Coffee shops and cafes have become much more sophisticated than in years past and the competition amongst small businesses has been fierce. With large corporations dominating the landscape drawing in new customers has become extremely difficult. Simply having good coffee and other beverages is not enough to remain competitive. Customers expect to have their needs catered to and look to coffee shops as a refuge as well as a makeshift office. Here we’ve compiled a listed of must-haves in the café industry.

WiFi

Having a wireless internet connection available to patrons has become a necessity in today’s coffee shop. Simply having a way for customers to connect is no longer enough. You need to make sure it’s easy to get connected and that you have a high speed connection with significant bandwidth. Having a reliable internet service will allow customers to use your shop as a second office. The longer you can keep people in your shop, the more they will purchase. It also helps to create repeat business as people that find an atmosphere they enjoy working in are sure to return.

Outlets and Surge Protectors

In order for patrons to take advantage of your technical amenities, you’ll need somewhere for them to plug in. Having an ample amount of outlets and surge protectors for people to plug their laptops into is essential in creating a memorable customer experience. There are people that will come into your shop and order a coffee simply to charge their smart phone.

Self Serve

One of the biggest trends in coffee shops today is self serve stations. Much of the equipment used for these services have been highly automated so customers can create their favorites on their own. Having a self serve station drives customer engagement and can help reduce long wait times. For many customers, the ability to get their order quickly and correct is top priority.  

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Labeling

With so many different coffee options available on the market today, accuracy can be a struggle for a busy coffee shop. Some owners have adapted by printing receipts on adhesive label paper. Once an order is placed, the label is affixed to the cup to ensure order accuracy. It seems like a small thing, but for coffee connoisseurs, something like adding milk instead of soy could deter them from visiting your establishment. Specialty coffee can be expensive, it’s essential that your orders are filled accurately.

Bakery Items

Offering a variety of baked goods can create a warm atmosphere and spread a delicious aroma throughout your establishment. For those customers that are looking for a sweet treat instead of a meal, items such as cinnamon rolls, coffee cakes, muffins and cookies can be a great addition to your menu. Make sure your baked goods are unique and contain ingredients that may not be offered by the large chains. If you choose to outsource the baking of these items, it can also serve as a great way to network throughout your local business community.

Fresh Fruit

Establishing a relationship with a local produce stand or farmers in your community to obtain fresh fruit and berries can have many different benefits. With the increased focus on fitness in today’s world it is important to offer healthy food options. This is another way that you can network with local businesses to help spread your brand name. Having this type of inventory will also allow you to offer healthy beverages such as smoothies and fresh juices.

Relaxation & Work Areas

Creating a comfortable atmosphere that serves the different needs of your customers will help to drive business. You should have areas with comfortable seating where people can relax and enjoy stimulating conversation. On the other hand, you should provide large tables for those customers who are there to work and require additional space. Keeping these areas somewhat separated will help to provide a quieter area for the workers without hindering the good time of the patrons there for fun.

Live Performances

Live acts are a big way you can set yourself apart from a coffee chain as the larger establishments do not offer such entertainment. Holding events with bands as well as comedy and spoken word acts can be a great way to draw in a diverse crowd. This also allows you to market to consumers who may not even be coffee drinkers. The exposure gained from these events can contribute to making your establishment an integral part of social life in your community.

Like to implement these coffee shop trends but are not sure how? Quikstone Capital Solutions has been providing small business owners with merchant cash advances to stabilize and improve their companies for more than 10 years. If you are in need of a cash to cover unexpected costs, or if you’re looking to make long overdue improvements, fast funding with a merchant cash advance could be right for you. With the ability to quickly qualify and get your money in a timely fashion, there is no more convenient business loan alternative.  

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