Want to learn how to open a coffee shop in Texas? You don’t have to go through the startup process alone – or pay hefty franchise or coffee school fees.
Instead, develop a thriving coffee business in the Lone Star State using our proven 7 Steps to Coffee Shop Success process. Follow this proven roadmap to create a solid coffee shop business plan and calculate coffee shop startup costs in your Texas community.
Why listen to our advice? Crimson Cup’s experienced coffee shop startup consultants have helped Texas entrepreneurs open and grow a dozen independent coffee shops – and counting. Across the U.S., we’ve helped open over 300 shops.
Coffee shop owners in Texas cities and towns including Andrews, Cedar Creek, Limestone, Melissa, Midland, Odessa, Olney, Port Lavaca, Red Rock, Round Rock, Roanoke, and Vernon have opened thriving coffee businesses through our coffee startup program.
Texas is a Great Place to Open a Coffee Shop!
Texas is a fantastic state to open a coffee shop because of its thriving economy, diverse population, and vibrant coffee culture.
With fewer than eight major coffee chain locations per 100,000 residents in Texas, there’s plenty of opportunity to open and run a successful independent coffee shop.
According to a study by Zoma Sleep, Texas ranks 42nd in coffee shops per capita. The study counted 7,774 Texans for every coffee shop in the state. That leaves a lot of Texans without a local coffee shop!
Over 62 percent of Americans drink an average of three cups of coffee daily. So it’s safe to say there’s room for many more coffee shops in Texas.
And 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. Solid popularity with 25-39-year-olds has driven the increase.
Small Texas Cities and Towns Present Big Opportunities
Major coffee chains underserve many counties in Texas. So it might pay to consider starting a coffee shop in a small city or town outside of major metropolitan areas such as Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin.
Coffee shop owners Doug and Molly Jeffreys opened The Humble Texan in Vernon, Texas, in 2021 to fill their small town’s “dire need” for coffee that didn’t come from a bank lobby or fast-food joint.
“There was no third space in town for people to hang out,” Molly said. “So, we created a family-friendly place where people can get together and chat over quality coffee.”
“We couldn’t imagine opening our coffee shop without Crimson Cup!” she added. “It’s been well worth the cost for the quality of consulting, products, and equipment. They offer quality for a value price.”
Many cities and towns in Texas’ 254 counties lack a gathering place where locals can get together over a cup of coffee.
Does your Texas community need an independent coffee shop? Read on to learn how to start a coffee shop in Texas.
Texas is Open for Small Business
The Lone Star State’s robust economy makes it an ideal location for starting a business. Texas would be one of the world’s ten largest economies if it were a country.
The state is home to several large cities with thriving economies and high demand for quality coffee.
Texas also has a business-friendly culture and state government. Low taxes and minimal regulations make it an attractive location for entrepreneurs looking to start a business.
Home to 3.1 million small businesses, the State of Texas focuses on creating an environment where entrepreneurs and their small businesses can prosper. You can find a wealth of resources covering all aspects of business formation and operation on the state’s economic development website.
The Governor’s Office of Small Business assists small and medium Texas businesses with the following:
- Starting a business.
- Choosing a legal business structure. You’ll need to file the business name with the state or county. Sole proprietorships and partnerships need to register with the county clerk’s office. Register with the Secretary of State’s Office (SOS) if you decide to incorporate.
- Although a general business license is not required in Texas, the office can help with various other licenses and permits, including local health department licenses for food establishments.
- Financing your coffee business.
The Governor’s Small Business Handbook offers guidance on starting a business, writing a business plan, financing your business, and more.
You can find links to more small business resources on the Texas Secretary of State website.
Get a Head Start with Our Coffee Shop Startup Experts
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 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 the cost to open and operate your coffee shop
- Designing 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.
Texas Coffee Shop Owners Recommend the 7 Steps to Success
Our coffee shop customers in Texas 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. Instead, hear what some customers think about working with Crimson Cup.
Cpl. Ray’s Coffee – Andrews, Midland and Odessa Texas – Founded in 2007
Owners Jerry and Lonna Bevel founded the original Cpl. Ray’s Coffee in 2007 in Andrews, Texas, in dedication to their son, Cpl. Ray Bevel, after he was slain in Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, they have expanded to Midland and Odessa Texas.
“Crimson Cup’s got a great product,” Jerry said. “The customer support – product support, technical support – that they give is just unparalleled.”
Hometown Coffee and Tea – Olney, Texas – Founded in 2018
Owners Jake and Holly Bailey opened Hometown Coffee and Tea in Olney because they wanted to create a place where local residents could gather to build community.
“I am the PTO President at my daughter’s school and love getting to volunteer and see them at the same time,” Holly said.
“I really wanted to provide a place where people could come and hang out and feel like they were in a different place.”
While researching how to open a coffee shop, the Baileys discovered Crimson Cup on the Internet. “We were sold after we read Greg Ubert’s book, and then traveled to the Crimson Cup Innovation Lab in Ohio,” Holly said.
Neon Bean Coffee, Cedar Creek, Texas – Founded in 2022
When she conceived the idea for Neon Bean Coffee, Owner Sydni M. Smith had zero coffee experience.
A former flight paramedic/medical recruiter for the Texas Army National Guard, she left a 10-year military career to pursue her dream of opening Neon Bean.
“There were no drive-thru coffee options on my daily 48-minute commute between Bastrop and Austin,” she recalled. “This sore point became an inspiration.”
She discovered Crimson Cup through an Internet search on how to start a coffee shop. After reading Greg’s book, she signed on for our 7 Steps coffee consulting program.
“Without Heather Syx and Steve Bayless to guide and mentor me, there would be no Neon Bean,” Sydni said. “Or maybe there would be, but it would have been a hot mess compared to what this team has enabled us to do.”
“Crimson Cup consulting has been worth its weight in gold!” she added. “I am amazed that I have a shop that can run so smoothly and professionally, given that I have no entrepreneurial or barista experience!”
Ready to Start Your Texas Coffee Shop Journey?
Begin by reading the book that put hundreds of other coffee shop owners 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 creating a thriving business 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 Texas? We’re here to help!
Call 888-800-9224 to connect with our coffee shop consulting team during regular business hours. Nights and weekends, you’re welcome to fill out this form, and we’ll get back to you within one business day.