If you’ve ever dreamed of opening your café, launching a craft brewery, or creating a thriving takeaway business, you’re not alone. Learning how to start a hospitality business is an exciting journey packed with opportunities to delight customers and build a memorable brand.
At its heart, hospitality is about serving people—and doing it well. The right approach can set your business apart whether you focus on beverages, food, or both. In this guide, we’ll explore the steps to starting a hospitality business, highlight beverages and the critical role that customised packaging plays in creating a strong first impression.
Understanding the hospitality industry
The hospitality industry is all about creating welcoming and memorable experiences, from food and drinks to being accommodating. Beverages are often the cornerstone of a great hospitality business, but food can also play a key role in delivering a well-rounded experience.
Key trends in hospitality
As you explore how to start a hospitality business, understanding industry trends is essential. Your customers are more discerning than ever, and making sure that you align your business with their preferences can make all the difference in your success:
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Sustainability: Eco-friendly practices, like using recyclable or compostable packaging and sourcing your ingredients locally, are no longer just an option - they’re expected.
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Personalisation: From custom-printed packaging to tailored menu options, creating a unique and memorable experience will help your business stand out.
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Speciality offerings: Customers love high-quality, thoughtfully presented products, from craft beverages to gourmet takeaway options.
By tapping into these trends, you can build a business that feels fresh, relevant, and in tune with what the modern customer values.
Steps to start a hospitality business
Starting a hospitality business involves careful planning and a focus on the details that matter most to your customers. Here’s how to get started:
1. Define your niche
A successful hospitality business starts with a clear focus. Will you specialise in artisanal coffee, craft beer, or something else? Consider how your offerings might grow over time—for example, complementing drinks with food to create a complete experience.
Ask yourself:
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What are my customers looking for?
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What’s my passion?
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Where can I make a mark in the market?
Finding your niche gives your business direction and helps you stand out.
2. Understand your market
Understanding your audience and competitors is essential when learning how to start a hospitality business. Research gives you the insights needed to shape your offerings and stand out in the market:
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Who are your customers? What flavours, trends, or values resonate with them?
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Who are your competitors? What are they doing well, and where is there room to do better or differently?
3. Build a thoughtful business plan
Your business plan is the foundation of your success. It should clearly define your path forward and provide a roadmap for growth and sustainability:
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Set your goals: Identify both your short-term wins and long-term strategies to guide your business decisions.
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Budget wisely: Outline your start-up costs, and pricing strategies, along with realistic profit projections to stay on track financially.
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Your marketing plan: Detail how you’ll connect with your audience, from engaging social media campaigns to impactful local events to drum up interest.
4. Address any legal requirements
Staying compliant with regulations is essential for any hospitality business. Depending on your offerings, you may need:
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Food and beverage handling permits.
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A liquor licence for serving alcohol.
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Health and safety certifications.
5. Focus on quality and operations
The details of your operations—from sourcing ingredients to creating a seamless customer experience—are what customers remember most. And if beverages are a core part of your business, packaging plays a crucial role in creating a great first impression.
The importance of beverages in hospitality
Beverages are often the star of hospitality businesses. Whether it’s a beautifully presented coffee, a signature craft beer, or an on-trend kombucha, drinks can define your brand.
Popular drink trends
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Artisanal coffee: High-quality beans, unique brewing methods, and locally sourced roasts.
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Craft beers: Small-batch brews with creative flavours that appeal to beer enthusiasts.
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Health-conscious options: Kombucha, cold-pressed juices, and plant-based alternatives are growing in popularity.
Looking at room for growth
As your business evolves, adding food options alongside your beverages can be a natural next step. Pairing a perfectly brewed coffee with freshly baked pastries or serving craft beer alongside gourmet snacks can elevate the customer experience while broadening your brand’s appeal.
The role of drink packaging
When it comes to beverages—and potentially food—packaging is more than just functional. It is often the first interaction with your brand, making it a powerful tool to convey your values and leave a lasting impression.
