5 book to read when you’re opening a coffee shop

With the right resources, opening a coffee shop can be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences. Here are 5 book recommendations that will tons of value to your coffee shop ownership journey.

What I Know About Running Coffee Shops (Colin Harmon)

This book, from the name, is at the top of the list because of its relevance to new coffee shop owners. It is packed full of practical information for those who are wanting to open, planning to open, or in the process of opening a coffee shop. From what to take into consideration when renting or buying a space, to how to find a suitable location, to how to improve workflow, Colin shares generously from his wealth of experience owning and operating 3FE in Dublin.

Setting The Table (Daniel Meyer)

A must-read for anyone in the hospitality industry or looking to start a business in the food and beverage industry. The book provides an in-depth look at the philosophy and strategies behind Meyer's successful restaurant empire, Union Square Hospitality Group. Meyer shares his insights on everything from creating a positive and productive work culture to building strong relationships with customers and suppliers. He also delves into the importance of hospitality and the role it plays in creating a successful business, such as a coffee shop.

Excellence Wins (Horst Schulze)

A powerful and thought-provoking book that provides valuable insights on how to achieve excellence in business and in life. Written by Horst Schulze, the former President and COO of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, draws on his decades of experience in the luxury hotel industry to provide a no-nonsense guide to becoming the best in a world of compromise. A standout aspect of the book is Schulze's emphasis on the importance of customer service. He argues that truly excellent organizations put the customer at the center of everything they do and are relentless in their pursuit of meeting and exceeding their expectations.

How to Make the Best Coffee at Home (James Hoffmann)

Now wait, I get what you might be thinking. This book is about making coffee at home! And you're correct. But, this book also has a lot of practical information for making coffee that is applicable in coffee shops. Coffee shop owners and baristas will benefit from taking note of how James explains concepts in a simple and approachable way, even for customers who are just discovering coffee and coffee shops for the first time.

Business Made Simple (Donald Miller)

In recent years, Donald Miller has focused his career on helping businesses communicate their value and purpose simply and easily using the Storybrand framework. This book builds upon that concept and expands it to other business processes and activities, such as leadership, business strategy, marketing, and communication. Readers get access to the accompanying video series.