Your business: how to open a summer cafe

* The calculations use the average data for the World 600 000 ₽

Starting investments

720 000 ₽

Revenue

450 000 ₽

Net profit

2 months

Payback period

Summer cafe is one of the most profitable types of seasonal business. Initial investments amount to about 600 thousand rubles - they can be paid back in 2-3 months and earn up to 2 million net profit per season.

The entertainment industry is actively developing every year. A growing food culture is also growing. Especially high demand is observed in the warm season. This means that a summer cafe is a great opportunity to make money. Such establishments are a favorite place for most citizens. Over the past eight years, the market for summer cafes has increased by almost 20%, and the average bill has grown by about 35%.

When planning to open a summer cafe, an entrepreneur must understand that he does not have time to swing. Seasonal business requires thorough preparation of “before” and quick response during work. The open-air establishments are open from May to September. In those cities where sunny warm weather does not last long, it is generally inappropriate to open such a format of catering establishments.

Pros and cons of a summer cafe

This type of institution provides various opportunities in the field of design, recipes, menus, marketing.

Organizing a summer cafe is much easier than a full-fledged restaurant. And the matter is not only in the difference in starting investments, but also in business processes. Therefore, if you wanted to work in the field of catering, then a summer cafe is an excellent option for a novice entrepreneur who needs to gain experience.

In summer, people tend to spend as much time as possible outdoors. Therefore, tables on the street will become your competitive advantage over closed establishments.

Pitfalls at the opening of a summer cafe

Business is seasonal and weather dependent. If the summer is cold and rainy or, on the contrary, too hot, then attendance will be significantly lower than planned. Also, you will have to collect an impressive package of documents and get permission from the city hall to rent a land plot.

High competition is also one of the pitfalls of this business. The least difficulty with opening a summer cafe will be on private rented land. With the municipal territory, everything is more complicated. In addition to the problem of renting a land plot, other issues will have to be addressed: the administration has requirements for the improvement of the territory, the design of the facade, the interior and other parameters. In some cases, the fulfillment of all requirements may take several months. So if you want to enter the season with a ready-made business, first consult the local Center for Entrepreneurship Support under the city administration.

Formats of a summer cafe

The initial stage of the opening of a summer cafe is the choice of the format of the institution. The catering industry is developing and offers various formats, each of which has its own consumer. The most common formats are:

  1. Street food. In fact, this is a prototype of fast food, which is organized on the street. Customer can have a bite on the go. The cafe in the street food format is a small kiosk-trailer where they sell shawarma, pancakes, hamburgers, etc. Near the kiosk usually set racks or a couple of tables for those wishing to eat in more comfortable conditions. The average bill for such cafes is 200 rubles. Materials about the discovery of popular types of street food can be found here.

  2. The cafeteria is a small establishment serving delicious drinks in combination with desserts. This also includes galaterii with ice cream. This is a suitable option for families with children. The average bill is 350 rubles.

  3. Cafe-terrace - an institution offering a wide range of dishes, comfortable pastime, good service. The average check of such institutions starts at 600 rubles.

  4. Cafe-barbecue - one of the most common formats of a summer cafe. In order to open the barbecue, you need to find a place not only for tables, but also for the barbecue area. Not all sites are suitable for this purpose. Here the average bill is already 800 rubles.

  5. Beach Cafe - A mini-cafe that specializes in preparing beach food. There will be no gourmet dishes here, but you can have a bite to eat in comfortable conditions. Such establishments open on or near beaches. The format is very profitable, but the rental is quite expensive.

A place to open a summer cafe

The most profitable locations are parks and tourist areas, embankments, central streets of the city, territory near sights or a beautiful panorama of the city, crowded places, etc.

To place a summer cafe, you will need to solve the issue of renting a land plot. If you have chosen a plot on a private territory - it will be easier for you: conclude a lease agreement - and you can start working. But if the land belongs to the municipality, then you will have to deal with the local administration, namely with the Committee on the management of urban (municipal) property. You will need to obtain permission to install the cafe. And here certain difficulties may arise. You run the risk of getting into paperwork, which is time-consuming. And for a seasonal business, time is very valuable.

For a summer cafe you will need a plot of 5 to 20 sq.m. - depending on the selected format. The approximate rental cost of such a site will be 40 thousand rubles. Please note that you will have to place the kitchen somewhere. For a full cooking cycle, there should be a separate room that meets all the requirements and standards. The difficulty is that the kitchen should be near the site for visitors. Enough will be 15 sq.m. to settle. Thus, get ready to spend about 50 thousand rubles on rent.

