The Secret To Finding The Best Location For A Coffee Shop
Your clear vision of a swanky coffee shop tucked into a quiet neighborhood could be getting a little foggy as you start looking for a business location. While shopping around for a location sounds easy , finding the best location for a coffee shop can quickly become frustrating due to limited availability, high rent prices, and lousy landlords.
Dont let some of these challenges hinder your location hunt. To find the right business location, you have to think beyond rent prices and physical space. Here are the top five things to consider when selecting a coffee location:
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1. Demographics
Foot traffic is important when youre picking a location for your coffee shop. But a ton of foot traffic doesnt matter if those people arent your target demographic.
Understanding your target market is a crucial step when youre starting a coffee shop and it should largely influence your location decision. Where is your customer going when they pass your coffee shop and make the decision to purchase your coffee? They could be on their way to work, school, university, or potentially on their way home after dinner. Dissecting your customer helps you better determine the best location for your coffee shop.
2. Neighboring businesses
When youre determining the best location for a coffee shop, neighboring businesses can also affect your profitability both negatively and positively.
Open A Coffee Shop Near Movie Theaters
Movie theaters and coffee shops are the elements of a perfect date. Movie theaters can potentially bring in a steady, dependable customer base looking to grab a coffee cup before or after seeing a movie.
I am not talking about a giant corporate chain cinema here. I’m talking about the small, independent movie theaters that show foreign films or host the Rocky Horror Picture Show at midnight. Sure, a movie theater might provide their own coffee, but offering good coffee isn’t why they are in business. Their coffee is usually pretty horrible. This is where your coffee business comes in: offering delicious coffee and a place to begin a date. Consider looking for independent theaters or playhouses in your city. Is there available commercial space?
Best Coffee Shop Startup Location #14
Shakespeare And Company Caf
Address | 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris
Located on the left bank and ever so prestigious, the Shakespeare and Company bookshop is easily one of the most famous stores in the City of Love. Its current incarnation is named for a bookstore which all of the acclaimed writers of 1920s Paris hung out in and has been in operation since the 1950s.
Since 2015, the bibliophiles heaven has also hosted a literary café in collaboration with Bobs Bake Shop. Discover more about how to visit the Shakespeare and Co book café here.
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Au Vieux Paris Darcole
This Instagram famous cafe is arguably the prettiest cafe in Paris during Spring: the facade is covered in purple wisteria, matching the adorable purple tables on the terrasse. Au Vieux Paris dArcole is a street away from Notre Dame. The area right around the Cathedral is currently closed as they are re-building after the Notre Dame fire . That said, Ile de La Cite is still totally worth a walk and there is nowhere better to stop for a glass of Rose than Le Vieux Paris dArcole.
Where to find it: 24 Rue Chanoinesse, 75004 Paris, France
Walk And Talk And Analyze

It also makes sense to visit the neighboring business and ask how business is doing. Ask if business is good or not. Are there any plans to renovate, etc.? Talking to neighbors or employees of neighboring businesses. Consider counting the numbers of customers walking near your potential business. Determine the strengths and weaknesses of each location and balance them with your coffee shop business concept.
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Caffeine Is Just One Search Away
Enter your ZIP code below, and youll get directed to your closest Just Love location. You also can scroll down to view the locations website for more information.
Dont see a Just Love in your area? Then consider opening one, as dozens of entrepreneurs are doing around the United States. to learn about how to become a Just Love franchise owner.
Home Repair And Hardware Stores Nearby
Ace Hardware
While one of the smaller hardware retailers out there, Ace Hardware is a popular place for shoppers that are completing home repairs or trying to complete renovations. Shop here if you would like a more personal shopping experience while looking through items for home development projects.
The Home Depot
The Home Depot is Americas first choice when it comes to home improvement. Customers often search for the Home Depot nearby first to take care of their repair needs. Shop the Home Depot for your favorite brands in construction items, tools, and garden equipment.
Lowes
Lowes is a great choice for individuals that are looking to spruce up their home, gardens, or to complete personal hands-on crafts. Search for a Lowes store near me to complete your next renovation
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The Borjo Coffeehouse By Taste
Located right on Monarch Way, the Borjo Coffeehouse is within walking distance of campus . Operated by the local legend Taste, the Borjo Coffeehouse provides a bright and comfortable atmosphere perfect for relaxing, hanging out with a friend, or studying.
They have a great assortment of various life-infusing coffee drinks and, as one would expect from a coffee shop run by Taste, a delicious food menu as well. Youll be happy and full each time you visit this great spot!
Set Up Your Coffee Shop Near Indie Music Stores
Coffee shops and indie music stores go together like cake and ice-cream. If your community has an indie music store , you may consider looking for a potential coffee shop location nearby.
