To start a coffee business in India, lock in compliance, pick a format, and design unit economics before signing a lease. Register FSSAI (Basic < INR 12 lakh turnover, State up to INR 20 crore, Central above or inter-state), GST if turnover crosses threshold (services 20 lakh; goods 40 lakh) or aggregators demand it, municipal Trade/Shop & Establishment license, fire NOC, PPL/IPRS for music; roasters need State Pollution Control Board consent and Legal Metrology “Packer/Importer” registration for packaged beans, plus FSSAI labeling and a trademark. Decide model: café, kiosk, cloud, roastery, or café+roastery; capex ranges INR 5–12 lakh (kiosk), 15–35 lakh (600–900 sq ft café), 20–60 lakh (roastery). Target rent-to-revenue ≤12%, staff cost 18–22%, COGS 25–30%, utilities/others 10%; plan break-even at INR 15–30k daily sales with 65–70% gross margin. Site with consistent footfall, visibility, ventilation, and 10–20 kW sanctioned load; for espresso, keep treated water TDS ~80–120 ppm. Source beans direct from estates in Chikmagalur/Coorg/Wayanad/Nilgiris; agree MOQs (30–60 kg/origin), cup to profiles, and lock prices quarterly. Engineer a compact menu (Rs 150–300 core beverages) and 70%+ GP bakery/savories; standardize recipes, train baristas, and implement FSMS/SOPs. Launch on Google Business Profile, Instagram, Swiggy/Zomato; negotiate commissions, run sampling, loyalty, corporate tie-ups.
