When opening a new cafe, there are many things to consider: decor, staff, vendors, not to mention the menu! In fact, the menu is a very important factor that must be considered very carefully to ensure that you have repeat customers. Here we find out what to think about when compiling a cafe menu.

Living room

Entree items should be small entrees or something a table can share. Because cafes are supposed to be a casual dining experience, it’s important to keep your menu items simple and classic, sometimes with an edgy twist if you have an adventurous chef! Great items to include on your menu are:

* Fries with aioli – an easy option that the table can order to share
* Dips with bread: another simple option to share
* Soup of the day: change it regularly to reflect seasonal vegetables
* Garden Salad – for those who are health conscious (or trying to be!)
* Sandwiches or Panini – Select a variety of fillings for customers to choose from. These are great to have on the go and are easy to make ahead of time.

Hands

Main courses are a bit more complicated and require a bit more attention. Since they’re a larger meal, they should be hearty and filling, but also shouldn’t take too long to prepare beforehand. Many people often choose what they are going to eat that day based on the weather. Here are some perfect “main” options to have on your menu:

* Burger with fries – simple, easy and always a winner
* Sushi plate: If it’s a hot day, there’s nothing better than a tasty hand roll to munch on.
* Pasta – Just like soup, change it up periodically to reflect fresh seasonal produce.
* Pie: Chicken, beef or vegetable pies are always preferred on cold and rainy days.
*Warm Chicken Caesar Salad – A little heartier than a simple garden salad and always a healthy alternative to heavier menu items

Dessert

The cake fridge is always where people venture when they need a hit of sugar to go with their coffee. It is always important to buy or make cakes that will sell quickly, as the dessert cabinet is considered a treat, not a must at every meal. Some delicious cake options to try are:

* Chocolate Cake – Everyone loves chocolate! Give the bosses a spin with a cake like chocolate and coffee to make things really interesting.
* Orange and Poppy Seed – For those who love their citrus, orange and poppy seed will give you a little sweetness and flavor all in one bite.
*Lemon Meringue Pie – You can’t pass up a traditional coffee dessert that has always been a favorite!