I want to open my own espresso stand.....help?

I've worked as barista for a while, that and photography are my favorite hobbies. I have a job as both. I want to keep my job working at the portrait studio but I'd rather own my own espresso stand rather than work at one.....please give me feedback as to how much money is in this sort of business, profits, how I'd get started and whatnot, If it helps I live in the spokane coeur d' alene area.

Espresso equipment is expensive, as is the supplies. You can expect to invest at least $15,000 - $20,000 in equipment as well as start-up supplies. The espresso and syrup alone are the highest costing items, especially if you go with a name brand or something high-quality. You still want to find a decent location with high traffic, but you have to be careful, as many rentals in high-volume or desirable areas can go for as much as $14.00 - $25.00 a square foot, though in a less desirable area, may go for as low as $1.00 a square foot.

You second cost will be rent, renovation into a shop, and daily stock items (such as milk and cream).

I have two books to recommend to you, if you are serious. I also suggest contacting your local small business administration to see if there are any grants available to you. I recommend these books: "Start and Run a Coffee bar," by Tom Matzen and Marybeth Harrison, printed by Self-Counsel Press and "Start Your Own Coffee and Tea Store, by Prentice Hall.

These are sold at Barnes and Noble and Borders, but you can probably find them cheaper at dealsoz.com.

You might want to see if there are some Hospitality and Restaurant management classes available, too - you don't need a degree, but stuff like "Food and Beverage management" and "Hospitality Law," are useful in everyday operation.

Best Wishes.