30 Business Ideas For Barista [2024]

Interested in starting a business as a barista in 2024?

If managed well, building a business as a barista could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for Barista?

We put together 30 of some of the best barista business ideas you can start in today.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other barista businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a dog treat business ($635K/month)

As a barista, starting a dog treat business could be a fantastic way to supplement your income while pursuing a passion for baking and a love for dogs. You could create healthy, natural, and tasty treats that cater to the growing demand for nutritious dog snacks. Given your experience in the food and beverage industry, you likely already have many of the skills needed to design and prepare delicious canine confections that appeal to dog owners.

Enhancing your offering with specialty services like custom birthday cakes or holiday gift boxes could help you carve out a unique niche in the dog food market. You could leverage both online platforms and local markets to build your brand and connect with pet owners who are looking for high-quality, homemade dog treats. This venture not only allows you to indulge in creative baking but also transforms a side hustle into a potentially thriving business.

2. Start a CBD business ($84.9K/month)

As a barista, you have an eye for trends and an ear to the ground when it comes to customer needs and preferences. With CBD's growing popularity and its reported benefits for conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and migraines, you could tap into this booming market. Imagine introducing a CBD-infused coffee line or offering CBD products in your café, providing a holistic experience for your patrons who are already health-conscious and curious about wellness trends.

Starting a CBD business could also mean exploring other avenues such as becoming a CBD distributor or running a blog that reviews CBD products. Your existing customer base and daily interactions provide valuable insights into the latest trends, giving you a unique edge. With the CBD market projected to grow at a CAGR of 21.7% over the next few years, now could be the perfect time for you to diversify and supplement your income through this high-potential venture.

3. Start a bedding company ($741K/month)

Starting a bedding company as a Barista could be a lucrative side business, allowing you to tap into a market that values quality and comfort after long, tiring days. You already understand the importance of creating a cozy atmosphere for your café customers, and this skill can seamlessly transition into curating a line of luxury or affordable high-quality bedding.

By leveraging your eye for detail and customer service experience, you could select and sell niche bedding products like luxury sheets or affordable yet high-quality linens. Pairing up with reliable manufacturers to source these products at reasonable prices is a key step. With your knowledge of social media and digital marketing, you could efficiently set up an online presence through a website and social media accounts, reaching potential customers and sharing the comfort of a good night's sleep.

4. Start a handmade goods business ($22.7K/month)

As a barista, you could channel your creative energy into starting a handmade goods business to supplement your income. Utilize the artistic flair that goes into crafting the perfect latte to create unique products, whether they're coffee-related items or something entirely different. Online platforms like Alibaba, Etsy, or your own social media can serve as excellent venues to showcase and sell your handmade goods.

The rising trend of handmade shopping can work in your favor, as consumers are increasingly supporting independent businesses and entrepreneurs. By leveraging your existing customer service and interpersonal skills, you could effectively market your handmade creations and build a strong brand. This side business idea aligns perfectly with an entrepreneurial mindset, allowing you to transform your passion into profit.

5. Start a party planning business ($164K/month)

Starting a party planning business could be a natural extension of your skills as a Barista, especially if you're organized, creative, and client-focused. Imagine turning your knack for attention to detail and customer service into a side business where you budget, create party timelines, select venues, and coordinate everything from décor to catering. Your experience in a bustling café can be incredibly valuable in juggling multiple tasks and keeping clients happy, essential skills in party planning.

This entrepreneurial venture also allows you to flex your creative muscles by designing themed parties and managing event logistics, giving you an alternative stream of income. With your dedication to helping people enjoy their experiences, transitioning into party planning could open new doors for career growth and financial independence.

6. Start a sushi stand business

As a barista, you already have experience in fast-paced environments and strong customer service skills, which are invaluable when starting a sushi stand business. You could easily leverage these skills to manage the busy nature of a sushi stand, especially during peak hours in bustling city spots or local markets. Your knowledge in providing a pleasant experience to customers would help ensure repeat business and customer loyalty.

