26 Coffee Shop Ideas to Attract Customers

More than good beans and friendly staff, one of the most important things you should consider if you’re thinking of opening a coffee shop is the concept. The best coffee shops today go beyond drinks. They’re places people want to hang out in, tell their friends about, and come back to again and again.

That’s why we’ve put together 26 coffee shop ideas to help you attract customers and stand out in a competitive market. Make sure to choose a concept that works with your brand and target audience. This way, you can transform your coffee shop from a simple beverage stop to a hub that customers are eager to visit.

1. Literary lounge

There’s just something about sitting down with a good book and a cup of Joe that lets you easily enter the world of the story you’re reading. If you’re a bookworm, creating a literary coffee lounge is a no-brainer.

Showcase your collection on bookshelves lined up along your coffee shop walls. Arrange comfortable seating areas with cozy chairs and ample lighting for a relaxing ambiance.

If you feel your collection is limited, partner with local bookstores or libraries for more resources. These collaborations might include featuring local authors’ works, selling books on consignment, or co-hosting events, which can help you reach more customers.

A notable example is Bernie’s Coffee Shop in San Francisco, which partnered with a nearby bookstore to create a combined space, attracting more customers and increasing foot traffic.

2. Art lover’s cafe

Another idea is to combine your love for the arts with your love for coffee. You can be a venue for local artists to exhibit their masterpieces and create a vibrant, creative atmosphere.

Consider hosting monthly art exhibitions featuring rotating displays from painters, photographers, and sculptors. You can also organize artist nights where they can discuss their work over coffee. Make sure to provide discounted beverages for those participating in art events.

Reach out to local art communities or schools to find artists interested in showcasing their work. This collaboration can be mutually beneficial since you can introduce artists to your community while making your coffee shop beautiful with unique decor.

Make sure that the artwork aligns with your coffee shop’s atmosphere and clientele. You should also invest in proper hanging systems to facilitate easy installation and minimize wall damage. Scheduling installations during off-hours can prevent disruptions to your business.

3. Retro diner vibes

Elements like checkered floors and jukeboxes can fill customers with nostalgia. Wake Up Iowa Coffee successfully implemented a vintage theme that transports patrons back in time. Aside from the retro vibe, it also offers unique options like the “Velvet Hammer” and a spicy coconut milk latte.

To achieve the retro diner aesthetic, use black-and-white checkered flooring as well as chrome accents, vinyl booths, and retro signage. If you can, install a jukebox that allows customers to interact with the environment and enjoy classic tunes.

For your menu, you can serve drip coffee that’s reminiscent of the era. You can also offer a variety of milkshake flavors and malted beverages, which were staples in retro diners. Additionally, include items like pies, sandwiches, and breakfast options to enhance the nostalgic experience.

4. Coffee and cinema

Movie or TV lovers can set up a cinema-themed coffee shop for a distinctive and engaging atmosphere. Host movie nights and pop culture trivia, or use designs inspired by iconic TV cafes like Central Perk from “Friends” for a unique experience. There are actual coffee shops at the University of Texas at San Antonio and in Singapore with this theme.

Organize movie screenings regularly to attract film enthusiasts. Make it more fun by encouraging patrons to wear their pajamas or costumes from their favorite movies. You could also create themed drink specials named after popular films or characters.

Trivia nights are an easy way to engage customers and create a lively environment. These events encourage group participation and increase foot traffic during typically slower hours. Offer prizes like free drinks or merchandise to reward participation.

5. Board game basecamp

This concept combines the comfort of a coffee shop with the interactive and engaging experience of tabletop gaming. It turns your establishment into a social hub where customers can spend more time and money as they play with their friends.

Invest in different board games to expand your collection, from classic titles like Monopoly and Scrabble to modern strategy games like Settlers of Catan and Ticket to Ride. Set up designated gaming areas with large tables, comfortable seating, and good lighting for a welcoming environment.

Hosting tournaments can draw consistent crowds. Aside from selling coffee and snacks, you can also sell board games and related products in case customers want to play at home.

6. Comic book coffee corner

Transform your coffee shop into a comic book haven with vibrant murals and framed comic art. You can even go all out and bring in life-sized superhero statues.

