To start a coffee shop in Boston, secure a compliant site and run licensing and build-out in parallel to cut months off opening. Prioritize a lease with venting rights, 200A electric, gas, floor drains, grease-interceptor capacity (BWSC), ADA restroom(s), and a landlord work letter for HVAC; target morning daily foot traffic near MBTA stops, campuses (BU, Northeastern, Suffolk), or Class-A offices, validated with Placer.ai. File for a Common Victualler License (Boston Licensing Board), ISD Health Plan Review and Food Service Permit, ServSafe Manager and Allergen Awareness certificates, BWSC FOG approval, Fire sign-offs (hood/suppression if any cooking), Certificate of Occupancy and sign permits; if operating past 11 p.m., apply for an Extended Hours license. Design to code: 3-bay sink, hand sinks, mop sink, floor sinks, NSF equipment, espresso power, water filtration, and ventilation (Type II or none if no grease). Expect $300k–$650k total capex; 12–20 weeks build; 30–60 days licensing. Price with Massachusetts meals tax (6.25% + Boston 0.75% = 7.0%) and comply with MA wage, tip-credit, earned sick time, and meal-break rules. Differentiate with local roasters (Gracenote, George Howell, Barrington), Toast POS, mobile ordering, catering, and winter-friendly seating; negotiate wholesale pastry to start, add scratch baking when volume supports labor.
