The top five must-haves customers crave in your cafe

In the bustling world of coffee, knowing what tickles your customers' taste buds can make or break their café experience. Here at SilverChef, we’re not just about kitting out kitchens; we're in the business of brewing dreams and perfect mornings right alongside world-leading coffee.

In this guide, we take a look at a few things your patrons are looking for when looking for the perfect café.

Making consistently amazing coffee

There’s no doubt about it: Australia is a country of coffee lovers.

According to a recent survey from McRindle, 86% of Aussies enjoy the ritual of making their own coffee at home, while just over one in three people will make the time to enjoy their daily brew at a local café.

Our customers often tell us that patrons make the pilgrimage to their favourite spots based on preferred flavour profile. This makes a lot of sense – we’re a discerning bunch when it comes to coffee. From delicate tea-like cups of filter coffee, to the creamy and lightly textured people’s champ – that flat white – we’re exploring more flavours, origins and brew methods than ever before.

Use the best quality coffee

Going hand in hand with how our favourite coffee flavour profiles, coffee quality and consistency are what the most coffee-savvy patrons are sipping for, with specialty coffee now accounting for 40% of the total coffee consumption in Australia.

From minimalist black brew bars to talented local baristas crafting handmade made pourover delights – everybody’s been upping their game to offer the best coffee possible. From farm to cup, customers are keen to know more about the whole coffee process, including the origin of bean, roast level and how their favourite barista brews their cup to provide a memorable experience.

The taste revolution has upped the ante for both coffee franchises and independent cafés, pushing them towards stringent quality controls, partnerships with specialty roasters, and advanced barista training.

This commitment to excellence guarantees every cup is not only delicious but consistently so.

Marty Richards of Blackstar Coffee Roasters also highlights the importance of investing in the right equipment:

"To produce top-quality coffee, top-quality gear is crucial. The premium coffee machine I rented from SilverChef for $12,500 has been key to our success."

Finding your perfect spot

The right physical location is super important when opening your café, and it should come as no surprise that a lot of us choose our favourite café based on where it actually is. Now, you might not snag the weekday commuters if you’re off their beaten path – after all, few are venturing 30 minutes out of their way for their morning cup. Yet, there's no need to stress. With outstanding coffee and a welcoming atmosphere, your café can become a weekend sanctuary. Even if your café is tucked away, the perfect mix of top-quality coffee, warm service, and a charming environment can transform it into a cherished escape.

Creating the perfect café vibe

When it comes to heading out for a brew, a café is far more than just a place to grab coffee – it's a place to relax, catch up with friends or simply unwind on our own and take a break from the eb and flow of our busy day to day lives. With Instagram-worthy interiors and the perfect playlist, creating an inviting space that both looks and feels great is essential. This thoughtful ambiance is what turns first-time visitors into regulars, making your café a true destination.

Keep things efficient yet calm

With over 54,000 cafés now operating in Australia, making great coffee quickly has become more important than ever. For the more leisurely amongst us, speed might not be the most important thing, but for those grabbing a cup on their way to work, it’s a must.

But remember, fast doesn’t have to mean frantic. By fine-tuning your operations, you can ensure that even during the busiest mornings, your guests leave not just with their caffeine fix but also with a smile (and hopefully a recommendation to their friends). This balance is key to keeping your café experience both swift and pleasant.

Ready to brew some magic? Let’s make every pour shot delicious and every visit unforgettable. After all, this is where dreams percolate, and we’re here to help every step of the way.

Cheers to that, right?