Renting urban plots is usually cheaper than private plots. The rate only provides for tax payment. But here you can fall into the trap: in 70% of cases, places are unprofitable and will not bring profit. Therefore, carefully analyze the potential location: trace the pedestrian traffic, examine what is next door. Enter into a lease only after making sure that the place suits you. You will not have time to change your mind and change the location.

When choosing a location, also consider the following factors:

  • good visibility of the institution from different points;

  • parking availability;

  • the proximity of busy roads.

Immediately think about how your institution will look. For a summer cafe, a presentable look is very important. Therefore, draw up a design project. It is not necessary to contact the designer. Just create a harmonious space for relaxation.

Business Registration

One of the challenges of a catering business is the collection of permits. For this you need to stock up on time and patience. Serious demands are made even on a small summer cafe. To complete a full package of documents, it will take several months and about 15 thousand rubles. So start the preparation many months before the start in order to have time to prepare everything for the opening.

First you need to register a business. In this case, it is more profitable to issue an IP, because the cafe will operate only from May to September. If you plan to sell alcohol in your cafe, then in order to obtain a license you will have to register as an LLC.

As an activity according to the classification of OKVED-2, you can specify:

  • 08/18/2019 Activities of restaurants and cafes with full catering, cafeterias, fast food restaurants and self-service

  • 55.40 Activity of bars (if there is alcohol in the menu).

Next, you should choose a tax system. For a summer cafe, the USN is suitable at a rate of 6% (of income), at a rate of 15% (income minus expenses) or UTII if the area of ​​the institution is less than 150 sq.m. Before making a decision, consider each option to choose a more profitable one. Please note that UTII may not work in a specific region, so find out everything in advance.

Register the cash register in a tax office, and also register with the FIU and the Social Insurance Fund as an employer to transfer insurance premiums for employees.

The next stage is the most difficult - get all the permissions. In order to open a summer cafe from scratch, coordination with the SES, the fire inspectorate, and the administration about the land plot is necessary. The basic list of necessary documentation can be found in this article.

Equipment for a summer cafe

For a summer cafe, the same equipment is required as for a regular catering establishment. Refrigerators, ovens, kitchen utensils, dishes (ceramic or cardboard - it depends on the format of the cafe), small kitchen appliances, etc. Other equipment may be added here if the format of the cafe requires it. For example, if you plan to open a barbecue, you will need to buy a barbecue and all related tools.

In addition, you should take care of the convenience of your guests and purchase equipment to maintain a comfortable temperature: it can be mobile irrigation-type air conditioners or fans with a humidifier.

It is also necessary to purchase furniture: tables and chairs. Keep in mind that the use of plastic garden furniture in summer cafes is prohibited in many cities, due to low environmental and aesthetic characteristics. The best solution is wicker or metal furniture with soft seats.

To fully equip a summer cafe, approximately 300 thousand rubles will be required. But be sure to recount all costs based on your conditions and price level.

Menu and Organization

Menu development is a very important step. It should correspond to the format of the institution in all respects and especially in price. It is impossible to give any definite recommendations here. Each format has its own specifics. You can only identify key points:

  • The menu should be varied, but not oversaturated. Too large a list of dishes is bad for both the client and you. It will be difficult for the client to decide, and for you to stock up with so many different ingredients (it’s good if all positions are in demand, otherwise you will suffer losses);

  • For each dish should draw up a technological map. It indicates the consumption of products per serving and its volume. These data are useful for the cook and SES, as well as for calculating the necessary raw materials;

  • Follow the principle of full and variable use of products. Make the menu to include the main products in different dishes. This will help to avoid food spoilage if some of the dishes turn out to be unclaimed;

  • Consider consumer preferences. Be flexible in your menu design. Track the history of orders, ask visitors for opinions, exclude unpopular dishes from the menu, or, conversely, enter those that you often ask about.

After developing the menu, make a list of the necessary products. With this information, start your search for suppliers. The main requirement for them is the timely delivery and quality of the products provided. It is important that all products comply with GOST requirements and have quality certificates. Using the routing and sales forecast, calculate the amount of products that you need. Most likely, these calculations will be approximate.

The list of necessary products for the purchase is individual for each institution. So you have to deal with suppliers yourself. You can work with a comprehensive supplier that will orient you and provide everything you need with one delivery. But most often small cafes work with local small suppliers.

