What is a Cafe?

A cafe is more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee. For many people, it’s where mornings begin, ideas are shared, and communities grow. It’s a cozy hub that offers a warm, inviting atmosphere where creativity and connection flourish.

But what is a cafe, and what makes it unique? Let’s do a deep dive into its history, features, cost of starting one, and what you should include in your menu.

Cafe origins and history

The term “cafe” comes from the French word for coffee, which also comes from the Turkish term “kahve” for the beverage.

The journey of the cafe began in the 15th century during the Ottoman Empire. These served as social hubs for conversation, music, and games since most practicing Muslims can’t have liquor and go to bars.

These establishments quickly spread to Europe, with the first known cafe opening in Constantinople in 1550. By the 17th century, cafes had become integral to European culture, especially in cities like Paris and London. They were venues where individuals gathered to discuss news, politics, and philosophy.

In the United States, the first coffeehouse was established in Boston in 1676, which acted as a meeting place for merchants and traders. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, this type of restaurant continued to evolve as centers for social interaction and commerce.

The 20th century marked significant advancements in cafe culture. The invention of the espresso machine in Italy paved the way for easier preparation, leading to the modern coffee shop experience.

In 1971, Starbucks opened its first store in Seattle, eventually expanding globally and popularizing the coffee shop model worldwide. This led to variations, with cafes that offer hearty meals along with high-quality coffee. 

Cafe vs coffee shop: What’s the difference?

While often used interchangeably, cafes and coffee shops have slight differences in their offerings and atmosphere. Cafes have evolved from mainly serving coffee to offering food options.

Features of a cafe

Cafes typically provide light meals, including sandwiches, salads, and a variety of pastries. This emphasis on food distinguishes them from coffee shops, which may offer limited food options.

They also have a casual and unhurried atmosphere, making them a cozy gathering space where customers can read, chat with friends, set up a laptop and work, or simply get out of the house.

Making your cafe welcoming starts with happy employees. Create a culture of care just like what 7 Leaves Cafe did when they fostered an environment where their employees feltfeel heard and supported.

Features of a coffee shop

On the other hand, a coffee shop mainly serves coffee and similar beverages but has a limited food menu. This allows for a lean operation, typically requiring a smaller kitchen or none at all. Many coffee shops just offer a selection of baked goods or light snacks that complement their drink offerings instead of extensive meal options.

Coffee shops are ideal for customers who want a quick caffeine boost or a brief respite. They often feature a streamlined design, with counter service and minimal seating. 

The costs involved in starting a cafe

Opening a coffee shop requires capital for the location, equipment, and licenses, which are the same as what you need for a cafe. However, a cafe will have higher food costs, especially for initial inventory, since it serves meals.

Nonetheless, it’ll be more cost-effective than restaurant startup costs, which start at around $175,000. This is because you don’t need a full kitchen for your cafe.

For example, one of the most common cafe startup expenses is for lease and build-outs. Finding a good spot and renovating it to fit your cafe’s concept can be costly.

Another factor to consider is the equipment you’ll need. Essential equipment includes espresso machines, grinders, refrigerators, and seating, costing between $20,000 and $40,000.

Aside from equipment, you’ll also need to invest in tools that help manage your cafe efficiently, such as POS systems, inventory management tools, and cafe scheduling software. These don’t just help with organizing your day-to-day operations, but they can also help you cut costs.

For instance, Toronto-based cafe Snakes & Lattes trimmed their labor cost percentage by 8% with 7shifts. It shows that investing in the right tools can help drive your cafe to long-term success by keeping unnecessary expenses in check.

Don’t forget about licenses, permits, and insurance, which depend on your location. Additionally, your initial inventory should cover coffee beans, food ingredients, and packaging materials. 

What’s on a typical cafe menu?

Coffee, tea, and food are the staples of a typical cafe menu. Developing a great menu is all about balancing variety and quality while maintaining profitability. Offer a mix of classic and trendy items but stay true to your cafe concept.

Beverages

As a cafe, people will expect you to have caffeinated drinks. Providing a variety of options ensures that you cater to both traditional and adventurous palates.

Espresso is the foundation of many specialty drinks, allowing you to serve cappuccinos, lattes, and espresso-based blended drinks. There’s also drip coffee, which is a classic choice for patrons who want a straightforward caffeine fix.

You should also offer a selection of teas for those seeking a different kind of warmth and comfort. Black, green, chamomile, peppermint, and jasmine teas are common options. Chai is another beloved coffee alternative that offers a flavorful and aromatic option.

Develop your own signature drink to set your cafe apart. For instance, a lavender honey latte could become your cafe’s unique selling point. Seasonal offerings, like spiced maple mocha, can entice customers to return and try new flavors as well.

Breakfast and brunch food

Breakfast and brunch meals are easy to prepare and serve. Freshly baked items like croissants and muffins pair well with coffee and tea, making them ideal for a morning crowd.

Incorporating health-conscious choices such as yogurt and granola into your menu can also appeal to customers who want nutritious breakfast options. You can elevate the experience by offering a customizable parfait or smoothie bowl with a variety of fruits, nuts, and seeds.

Hearty meals, like pancakes, eggs Benedict, or a classic omelet, can become signature items that set your cafe apart. Breakfast options can add  as much as 15% to your cafe’s revenue and attract a loyal customer base.

Light meals

Aside from breakfast and brunch food, you can also offer sandwiches, salads, quiches, soups, and wraps that can fill up customers who are looking for a light yet satisfying meal.

Options like the classic BLT (bacon, lettuce, and tomato), savory chicken pesto, and hearty veggie sandwiches are crowd favorites. Salads also appeal to health-conscious customers and reduce costs by using seasonal ingredients.

Quiches are versatile and can be served warm or cold, making them suitable for various times of the day. Soups, on the other hand, provide comfort and can bring in people who want to stay warm during cooler months.

For customers on the go, you can serve wraps with fillings like grilled chicken with fresh vegetables, hummus, and roasted veggies or turkey with cranberry sauce for a range of flavors.

Pastries and desserts

Sometimes, customers just crave something sweet with their cappuccino or iced Americano. Classic choices like chocolate chip cookies and brownies are ideal for customers looking for a quick sweet bite. Scones, tarts, and cheesecakes are also perfect for pairing with coffee or tea.

Create a coffee space and more

Cafes keep winning because they offer what people want: a warm space, good food, and a great cup of coffee. But what really makes a cafe special is the connection it builds with the people who walk through the door. Create a welcoming atmosphere that makes customers feel at home and gives them a local gathering spot that they’d want to return to time and again.

Keep things running smoothly behind the scenes with 7shifts. Our cafe management software lets you manage your team’s schedule, track time off and tips, and connect with your staff all in one app. Get started today for free!