Menu Items Every Cafe Should Have
As a cafe owner, prioritizing customer satisfaction is paramount. Every aspect of your establishment, from space design to staff recruitment and beverage supplies procurement, should revolve around customer satisfaction. To assist you in achieving this goal, here's a checklist outlining the 10 essential menu items that will contribute to customer contentment and loyalty.
#1 Espresso
What would a coffee shop be without espresso? The espresso shot not only caters to those seeking an extra kick in their coffee but also forms the foundation for a variety of beloved drinks such as Americano, affogato, romano, and latte. It's an indispensable element that you should have at the very heart of your cafe menu ideas.
Incorporating espresso into your menu allows you to appeal to a broad spectrum of coffee lovers. While investing in espresso machines may be taxing, the reward is worth it all once you see those numbers on your cash register. Just ensure that you source high-quality coffee beans so you can provide your customers with a great cup-of-joe!
#2 Latte
You can’t mention espresso without also speaking of the latte. Lattes are base out of an espresso base, adding milk. Given that lattes consistently rank among the best-sellers at any cafe, it is crucial to feature the latte on your menu.
To accommodate these diverse drinks, investing in commercial-grade equipment specifically designed for lattes is essential. Fortunately, many of these machines are versatile enough to brew a wide variety of beverages. Capitalize on this flexibility by acquiring equipment that caters to different preferences, ensuring your menu appeals to a broad audience and keeps your latte enthusiasts satisfied with the array of offerings.
#3 Iced Coffee
Cold brew has gained lots of popularity in the last decade - check out our recent blog post on it! Therefore, making iced coffee a prime choice for cafe menus; especially those of cafes in hot areas like Arizona! With minimal requirements and basic barista skills, iced coffee is always an attractive option. Offering variations within iced coffee can differentiate your cafe from competitors. Given its appeal to a younger demographic, introducing iced coffee can expand your customer base.
#4 Bagels
Stepping away from coffee for a second, let’s get into the food territory. When it comes to cafe food items, the bagel is a no brainer! Bagels continue to rank as the most popular food choice at cafes for years. By showcasing a basic bagel selection (plain, garlic, and everything), you can drive sales. When prepared authentically, bagels not only sell their own merit, but also become a repeat-selling item.
#5 Donuts
For customers with a sweet tooth, you can’t go wrong with a donut selection. Adding donuts to the food section of your menu is a low-risk decision with plenty of appeal. With a diverse range of donut options and a cost-effective production process, you can easily strike a balance between variety and budget. The required equipment is reasonably priced and may prove useful for preparing other food items as well. Not only are donuts a staple cafe menu item, buy they’re guaranteed to bring in a lot of revenue!
#6 Croissant
Think about some of the most popular snacks people like having with their coffee, and a croissant will come right to mind. It’s buttery texture and distinctive flavor make it unique, affordable, and energizing - ideal for breakfast! Additionally, plain croissants can be versatile, serving as a base for sandwiches, providing an opportunity to boost revenue without significant additional investment in menu expansion.
#7 Breakfast Sandwich
Speaking of sandwiches, be sure to include your take on the classic breakfast sandwich in your menu. The possibilities are endless. You have the freedom to incorporate a variety of ingredients to craft your take on the traditional breakfast sandwich. Regardless of what you create, it will undoubtedly have a significant impact on sales and customer satisfaction.
#8 Teas
Finally, no coffee shop is complete without a tea selection. We recommend having the essentials, and expanding your selections later, if needed. These include: black tea, herbal tea, and chai. If you’re feeling creative, you could even include a dirty chai in your menu, too. A dirty chai is a drink containing a single or double shot of espresso, combined with a chai tea latte, making for the perfect blend of coffee and tea.
While this isn’t all we’d recommend for a coffee shop menu, it provides for a great foundation. With these offerings, your coffee shop is bound to be successful, affording you the opportunity to expand your menu further down the road.