Before concluding a supply agreement, discuss all conditions, voice your requirements or wishes, read reviews on these or those suppliers. Compare different offers. Make the first purchase small and from different suppliers. Compare the following criteria: speed of delivery, additional service, product quality, product price, customer loyalty, etc. As you can see, the search for suppliers is a rather dreary business, so also start it in advance.

For a small institution, the initial purchase of products will be approximately 40 thousand rubles. Although here everything is individual.

Summer cafe staff

Cafe can not do without a cook and a waiter. In addition, if you work 7 days a week, you should organize a shift schedule - and this is another chef and waiter. Minimum staff for a summer cafe: 2 waiters, 2 cooks, administrator, cleaning lady, accountant. You can’t imagine anything with cooks and waiters - you need to look for good, qualified employees. As an administrator, you can try to cope on your own. And accounting services can be outsourced.

Pick staff that matches the format of the cafe. For example, if you have plans for a galateria, where ready-made ice cream is sold, then you can do without a cook and put in one cashier seller. And if you are planning a cafe with your own kitchen, then you can’t do without a cook.

Please note that all employees must have medical books issued. This is a requirement. With a staff of 6 people, payroll will amount to about 120 thousand rubles (including deductions to funds).

Advertising and marketing

An advertisement for a summer cafe is as specific as the activity itself. Costly methods do not work here. It’s better to focus on simple but effective advertising. Be prepared to spend about 20 thousand rubles on promotion.

  • The location of the establishment is important. Often people on a walk choose a cafe spontaneously. Pass by a cozy place, see a sign with an attractive offer and decide to stop by. So make sure your cafe looks presentable. You can set a chalk board next to where you will write discount information or a meal of the day.

  • Make yourself known in advance. While you will equip the site, post an announcement about what will be located here and when the opening is planned. Distribute flyers with discount coupons and an invitation to open a summer playground.

  • Come up with your chip - something that will distinguish you from others. Market competition is very high. You have to fight for a place in the sun not only inside a narrow segment, but also with most of the institutions in the city that have summer areas (and now many have them). Maybe you will include music on records, styling a cafe under the retro; or you will be showing films through the projector; or arrange a show program ... There are many options. Look what interesting things come up abroad - what if you want to repeat something?

  • Remember that for any cafe, the best advertisement is delicious food, pleasant service and a welcoming atmosphere.

Profit calculation

We pass to the most important stage - the calculation of profit. Be sure to plan the income and expenses of the project to ensure its effectiveness. Otherwise, it’s useless to start it.

Here are the key business indicators:

  • Initial investments: 600 thousand rubles

  • Average bill: from 300 to 1200 rubles (depending on format)

  • Number of visitors per month: 1200 people (or 40 people per day)

  • Monthly turnover: ≈ 720 thousand rubles

  • Monthly expenses: 270 thousand rubles

  • Net profit: ≈ 450 thousand rubles

  • Payback period: 2 months

These calculations are approximate and may vary depending on: region, institution format, price level, etc.

Some features of summer cafes

  • The rule of three "O": lighting, heating installations, insect repellents. If you take care of these three “O's”, then your visitors will not scatter in the evening, in wet and cool weather, in the first autumn months.
  • Beer and meat. It is on them that the emphasis is most often in summer cafes. But by law, selling alcohol in non-stationary facilities (a kiosk, stall, counter, tent) is not allowed. Regional authorities have the right to allow beer trade in summer cafes, but located only at stationary facilities.
  • White color. All restaurateurs strictly do not recommend using white accessories on tables in a summer outdoor cafe. Why? Everything is very simple: white color blinds your eyes in the bright sun.
  • Playground + children's menu. Almost mandatory components of open cafes.
  • Zoning. Even for the so-called democratic segment, one rule must be remembered: the territory should be divided into several zones and create a feeling of isolation of the tables. “Architectural details” will help here, such as arches, arbors, walls, wickers, decorative forged lattices, fountains, waterfalls.

Conclusion

A summer cafe is a great way to make quick money. But the matter is beneficial only if everything is done according to plan and in a timely manner. Start preparing for the summer season is already in the winter. Investments at the start are low, and due to the huge margin on products for a season, they can earn as much as a grocery store has for a whole year.

Get up-to-date calculations for a business plan

Evgenia Yurkina

(c) www.clogicsecure.com - a portal to business plans and guidelines for starting a small business 08/18/2019


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