The owner of a coffee shop always has a great chance to demonstrate simplicity in customer care - a well-written coffee menu will show the visitor that your establishment has a choice of drinks, and will not scare off a random guest who does not understand the types of coffee and has only heard the word "glace" in films. People like it when everything is simple. And specific prices and a clear assortment are two factors that will help you retain the client.

Ideally, the coffee menu is created by professionals: the head barista or, if the establishment has a small staff, a specially invited consultant. But if you have just opened and the budget is limited, and you have at least a little experience as a barista, you can try to create the menu yourself.

What is a coffee card

A coffee menu is essentially the same as a menu in cafes and restaurants, only all sorts of variations of drinks come first in the coffee shop menu. Your establishment's menu can feature as many items as you like - from a dozen to hundreds, but in any case, you need to start with the most popular and simple drinks.

A small selection is not a minus for an establishment. It is difficult to surprise with a card with a huge selection, and many successful coffee shops offer 10-15 types of coffee on the menu, but even respectable restaurants can envy the quality of these drinks

Clarification: You may not limit yourself to drinks when compiling a menu. Despite the name "coffee shop", it would be appropriate to indicate other items on the menu, such as desserts and snacks.

What should be included in the coffee menu

The cards in coffee shops are made up according to one of two basic principles:

1. indicate different types of coffee drinks with a list of the ingredients from which they are prepared;
2. They also indicate the range of drinks, but with the possibility for the visitor to choose specific ingredients and their proportions from which the drink will be prepared.

The first option is more convenient for "coffee to go" establishments, where the barista does not have time to answer clarifying questions from visitors about coffee varieties and other features of drinks. The second option is suitable for atmospheric establishments with higher prices than mini-coffee shops.

Drinks

The coffee menu of almost any coffee shop can be divided into four sections:

• black coffee (espresso, ristretto, americano);
• coffee with milk - usually the most popular items in any establishment (cappuccino, latte, flat white);
• signature drink options - an opportunity to come up with special items that will make customers come back again and again ;
• an alternative to the usual drinks prepared in a coffee machine: coffee in a cezve , in a French press , in an Aeropress.

Complex types of drinks usually come with a detailed description and photo.

Clarification. If you have recently opened, it is enough to include only the first two items in the coffee menu: black coffee and coffee with milk. The remaining items can be added later or even omitted if you do not plan to expand the range.

Exclusive offers and promotions

It is appropriate to announce exclusive offers and promotions from your establishment on the last page. The offers can be anything - discounts on certain items, complex signature cocktails, decaffeinated drinks and much more - the main thing is that the coffee shop promotions are interesting to your target audience.

Desserts

The list of desserts can be specified after the main positions - all possible options for coffee drinks. For the convenience of guests who adhere to a healthy lifestyle and watch their figure, supplement the description of each dessert with a list of its ingredients and indicate the calorie content of the portion.

Clarification: If your coffee shop also offers snacks to its customers, list the range of dishes after desserts.

Filling the map as the complexity of cooking increases

The principle of "from simple to complex" is effective in any area, including when compiling a coffee menu. To avoid making visitors feel awkward, indicate the simplest and most understandable items at the beginning of the menu: espresso, cappuccino, Americano. Offer more complex drinks after simple ones, be sure to supplement each item with a description of the ingredients that are included in a specific drink in addition to coffee: for example, cream, honey, alcohol.

Coffee Card Examples and Templates

How to create a coffee menu that is clear and attractive to customers - an example:

1. find out the preferences of your target audience in order to add the most popular items among potential customers;
2. engage a specialist consultant if your own knowledge is insufficient;
3. list the range of products according to the principle “from simple to complex”;
4. for each item, indicate the name, list the ingredients, add a photo, you can write interesting facts about the drink and its origin;
5. Calculate the exact cost price for each drink or dish to set a price at which your establishment will not become unprofitable.