If you were opening an espresso shop, what would you buy?

[breve'man]

I am brand new on this board but smart enough to realize that the best advice usually can be found in places like this. I live in a college town and am thinking about filling a void in the drive through espresso market. There are none so far. To do this I would need some advice on types of machines you might recommend keeping in mind that I would probably be limited to those requiring 110v and no plumbed-in water. Any help would be appreciated,
Mike

[Ads]

[topher]

is there no possible way of having 220, instead of 110?

[breve'man]

I suppose it's possible. Just thinking of the possibilites and limitations I might encounter wherever I happen to set up.

[topher]

I used a 110 at the ice palace in Tampa...man did that suck!!! The person had 5 carts in different areas....all had 110 machines....I hated it because the owner would pre- brew the espresso and put it in pump pots...the reason was that it didn't have enough power to brew and steam at the same time! I would definately forget about 110...just my opinion.

[aabreetech]

First of all, What is your budget? How many drinks do you think you will be doing? There are a few 110 machines that can do the job if you are doing less than a 30 an hour and just 1 person. You need one that is NSF certified in most states. Your are going to need a machine and a grinder. How many people are going to work in the shop? Questions! Questions! Questions!

[breve'man]

Budget? What the hell is that?! lol
I guess my budget would be basically getting the best bang for the buck and getting what I need to produce quality drinks for my customers. Dependability and ease of operation is also a big concern. I am envisioning a two sided drive up only business with 1 to 2 people working it. I suppose 30 drinks per hour would probably be at peak times and if I could do that much business at the start I would be happy. I mainly want to get this going for a way to make a few bucks and/or provide employment for my 2 college student kids. Either one would be great. I am thinking that with some sweat and smart shopping I oughta be able to start up for<$10k?. Am I close?
Thanks,
Mike

[topher]

10 grand for the whole set up....or for your espresso machine? I am just wondering....I just bought 2 new 2 group espresso machines..and paid around $6,300 each...Then again I just sold a rebuilt espresso machine to a consulting client for $1,900 including a grinder...depends on what you are looking to do....I serve a crap load of specialty drinks...and have done well over 50 drinks an hour....oh well good luck!

[breve'man]

Well I can do the building for 2 to 3 grand so yea, I'm thinking for the whole deal

[aabreetech]

Check with your health inspector to find out what his requirements are. Do you have to have an NSF certified machine or can you get by with just a good machine. Do you need 220 or do you only have 110? Do you need a 2 head or will a single do OK to start? The Livia 90 is a small machine that is NSF certified and can crank out quite a few drinks an hour. If something goes wrong with it you can fix it yourself and don't have to call a specialist to make the repairs. You can get 2 machines for about a third the price of a good 2 group machine. If one breaks you still have one to keep you going.

[breve'man]

Thanks for the info. I'll check with the health dept and see what is required. The Livia 90 looks like a pretty decent machine especially for the money and the fact that this is a new venture in untested waters. So you think 2 of these machines would suffice?
Mike