While starting a coffee drive-thru business can be an exciting venture, it also requires thorough planning and preparation. A comprehensive business plan is crucial, as it becomes a roadmap for your business: helping you outline your goals, strategies, opportunities and financial projections.
Ready to start pouring? Here's a nine-ingredient guide to blending your perfect coffee drive-thru business plan.
Writing a Coffee Drive-Thru Business Plan
1. A Compelling Executive Summary
The executive summary provides a grand overview of your business. It should be concise and summarize the key points of your plan. On a basic level, it should include the name of your business, the location, the products you will offer, and your unique selling proposition.
This section may also highlight your business goals and the strategies you will use to achieve them.
Franchising is often easier than starting an independent business due to several key advantages. It offers an established brand and proven business model, which reduces the initial trial-and-error phase. At The Human Bean, franchise partners receive comprehensive training and ongoing support, benefiting from large-scale marketing campaigns and easier access to financing through preferred lender programs. Franchisees can also leverage economies of scale and a supportive network of fellow owners.
While it's the first section of your plan, it's often best to write it last, after you've flushed out the details in the other sections.
2. A Detailed Business Description
In this section, you’ll want to provide a comprehensive description of your coffee drive-thru business. Explain the concept, and the type of coffee and related products you will sell. Discuss the market need for your business, and how you plan to meet that need.
Highlight what sets your business apart from competitors, such as unique product offerings, exceptional customer service, or a prime location.
At The Human Bean, we have a well-established business model, including detailed information about the brand, products, services, and operational procedures. This consistency allows franchisees to use existing materials and guidelines, reducing the need for extensive market research and creative input. As a result, franchisees can quickly and accurately describe their business, leveraging the credibility and recognition of the franchisor's brand.
3. A Thorough Market Analysis
A market analysis is essential for understanding the industry and your target market. Include data on the coffee industry, current trends, and the demand for drive-thru coffee services. Identify your target market by demographic factors such as age, income, and lifestyle. Analyze your competitors, detailing their strengths and weaknesses, and identify opportunities and threats in the market.
This analysis will help you to position your business strategically and thoughtfully.
The Human Bean has tools, like Trailblazer e-sites, to help you better understand your market and demographic. You can easily identify your top customers in each market, rank potential locations based on concentrations of ideal customers, and see traffic and shopping patterns.
4. An Organizational Chart
Outline the structure of your business and the management team. Describe the ownership of the business — whether it's a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation. Provide bios for the key members of your management team, highlighting their experience and qualifications. If applicable, include a visual chart to show the hierarchy and roles within your business.
5. A Summary of Products and Services
Detail the products and services you will offer at your coffee drive-thru. This section should cover your menu items, including: coffee, tea, specialty drinks, retail, and any food items. Describe the unique features of your products, such as locally-sourced ingredients or innovative recipes.
Also, consider including details on pricing, suppliers, and any seasonal or promotional items.
Many franchisors offer established supply chains and quality control measures. The Human Bean has pre-negotiated contracts with suppliers, ensuring consistent product quality and competitive pricing. The Human Bean has a well-developed menu and product offerings including signature drinks that customers love, like The Snowy, The Mexi, The Muddy, Bright® Energy and more. These products have been tested and proven in the market, reducing the risk of product failures and likelihood of customer satisfaction. The Menu Innovation Team at The Human Bean is dedicated to helping the brand stay competitive and meet customer demand effectively.
6. A Marketing and Sales Strategy
Your marketing and sales strategy outlines how you will attract and retain customers. Discuss your branding, including your business name, logo, and overall image. Here, you’ll also outline your marketing tactics, such as social media campaigns, local advertising, and loyalty programs.
Explain your sales strategy, including pricing, promotions, and customer service policies. Highlight any partnerships or collaborations that can help boost your visibility and customer base.
Working with a franchise means established brand recognition and proven marketing strategies. The Human Bean offers national advertising campaigns, product innovation and customized support for all franchise locations. Additionally, The Human Bean offers a local store marketing playbook, marketing materials, promotional plans, and support from experienced marketing teams, ensuring consistency and effectiveness in attracting customers.
7. A Day-to-Day Operational Plan
The operational plan goes into detail with your location, layout, and equipment needed. Describe your hours of operation, staffing requirements, and any training programs for employees. Explain your supply chain, inventory management, and quality control measures.
Consider also outlining any systems or technologies you will use to streamline operations and enhance customer experience.
An established franchise provides a tried-and-true operational framework. This includes standardized procedures, training programs, and operational manuals that ensure consistency and efficiency. The Human Bean offers ongoing support, including troubleshooting assistance and best practices, which helps streamline daily operations and reduce the likelihood of operational issues.
8. An Exhaustive Financial Plan
A thorough financial plan is critical for securing funding and ensuring your business's financial health. Include projected income statements and balance sheets for at least the first three years of operation. Detail your startup costs, including equipment, inventory, permits, and initial marketing expenses. Identify your funding requirements and potential sources of funding, such as loans, investors, or personal savings.
This is the nitty gritty, where details and specifics go a long way in not only securing loans, but also understanding your business’s likely financial journey.
9. The Appendix
An appendix contains any additional information that supports your business plan. This can include resumes of key management personnel, letters or purchase agreements for the property, market research data, and legal documents such as permits and licenses. Use the appendix to attach detailed information that would be too lengthy to include in the main sections of your plan.
Go Beyond the Coffee Drive-Thru Business Plan
Writing a comprehensive business plan is a crucial step in starting your coffee drive-thru business. A well-crafted business plan not only helps you to stay focused and organized, but also increases your chances of an easier funding experience.
But it’s not everything…our team provides the support you need to create a business plan and (more importantly) put it into action. Through operating our own coffee drive-thrus for over 25 years, we’ve acquired extensive knowledge and resources to support you on your ownership journey from the very first steps.
Just like a perfectly blended drink, it’s the combination of ingredients that make a great business. Start pouring with us!
Click here to request a template.