around the world.

Among other national honors, Crimson Cup has earned 2020 and 2017 Good Food Awards, the 2019 Golden Bean Champion for Small Franchise/Chain Roaster and Roast magazine’s 2016 Macro Roaster of the Year.

Plus, our experienced coffee shop startup consultants have helped hundreds of entrepreneurs across the U.S. open and run their own coffee shops. And most of them had little or no experience in specialty coffee!

Using the 7 Steps process, our coffee business consultants can help you develop a strong coffee shop business plan and calculate coffee shop startup costs in your Montana 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!

Montana is a Terrific State to Open a Coffee Shop!

Main street in Montana town with mountains in backgroundAre you an aspiring entrepreneur with a passion for coffee?

It may surprise you to learn that starting a successful espresso bar or java joint in Big Sky Country is not only possible but increasingly lucrative – if you have the right products, training and support.

With just 11 major coffee chain locations per 100,000 residents in Montana, there’s plenty of opportunity to open and run a successful independent coffee shop in your local community.

Montana ranks ninth in overall coffee shops per capita, according to a study by Zoma Sleep. The study counted 3,877 Montana residents for every coffee shop in the Treasure 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 Montana 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 Montana Cities and Towns Present Big Opportunities

Small businesses in West Yellowstone, MontanaWith many parts of Montana underserved by major coffee chains, it might pay to consider starting a coffee shop outside the largest cities of Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman, Butte, and Helena.

Many cities and towns in Montana’s 56 counties lack a gathering place where locals can get together over a cup of coffee.

If you live in a smaller community, you might not have realized how important it is to have a local coffee shop. Coffee shops provide a great place to gather and socialize. Plus, they contribute to the local economy and can be a tremendous asset to other area businesses.

When you buy from a locally owned business, more of your money stays in the community. That’s good news for everyone! Besides supporting local entrepreneurs, buying from local businesses also helps to create jobs and generates tax revenue that can improve your community.

Does your city or town need an independent coffee shop? Read on to learn more about how to start a coffee shop in Montana.

Montana is Open for Small Business

Shops line street in Bozeman, MontanaWith the ninth-best startup early survival rate in the U.S., Montana is a great place to open a coffee shop!

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the number of new business applications in the state rose 50 percent between 2020 and 2021.

Home to more than 106,000 small businesses accounting for about 65 percent of all jobs in the state, Montana focuses on creating a business-friendly environment where entrepreneurs can prosper.

Accommodation and food service organizations like restaurants and coffee shops are Montana’s leading small business employer industry.

Thanks to pro-business state tax policies, competitive cost of doing business and streamlined regulatory environment, the state government of Montana works to help small businesses thrive.

You can find a wealth of resources covering business formation and operation on the State of Montana government website.

This website assists small and medium-sized Montana 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.
  • Grants and loans.

The Montana 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
  • 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 Montana 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 Montana?

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.