Space for a short introduction to the section of the website, which will enhance people’s understanding of what they can expect.
Impos offers a variety of products to help boost your business.
Impos integrates with a collection of partners to streamline your business.
Learn more about Impos
Get in touch with us today to learn more about Australia’s leading hospitality point of sale system and payments solution Call 1300 308 615 for a quick and easy quote
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
When you’re opening a cafe or a coffee shop, it can be difficult to think through each and every item you’ll need to run a successful business. From industrial bean grinders to refrigeration systems, flatware, paper products, storage, and more – the number of items you need can be overwhelming.
But when it comes to how to set up a cafe, acquiring the necessary equipment is very important – and you don’t want to forget crucial items, only to find yourself without them when your grand opening rolls around.
That’s why here at Impos, we’ve put together this Cafe Startup Equipment Checklist! With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to make sure you’ve got everything you need – before you open your doors to the public!
Naturally, the preparation of coffee beverages and food is at the centre of your business – and you’ll need a wide variety of equipment to ensure you can provide your customers with the items they want.If you carefully tick off each of these details before you open your doors, you’ll find you’ll be far better off than if you just took the plunge without doing the hard yards first.
Your list of equipment should include:
While your needs will differ depending on the items you’re serving – you won’t need a grill if you don’t plan on serving hot sandwiches, for example – they’re almost all essential.
Another aspect to consider is the make and model of a high-quality espresso machine, rather than just going for whatever fits your budget. Since a good brew is likely to be your core offering, you’ll need a machine that goes the distance and pulls its weight. When you’re hunting around for one of these, make sure you choose a model that can produce a significantly high number of cups a day – all the while being able to turnaround the product quickly. Remember busy periods will put strain on your staff and pressure on your equipment, so having a machine that supports the process is key. Our top tip is to pick a durable model that is fitted out with all the right features for your venue will be the make or break.
Software is an often-overlooked aspect of running a coffee shop. However, selecting the right software for your business is a must for your continued success. At a minimum, you’ll need:
These products will ultimately support your business operations from one end to the other. Be it for staff and administration through to keeping customers happy and loyal – you’ll need to tick all of these off your list first.
The payments space is another area that has grown exponentially over the years with a lot of providers providing a zero cost EFTPOS solution which can significantly save you money and improve operational efficiency. This can literally save your cafe thousands of dollars a year in fees.
Make sure you shop around for the best solution for your business, preferably with your point of sale and payments in one.
Contactless ordering has seen massive growth since the pandemic, whether online ordering and delivery, or order at table solutions. The standout options for order at table include a QR code with with me&u. The latest online ordering platform Cinch differs from other partners in that it doesn’t take a percentage of your sales, and now also order at table functionality.
The level of integrations with third party applications to make your life easier are endless. From accounting to rostering, reporting, order ahead, order at table, delivery, payment, and everything in-between.
Speaking of POS systems, these are absolutely critical. Impos cafe POS system, allows you to check out customers quickly and gather valuable business insights that can help you improve efficiency and profitability. Beyond this, you’ll be able to upgrade your business offering through aspects like loyalty programs, delivery functionalities and additional support. When cafes are equipped with insights, data and information, they’re able to tailor their strategies accordingly – something a POS system can help you generate carefully.
Best of all, you can also manage stock levels and all elements related to your pricing, allowing you to keep up with demand when you need it most.
>> Don’t have a POS system installed yet? Get in touch to find out how our integrations and software can take your cafe to the next level. <<
You may have gotten away with it in the past, but including a Wi-Fi connection in your cafe is almost a must these days. From business professionals through to those on-the-go, give back to your customer base by allowing them to access free internet within your venue. This will also keep them onsite longer, enticing them to stay for another coffee (or two). Additionally, you’ll inspire those looking for a work lunch spot or meeting place to choose you over competitors who may not have this functionality.
It goes without saying, but no business (be it within hospitality or not) should open doors without a solid heating and cooling system in place. If you’re trying to tick all elements off your cafe equipment checklist, this should be among your top details.
As Australia’s heat can be a little on the harsh side, having a place of respite and relief for those without air conditioning, will lure more customers into your venue. On the other end, providing heating will do the same – not to mention keep staff happy, too.
