Owning a business is something that countless people aspire to achieve. It means not having to answer to a manager yourself and you get to plan your day as it best suits you. Owning your own business can be very financially rewarding and it can also help in situations where people have other commitments that prevent them from taking a standard 9-5 job.
But the question remains – what type of business? There are so many to choose from and which you do choose will depend largely on your skills, experience, capital, and personal preferences. One popular type of business that’s accessible to a lot of people is a coffee shop. At Franchise Direct, we bring you a selection of some of the best cafe franchises that can be found anywhere.
Cafe Franchises Trends
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages on the planet, with over 2.25 billion cups consumed every day. Every year, coffee shops in the UK generate approximately £8 billion in revenue. It is also predicted that there will be more than 30,000 outlets generating £15 billion turnover within the next decade.
Why Choose a Coffee Business?
The profile of a coffee consumer is constantly shifting and is as diverse as the options for selling coffee. Gone are the days of generic instant coffee served in polystyrene cups! Caffeine junkies may range from individuals grabbing coffee at a mobile truck, to connoisseurs who wish to linger with friends while enjoying an artisan blend. Even in the last decade, the market has expanded to include different options such as dairy-free coffee for vegans.
Coffee shops are increasingly becoming community hubs, serving as meeting places for friends and colleagues, or even functioning as a temporary office for hot-deskers. For some people, a coffee shop is also a good place to read a book with a great cup of coffee in a relatively peaceful environment.
Not only is coffee a big draw for consumers now, but many like to visit cafes that offer multiple options such as smoothies, juices, pastries, breakfast, and lunch. Cafe franchises are an ever-growing business opportunity so it's a fantastic time to capitalise on this successful market.
Clientele
Cafe franchises can attract a wide range of clientele, ranging from students to executives. If you have a shop located close to where a lot of people work, or a university or college campus, there’s a good chance you will see some very healthy trade. Depending on your location you can also try to appeal to the upper end of the market, attracting customers with disposable income to spend on the finer blends and luxury treats.
Types of Coffee Franchises
A coffee franchise can prove as simple as selling coffee from a mobile cart, or as lucrative as becoming a multi-unit owner of a successful chain – the setup depends on you and your own time and financial investment capability. For those who want to stand out in the market or those who want to try something different, a traditional coffee store isn't your only option. Coffee Van Franchises like Really Awesome, Cafe2U, or Coffee Blue are all mobile businesses that deliver beverages and delicious treats to their customers in various locations like business districts or functions/events. While these operations do not fit into the typical coffee store model, they have become successful franchises due to their innovation and strategic planning.
Coffee Franchise Vs Independent Store
If owning your own coffee business sounds appealing to you, you might be wondering why you should invest in a franchise rather than opening an independent store.
Great question!
For one thing; if you go it alone then people would not have heard of you so you will need to spend years building up your brand and reputation until people know that you serve really great coffee. Until then people are more likely to go to a better-known competitor instead.
With a franchise, however, your store will automatically have the reputation of a brand that is already known and trusted. Customers will know they can expect to get a great tasting coffee when they come to your store.
Are you struggling to get a loan for an independent coffee store? A franchise could be the answer! An established company will have already shown that its business formula can work. This means that banks will be more likely to grant a loan because they will think it’s more likely the loan will be repaid. Franchisors will also often provide a franchisee with assistance to make the business profitable, which is also going to make any loan more secure.
Is a Coffee Franchise for Me?
Do you love great coffee? Do you like working around other people? If so, a coffee franchise could be the ideal opportunity for you. Cafe franchises can also be a great environment to work in and you are likely to meet many great people along the way, including customers. Plus, of course, there’s the benefit of being your own boss and getting to choose your own work schedule.
Some cafe franchises don’t even require a shop. Mobile coffee franchises allow you to take your business to corporate and/or social events with all the planning done from the comfort of your own home. Another advantage of this type of business is that your location is not as important that if you had a shop. Instead of having people come to your store to buy coffee, you can instead take your coffee to where it is in demand. It also helps to keep overheads lower, thus increasing profit margins.
Coffee Franchises
Every day begins with coffee! Without a doubt, coffee selling is a hot prospect for potential business owners so browse our opportunities to find a range of investment options.
We have a wide range of coffee franchises available, making it easier for you to find just what you are looking for. We are also happy to answer any question you might have and supply you with all the information you need to be able to make a decision. We will be delighted to help you start an exciting new chapter in your life with your very own coffee franchise.