Offering comic-related merchandise can boost revenue and attract collectors. Stock items like graphic novels, action figures, and apparel for more income streams.

Collaborating with local artists to feature their work can also support the community and provide unique products. For instance, Comics on Coffee sells specialty roasted coffee blends inspired by comic characters, making drinking coffee more entertaining for fans.

You can also name drinks after popular comic characters or series to add a fun twist to your menu. For example, a “Dark Knight Mocha” or “Wonder Woman Latte” can sound intriguing to customers and make them want to try them out. Ask your baristas to create latte art depicting superhero logos to further highlight the theme. 

7. Public cuppings and roastery tour

Public cuppings and roastery tours are great interactive and immersive experiences that can boost your coffee shop’s appeal. These events teach customers about the journey from bean to cup and help them appreciate the complexity and beauty of coffee production.

As you guide customers through professional tasting techniques, you position your coffee shop as an authority. On the other hand, roastery tours can help create a deeper connection between customers and your coffee.

Kaldi’s Coffee offers these events so customers can gain insights into their roasting process and bean sourcing. To do your own cuppings and tours, make sure to schedule these sessions during off-peak hours to minimize disruption.

Provide tasting notes, discuss flavor profiles, and showcase different roasting techniques to help casual coffee drinkers appreciate their favorite brew.

8. Greenhouse coffee shop

Fill your coffee shop with lush greenery to create a vibrant and relaxing environment. Consider installing hanging plants, vertical gardens, and large windows to maximize natural light and improve air quality.

You can also sell potted plants and related products for more income streams. Additionally, hosting workshops on plant care or arranging events can promote a sense of community and position your coffee shop as a local hub.

Aptly named Coffee & Plants in Pasadena elevates the in-store experience with an Instagrammable living greenery wall and a purely plant-based menu. Make it better by using recycled materials and sourcing organic, locally-grown ingredients. 

9. Drive-thru

Make coffee runs more convenient with a drive-thru shop concept. This appeals to busy individuals during morning commutes or tight schedules.

You can also serve more customers by offering a drive-thru option, which reduces wait times and increases efficiency. Black Rock Coffee Bar attributes their success to serving freshly roasted beans for drive-thru customers.

“We roast our beans in small batches in Portland, which is extremely important to us,” Clay Geyer, Black Rock Coffee Bar branch owner, said. “Our freshness and quality is always at the highest level—small batches allow more control over temperature and flavor profile.”

To implement this concept, you need to design a menu that highlights quick-to-prepare items. Train staff to work quickly and accurately so that they can prepare each order accurately.

10. Travel-themed idea

A travel-themed coffee shop is another unique selling proposition (USP) to consider for your business. The best thing about this cafe idea is that you can incorporate the theme into different parts of your shop.

For instance, you can feature beans from renowned coffee-producing regions like Ethiopia, Colombia, and Italy. This way, customers can explore diverse flavors without leaving their city.

Another way is changing the café’s interior monthly to reflect different countries or cultures, keeping the environment fresh and exciting. Lastly, you can host events such as Ethiopian coffee ceremonies or Italian espresso tastings for more immersive experiences. 

11. Coworking hub

A lot of remote workers, freelancers, and students visit coffee shops to complete their projects. The combination of caffeine and comfortable workspaces makes these establishments ideal for productivity.

Turn your coffee shop into a coworking hub to encourage more orders. Offer dedicated workspaces with ergonomic furniture, power outlets, and high-speed Wi-Fi.

Consider creating different zones, including quiet areas for focused work, collaborative spaces for team meetings, and casual seating for customers who are there to relax. You can also provide additional amenities like printer access and meeting room rentals. 

12. Touchless coffee shop

A touchless coffee shop model focuses on convenience and safety. For this concept to work, you should invest in an advanced POS system, which can increase sales by as much as 10%.

You can also develop a mobile app to facilitate ordering and payments, reducing queues and wait times. Meanwhile, in-store QR codes can provide customers with easy access to digital menus so they can browse and order from their smartphones.

13. AR-enhanced experience

Go deeper into leveraging tech for your coffee shop by offering augmented reality (AR) experiences. And this is not a new concept. Way back in 2017, the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Shanghai allowed customers to “see” what happens to the beans inside the roastery casks.

