How To Bring Your Cafe Into The 21st Century
The 2020s have arrived! Although customers are, in some ways, more interested in coffee and dining out than ever before, some cafes are struggling to keep up with the times. It seems that the old model of sitting down at a square table, waiting for a mug of drip coffee, and eating a basic breakfast is dying out. If you own a cafe, now is the time to innovate and keep with the times. Here are some ways to bring your cafe into the 21st century.
1. Buy an espresso machine.
A decade or two ago, cafes were known for serving bottomless cups of okay-quality coffee. But the American consumer has grown pickier about coffee. They've discovered espresso drinks, and they seem to prefer them! Purchase an espresso machine, and you can then offer a whole menu of classic coffee drinks — macchiato, latte, cappuccino, Americano, and mocha. Make sure you also buy the proper mugs to serve each of these beverages in.
2. Offer vegan and vegetarian options.
Vegan diets have become more common. Most restaurants, even ones that are not predominantly vegan, are offering at least a couple of plant-based options for these customers. It's important to add some vegan options to your cafe menu because if you do not, entire groups of customers may not see your cafe as an option if even one member of their group is vegan. Good vegan choices include avocado on toast, a fruit and nut plate, nut butter on vegan pancakes, and a tofu scramble.
3. Offer takeout.
Takeout and the cafe scene may not seem to go hand in hand, but more and more customers are choosing to order their meals and beverages to-go these days, and you'll be missing out on a big portion of the market if you don't jump on this bandwagon. You can allow customers to order online and then pick their food up at the counter. You do not have to offer your whole menu as takeout if there are dishes that are not well-suited to it, but do at least offer a few items for those loyal customers who are simply in a rush.
The dining scene has changed a lot over the past few years, and that includes cafes. If you improve your coffee option, start offering takeout, and are careful to include vegan options on the menu, your cafe will be better adapted to the times.
Contact a cafe like Moxies Downtown for more information.