Moreover, your understanding of sourcing quality ingredients for specialty coffee can translate well into sourcing fresh ingredients for sushi. With a passion for delivering excellent food and the right location, this venture could allow you to supplement your income or even transition into a full-time entrepreneurial pursuit. Dive into this vibrant street food culture, and you could find great satisfaction in seeing people enjoy the sushi you artfully prepare.

7. Become a Dog Rescuer

As a barista, you could leverage your community connections and customer relationships to start a dog rescue business, providing a meaningful, entrepreneurial side venture. The empathetic and customer-focused skills you use behind the counter could translate well into caring for animals in need. Plus, your cafe could serve as a hub for community awareness and fundraising for your rescue efforts.

Many rescues have started with minimal investment, making it achievable even if you’re operating on a barista salary. By utilizing social media and local networks, you could raise funds and awareness, gradually building your rescue business into a profitable and impactful endeavor. Combining your day job with this passion project could enhance your income while making a significant difference in the lives of neglected animals.

8. Start a jewelry making business ($248K/month)

As a Barista, you could tap into your entrepreneurial spirit by starting a jewelry making business on the side. Given the global jewelry market size, valued at $278B in 2018 and expected to reach $292B by 2025, there's a significant opportunity for you to carve out a niche.

You could leverage your customer interactions to gather initial feedback and even sell your pieces at your place of work or local coffee shops. If you already possess the skills to create jewelry, this side business could be a fantastic way to supplement your income and make some extra money.

Additionally, since the jewelry industry has remained largely unchanged for over 40 years, you could bring fresh, modern designs that appeal to your coffee shop clientele.

9. Start an used restaurant equipment sales business

As a barista, you could leverage your industry knowledge and connections to start a used restaurant equipment sales business. Since you already understand the needs and challenges within the food and beverage sector, you could identify and source high-demand equipment, appealing to both established cafes and new businesses. This insight allows you to offer valuable advice and build credibility with potential customers.

Additionally, by tapping into your existing network, you could create a steady pipeline of clients looking to upgrade or replace their equipment. You could also benefit from opportunities to refurbish and resell equipment at a profit, turning your expertise into a supplementary income stream or a full-fledged business. This venture could align well with your current role, allowing you to expand your professional horizons without completely stepping away from the coffee culture you love.

10. Start a soap business ($67K/month)

If you’re a barista looking to supplement your income or explore entrepreneurial endeavors, starting a soap business could be an excellent choice. As a growing industry, soap-making can be a lucrative home-based business that fits perfectly into your free time, enabling you to earn extra cash without a significant initial investment. With supplies costing likely less than $1,000, starting this venture is both affordable and accessible.

Incorporating creative and aromatic elements from your barista skills, you could develop unique, coffee-infused soap products that resonate with your existing customer base. The online skincare market is booming, making it easier to sell your products through various online platforms. This side business not only allows you to express your creativity but also to potentially grow it into a thriving small local business.

11. Start a baby accessories business ($167K/month)

As a barista, you could easily supplement your income by starting a baby accessories business. Your flexible schedule and people skills could be assets in designing, sourcing, and selling essential items like baby bottles, diaper bags, teething toys, and safety gadgets.

By focusing on high-quality, safe, and innovative products, you can capture the attention of new parents looking for trustworthy solutions. With an online shop and effective social media marketing, you could reach a wide audience, making this venture both financially rewarding and fulfilling. This business idea offers a unique opportunity to help parents during one of the most pivotal times in their lives.

Though it requires market research, reliable suppliers, and a strong brand presence, your efforts as a barista turned entrepreneur could pay off significantly.

12. Start a baby clothes business ($253K/month)

As a barista, you could leverage your keen eye for trends and creativity to start a baby clothes business, tapping into a booming market that thrives on cute and comfortable outfits for little ones. Your customer service skills would be invaluable in understanding and catering to parents' needs, building strong relationships, and offering personalized shopping experiences.

Setting up an online store wouldn't interfere with your current job, allowing you to manage orders and marketing during your free time. By focusing on quality, safety standards, and unique designs, you could differentiate your brand and build a loyal customer base, turning your passion for adorable baby clothes into a profitable and fulfilling side business.