AR adds an interactive layer to the customer experience, making visits more enjoyable and memorable. For example, implementing AR menus allows customers to visualize products before ordering, which makes trying out new flavors less scary.

Unique AR features can also encourage customers to share their experiences online. This can provide organic marketing and attract new patrons interested in new cafe experiences.

14. Pet-friendly coffee shop concepts

Creating a pet-friendly coffee shop can attract animal lovers and foster a welcoming community atmosphere. This inclusive environment can lead to increased customer loyalty and positive word-of-mouth.

Provide water bowls, treats, and comfortable seating areas for pets to enhance the experience for both animals and their owners.

Make sure you brush up on local health codes regarding animals in dining establishments. Some regions may have restrictions on allowing pets indoors, so outdoor seating can be a viable solution.

15. Cat or dog lounge

You can go more niche and focus on creating either a cat or dog lounge. Animal lovers are drawn to establishments where they can spend time with pets, leading to more visitors and potential customers.

You can also partner with local pet shelters for adoption events or host fundraisers that support animal welfare. These collaborations can increase foot traffic by nearly 30%.

For instance, Meow Maison, which opened last year, partnered with Lucky Dog Animal Rescue and celebrated 200 cat adoptions within its first year. More than just a marketing strategy, this concept shows how a coffee shop can become a meaningful hub for like-minded people who care about animals.

16. Local makers’ shop

Support your community by showcasing products from local artisans, such as pottery, soap, and candles, in your coffee shop. This approach not only diversifies your offerings but also boosts local economic growth.

Aside from helping each other, collaborating with local artisans can help introduce your brand to a wide audience. These artisans often have their own loyal customer base, which you can reach through these partnerships.

17. Coffee and baked goods

It’s no secret that coffee pairs perfectly with baked goods. To make the most of this concept, you should specialize in artisanal, locally sourced pastries that complement your coffee selection.

You don’t need to have an extensive selection. Just two or three options are enough as long as these food items are high-quality and freshly made.

Take a look at Pavement Coffeehouse, which specializes in serving great bagels and coffee. The company roasts its beans and bakes its bagels in-house.

“Some places have a great bakery concept and others have a great coffee concept, but we focus on both to give our customers the full coffeehouse experience,” said Andy LoPilato, Director of Operations at Pavement Coffeehouse.

18. Coffee and music

Classic Rock Coffee knows that music and coffee are a perfect combination that creates a unique and immersive atmosphere in your coffee shop. The company has successfully leveraged the theme into its brand identity, making each sip a memorable experience.

Consider playing vinyl records for a nostalgic and immersive experience. You can also boost sales by selling the records.

Hosting live music events or listening sessions is a great way to market your coffee shop as well as attract music enthusiasts. Partner with local musicians, bands, and record stores to curate unique playlists and create a vibrant community space.

Consider themed music nights that showcase different genres or local talent. Additionally, reach out to music schools and universities to find people who’d like to showcase their talents.

19. Coffee and beauty

Merging a coffee shop and beauty salon lets your customers relax before, during, or after their beauty treatments. It’s an extra layer of comfort and luxury that you can provide while providing you with an additional income source.

Clients waiting for their appointments or accompanying friends can purchase beverages and snacks, boosting overall sales. Plus, it’s not just your clients who’ll enjoy lounging with a cup of coffee but their partners as well.

One of the best things about combining a coffee shop with a beauty salon is that the alluring smell of roasted beans can upstage the chemical smell that comes with beauty treatments. This fusion creates a relaxing ambiance that transforms a salon visit into a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

20. Coffee on errands

Running errands doesn’t have to be boring. With the right coffee shop idea, you can turn a routine task into a cozy break.

Think about customers waiting on laundry, dropping off dry cleaning, or browsing in a retail shop. Give them something more, like a latte, free Wi-Fi, and a place to sit, and you’ll create a lovely place that makes chores pleasant.

In Singapore, laundromat coffee shops have become a popular side business for working professionals. Hangout Laundry, a self-service laundromat, added a small café with a coffee machine, lounge space, and Wi-Fi. Co-founder Low Seow Yee says coffee and snacks now make up 20% of monthly sales.

