Starting a cafe
We can help. In fact, we’ve been helping local cafes & espresso bars in Newcastle, Central Coast, Hunter Valley & beyond to get started for the last 20 years.
If you’re just starting out, here is a checklist to help keep you on track:
Also, Check out these practical tips on putting together a cafe business plan, or take a look at the training we have on offer in our dedicated training facility.
To find out even more, fill in the contact form and we can get in touch with all the other ways we can help get your business started.
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RESEARCH & PLANNING
- Work out what it is that you want out of a Cafe business: financially & personally.
- Study other businesses: Cafes / restaurants / other. Get hands-on experience.
- Write your business plan. Read here for our tips on putting this together.
- See an accountant to help with setting up business structure / financing / accounting system.
- Register for an ABN & business name with ASIC (asic.gov.au).
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LOCATION
- Start researching the real estate market.
- Contact a lawyer that specialises in retail leases before you start negotiating.
- Study the site: foot traffic at different times of the day/week, competition, demographic.
- Call local council about any specifics on: outdoor seating, signage, meeting the food code.
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DESIGN, BUILDING & SUPPLIERS
- Contact interior designers / shopfitters.
- Submit DA with local council (if required) & apply for outdoor seating permit.
- Apply for a trade permit with the local water authority • Source major equipment.
- Contact a coffee roaster (we know somebody….;).
- Contact suppliers for pastries / groceries / cleaning / etc.
- Contact providers for: Electricity / Phone / EFTPOS.
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STAFF & OPENING
- Advertise & conduct interviews for staff (guide here: fairwork.gov.au).
- Notify the Food Authority (foodnotify.nsw.gov.au).
- Complete Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) training.
- Contact coffee supplier to arrange staff training.
- Setup social network accounts.
- Develop product recipes & write out processes.