Opening a coffee shop is harder than it looks. Social media makes it seem like the perfect lifestyle business. You find a cozy space, buy a beautiful machine, post a few latte shots, and wait for the crowds to come in.

But behind every café that lasts is a founder who asked the hard questions before signing a lease.

This guide is written for entrepreneurs in India who want to make informed decisions from the beginning. It covers key factors every coffee shop owner should consider and shows where Brewing Gadgets can help you avoid costly mistakes. We have worked with café owners across Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, and beyond. We understand what works and what tends to go wrong.

Start with the business model, not the equipment

Many entrepreneurs begin by browsing espresso machines. But choosing equipment before defining your business model leads to problems later.

Will your café focus on takeaway coffee in a high-traffic area? Will it be a dine-in space in a residential neighborhood? Are you planning a roastery café or a compact kiosk in a mall? Each format comes with specific requirements. A setup that works for one type of café could be completely unfit for another.

At Brewing Gadgets, we start by understanding your vision and estimated daily volume. That foundation shapes every equipment recommendation we make.

Choose your site based on footfall, not just rent

Rent is only one part of the equation. The right location aligns with your business model.

High-volume coffee bars need constant traffic, which often means locations near offices, metro stations, or shopping areas. Cafés that focus on customer experience need space, good lighting, and the ability to create the right atmosphere.

We have helped many café owners evaluate locations. Before you sign a lease, we can assess whether the space supports your workflow and growth plans.

Understand your workflow before you build your bar

A coffee bar functions like a mini kitchen. Layout affects everything from speed of service to staff comfort and hygiene.

We have designed bars for some of the busiest cafés in the region. At Brewing Gadgets, we walk through your workflow step by step. We factor in grinder placement, milk fridge access, waste bin location, cup storage, tamping zones, sink proximity, and barista movement. We also ensure enough service access for technicians and ventilation for heat management.

Too many cafés run into service delays and barista frustration due to inefficient layouts. Proper planning prevents that.

Do not ignore water, power and drainage

Before installing any machine, you need to confirm whether your site can support it.

Does your electrical panel handle the load of a 2-group or 3-group machine? Is there a water inlet and drainage where your espresso machine will sit? Are your power points properly positioned?

Many projects run into delays or extra costs because of infrastructure issues. Brewing Gadgets conducts site visits and provides input early on. We also advise on water filtration systems that prevent scale buildup. In India, where water quality varies, filtration is critical to protect your investment and maintain machine performance.

Choose equipment based on your team’s skills

Some machines offer advanced features like pressure profiling and flow control. Others are built for consistency and speed. The right choice depends on who will be using the machine and what level of control you want.

If you plan to hire experienced baristas, more advanced equipment may add value. If you want repeatability across shifts or plan to expand, it makes more sense to choose models that offer ease of use and fast recovery.

Brewing Gadgets carries a wide range of espresso machines. We guide you toward models that match your goals, menu, and staffing plan.

Plan for training and maintenance, not just launch day

Many cafés launch with a trained team but fail to maintain standards over time. Equipment also needs care. Water filters must be replaced. Machines require calibration. Grinders need cleaning and tuning.

We offer ongoing training tailored to your menu and setup. Our service team handles preventive maintenance, emergency support, and spare parts. We employ national champions, certified technicians, and experienced roasters who understand the day-to-day demands of running a café.

Understand local compliance before construction

In many Indian cities, operating a café inside a mall, business park, or standalone location comes with compliance requirements.

You may need grease traps, drainage planning, ventilation systems, or fire safety clearances. These should be addressed early, before construction begins.

We help you navigate compliance based on your location and landlord requirements. Avoiding last-minute changes can save both time and money.

Budget for the full setup, not just the espresso machine

Opening a café involves more than buying a coffee machine.

You will need one or more grinders, a water filter, knock box, milk jugs, tampers, pitchers, a POS system, takeaway cups, blenders, cleaning tools, and batch brewers if your menu includes filter coffee. You may also want to sell home brewing gear.

We help you build a complete list of what your café will require. We stock everything from professional bar tools to compact home kits, so your retail shelf can generate extra revenue too.

Success comes from planning, not luck

Good coffee is essential. But a successful café depends on good decisions.

From power load and sink placement to staff training and equipment care, every detail matters.

Brewing Gadgets has helped hundreds of cafés across India open smoothly. We are here to be more than just a supplier. We are your planning partner from idea to execution.

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