Physical premises serving customers. Below is what it actually costs, how long before money arrives,
and the part most guides leave out.
Startup capital
€50,000–€150,000
Hours / week
45–70
First income
~20 wks
Net margin
18%
Saturation
high
Realistic ceiling
€0–€3,000
What nobody usually tells you
The highest capital and lowest margin here. Most close within three years, and the reason is almost never the coffee: it's the rent, due even in empty months.
The route, in five steps
Work out rent as a share of forecast revenue, not in absolute terms
Work six months in a bar before opening one
Negotiate a lease with an early exit
Open with minimum staff and hire later
Track average spend from week one
What you'll need to buy
These are the categories every café or coffee bar pays for in the first month.
We break down what each one actually costs at this size on the
tools page.
premises and licencesfit-out and equipmentstockstaff
Does it hold up for you?
These numbers are the average case. Whether this business clears your target depends on
your capital, your hours and how long you can wait — put them in and see.