How to Open a Coffee Shop in New Jersey

welcome to new jersey sign

If you want to learn how to open a coffee shop in New Jersey, 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 New Jersey 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 and multiple Good Food Awards.

Plus, our experienced coffee shop startup consultants have helped entrepreneurs across the USA – most with little or no coffee shop experience – 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 New Jersey 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!

New Jersey is a Terrific State to Open a Coffee Shop!

With just 10 major coffee chain locations per 100,000 residents in New Jersey, there’s plenty of opportunity to open and run a successful independent coffee shop in your local community.

New Jersey ranks 11th in overall coffee shops per capita, according to a study by Zoma Sleep. The study counted 3,902 New Jersey residents for every coffee shop in The Garden 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey Cities and Towns Present Big Opportunities

With many parts of New Jersey underserved by major coffee chains, it might pay to consider starting a coffee shop outside the largest cities of Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, Edison, and Trenton.

Many cities and towns in New Jersey’s 10 counties lack a gathering place where locals can get together over a cup of coffee. Does your city or town need an independent coffee shop? Would you like to be the result that comes up when people in your part of New Jersey search for “coffee near me?” Read on to learn more about how to start a coffee shop in New Jersey.

New Jersey is open for Small Business

small businesses in new jerseyWith the third-fastest startup growth rate in the USA, New Jersey is a great place to open a coffee shop!

Home to more than 861,000 small businesses accounting for about 50 percent of all jobs in the state, New Jersey 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 New Jersey government website.

This website assists small and medium-sized New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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.

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 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.

New Jersey Coffee Shop Owners Recommend the 7 Steps to Success

Our coffee shop customers in New Jersey 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 one of our customers thinks about working with Crimson Cup.

The Coffee Potter in Long Valley, New Jersey – Founded 2017

Photo of Geralyn and David Hickey, owners of The Coffee Potter
Geralyn and David Hickey, owners of The Coffee Potter

Since March 2017, The Coffee Potter has served as a sanctuary for people in Long Valley, New Jersey to enjoy terrific coffee, food and the company of their neighbors.

That was the goal of Owners Geralyn and David Hickey when they opened their new coffee house.

“Our town was long overdue not just for a coffee shop but for a place where people could meet, connect with one another, and feel welcome,” said David Hickey.

“Our mission is to unite our local community and connect its people.”

Geralyn Hickey gave credit for the coffee shop’s growth to customers, employees and relationships formed over the last four years – including the relationship with Crimson Cup.

“The resources Crimson Cup makes available to us, from marketing to equipment maintenance, have been invaluable,” Geralyn said.

“Everyone at Crimson Cup understands our business and wants us to succeed,” David added.

“They are available any time of day, any day of the week, if we have a question, a problem, or want to brainstorm an idea.”

He observed that adapting to change, especially over few years, has been key to the shop’s continuing success.

“Crimson Cup has been so willing to support new ideas like our subscription program, making it so much easier for us to try new things,” he said.

Baristas inside The Coffee PotterCrimson Cup continues to deliver coffee, coffee shop supplies, ongoing training and support to The Coffee Potter.

Customers rave about the coffee, food and service. “Their coffee is amazing – every combination you can ask for,” said one Yelp reviewer. “I also love their pastries, and their service is amazing.”

Asked for advice for other prospective coffee shop owners, the Hickeys advised giving Crimson Cup a serious look.

“We honestly don’t think we could have accomplished what we accomplished without them,” Geralyn said.

The Coffee Potter is open 7 days a week at 24 Schooleys Mountain Road in Long Valley, New Jersey. For the latest news and updates, follow their Facebook Page.

Ready to Start Your New Jersey 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 New Jersey?

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.