To start a coffee shop in Brazil, move fast on compliance and location: open a CNPJ, opt for Simples Nacional, and secure the municipal Alvará de Funcionamento, the fire inspection certificate (AVCB), and the health license from Vigilância Sanitária before fit-out. Choose LTDA over MEI if projected revenue exceeds R$81,000/year; register State ICMS and enable NFC-e to issue consumer invoices. Pick a high-footfall corner near offices or universities; cap base rent at 8-12% of projected net revenue and target a ticket médio of R$22-35 with 65-70% gross margin on beverages. Invest in a reliable 2-group 220V espresso machine, two grinders, water filtration (50-100 ppm hardness, zero chlorine), precise scales, and a POS integrated with Pix, debit/credit, and iFood. Build a menu around fast movers (espresso, cappuccino, cold brew, pão de queijo, a signature sandwich), keep COGS at 25-35% for drinks and 30-40% for food, and design for speed: under-3-minute drink times. Source from Brazilian specialty cooperatives or BSCA-listed farms; lock weekly deliveries and batch recipes. Hire under CLT, onboard via eSocial, and train to ANVISA good practices. Launch with Google Business Profile, Instagram Reels, WhatsApp loyalty, sidewalk sampling, and morning hours (7:00-11:00 peak). Track daily prime costs and waste aggressively.