You’re going to be working with quite a few perishable goods, and a lot of different ingredients. This means you’ll need a comprehensive storage and refrigeration system to make sure your perishable foods adhere to regulatory guidelines. You should have:
When you’re on the hunt for these additions, however, keep design and interiors in mind. You’ll want something that suits your aesthetics, all the while providing the functionality you need. Ensure you also position them in accessible areas, as this will be the make or break factor during busy periods.
You’re going to need quite a few consumable paper and plastic goods at your coffee shops. These consumables include:
Your particular needs will vary based on the type of beverages you’ll serve at your coffee shop, but this list is a good “rule-of-thumb” for your cafe equipment checklist.
You’ll need a lot of dishes and flatware to provide customers with a good experience inside your cafe. This list of equipment includes:
As to the fun stuff, you can choose what style you’re after. For a more consistent look, you can order sets of food-service grade equipment from industrial restaurant supply stores.
Alternatively, you can imbue your coffee shop with some personality by using thrifted or mismatching dishes and utensils, as well as quirky coffee mugs of different shapes and sizes.
To provide a great customer experience – and to conform to health codes – you’ll need specialized cleanup and maintenance equipment. This equipment will include:
Depending on your local municipal health codes, your requirements may differ. We recommend contacting a health inspector in the area to inquire about all relevant guidelines and regulations.
Furniture isn’t always thought of as “equipment” for a cafe – butyour customers need somewhere to sit, and it doesn’t come with your leased cafe space, so we think it counts! In addition, you’ll want decor that helps set your cafe apart from the rest. So here’s a run-through of some of the equipment you might need:
Again, your equipment needs will vary depending on your store. If you don’t need outdoor seating, for example, you won’t have to worry about weather-resistant seating or umbrellas.
No matter where your cafe is located, all businesses need a quality security system in place to avoid crime or mishaps. Be it cameras or alarms (both within the shop and outside of it), these additions will grant you peace of mind and security when you need it most. They’ll also give you eyes on your employees when you’re not around.
Pro tip: If you’re looking around for the right system, we recommend opting for a provider that will install the product end-to-end. This means you’ll avoid any complications or downtime, and will be given direction towards using it all correctly.
While they’re not necessarily ‘equipment’, they are the fundamental elements to the perfect cup of Joe – milk and water. Ultimately, using the right, high-quality liquids within your process will determine a tasty coffee from one that needs a little more attention. It can also significantly impact the experience for your customers, so it pays to ensure you’re using products that are well-received by those frequenting your business.
The first step here is to scratch the mindset that all milk is the same. These days, there are so many varieties to choose from, with soy and almond milk constantly popping up in the crowd-favourite lists. Ensure your cafe is equipped with enough stock for both, as well as traditional like full-fat and skim milk. Also consider that some milks steam better than others, so it pays to do your research first.
And on the other hand, there’s your use of water. While it’s often forgotten, water is key to a quality cup, so incorporating a filtration system into your list of equipment is vital. Not only will this extend the life of your espresso machine, it will improve the taste of your coffee, too. And that’s always a win-win.
Top it all off by sourcing high-quality, ethically sourced coffee beans from a supplier you can trust. Sometimes, choosing local options gives you the benefit of supporting small business, all the while investing in a product that you know is driven by quality. Our top tip here is to do your research on roasters in the area, and ensure you’ve done your taste tests before taking your pick. Afterall, a good bean is essentially the basis of a solid cup of coffee.
Starting any business can be complex – and cafes are no different. Even if you follow this guide to a “T”, you’re likely to forget or neglect an important purchase – so make sure you anticipate this, and give yourself time to acquire everything you need before you open your coffee shop.
When you’re ready to dive in, ensure you’ve got your business plan ready to go. This will allow you to organise your thoughts, keep your budget in mind (or develop one) and help you access financial support from banks, if you happen to need it. When in doubt, refer back to this and re-assess what your initial vision was and how it’s tracking.
But with this checklist, you’ll be able to get the important things that you need to get started. For more helpful advice about starting up a cafe, be sure to check out our comprehensive Cafe Startup Guide today!
1300 308 615