How to Choose the Right Location for Your Cafe in Spain

genniswear

Jun 28

2 min read

A lively street scene in Spain with foot traffic

Location can make or break a cafe before a single coffee is poured. Here's what to weigh when scouting a spot in Spain.

1. Foot Traffic and Visibility

A cafe relies heavily on walk-in customers, so look for streets with consistent pedestrian flow throughout the day, not just during commuting hours. Corner locations and spots near transit stops, universities, or office clusters tend to perform well.

2. Neighborhood Fit

A specialty coffee concept suits a different neighborhood than a traditional cafeteria. Spend time in the area at different times of day to understand who actually lives, works, and walks through there.

3. Competition Nearby

Some competition validates demand for cafes in an area, but too much can dilute your customer base. Look at how differentiated your concept is from what's already on the street.

4. Rent Relative to Expected Revenue

A common rule of thumb is that rent shouldn't exceed roughly 10 percent of expected revenue, though this varies by concept and city. Get realistic about how many covers you can serve in a day before committing to a high-rent location.

5. Zoning and Licensing Feasibility

Checking zoning permissions for a commercial property

Not every commercial unit is zoned or pre-approved for food service. Check with the local town hall, or have your gestor check, before signing a lease, since converting a non-food space can add significant cost and delay.

6. Terrace Potential

In much of Spain, outdoor terrace seating significantly boosts capacity and atmosphere, especially in good weather. If a terrace is important to your concept, confirm whether the council issues terrace permits for that specific street.

7. Access for Deliveries and Suppliers

Narrow historic streets common in Spanish city centers can make deliveries difficult. Make sure suppliers can realistically access your location for regular stock drops.

Final Thoughts

Take your time scouting. Visiting a potential location multiple times, at different hours and on different days, gives a far more accurate picture than a single afternoon walkthrough.