How to Open Your Own Coffee Shop from Scratch in Kazakhstan

The coffee business is one of the most popular in Kazakhstan because it's a great way to start your own venture. At the same time, competition in this niche is high, but with a solid business plan, a quality product, and a true passion for coffee, you can generate good profits. However, any food service business is never simple: you’ll only attract clients with high-quality service. Also, don’t set expectations for profit too high — a profitability rate of 30–35% is considered excellent for a coffee shop.

How to open a café from scratch? What do you need to launch your own coffee shop?
This step-by-step guide has the answers.

Step 1. Choose a format

A sit-down café with tables and chairs is a complex and expensive option: you’ll need a lot of furniture, equipment, and permits. This format suits those prepared for long-term planning — the business can generate significant profits over time.

If you’re wondering “how to open a coffee shop with no money”, the honest answer is: you can’t. However, different types of establishments require different levels of capital, so you can start a coffee shop on a relatively modest budget compared to other businesses.

The to-go format is more practical for beginners. What are the options within this format?

• Coffee point.

Also known as an express coffee shop. You can open a small kiosk, set up a stand in a shopping mall, install a vending machine in a high-traffic area, or use a coffee truck.
These shops typically require only 1 to 20 m² of space. But finding a location isn’t enough — you need to get approval from local authorities. Minimal equipment is needed, as such places offer simple snacks that don’t require refrigeration (like chocolate bars, cookies, wafers).

Advantages of coffee points:

• With a good location, expect high foot traffic and solid profits.

• If business is slow at one location, you can relocate your coffee setup.

Things to consider:

• Seasonal demand is a factor. A park kiosk may boom in summer but stall in winter.

• Since customers don’t sit or order food, the average check is lower.

Startup cost: from 2 to 3 million KZT
Potential earnings: over 1 million KZT/month with a smart business plan.

• Base.

Also known as a coffee bar, mini café, or American-style café. Features:

• Space: 40–60 m²

• Located in malls, food courts, or entertainment centers with high footfall

• Small seating area

• A simple menu (coffee, snacks, lunches)

• No waiters — orders are placed at the counter

Startup cost: from 3 to 5 million KZT.

• Lounge.

These cafés resemble classic coffeehouses:

• Includes both a bar area and seating

• Large spaces: 120–250 m²

• Located in residential or commercial buildings (first floors)

• Full menu: breakfast, lunch, etc.

• Designed for relaxation and socializing

Most entrepreneurs choose this format after running a coffee point or base café and having a budget of 5+ million KZT.

You can also start a coffee shop through a franchise. This saves you from figuring out branding and customer acquisition. You receive a proven business model and a recognized brand, though be prepared for obligations such as franchise fees and strict guidelines.

Step 2. Define your target audience

You’ve picked your format and location. Now, study your potential customers.
Analyze your competitors — what’s on their menu, how do they attract people, how is the interior arranged?
Visit them yourself to observe speed of service, staff friendliness, and overall vibe.

What else attracts customers?

• A stylish photo area

• Discounts, gifts, and loyalty programs

• And of course, great coffee

In the beginning, it’s helpful to ask guests what they’re missing from the menu and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Step 3. Create a coffee menu and assortment

People come for coffee — so you need to determine:

• What drinks to offer

• Where to source your beans

• What recipes to follow

• What extra items to add (e.g., snacks, bars, sandwiches)

A good menu includes:

• Black coffee

• Milk-based drinks

• Signature options

• Alternatives (e.g., cold brew, Chemex)

Also, offer various milk types — dairy, lactose-free, plant-based, and hypoallergenic.

Step 4. Write a business plan

This is the foundation of your business. It should answer:

• What’s your concept and positioning?
• What’s on the menu?
• What equipment do you need?
• What permits are required?
• What’s the estimated startup cost?
• Do you need external investment?

Step 5. Register your business

There are two main legal forms for a coffee business in Kazakhstan:

• Individual Entrepreneur (IE) — easy to register and maintain
• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

For IE registration, select the correct OKED (activity code).

Note: Self-employment is not allowed for coffee shops as it restricts hiring and income levels.

Step 6. Open a business bank account

This is essential for:

• Accepting online payments
• Accessing extra services

Bank CenterCredit offers:

• Free POS terminal for acquiring
• 0% commission for IE in some plans
• Tipping service via card, Google Pay, Apple Pay
• Corporate card with 0 ₸ maintenance fee.

Step 7. Find a location

Good real estate can account for 80% of your success.

Match the space to your concept.
Make sure it complies with health and safety standards and appeals to your target audience.

For trendy drinks, look near universities, hostels, or public transport.
For classic coffee, look near office parks and business centers.

Even a less popular area can thrive with cozy decor and a well-crafted menu.

Once found, you’ll need to:

• Renovate
• Design the space
• Buy furniture

Step 8. Purchase equipment and find suppliers

Use your business plan to create an equipment checklist — and keep a reserve fund for unexpected purchases.

You can:

• Import raw beans and roast them yourself
• Or buy pre-roasted beans from local roasters
• Always compare 5+ suppliers

After launch, your work continues:

• Source ingredients regularly
• Hire and train staff
• Automate operations
• Ensure safety and hygiene
• Create a loyalty system (bonuses, discounts, offers)

And finally — launch a marketing campaign.
Only after all this, you're ready to welcome your first customers.