Many customers who peruse record shops or music stores love to have coffee in their hands while browsing for music. In many cities, used-CD and vinyl record shops offer a steady stream of customers that often would love to grab a cup of coffee before or after their shopping. One of my favorite record shops in Seattle, Easy Street Records, knew the demand existed for coffee and decided to start up a cafe right next door. It’s been a tremendous success that both brings in new customers and generates more income.
Best Coffee Shop Startup Location #9
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Best Coffee Shops Near Me Use The Google Map
When we say the best coffee shop we mean it. Our app lets you find the closest cafes nearby and lets you view real customer ratings so you can see where the best local spots are in town. Use the app by confirming your location or entering your address into the search bar and clicking find.
Well find you all kinds of local coffee shops waiting to be explored.
Best Coffee Houses Near Me
172 Rhode Island St, Buffalo, NY
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391 Washington St, Buffalo, NY
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580 S Park Ave, Buffalo, NY
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323 Ganson St, Buffalo, NY
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429 Rhode Island St, Buffalo, NY
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701 Seneca St, Buffalo, NY
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227 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY
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665 Main St, Buffalo, NY
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111 Genesee St, Buffalo, NY
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9 Genesee St, Buffalo, NY
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402 Connecticut St, Buffalo, NY
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298 Main St, Buffalo, NY
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957 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY
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448 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY
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338 Ellicott St, Buffalo, NY
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814 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY
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338 Ellicott St, Buffalo, NY
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44 Brayton St, Buffalo, NY
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391 Washington St, Buffalo, NY
Open Now
765 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY
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402 Connecticut St, Buffalo, NY
Closed
227 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY
Open Now
1526 Main St, Buffalo, NY
Open Now
580 S Park Ave, Buffalo, NY
Open Now
298 Main St, Buffalo, NY
Closed
957 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY
Open Now
429 Rhode Island St, Buffalo, NY
Open Now
665 Main St, Buffalo, NY
Closed
323 Ganson St, Buffalo, NY
Open Now
765 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY
Open Now
9 Genesee St, Buffalo, NY
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933 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY
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Working From A Coffee Shop
Now I mentioned that I typically work from many coffee shops and cafes. For the cost of a cup of coffee I can spend the morning if not much of the afternoon in a coffee shop without being hassled. Thats much cheaper than renting an office.
However, there are a few things you should be aware of if you do plan to work from a cafe during your day. Firstly, bring your charger. Theres nothing worse than getting all setup only to realize youre sitting at 10% battery. Its also important to realize that you are taking up a seat at the coffee shop. While I dont feel guilty if Im only in there for a few hours if Ive spent some money, you need to make sure you are a paying customer if youre going to take a seat from someone else.
Squibb Coffee & Wine Bar

Squibb Coffee & Wine Bar is a bright and cheery café with an easy-going ambiance that serves standard and specialty coffee drinks, along with fresh baked goods. Located in the East Hills neighborhood, Squibb Coffee & Wine Bar serves high-quality coffee using Michigan-based Populace coffee beans and an extensive tea selection from Rishi Tea. The café transforms into a chic wine bar with an industrial setting in the evening, serving casual wines from around the world, along with cheese platters, toasts, and small sharing plates.
955 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, Phone: 616-350-9545
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Best Cafs And Coffee Shops In Paris
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Paris has always been known for its café crème and hearty espresso, but more recently, it’s also emerged as a specialty coffee capital. With local roasters and barista-led shops now in nearly every arrondissement, Paris is officially on the world’s specialty coffee map. But this European capital doesn’t do anything halfway, as these full-of-charm neighborhood cafés can attestso grab a cup, take a seat, and plan to linger. Here, find our picks for the most charming Parisian cafés and coffee shops where you can grab a cup, take a seat, and plan to linger.
Open A Coffee Shop Near A Bookstore
Coffee and reading fit together like two peas in a pod.
Opening a coffee business within a short walking distance from a bookstore can benefit your customers .
Additionally, having a coffee shop within a bookstore or a newspaper stand can also be complementary and supplementary for your bottom line and overall success.
This is a case where the sum is greater than its parts. On its own, a bookstore can generate extra foot traffic, and the type of customer you want to attract. These include browsing shoppers who are often willing to buy, sip, and linger. While large internet companies have devasted local bookstores, those who survive have to add additional income streams and offer an experience for customers that they can’t get online: excellent coffee, community, and customer service.
As independent bookstores struggle to stay afloat these days, they are great symbiotic businesses to work with and generate greater profits together than apart. For further reading, consider readingLow-Cost Ideas To Start a Coffee Shop With Little Money.
Best Coffee Shop Startup Location #3
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Grocery Stores And Drugstores Nearby
First, you should check out this page to find a grocery store near you. Here are some additional examples.
Target
Many people will opt for a Target nearby as a more upscale alternative to Walmart. Target offers competitive pricing when it comes to food products and items for the home. Like most corporate retailers, Target is a one-stop shop for clothing, food and pharmaceuticals, as well electronics and athletic equipment.