13. Start an outdoor apparel brand ($37.4K/month)

Starting an outdoor apparel brand could be a great way for you as a Barista to supplement your income or even launch a full-fledged business. If you're passionate about outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and climbing, you could channel that enthusiasm into designing durable, weather-resistant clothing.

You could start by understanding current market trends and sourcing high-quality materials, potentially collaborating with manufacturers to bring your ideas to life. With effective marketing strategies, you could create a unique brand identity that resonates with adventure enthusiasts and builds a loyal customer base.

Not only could this endeavor be financially rewarding, but it could also provide a fulfilling way to blend your love for the outdoors with your entrepreneurial ambitions.

14. Start a gardening tools company ($815K/month)

As a barista, you could leverage your customer service skills and community connections to start a gardening tools company. Gardening is increasingly recognized for its relaxing benefits and personal rewards, making it a growing market. By offering innovative and high-quality gardening tools, you could cater to both commercial and hobbyist gardeners who value efficient and effective equipment.

This venture could easily start as a side business, allowing you to test the waters while still working at the coffee shop. You can either sell these tools directly or create a leasing program, attracting gardeners who prefer not to make a large upfront investment. With the contacts and rapport you build as a barista, spreading the word about your new business venture through your local community could be straightforward and rewarding.

15. Start a generator repair service

As a barista, you likely already possess strong customer service skills and a keen eye for detail—qualities that are crucial when running a generator repair service. With a growing need for reliable power sources, particularly in areas prone to outages, there's a substantial market for maintaining and repairing generators. You could start by informing your local coffee shop customers about your new venture and creating trust within your immediate community.

By targeting residential and commercial customers, you could offer convenient and essential services, from routine maintenance to emergency repairs. Additionally, considering a door-to-door generator repair model could help scale your business faster and create a more personalized experience for your clients. Not only would this supplement your income, but it also has the potential to grow into a full-time, profitable business.

16. Start an etsy shop ($47.5K/month)

Starting an Etsy seller business could be a fantastic way to supplement your income as a barista. With your creative flair and attention to detail, you could capitalize on the market for handmade goods, vintage items, and art supplies by offering unique products that cater to coffee enthusiasts, such as custom-made mugs, coffee-themed artwork, or hand-crafted coffee accessories.

To begin, you'll need an Etsy account, a PayPal account, and a well-developed product idea. Setting up a visually appealing storefront with high-quality photos of your products can attract potential customers and help you build your brand. This side business could allow you to expand your entrepreneurial horizons while doing something you love.

17. Start a lawn care service ($193K/month)

As a barista, starting a lawn care service could be an excellent way to supplement your income and even transition into being your own boss. If you enjoy working outdoors and have a knack for creating beautiful landscapes, this side business allows you to utilize your skills beyond the coffee counter. You could offer services such as lawn aeration, seeding, fertilizing, soil acidity tests, and weed control, catering to homeowners and businesses looking to enhance their green spaces.

To get started, you would need to register your lawn care business legally and decide whether to start from scratch or buy into a franchise. You’d also need to invest in essential lawn care equipment and possibly hire skilled personnel to help you provide top-notch service. By stepping into the lawn care industry, you open up the possibility of transforming your passion for the outdoors into a profitable business, diversifying your income stream and giving you greater financial flexibility.

18. Start a game development business ($226K/month)

If you've ever imagined creating immersive worlds and engaging stories, starting a game development business could be your ticket to supplementing your income as a barista. Your daily experiences interacting with diverse customers could inspire unique game characters and narratives. With the demand for video games ever-growing, turning your creative ideas into interactive entertainment can tap into a lucrative market.

Game development involves designing, creating, and selling video games. From coding and animation to storytelling and marketing, you could undertake this comprehensive venture to transform a single idea into a product that captures the imaginations of players worldwide. Embark on this journey of creativity and technology, and your dream game could become a reality enjoyed by millions, allowing you to potentially transition to a full-time entrepreneur.

