How to Open a Coffee Shop in South Carolina

welcome to south carolina sign

Looking for advice on how to open a coffee shop in South Carolina? You don’t have to go through the startup process alone – or pay hefty franchise or coffee school fees.

Instead, follow our proven 7 Steps to Success process to start on the path toward creating your perfect drink destination.

Why listen to Crimson Cup? Our award-winning coffee company combines three decades of specialty coffee expertise with over two decades of coffee shop startup experience.

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!

Our experienced coffee shop startup consultants have helped entrepreneurs open more than 300 independent coffee shops in over 30 states. Many had little or no relevant experience – perhaps like you?

As a one-stop shop for independent coffee shop success, Crimson Cup can help you get started by:

You’ll also gain access to award-winning coffee, tea 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 startup consulting team.

South Carolina is a Promising State to Open a Coffee Shop!

Business district in Greenville South CarolinaSouth Carolina offers a terrific location to start a coffee shop!

This beautiful Southern State is known for its high quality of life, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs looking to relocate or start businesses. From beautiful beaches to vibrant cities, the state has something for everyone.

South Carolina’s population is growing, which means more potential customers for your business. Whether you’re targeting young professionals, families, or college students, plenty of people in South Carolina are looking for a great place to grab a cup of coffee and relax.

Currently, the state has only nine coffee chain locations per 100,000 residents. A study by Zoma Sleep counted over 8,122 South Carolina residents for every existing coffee shop.

Over 62 percent of Americans drink coffee, averaging three cups per day. So it’s safe to say there’s room for more coffee shops in South Carolina! Your customers could include residents and the state’s millions of visitors from other states and countries.

Specialty coffee is in demand! According to the National Coffee Association, coffee drinkers are flocking to espresso drinks brewed from quality beans. Sales of cappuccinos, lattes, and mochas have increased by 50 percent since 2015.

Small South Carolina Cities and Towns Present Big Opportunities

Local shops in Rock Hill South CarolinaYou won’t find coffee chains in many parts of South Carolina. So you might consider opening your coffeehouse outside the largest cities such as Charleston and Columbia.

Many small cities and towns in South Carolina’s 46 counties lack a gathering place where locals can get together over a cup of coffee.

How about your town? Not only can a coffee shop provide a community gathering place, but it also can bring money into the local economy and create jobs.

Keep reading to learn more, or call 888-800-9224 to get started on bringing togetherness (and great brews!) closer to home today.

South Carolina is Open for Small Business

Colorful shops in Inman, South CarolinaSmall business is a big deal in South Carolina! The state’s 431,000 small businesses account for 99 percent of all businesses.

From tax incentives to streamlined regulations, the state government has made starting and growing successful businesses easier than ever.

South Carolina focuses on creating an environment where entrepreneurs can prosper. For example, it boasts the fourth-lowest corporate tax rate and fifth-lowest labor costs in the U.S.

The South Carolina Business One-Stop offers a 9-step process for starting a new business. You can get help via live chat, telephone, or email on the site.

The South Carolina Secretary of State offers guidance on getting a business license and various other licenses and permits, including local health department licenses for food establishments.

The South Carolina 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 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, 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.

Ready to Start Your South Carolina 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 South Carolina?

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.