One of the trickiest aspects of opening a coffee shop is the part which is often the most overlooked and taken for granted.
Deciding on the layout for your cafe is actually harder than simply filling a space with tables and chairs. You must create a space that’s inviting, comfortable and attractive, yet practical and logical to work in. There is also a fine line which needs addressing between restful, yet invigorating (to prevent the loiterers on a Saturday afternoon!)
You must create a space that’s inviting, comfortable and attractive, yet practical and logical to work in
Depending on the shape of your premises, you may have a lot of choice to make regarding layout, or it may be already decided for you. Awkward shapes which on first sight appear to be difficult to dress can actually end up being the most attractive, and it can actually be harder to dress a simple square room.
Here are a few tips for how to decide on your layout and furniture options:
- Square rooms - Make large, boring square rooms more interesting by adding partition walls in to give privacy to diners. You can then create nooks and crannies where there are none.
- Sofas - They are a nice addition, but ensure you only have one or two sets in total. You can assume that your ‘sofa’ customer turnover will be nowhere near as rapid as that of your regular tables and chairs, as sofas do invite people to spend time and lounge. Ensure this is factored in when doing your financial calculations.
- Buy good quality furniture – It doesn’t have to be expensive, but make sure it is built well and sturdy. If you buy flat packed, make sure when you fit it together you use screws and glue too, to ensure it is extra strong. Café furniture takes a battering, and you will need to check your furniture once a week to ensure it does not weaken with constant use.
- Space - Make sure when you are planning where your tables and chairs will go you allow at least one square meter room all around the chair. Don’t be tempted to cram people in – if people don’t enjoy their experience, this will be a false economy in the long run. Draw out your premises on graph paper or use a CAD design program to plan how much you can fit in, to ensure you buy the right amount of furniture.
- Serving area - Properly plan out the serving area. This is absolutely crucial if you will be having a queuing system where people will order at a counter. Ensure there is room for people to queue, get their goods and turn around and leave without disturbing your seated patrons. If there is not enough room, consider making your café table service only.
If you are having real problems with your layout, ask your coffee supplier for help, or consider employing the help of a specialist consultant who will help you with your layout issues.
Don’t risk getting it wrong for the sake of asking a professional. Or you will find you will pay dearly in the long run.
