If you want to learn how to open a coffee shop in Wisconsin, you’ve come to the right place!
You don’t have to do it alone – or pay hefty franchise or coffee school fees.
Instead, learn how to open and run a successful coffee shop in Wisconsin 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. Plus, our experienced coffee shop startup consultants have helped entrepreneurs across the USA open more than 300 coffee shops in 30 states – including two shops in Wisconsin.
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 Wisconsin 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!
Wisconsin is a Great Place to Open a Coffee Shop!
With only five major coffee chain locations per 100,000 residents in Wisconsin, there’s plenty of opportunity to open and run a successful independent coffee shop in your local community.
Wisconsin ranks 22nd in coffee shops per capita, according to a study by Zoma Sleep. The study counted 5,790 Wisconsin residents for every coffee shop in the Badger State.
Considering that 62 percent of Americans drink coffee, averaging three cups per day, it’s safe to say there’s room for many more coffee shops in Wisconsin to serve both residents and the millions of annual visitors.
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 Wisconsin Cities and Towns Present Big Opportunities
With many parts of Wisconsin underserved by major coffee chains, it might pay to consider starting a coffee shop outside of the biggest cities such as Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee.
Many cities and towns in Wisconsin‘s 72 counties lack a gathering place where locals can get together over a cup of coffee. Does your Wisconsin community need an independent coffee shop? Would you like to be the result that comes up when people in your part of West Virginia search for “coffee near me?” Read on to learn more about how to start a coffee shop in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin is Open for Small Business!
With the 7th-best access to Small Business Administration startup funding in the USA, Wisconsin is a great choice for coffee entrepreneurs!
Home to nearly 407,000 small businesses, the state government of Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin government website.
This website assists small and medium-sized Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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
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 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.
Wisconsin Coffee Shop Owners Recommend the 7 Steps to Success
Our coffee shop customers in Wisconsin 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 our customers think about working with Crimson Cup.
Kahvi Coffee House + Cafe, Eau Claire, Wisconsin – Founded 2020
Since its October 2020 opening, Kahvi Coffee House + Café has brewed a unique blend of coffee, Scandinavian mindfulness and Fika at 3830 Talmadge Road in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
“Kahvi is Finnish for coffee,” said Co-owner and Manager April Becker.
“It’s easy to be mindful while drinking a smooth cup of coffee!”
April, former owner of Hope Tree Family Therapy, started the new venture with several partners from the Eau Claire business community.
Cody and Molly Filipczak own C&M Real Estate. April’s mother-in-law Chris Becker is C&M’s managing broker. And Scott Knepper owns Trillium Commercial Realty.
Urban Chill Meets Scandinavian Roots
“We wanted to combine urban chill atmosphere, terrific coffee and Scandinavian roots,” said Cody Filipczak.
“Our mission is to satisfy our neighbor’s need for coffee and community by providing high quality, direct trade coffee that we all can feel good about.”
Although Cody had the initial vision, he didn’t have the time to run day-to-day operations.
“Cody approached me and thought it would be a good fit to work together,” April Becker said.
Crimson Cup Streamlines Startup Process
After reviewing information from Crimson Cup, April gained confidence to move forward as manager.
“If we didn’t have Crimson Cup, I don’t think we could have made the leap to do this,” she said. “Following the 7 Steps streamlined and simplified everything.”
“To put it simply, Kahvi Coffee House + Cafe wouldn’t be in business today had it not been for our partnership with Crimson Cup.”
“They have kept their original promises by walking with us from the starting vision all the way through our first year. We can’t imagine partnering with anyone else.”
Voted Best of the Chippewa Valley⠀⠀⠀
Roasted by Crimson Cup, the coffee has earned rave reviews from local customers. “People love that there’s no bitter, burned flavor,” said Chris Becker.
One of the shop’s most popular drinks is the Fika mocha. This caramel-infused white chocolate mocha can be ordered hot, blended or over ice.
In 2021 and 2022, Kahvi Coffee + Café was voted Best of the Chippewa Valley in a Volume One readers poll.
Bringing Fika to Eau Claire
Often translated as “a coffee and cake break,” Fika is a concept and state of mind embedded in Swedish culture.
“Many Swedish companies schedule time every afternoon for staff to come together over coffee and pastries,” April said. “We are excited to bring people in Eau Claire together in this way.”
Adjacent to several walking paths, Kahvi Coffee offers a dog-friendly patio and snacks for pups. Designed by C&M real estate, the urban cool interior features airy spaces and ample seating.
The shop caters to coffee lovers on the go with mobile ordering, a pick-up counter and a drive-thru.
The shop also carries a unique collection of pillows, wall hangings, small bags and other thoughtful gifts.
Cody Filipczak says this is only the beginning for Kahvi. “We have really big goals and high expectations and hope to open many, many more stores!”
Follow the shop’s Facebook page for the latest news and updates.
Ready to Start Your Wisconsin Coffee Shop Journey?
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 Wisconsin?
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.