How to Start a Coffee Shop in Canada: Essential Equipment, Costs & Setup Guide for Beginners

Opening a coffee shop is an exciting venture for many aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether you're dreaming of launching a cozy independent café or joining a franchise, preparation is key. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from equipment and startup costs to café setup and operation tips—especially for small-scale coffee shops.

Starting a Coffee Shop: Franchise vs. Independent

Before diving into the equipment checklist, it’s important to determine the type of business model you want to pursue:

1. Franchise Coffee Shop

Pros:

• Support from the brand in terms of training, operations, and marketing.

• Established reputation and customer base.

Cons:

• Requires upfront franchise fees and royalty payments.

• Limited flexibility in design, menu, and suppliers.

2. Independent Coffee Shop

Pros:

• Full creative and operational freedom.

• Ability to build a unique brand identity.

Cons:

• Requires more effort to build brand awareness.

• Higher risk and responsibility.

What to Prepare Before Opening a Coffee Shop

1. Business Plan

Create a solid business plan with details such as:

• Startup capital

• Business model

• Target market

• Marketing strategy

• Budget for equipment, labor, and rent

2. Ideal Location

Choose a location with:

• High foot traffic

• Affordable rent

• Low competition

• Convenient access

3. Menu Design

Your menu defines your coffee shop's identity. Consider offering:

• Espresso-based drinks

• Pour-over or siphon coffee

• Pastries and desserts

• Seasonal beverages

Menu items will directly influence the equipment and ingredients you need to purchase.

4. Suppliers & Vendors

Choose reliable suppliers for:

• Coffee beans

• Milk and flavorings

• Paper goods

• Equipment servicing

5. Interior Design & Branding

Design a café atmosphere that reflects your brand. Layout planning is crucial for ensuring smooth workflow and customer experience.

Must-Have Coffee Shop Equipment (Complete Checklist)

Here is a categorized breakdown of essential coffee shop equipment based on small café operations:

Coffee Equipment

• Espresso machine (double-head recommended): $5,000–$8,000

• Espresso grinders (1–2 units): ~$3,000 each (for blends & SOE)

• Single-origin grinder: for specialty pour-over coffees

• Pour-over kits (2–3 sets): includes kettle, dripper, filters

• Siphon brewers / coffee syphons

• Coffee scales with timers

• Thermometers

• Knock box (for used grounds)

• Milk pitchers: 300ml and 600ml sizes

• Tamping tools: tamper, tamping mat, distribution tool

Food & Beverage Prep

• Blender / ice crusher

• Microwave or convection oven

• Juicer or smoothie blender

• Toaster oven or sandwich press

Water & Cleaning

• Water filter system

• Hot water dispenser ($1,000–$5,000 depending on stability)

• Dishwasher

• Sanitation sinks

Refrigeration & Storage

• Undercounter fridge

• Undercounter freezer

• Display pastry case

• Ice maker ($2,000–$10,000 depending on capacity)

• Cold brew or chilled drink fridge

POS & Management

• POS system & ordering software

• Cash register

• Security cameras

• Office desk and storage cabinets

Coffee Supplies

• Coffee beans (espresso blend + single origin)

• Sugars (white, brown)

• Milk, creamers, chocolate syrup, fruit purées, flavored syrups

• Paper cups, napkins, lids, stirrers, straws, takeaway bags

Furniture & Décor

• Bar counter (front bar + water station)

• Tables & chairs

• Menu board / lightbox signage

• Waste bins

Cleaning & Hygiene

• Color-coded towels (for machine, handles, and counters)

• Cleaning solutions and brushes

• Gloves, aprons

Recommended Coffee Cup Sizes

Estimated Startup Costs for a Coffee Shop

Monthly Operating Costs

• Inventory replenishment (beans, milk, flavors)

• Staff salaries and benefits

• Utilities (water, electricity, internet)

• Marketing and promotions

• Cleaning and maintenance

Final Tips for First-Time Café Owners

• Start with the essentials—upgrade later as the business grows.

• Choose stable, durable equipment, even if it’s not high-end.

• Create a consistent workflow from bar setup to customer service.

• Keep hygiene standards high to protect coffee quality and customer health.

• Develop signature drinks to set your café apart.

Opening a coffee shop is a rewarding journey when done right. With the right equipment, planning, and passion, your dream café can become a thriving local favorite.

Chefco offers a wide range of high-quality café equipment, including:

• Automatic Coffee Machines for fast and consistent brewing

• Coffee Cups in various styles and sizes

• Manual and Electric Brewers for both espresso and pour-over coffee

• Commercial Ice Machines for iced beverages and cold brew

• And much more—everything you need to start and run a successful coffee shop

Explore our collection and get your café ready with Chefco – your trusted café equipment partner.