Why packaging matters
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First impressions count: Eye-catching, well-designed packaging can draw customers in and create excitement around your products.
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It reflects your brand: Customised packaging tells your story, whether you prioritise sustainability or have a fun, quirky vibe.
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It’s practical: Features like resealable bottles, insulated containers, or easy-grip designs make your product convenient and enjoyable for customers.
The power of customisation
Custom packaging can take your brand to the next level. It’s more than just a container—it’s an opportunity to tell your story, make a lasting impression, and connect with your customers. By focusing on quality, creativity, and sustainability, customisation allows your packaging to stand out and reflect the uniqueness of your business.
Tailored Designs
Your packaging should be as unique as your vision. Whether it’s bold logos, intricate patterns, or minimalist elegance, great design communicates what your brand stands for. Imagine beverages served in compostable cups with illustrations showcasing your commitment to sustainability, or packaging that promotes local artists or celebrates the region you’re from. These small yet meaningful details resonate with customers and set your business apart in a competitive market.
Flexible Formats
Packaging isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—and it shouldn’t be. Custom packaging allows you to tailor designs to meet your business’s unique needs. From biodegradable coffee cups to branded boxes for meal deliveries or eCommerce orders, your packaging can adapt as your business evolves. For example, a business expanding into food takeaway or retail could introduce eco-friendly food containers or sleek branded boxes that reflect its values.
Creative Features
Adding thoughtful, creative touches to your packaging—like embossed logos, foil details, or QR codes—can elevate the customer experience and make your brand memorable.
A kombucha bottle with a QR code, for instance, could link to a video showcasing the brewing process or highlighting the natural ingredients used. These features create meaningful engagement and build a stronger connection between your brand and your customers.
Seasonal and Limited-Edition Packaging
Seasonal or event-based packaging is a fantastic way to keep your brand fresh and exciting. Limited-edition designs for special promotions or holiday products can generate buzz, encourage customers to share their experiences and leave a lasting impression.
Whether it’s festive drink packaging, themed boxes, or exclusive designs for a new product launch, these details help build anticipation and loyalty.
Unique Shapes and Sizes
For businesses looking to stand out, exploring unique shapes and sizes can make a lasting impression. Compact takeaway containers, creative beverage packaging, or distinctive designs for a new product line can capture attention on shelves or in customers’ hands, elevating your brand in a crowded marketplace.
Custom packaging goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about aligning every detail with your brand’s values and creating an experience that customers will remember. By investing in innovative and thoughtful packaging solutions, you’re not just protecting your products; you’re building a brand that stands out and leaves a lasting impact.
Sustainability in the hospitality industry
Modern customers expect businesses to prioritise more eco-friendly practices, making sustainability essential for any hospitality business. Packaging offers you a simple yet powerful way to demonstrate your commitment to reducing your environmental impact while resonating with more environmentally aware consumers.
Sustainable packaging solutions
At Boxes 24, we understand the importance of sustainability in today’s market. That’s why we offer a range of eco-friendly solutions designed to meet your business’s needs whilst protecting the planet:
Sustainability in every box
Our selection includes a variety of options made from recyclable and biodegradable materials, ensuring your packaging aligns with your commitment to the environment. From beverage packaging to eCommerce, these options are completely functional and sustainable.
Quality in every crease
Eco-friendly doesn’t mean compromising on quality. Our packaging is made from high-quality corrugated cardboard, offering you exceptional durability and strength to protect your products in transit. Plus, all the material is 100% recyclable, supporting a circular economy and promoting more environmentally friendly disposal practices.
Make the perfect first impression with Boxes 24
Learning how to start a hospitality business is an exciting opportunity to combine creativity, strategy, and customer care. By offering standout beverages, staying open to future growth, and using custom packaging to reflect your values, you can build a brand that thrives.
At Boxes 24, we’re here to help you bring your vision to life. Want to create something truly unique? Use our online custom box builder to design packaging that fits you. Contact us today to explore how our packaging solutions can support your journey—one beautifully designed cup at a time.