Walmart
Walmart has become the go-to retailer for anything and everything. Walmart offers customers the ultimate shopping experience in the confines of one, giant superstore. Walmart is conveniently located throughout many American cities and often stays open late or all night. Search your phone for Walmart stores near me for everything from grocery products and home goods to furniture and firearms.
CVS offers basic drugstore goods like refrigerated food products, toiletries, photo development services, pharmaceutical care, and eye care amongst other things. Most CVS across the country are open 24/7 each day of the week. Visit one of these stores near you to get the best deals on prescriptions, foodstuffs as well everyday items.
Walgreens
Some states dont allow you to buy booze in a grocery store, so you might want to find a liquor store near me.
La Closerie Des Lilas
La Closerie Des Lilas, which translates to enclosed in lilacs, is tucked behind lush greenery on a corner in Pariss Montparnasse neighborhood. While the interior boasts vintage mosaic flooring and faux leather seats, the iconic enclosed terrace offers an escape. Completely shaded and covered in growing plants, the terrace is an ideal spot to grab a cafe and pastry. Their desserts are to die for and the cafe offers a full menu as well.
La Closerie Des Lilas is more than another pretty Paris cafe, though. Over 100 years old, its full of rich history as one of the citys famous literary cafes. Due to its proximity to popular 19th-century dance clubs, the walls were once frequented by Emile Zola, Picasso, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Charles Baudelaire, and Ernest Hemmingway, who penned part of The Sun Also Rises from its tables. Hemmingway said of the cafe, the only decent café in our neighborhood was La Closerie des Lilas, and it was one of the best cafes in Paris.
Today, the cafe has preserved most of the spirit and aesthetic of the nostalgic Parisian past. Even if you only have only a few days to spend in Paris, make time to visit this one-of-a-kind cafe.
Where to find it: 171 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75006 Paris, France
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Set Up Your Coffee Shop Near Game Or Comic Book Shops
Gaming shops are increasingly popular. Like other popular healthy businesses that bring in lots of foot traffic, gaming shops can benefit a neighboring coffee business.
There are some coffee shops that host game nights to attract customers and increase sales. Perhaps this customer-boosting strategy might also work in your town? Like locations near music stores, gaming shops find value in offering coffee and snacks to their customers to increase business and keep customers longer. If this location appeals to you, check out your local gaming stores and determine whether this location would work for your coffee shop business concept.
Locations To Start A Coffee Shop Summary
As you can imagine, the possibilities are nearly endless for choosing a great location for your coffee shop business! You will have to keep a close eye on all available locations in your neighborhood.
Remember:
- The best location to open a coffee shop may not always present itself right away
- Start your coffee shop location search early
- If you get help, don’t give up looking yourself
Any of these locations can work for your coffee shop business. You will just have to make sure that you do the necessary follow-up research that your location will work for your specific business concept.
Let’s summarize these great location possibilities for your new coffee shop business in the list below:
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The Sparrows Coffee & Tea & Newsstand
The Sparrows Coffee & Tea & Newsstand is a small and friendly landmark coffee spot in the East Hills neighborhood that been in business for more than 10 years. Housed in a standalone former hardware store on Wealthy Street, the flagship café has rustic wooden floors, tables with high-backed armchairs, and a large front window that lets in light. The menu features classic coffee drinks, along with creative specialty and seasonal drinks, and an eclectic collection of newspapers, magazines, and periodicals offers something to read while relaxing over your brew.
1035 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, Phone: 616-608-3375
Jam N Bean Coffee Company

Jam ‘n Bean Coffee Company is a local coffee chain and roastery that roasts beans in-house daily and offers a coffee subscription program for home delivery. The local roaster sourced high-quality beans from all over the world and creates four signature blends for sipping and selling and offers a variety of packages through a coffee subscription program. Cafés have coffee and hot chocolate bars and offer cupping sessions with private, professionally trained baristas.
6860 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, 616-432-6683
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Best Place To Open A Coffee Shop
How to Find the Perfect Coffee Shop Location
We hope that this list allows gets your mind thinking about the perfect location to set up your coffee shop in your town or neighborhood. After you find you find the best location to start your coffee business, be sure, and do the follow-up research. This would include checking out the zoning laws, counting potential customers, looking at the demographics and target market in this area, among others.
Coffee Shops Near Me: Quiet Cafe
Located in the Grand Rapids Community College, the Quiet Café is a cozy, comfortable café and popular stops for students that serves fresh-brewed, locally roasted coffee, classic coffee house specialties, such as americano, cappuccino, macchiato, and espresso-baked sips, as well as pour-overs, cold brews, and brewed teas. Breakfast and lunch menus offer favorites like fruit smoothies, scrambled eggs, omelets, breakfast sandwiches, homemade soups, and salads, as well as made-to-order paninis and fresh bakery items.
GRCC Student Community Center, 122 Lyon St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, Phone: 616-234-4169
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