What kind of revenue can a café generate?

A café’s annual turnover depends on factors such as location, size, and business concept. In major cities, yearly revenue typically ranges from €150,000 to €500,000. In smaller towns or villages, the range is usually between €50,000 and €200,000. Premium coffee shops offering specialty brews and retail products (e.g. ground beans, branded merchandise, strong digital presence) can exceed €600,000 in annual revenue.

What does it take to open or invest in a café?

Whether you're launching a new café or buying into an existing one, here’s what you need to consider:

• Location & setup: Rent or purchase, renovation costs, and interior design

• Barista equipment: Espresso machines, grinders, refrigerators, POS systems

• Licensing: Local permits, health and safety certifications, fire safety compliance

• Suppliers & inventory: Coffee roasters, tea providers, pastries, and supply agreements

• Staff & training: Baristas, waitstaff, and proper operations management

Startup capital for a new café typically ranges from €30,000 to €120,000, depending on scale and concept. Investing in an existing café may start from €10,000 for a minority share and go up to €50,000 or more for full ownership.

Why Buy or Invest in a Café?

Entering the coffee business by acquiring or investing in an existing café offers several key advantages:

• Immediate market entry with an established customer base and brand recognition

• Fully operational setup — equipment, licenses, décor, and trained staff are already in place

• Reduced risk, relying on historical financial performance and customer reviews

• Growth potential through delivery, retail (e.g. packaged coffee), or even future franchising

• Investment flexibility — choose between equity participation with lower capital or full ownership for independence

In well-managed cafés, payback can be achieved within 2–4 years, with net profit margins ranging from 10% to 20%, depending on the business model and location.