Whether it’s a craft beer bar, a trendy coffee shop or something else entirely, every business owner has to come up with a menu.
Some do this by creating their own drinks while others simply create their own versions of popular menu items.
Whatever the case may be, there are some simple steps you can take that will help make the process of creating your own menu much easier:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Conduct research to determine the drinks and food items you want to offer on your menu. |
| Consider the layout and design of your coffee shop menu, and make it visually appealing. |
| Your coffee shop menu should include a variety of coffee drinks, such as lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso shots, along with food items like pastries, sandwiches, and breakfast items. |
| Get creative with your menu and consider offering unique drink combinations and food options. |
| Consider the pricing of your menu items, taking into account factor such as ingredient costs, labor, and overhead expenses. |
| Update your coffee shop menu regularly to keep it fresh and relevant, and to cater to changing consumer preferences. |
Look At The Seasons
One of the best things about coffee is that it’s always changing, which means you can keep your menu fresh and exciting simply by adding new drinks.
If you’re looking for inspiration, look to the seasons. What does your community like during the summer? Perhaps go for a fruity drink like an Arnold Palmer or iced tea with lemonade in it! In winter, focus on warming beverages like hot chocolate or mulled cider.
You’ll also want to consider what’s going on around town. If there are any local holidays coming up, think about what drinks would be appropriate (or even better: themed!) for those occasions.
And if there are big sporting events going on in town—a huge game at your school or an important race—the right drink can help capture some buzz as well!
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Make Sure It’s Easy To Read
This is probably the most important thing when it comes to creating a menu. If your customers can’t read it, then that’s just bad for business. Make sure you use fonts that are easy to read and are legible from a distance.
You should also make sure your font isn’t too big or small, because if it’s too small, people won’t be able to see what’s on their menu! If you’re serving food with dim lighting (like coffee shops do) make sure that using white letters will help in making them visible even under low light situations.
Create A Seasonal Special
Another way to promote your coffee shop is by creating a seasonal special. This could be anything from a special drink or dessert, to a monthly meal deal or event. You should make sure that it’s something you can do well, and also something that people will want to order.
For example, if you’re in the middle of winter and have just stocked up on hot chocolate supplies, why not create an ‘Iced Hot Chocolate’ which is served with marshmallows on top? Or maybe during summer months when strawberries are at their best and everyone loves strawberry desserts, try making a Strawberry Tiramisu!
You shouldn’t just offer one off specials either; they should be seasonal too so you’ll need to plan ahead for this!
Make sure there’s enough time between each special so as not too confuse customers but also keep them interested in coming back again soon rather than forgetting all about it after one day…
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Don’t Be Afraid To Be Creative
To be successful, you need to be able to think outside the box. You’re not going to succeed by doing things exactly as they’ve always been done.
That’s why so many of the most successful businesses are innovative in their approach. When you’re trying new things and being creative, it helps your customers feel like they’re getting something special from your shop when they visit.
Don’t be afraid of being creative! If you feel like an idea isn’t working, try something else instead and don’t worry about making mistakes or asking for help along the way either!
Creative Menu Design
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Unique Drink Combinations | Consider creating unique drink combinations that set you apart from competitors. For example, Starbucks’ Unicorn Frappuccino became an internet sensation due to its colorful and creative appearance. |
| Creative Food Options | Get creative with your food options by offering unique and innovative items. The Dunkin’ Donuts Beyond Sausage Sandwich is an example of a creative food item that appeals to vegetarian and vegan consumers. |
| Playful Menu Item Names | Don’t be afraid to use playful and clever names for your menu items, like the “Wakin’ Bacon” breakfast sandwich offered at Einstein Bros. Bagels. |
| Eye-Catching Graphics | Use bright colors and eye-catching graphics in your menu design to make it stand out and grab customers’ attention. |
| Eco-Friendly Packaging | Consider using eco-friendly packaging options like biodegradable cups or reusable to-go containers as a creative way to set your coffee shop apart. |
Keep It Simple
Keep the menu simple. Customers don’t want to pick between so many options that they have a tough time choosing.