19. Become a game developer ($88K/month)

If you’re a barista with a passion for video games, becoming a game developer could be an exciting side hustle or even a full-time business. Utilizing your creativity and customer service experience, you could craft immersive and engaging storylines that captivate players, much like how you make each coffee interaction memorable for your customers.

Balancing barista work and game development might initially mean late nights learning programming languages like C++ or Java, but the flexibility of game development allows you to progress at your own pace. With the right marketing and business strategies, developed through interactions in the café, you could effectively promote your games and capture a dedicated audience, turning your gaming hobby into a profitable venture.

20. Start a photography business ($19.1K/month)

Starting a photography business could be a natural extension of your role as a Barista, allowing you to capitalize on the creativity and customer interaction skills you already possess. You could offer your services for various occasions, such as weddings, events, or personal portraits, thereby supplementing your income. Imagine capturing the perfect shot of a couple's first dance or a family’s joyful gathering, moments that people cherish and are willing to pay for.

With the growing demand for unique and high-quality images fueled by social media and digital marketing, your business could quickly find a market. All you need is a good camera, basic editing skills, and the willingness to promote your talent both online and locally. By leveraging your existing network and work environment, you could easily spread the word about your new venture and start turning your passion for photography into a meaningful and profitable side business.

21. Start a fitness equipment company ($327K/month)

As a barista, you could leverage the customer interaction skills you've honed in the coffee world to start a fitness equipment company. This venture allows you to utilize your knowledge of customer service and build relationships with fitness enthusiasts, gym owners, and schools. By focusing on the growing demand for home fitness setups, you could cater to personal users through an online storefront, expanding your reach beyond your local area.

Additionally, your daily experience with time management and multitasking within the coffee shop environment can be an asset when it comes to managing inventory, coordinating production, and handling marketing efforts for your fitness equipment business. By combining your people skills and any interest in fitness or retail, you could successfully supplement your income and transition into a potentially lucrative entrepreneurial endeavor.

22. Start a drinking water solution

As a barista, you're already experienced in the importance of high-quality beverages and customer service. Starting a drinking water solution business could leverage your understanding of what people appreciate in a good drink—the purity and taste. By purifying and distributing potable water, you could offer a complementary service that aligns with your existing focus on quality and customer satisfaction.

This venture could involve setting up a small-scale water treatment facility or collaborating with existing purification plants, enabling you to manage logistics and distribution efficiently. Given your familiarity with food and beverage regulations, you could navigate local requirements with ease. Not only would you address a fundamental necessity for clean water, but you’d also tap into a consistent market demand, merging social good with economic opportunity.

Explore local demand and regulations as a first step towards this impactful and potentially rewarding business idea.

23. Become an excel consultant

As a Barista, you likely excel in customer service and multitasking—skills that could seamlessly translate into a successful side business as an Excel consultant. By mastering Excel, you could help businesses streamline their operations, create custom spreadsheets, and automate repetitive tasks, transforming their data chaos into a well-organized system. Imagine the satisfaction of being the go-to expert who saves companies time and reduces their operational headaches.

With the growing demand for data-driven decisions, companies are increasingly in need of Excel consultants. If you're good with numbers and enjoy problem-solving, this venture can be both financially and intellectually rewarding. This could be a great way to leverage your technical skills while still maintaining your Barista job, or even transition into a full-time entrepreneurial endeavor.

24. Start a men's underwear brand ($4.56M/month)

As a Barista, you could explore the thriving men’s underwear industry by starting your own brand, catering to the growing demand for comfort and luxury. Given the steady stream of customers you interact with daily, you already have a potential market right at your fingertips, making it easier to gather market insights and promote your new venture.

With companies like Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren setting the benchmark, there's ample inspiration and a proven business model to guide you. By focusing on quality and innovative designs, you could carve out a niche that appeals to men looking for alternatives to traditional cotton briefs, offering products that prioritize comfort and support.

Starting a men’s underwear brand as a side business allows you to leverage your existing skills in customer service and understand consumer preferences, providing a solid foundation for entrepreneurial success.

25. Start a board game ($88K/month)

As a barista, you could tap into your creativity and love for social interaction by starting your own board game business. Imagine using your skills in crafting unique, engaging experiences to design a board game that captivates players and brings people together, much like you do with your coffee creations every day.

