To start a coffee shop in Bangladesh, secure permits first, then build a tight unit economics model you can execute. Obtain a Trade License from the City Corporation/municipality, a TIN, and open a bank account; register for a BIN with NBR if you meet the VAT threshold, and apply for Fire Service NOC plus a health/sanitation certificate from the City Health Department. Choose a 800–1,200 sq ft, ground‑floor site with 200–300 daily cup potential (think Gulshan, Banani, Dhanmondi, Uttara, or Chattogram GEC), aiming for rent under 10% of projected monthly sales. Budget BDT 20–40 lakh for fit‑out and equipment: a 2‑group 220V espresso machine (20–32A line with dedicated breaker), commercial grinder, water softener/filtration targeting 50–100 ppm hardness, ice machine, and ventilation. Source beans from local roasters or import with an IRC; lock supply with cupping‑based contracts. Engineer a lean menu priced at BDT 200–450 per drink, target COGS 28–32%, labor 18–22%, and daily revenue BDT 25k–40k to break even. Hire and train baristas on dial‑in, milk texturing, and SOPs; schedule for peaks (7–10am, 4–9pm). Launch with bKash/Nagad and POS integrated to NBR e‑FDMS if VAT‑registered, list on Google, and partner Foodpanda for delivery. Monitor waste; adjust recipes to weekly targets.
