How Much Does It Cost To Open A Cafe

How Much Does It Cost To Open A Cafe In 2025?

Opening a café typically costs between $90,000 and $350,000, depending on location, size, and how extensive the build-out is. Smaller neighborhood cafés with limited menus and seating can open closer to the low end, while larger cafés with full kitchens, expanded seating, and higher rent can push well beyond $200,000. The biggest upfront expenses usually come from leasehold improvements, equipment, and initial working capital, especially if the space wasn’t previously used for food service.

Build-out costs vary widely based on the condition of the space. Plumbing, electrical work, ventilation, counters, flooring, permits, and inspections can easily range from $25,000 to $120,000 or more. Cafés that offer food in addition to coffee often require additional kitchen equipment, which increases both build-out and equipment costs.

Equipment expenses commonly fall between $20,000 and $60,000 and include espresso machines, grinders, refrigeration, dishwashers, ovens, and prep equipment. Furniture, fixtures, and POS systems typically add another $10,000 to $30,000, depending on seating capacity and design choices. Initial inventory, licenses, and pre-opening marketing add several thousand dollars more.

Just as important as construction and equipment is working capital. Most cafés need enough cash to cover rent, payroll, utilities, and inventory for several months while sales ramp up. Many café owners underestimate this and run into cash flow issues early. Planning realistic startup costs and forecasting cash flow ahead of time helps ensure the café can survive the first year and reach break-even without unnecessary stress.

Our Coffee Shop Financial Projection Template helps you plan your business with clear, realistic numbers before you commit real money. It breaks down startup costs, monthly revenue, operating expenses, cash flow, and break-even timing using your own assumptions, not generic averages. Built in Excel and easy to customize, the model works for coffee shops, cafés, and coffee-focused food concepts, whether you’re opening a small neighborhood café or a larger sit-down space. It’s designed to give you a clear financial picture early so you can make smarter decisions, validate the idea, and move forward with confidence.