They also don’t want to think too hard or be overwhelmed by a lot of choices. Make it easy for them by having just a few items on your menu and then add more later if business is strong enough to support it.
We know what you’re thinking: “But, there are so many cool drinks! I want to showcase all my creativity!” Yes, we do understand how important it is for you to show off your skills as the owner and operator of this new shop.
But, at the same time, there’s no need for too much complexity or confusion when customers come in looking for their next delicious cup o’ joe (or whatever else they prefer).
Keeping things simple means that customers will find what they’re looking for quickly and easily and order without any hesitation which helps keep lines moving faster throughout the day!
The coffee shop has come a long way from its ancient brews to the caffeinated catalyst of the modern world. Check out our brief overview of the fascinating history of the coffee shop and discover the storied past of coffee culture and how it evolved over the centuries.
Make Something Truly Unique To Your Coffee Shop
There’s nothing worse than seeing a menu that looks like it was copied and pasted from another location. Make sure your menu stands out, by including a local flair or theme. Use a unique color or font so that it’s easy for customers to read and understand.
Make it interesting for your customers by making it personal: include a special touch or add something extra, like an illustration or picture of the coffee shop itself!
Use Visuals Wisely
Photos of the food, drink or other items you’re selling will help your customers understand what they’re getting before they order it.
This is especially important if you have a lot of options on your menu, like at a coffee shop or restaurant where there are dozens of drinks available from which to choose.
Icons can be used instead of text to indicate what’s in the drink (think “freshly squeezed orange juice” vs “freshly squeezed orange juice with pulp”) and icons can also indicate whether something is vegetarian/vegan/gluten free/etc., so that people who have special dietary needs can easily see what foods would work best for them.
Last but not least, icons can also be used to signify certain specials! For example: if someone wants their drink with whipped cream and sprinkles but it isn’t listed as an option on your menu because its only offered during holidays like Christmas or Easter then use symbols as visual cues so they know they’re getting exactly what they want without having any confusion about whether or not there’s enough time left till those holidays come around again next year.
Navigating through the often-confusing nomenclature and vast variety of coffee drinks can be daunting for beginners. Check out the different types of coffee drinks explained: a beginner’s guide to deepen your coffee knowledge and understand the options available for the perfect cup of joe.
Keep Your Menu Consistent With Your Branding
The menu, like everything else in your coffee shop, should match the branding. This means it should look and feel like everything else in your shop.
The colors should be consistent with the other promotional materials and accessories you use (think branded mugs and cups that are used for regular customers).
If you want to create a unique menu, make sure it’s different enough from competitors’ menus but not so much that it turns away potential customers who don’t want something too off-the-wall or unusual.
If you’re going for an upscale vibe, then perhaps a chalkboard is more appropriate than laminated paper menus – but don’t send prospective customers running just because they don’t see what they’re looking for on their first glance!
Consistent Menu Branding
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Define Your Brand | Determine your brand identity and messaging, including brand colors, logos, and photography. |
| Menu Design | Use design elements that remain reflective of your brand. For example, Starbucks’ menu design incorporates their signature green color and iconic mermaid logo. |
| Menu Item Names | Naming conventions for menu items should be consistent with your brand voice by using language and terminology that reflects your brand’s personality and tone. |
| Typography | Use font and text styles that are consistent with your brand’s overall aesthetic. Dunkin’ Donuts, for example, uses a distinctive bold font in their menus that is recognizable and consistent with their brand identity. |
| Update as Needed | Ensure that any changes or updates to your brand’s messaging or aesthetic are reflected in your menu design and naming conventions. |
List Drinks By Size, Style And/Or Type
Your menu should also be well organized, with drinks listed by size, style and/or type. If you want to highlight a specific drink you can do so by listing it at the top of the page or even placing it on its own separate page.
Think about how you’d like your customers to view your menu; if there are certain drinks that are different from the rest then make sure they stand out in some way.
Example:
Coffee Shop Menu – Drink List
Small – Latte / Americano / Espresso / Cappuccino / Hot Chocolate – $3-$3.50
Medium – Tall Latte / Americano / Espresso / Cappuccino / Hot Chocolate – $4-$4.50
Be Savvy When It Comes To Sizes
The right size matters, so be sure to offer a variety of options. A small cup is great for those who just want a taste, while a large is perfect for those who want their coffee at home or on the go.
