45 Creative Coffee Shop and Cafe Names

My name is Tatiana, but my friends and family call me Tutta. I love writing articles that bring a little creativity to everyday life.

How to Choose the Perfect Coffee Shop Name

So you’ve got what it takes to open a small, local coffee shop: serious barista skills, recipes for a bunch of awesome beverages, and the know-how to whip up some delicious eats.

That’s all great and totally necessary, but what are you going to call your cafe? Brew up a big pot of coffee for this one because this is going to require your attention.

Look around at all of the successful coffee shops in your area and you will notice that a majority of them have great names. Much like in any other type of business, choosing a name that is both unique and catchy is an important part of the business-planning process. You want a passerby to actually walk in, and a good name can make this happen.

Catchy Coffee Shop Name Ideas

Cafe Name Brainstorming Tips

Here are a few ideas that you can consider while coming up with the perfect name:

• Keep it simple: Choose a name that's short and sweet and try to avoid cafe names that are difficult for the average Joe to pronounce or spell (pun intended)! You want them to be able to remember you rather than settle for the nearest chain coffee shop. (Yeah, we’re looking at you, Starbucks!)
• Look to your specialty beverages and treats: Find inspiration, perhaps at the bottom of a cup of coffee (or two, or three). "Espresso," "mocha," and "latte" all sound good in a name, especially to someone yearning for a cup.
• Use your own name: If your name is Joe, celebrate with a shot of espresso! Espresso Joe’s sounds pretty good! Even if your name isn't Joe, it will add personality and homeyness to your cafe's name.
• Use your location: Location plays a big part in the success of your coffee shop, so why not emphasize it in your shop's name? Manhattan Mocha, Jacksonville Java, and Boston Baristas are just a few examples to get the juices (or should I say coffee) flowing!
• Use adjectives: Using a coffee drink or tasty treat in the name? Try adding different adjectives (hot, homemade, sweet, etc.) to see what flows nicely together.
• Use the theme: If your cafe will have a theme, incorporate it into the name if possible.
• Think of your audience: Are you trying to gear your cafe toward a certain crowd of people? If this is the case, keep this in mind when thinking of cafe names. Youngsters aren’t likely to frequent a cafe called “Old Geezer's Coffee.”

Get Opinions From Others

After making a very long list of possible names (it is okay to list some that seem silly or outrageous, as this list will be narrowed down, and after reading these outrageous names a few times over, they may grow on you), give the list to close friends and family members and have them choose the names they like. This will give you an idea of what names will give your cafe that frontline appeal, the kind of appeal that can make all the difference.

If you are really having a hard time coming up with any names, or if you find yourself stuck between a few good ones, invite a group over to discuss it over some coffee (how suitable)! Just keep sipping that coffee, and the name will come to you.

The Iconic Audrey Hepburn With Her Coffee and Pastry

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