Laura Buyers

Café Startup Equipment Checklist: What You Do (& Don’t) Need!

Café Startup Equipment

• Food and drink preparation

• Drip coffeemakers

• Coffee presses

• A high-quality espresso machine

• Industrial coffee grinders

• A water filtration system

• Food preparation tables

• Food storage bins, bottles, and pumps

• Commercial blenders

• Ovens/toasters/grills

• An ice maker

• Software

• A robust security system

• A POS system

• Employee management/scheduling software

• Payroll/accounting software

• Storage and refrigeration

• Industrial refrigerators

• A large freezer (walk-in for larger businesses)

• Insulated containers for cream and milk

• Industrial shelving for dry storage

• Food storage containers for opened ingredients

• Industrial plastic wrap

• Consumable Goods

• Napkins

• Insulated paper cups and lids

• Cardboard sleeves

• Plastic cups and lids

• Paper towels

• Straws

• Paper/cardboard plates

• Dishes and flatware 

• Plates

• Mugs

• Cups and drinking glasses

• Spoons, knives, and forks

• Drink preparation utensils 

• Cleanup and maintenance

• A 3-compartment sink for rinsing, washing, and sanitizing dishes

• Mop and dedicated mop closet/sink

• Rags and industrial cleaning spray

• Dishwasher

• Bus trays for dirty dishes

• Trash cans and bags

• Dumpster/trash compactor

• Furniture and decor

• Tables and chairs

• Counters/bar seating

• Outdoor furniture and umbrellas

• Food prep/work counters

• Display/storage cases

• Overhead menus

• In-store menus and displays

• Interior/exterior lighting

• Wall art, framed photos/posters, etc.

• Audio systems