Make use of corners or waiting areas for a small café setup. A cozy coffee bar with just a few tables and quality lighting can still create a warm atmosphere. Don’t forget to offer free Wi-Fi, charging outlets, and USB ports. 

21. Open mic and live events

Live performances create a lively atmosphere, encouraging customers to spend more time in your coffee shop and enjoy the unique ambiance. You can host music nights, storytelling sessions, and comedy sets to attract both regular and new customers.

Providing a platform for local musicians, poets, and comedians helps build relationships within the local community. You can even partner with local art schools, theater groups, and creative organizations to curate diverse and engaging events.

During these events, rearrange furniture to accommodate both performers and audiences. Ensure clear sightlines and comfortable seating for an enjoyable experience.

If you can, invest in soundproofing and quality audio equipment to provide the best experience for both performers and listeners. Additionally, set an area within your coffee shop for performances if you’re going to do these events regularly. 

22. Coffee mocktail bar

There’s a growing trend toward healthier lifestyles. In 2025, 49% of Americans will choose to drink less alcohol. As such, creating a coffee mocktail bar can be a unique way to attract health-conscious patrons.

Create non-alcoholic coffee-based drinks, like cold brew infusions, espresso-based mocktails, and creative flavor combinations using seasonal ingredients. Consider adding garnishes, using specialty glassware, and creating an inviting bar atmosphere that makes non-alcoholic drinks feel sophisticated and enjoyable. 

23. Mobile coffee truck

Opening a mobile coffee truck allows you to bring drinks directly to customers. You can set up during events, at campuses, or in front of offices to provide convenient and quality beverages to customers.

Traditional coffee shop opening costs can cost as much as $400,000, while you can start a mobile coffee truck with just around $60,000.

Make sure to find the right locations and get the necessary permits for your mobile coffee truck. Research local regulations and parking restrictions so that you won’t have to worry about legal troubles and costly penalties.

24. Espresso catering

Offering espresso catering services at weddings, corporate events, and festivals can boost your coffee shop’s reach and profitability. Just like coffee trucks, you get to bring your signature blends to different customers.

Serving at various events exposes your brand to new audiences. This potentially converts event attendees into regular customers at your physical location.

One challenge you’ll face with espresso catering is managing equipment transportation and setup. Invest in portable espresso machines, high-quality thermal containers, and a well-designed mobile setup that efficiently serves multiple clients.

Consider creating specialized catering packages with different tiers of service, from basic coffee stations to full-service barista experiences. Offering personalized options, such as customized cups or tailored menus, can enhance the client experience and set your service apart.

For instance, during weddings, you can provide customized cups with a photo of the bride and groom. Coffee beans are also great keepsakes that serve as subtle marketing tools while providing personalized touches to your clients.

25. Coffee and flowers

Having fresh flowers in your coffee shop can transform your space into a serene and aesthetically pleasing environment. It also automatically makes your establishment more Instagram-worthy, which can attract younger, social media-savvy customers.

Take notes from Dylan Capshaw, who founded Stemistry. What started as an online flower business expanded to offering flower-infused coffee drinks. And now, his shop has become a place where customers can enjoy both beautiful floral arrangements and innovative coffee creations. 

26. DIY brew bar

A DIY brew bar in your coffee shop offers a unique and engaging experience for your customers. It caters to both coffee aficionados eager to experiment and newcomers interested in learning.

For a successful DIY brew bar, set up various brewing equipment like pour-over stations, French presses, AeroPress, and cold brew setups. This may increase initial costs, but the investment can attract coffee enthusiasts who appreciate hands-on experiences.

Offer a selection of high-quality, single-origin beans from different regions. Include instructional cards or have staff available to guide customers through the brewing process. Consider hosting regular workshops where customers can learn advanced brewing techniques and develop their skills in creating their morning brew.

Start brewing success with these coffee shop ideas

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to opening a coffee shop, but having the right concept can help you stand out and attract loyal customers. The best coffee shop ideas are the ones that connect with your community. Start with what makes you excited, and build a space that turns everyday coffee into a lasting experience.

Once your coffee shop idea is locked in, you’ll need a reliable way to run it. 7shifts is a coffee shop employee scheduling software that makes managing your business easier.

Start your free trial to spend less time on admin and more time brewing great coffee.