Coffee Shop
Labor Cost Calculator

Most profitable specialty cafés target 28–32% of revenue for labor. Under 25% usually means understaffed (slower service, missed cleaning, burnout). Over 35% sustained is a warning sign — either you're overstaffed, your revenue per hour is too low, or your menu pricing is off.

Yes for benefits and payroll taxes — they're real money you spend per employee. Tips are typically excluded since they're customer-funded and don't hit your P&L the same way. Add ~15–20% on top of base wages to capture taxes, workers' comp, and any benefits.

Three levers: (1) tighter scheduling matched to traffic patterns — most shops are overstaffed in dead hours, (2) cross-train staff so one person can cover multiple roles, (3) eliminate the operational waste that creates 'fake' labor demand (re-explaining tasks, rework, dealing with miscommunication).

No. Drive-thrus typically run 18–25% labor because revenue per labor hour is dramatically higher. Full-service cafés with seating and food typically run 30–35%. Kiosks and espresso bars often land at 25–30%.