When you hear the words "coffee shop," you probably picture a cozy, indoor space where people gather to drink coffee. So, when you first start thinking of opening a coffee shop, you may assume it will take this form. But there is another model to consider: that of the drive-thru-only coffee shop. These small, drive-through coffee stands have started to become more common over the past few years, and for good reasons. Here are some reasons to consider the drive-thru-only format for your coffee shop.

You can rent a smaller space

Generally, it costs more to rent a standard, restaurant-sized building with a dining room than it does to rent a small, kiosk-style building. When you're just starting off as a business, having lower rent can be a real asset that allows you to spend more of your initial profits elsewhere. Instead of paying more for rent, you can put that money into developing a better menu, marketing, and paying your employees a better wage.

Your employees won't have to do as much cleaning and maintenance

Maintaining and cleaning a coffee shop where various customers are in and out all day takes a lot of work. In a drive-through coffee kiosk, your employees only have to maintain the area where they prep and serve the coffee. They can stay focused on the heart of their job, which is making coffee, and do a better job of it. Customers will appreciate the difference in the really well-made coffee.

You'll be less affected by shut-downs

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced a lot of restaurants to close down for the safety of customers and workers. However, in many areas, drive-thru businesses have been able to remain open since they perpetuate less contact between people. By choosing a drive-thru format for your coffee shop, you're making the business less apt to be negatively affected by shut-downs.

You won't have to offer as many food items

When customers come into a standard coffee shop with a dining area, many of them expect to order something to eat. When they go to a drive-thru coffee stand, they're often just ordering coffee. You can offer a few snacks like muffins and cookies if you want, but there's no pressure to offer a whole menu as there would be with a more standard coffee shop.

Dine-in coffee shops definitely have a place in the world, but drive-thru coffee stands are an attractive option to consider, too. Reach out to a local cafe to learn more tips.