To start a coffee business in Lebanon, lock in a compliant setup and resilient operations from day one: choose your model (specialty café, kiosk, or micro-roastery) based on footfall, parking, and generator noise; secure a notarized lease, reserve a commercial name with the Ministry of Economy, register at the Commercial Registry, obtain a tax number, municipality trade/signage licenses, MOPH food-safety clearance (HACCP, staff health cards, pest control), and enroll staff with NSSF; add VAT registration once you near the threshold. Engineer utilities: allocate 6–9 kW for a 2‑group bar, stabilize 220V with AVR/UPS, and budget a 15–30 kVA genset or 10–20 kWh inverter; install a grease trap and RO with remineralization targeting 70–120 ppm hardness and 40–70 ppm alkalinity. Specify workhorse gear: 2‑group machine with PID and rotary pump, 83–98 mm burr grinders, precision baskets and scales; plan a linear bar and dual POS to move lines. Fit‑out runs ~$400–$800/m²; equipment $12k–$30k. Build menus around 70% gross margin (beverage COGS 20–25%); price in USD with a visible LBP conversion. Source beans via trusted local roasters or import (HS 0901). Drive demand via Google Maps, Instagram, and Toters; train baristas, cup weekly, and audit waste.
