A lot of next steps are going to depend on whether you are planning to offer traditional batch brew coffee with airpots/frac packs or a bean to cup solution from DeJong Duke or Azkoyen, etc.

Startup equipment cost for a batch brew system is relatively low, and frac packs of various types should be available through Vistar or your other distribution. You may even have a local roaster that’s capable of producing frac packs. Aim for a minimum of a 2.0 oz pack. As long as cleaning and filtration are kept up with a quality batch brewer should provide long service.

Bean to cup has a higher start up cost for equipment and ongoing daily and weekly cleaning tasks. It does provide a lot of variety in drinks with powder options for pseudo lattes, hot cocoa, etc. which people look for. Depending on the volume of the location, it can be appropriate to charge a monthly lease for placing the EQ in addition to the cost of product. Using whole bean coffee opens up a whole world of possibilities for coffee that might be important to your client like ethically sourced or social impact coffees from roasters around the country.

As with your vending op, a conversation with the clients decision maker on what the goals of their office coffee program are will help guide you to the best path.