If you sell coffee by the pound, think about offering single-origin beans and whole beans (in addition to ground) so customers can save money by buying in bulk.
If you have limited space in your shop and if you don’t, why not? you might consider offering reusable mason jars for sale or rent.
are especially helpful for customers who don’t want their drinks sitting out on display all day long but still want something that looks chic enough to fit into any room decor style or aesthetic.
Keep It Fresh And Current
Your menu should be as current and fresh as possible. You don’t want to have a menu that’s so old that it’s outdated, nor do you want to offer something that’s always been popular in other places but isn’t relevant to your specific location.
Keep an eye on seasonal specials, new drinks or food items, new types of coffee, tea and food.
Updating Your Menu Regularly
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Research | Conduct research to stay up-to-date with current trends and preferences in the coffee industry. |
| Seasonal Offerings | Consider seasonal offerings such as Pumpkin Spice Lattes or Eggnog Cappuccinos to attract customers with limited time menu items. |
| Limited Time Offers | Create a promotion with limited time menu items to keep customers coming back for new products. |
| Customer Feedback | Use customer feedback to make changes and updates to your menu to meet consumer preferences. |
| Menu Revamp | Consider updating your menu items and redesigning its layout periodically to refresh its look and feel. |
Offer Food Options And Alcohol (If Permitted In Your State)
As much as we all love coffee, there’s nothing wrong with offering your guests a little something to snack on. You may want to consider including food options in your menu, especially if you’re opening up a new shop and want to attract more customers.
If you have the proper licensing and permits, offering alcohol is another great way of attracting customers (especially millennials!). Studies show that patrons are willing to pay higher prices for alcoholic beverages than non-alcoholic ones.
Not only that, but they also spend more money overall at businesses where they can get a drink with their meal or snack!
If you don’t have a liquor license yet but still want to offer drinks with certain orders (perhaps as an incentive for purchasing larger items), make sure those drinks are free of charge!
Every choice we make with our purchasing power can generate an impact in the world. Discover how to choose a sustainable coffee brand that makes a difference and learn about the criteria and certifications to consider when choosing a coffee brand with purpose.
Conclusion
With these tips in mind, you can create your own coffee shop menu with confidence. It’s a great way to build a loyal customer base and attract new customers who love your products.
If you’re looking for more inspiration and ideas, check out the articles below:
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to help you create an enticing coffee shop menu:
8 Steps for Developing a Solid Menu for Your Coffee Shop: This comprehensive guide breaks down the process of creating a coffee shop menu into eight actionable steps.
Coffee Shop Menu Ideas: The Do’s and Don’ts: Use this article from Toast to get inspiration and ideas for designing a coffee shop menu that works.
Coffee House Menus: Check out MustHaveMenus for pre-designed coffee shop menu templates and customization tools that will make menu creation a breeze.
FAQs
How do I create a coffee shop menu?
To create a coffee shop menu, start by researching the coffee products and food items that you want to offer. Once you’ve decided on the items, consider the design and layout of the menu to make it visually appealing.
What should be included in a coffee shop menu?
A coffee shop menu should include a variety of coffee drinks, like lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso shots, along with food items like pastries, sandwiches, and breakfast items.
How can I make my coffee shop menu stand out?
To make your coffee shop menu stand out, consider unique drink combinations, creative food options, and eco-friendly packaging. In addition, eye-catching graphics and unique font styles can make your menu more visually appealing.
How do I price my coffee shop menu items?
To price your coffee shop menu items, consider factors like ingredient costs, labor, and overhead expenses. Research current market prices and competition to ensure that your pricing is competitive and sustainable for your business.
How often should I update my coffee shop menu?
To keep your coffee shop menu fresh and relevant, consider seasonal offerings and menu revamps every few months. Updating your menu regularly can also help you stay competitive and cater to changing consumer preferences.
Hi, I’m Hellen James, founder of Unified Coffees. I created the platform to fill the gap in coffee blogging by providing tips on brewing coffee, rather than just focusing on beans and grinders.