You could brainstorm innovative concepts and develop gameplay mechanics during your downtime or between shifts. Test prototypes with friends and regulars at your café, gathering feedback and refining the game. Consider crowdfunding to manage production costs, turning your passion project into a commercially viable venture.

By achieving this, you could supplement your income and potentially create a lasting impact on households everywhere, bringing joy and entertainment through your original board game designs. The experience is not only creatively fulfilling but also offers a new avenue for your entrepreneurial spirit to thrive.

26. Start a water hauling business

As a barista, you could consider starting a water hauling business to supplement your income and explore a new entrepreneurial venture. Given your knack for customer service and managing daily operations, you could leverage these skills to build a reliable water delivery network. This is particularly relevant in areas where water access is limited, or in industries that require large volumes of water, such as agriculture or construction.

Moreover, with your experience working early mornings and flexible schedules, you can effectively manage your time to handle both your barista and water hauling responsibilities. This dual approach not only diversifies your income streams but also allows you to gain valuable business management experience, setting the stage for future growth and opportunities.

27. Start a health-care newspaper business

As a barista, you already interact with a wide array of customers every day, many of whom may be interested in health and wellness topics. By starting a health-care newspaper business, you could leverage your strong customer service skills and daily interactions to create a unique and engaging publication that caters to the health-conscious community.

This side business could start small, distributing free copies in and around your coffee shop to gauge interest while building a loyal readership. Over time, your publication could grow to include advertisements from local health providers and wellness businesses, providing a supplemental income stream. This venture allows you to stay rooted in customer engagement while exploring a new entrepreneurial path linked to the ever-growing health and wellness industry.

28. Become a corporate trainer ($9.79K/month)

As a barista, you could leverage your customer service skills and in-depth knowledge of coffee culture to become a corporate trainer. Consider offering specialized training programs focused on enhancing teamwork, communication, and customer-oriented services, which are essential in any business environment. Your ability to connect with people and explain complex ideas in an accessible manner would serve you well in developing customized courses for companies.

Additionally, the flexibility of corporate training would allow you to supplement your income without abandoning your passion for being a barista. You could start this as a side business, gradually growing it based on your availability and market demand. This path not only offers financial benefits but also positions you as an expert in professional development, opening up numerous opportunities for career advancement.

29. Start a supplements company ($392K/month)

As a barista, you already understand the importance of customer service and creating a personalized experience, which could give you a unique edge in the supplement industry. By starting a supplements company, you could tap into the health-conscious market, offering dietary supplements, vitamins, protein powders, and health foods to your existing network and beyond.

You could leverage your skills in building customer relationships to engage with fitness enthusiasts and health-minded individuals who frequent your coffee shop. Additionally, starting a supplement brand is relatively inexpensive and can be run from home, making it a viable side business opportunity alongside your barista career. This means you could gradually grow your business while continuing to work as a barista, eventually turning it into a full-time endeavor if it flourishes.

30. Start an influencer platform ($71.6K/month)

As a barista, you likely interact with a diverse range of customers daily, making you familiar with the nuances of customer engagement and satisfaction. Starting an influencer platform could allow you to leverage this experience, creating a digital marketplace where brands and influencers can seamlessly connect and collaborate. With the growing influence of social media, creating such a platform could be lucrative, especially if geared towards niche markets you're already acquainted with through your work.

By understanding the dynamics of interaction, you could tailor the user experience of your platform to be intuitive and efficient for both brands and influencers. Built-in analytics tools would enable you to offer valuable insights to your users, helping brands track campaign performance and influencer engagement. If you’re willing to invest the effort in developing user-friendly software and marketing your platform, you could tap into a scalable income stream while participating in the increasingly pivotal world of digital marketing.

Free Download

163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

Get The Report

Free Download

163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

Get The Report

Free Download

163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

Get The Report

Free Download

163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

Get The Report

Free Download

163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

Get The Report

Free Download

163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

Get The Report

Free Download

163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

Get The Report

Free Download

163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

Get The Report