Small spaces, tight details
Cafes are small, so every inch counts. The counter, espresso bar, display, storage and seating all compete for room, and the line between the till and the pickup point decides how smoothly the morning rush goes. We work through layout with you and use millwork to make the counter fit the way your team actually works.
Equipment is specific. Espresso machines need dedicated water supply, filtration and drainage, plus enough electrical capacity. Ovens, grinders and refrigeration add to the load. Confirming this before you sign a lease prevents expensive service upgrades afterward.
What our trades do
Our carpenters build custom counters, shelving and seating. Our mechanical crew installs the plumbing, hand sinks, dish sinks and any ventilation the menu demands. Our electrical crew, led by a Master Electrician, installs the power and lighting that sets the mood, from warm pendants to task lighting at the bar.
Our drywall, ceiling and painting crews finish the room, and our low voltage group looks after point-of-sale cabling, music, Wi-Fi, surveillance and alarms. One crew means one schedule, which matters when a small business wants to open in weeks, not months.
- Custom counters and display millwork
- Espresso, sink and drainage plumbing
- Lighting, power and signage
- Finishes, doors and hardware
What to plan for
Check whether your menu triggers hood and grease requirements. A drip-coffee and pastry cafe is very different from one cooking hot food. Health authority review applies to any food premises, and we help prepare the drawings and information needed.
Think about patios, accessibility, washroom access for customers and staff, and delivery access for supplies. Winter matters too: an entry vestibule and good heating keep customers comfortable and protect the interior. We can build all of these into the scope.
Opening on a small-business budget
Many cafe owners are spending their own money and watching every dollar. We aim to be clear about where the budget goes and what can be phased. Equipment, plumbing and electrical upgrades come first, since they are hard to change later, while decorative items can sometimes be added after opening.
We will tell you honestly if a space is likely to need costly upgrades before you commit to a lease.