Local roastery supplying cafés and shops

Local cafés, restaurants, offices, grocers and gift shops, plus direct customers buying online or at the door.

Wholesale sales by the kilo on regular weekly orders, plus higher-margin retail bags and subscriptions. Some roasters also add equipment servicing or barista training.

• Roasting and tasting skill
• Selling to business customers
• Managing orders and stock
• Reliable delivery and customer service

• Food business registration with your local council and a compliant fit-out of the premises
• Zoning, planning and environmental rules about smoke, odour and afterburners, check with your council or state EPA
• Public liability, product liability and property insurance
• Workers compensation insurance once you hire staff (state schemes)
• Cafés can switch suppliers, so avoid relying on one or two big customers
• Green bean prices and exchange rates can move, so review your pricing regularly

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the roaster size, the rented unit and its fit-out, and your initial stock of green beans and packaging. Insurance and setup costs will also affect the total.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on how many cafés, shops and offices you supply and your retail sales. Cafés can switch suppliers, so avoid relying on one or two big customers.

Check food business registration with your local council and a compliant fit-out. Also check zoning, planning and environmental rules on smoke, odour and afterburners with your council or state EPA, plus insurance and workers compensation once you hire staff.