coffee-equipment-supply-chain-specialty-cafe-riyadh

Phase 5: Coffee Shop Equipment Guide – Machines, Grinders & Supply Chain Essentials

This coffee shop equipment guide shows why investing in the right tools matters more than having a perfect location or stunning interior. You can open in the heart of Riyadh with beautiful décor, but if your espresso tastes like burnt rubber because of a low-quality grinder, customers won’t return.

In Saudi Arabia, coffee drinkers are knowledgeable. They recognize a La Marzocco on the bar, and they can taste the difference between a commercial dark roast and a specialty Ethiopian Hamasho.

The good news is you don’t need to spend SAR 100,000 on an espresso machine to make great coffee. This guide breaks equipment into practical “tiers,” helping you match your setup to your budget, concept, and expected service volume.

☕ 1. Coffee Shop Equipment Guide: Choosing the Right Espresso

Note: Prices are estimates and vary by distributor/exchange rate.

Coffee Shop Equipment Guide

Tier A: The “Workhorse” (Budget / Commercial)

Best for: Drive-thrus, high-volume fast service, start-ups on a tight budget.

  • Top Pick: Nuova Simonelli Appia Life (2 Group)
  • Approx Price: SAR 14,000 – 18,000
  • Why: It’s virtually indestructible. Any technician in KSA can fix it. It handles high volume reasonably well but lacks the temperature precision of high-end machines.
  • Where to Buy: Qavashop, Al Jazirah Equipment, FAJ Trading.

Tier B: The “Industry Standard” (Specialty Cafe)

Best for: Third-wave specialty shops where coffee quality is the main focus.

  • Top Pick: La Marzocco Linea Classic S (2 Group)
  • Approx Price: SAR 45,000 – 55,000
  • Why: This is the face of specialty coffee. It offers immense steam power (crucial for latte art) and stable temperature. It holds its resale value incredibly well.
  • Where to Buy: Qavashop, Sulalat, WTR.

Tier C: The “Showstopper” (Luxury / Competition)

Best for: High-end lounges where the machine is a centerpiece of the design.

  • Top Picks: Slayer Steam LP or Victoria Arduino Black Eagle
  • Approx Price: SAR 70,000 – 90,000+
  • Why: Unmatched control over “Flow Rate” and “Pre-infusion.” Plus, they look stunning on a counter.
  • Where to Buy: Caffeine Lab (Slayer), Ekuep / Almenhaz (Victoria Arduino).

⚠️ Critical Tip: Do not buy a machine without checking the Service Agent. In Saudi Arabia, spare parts availability is more important than brand prestige. If your machine breaks on a Thursday night, who will fix it?

⚙️ 2. The Grinder: More Important Than The Machine

If you have SAR 50,000, spend SAR 20,000 on the machine and SAR 30,000 on grinders. A bad grinder produces inconsistent particles, making your coffee taste sour or bitter.

  1. Espresso Grinder (The Daily Driver):
    • Victoria Arduino Mythos One / Two: The King of consistency. (Price: SAR 12,000+).
    • Mahlkönig E65S: Faster, quieter, very popular in KSA. (Price: SAR 10,000+).
    • Eureka Olympus/Atom: Great budget options. (Price: SAR 4,000 – 6,000).
  2. Filter/Retail Grinder:
    • Mahlkönig EK43: The tall black grinder you see everywhere. It is mandatory if you serve V60 or sell bags of beans to customers. (Price: SAR 13,000+).

🚚 3. Supply Chain: Beans, Milk & Consumables

You need reliable B2B partners who deliver on time.

A. Coffee Beans: Local Roasters vs. Importing

  • Local Roasters (Wholesale): The easiest path. They provide fresh beans (roasted in Riyadh/Jeddah) and often offer free barista training if you sign a contract.
    • Top Names: Camel Step, Soil, Elixir Bunn, Sulalat, Rawnah.
  • Importing: Cheaper per kilo, but you must deal with customs, SFDA clearance, and shipping delays. Only recommended for large chains.

B. The Milk Wars

  • Local Fresh Milk: The standard for 90% of cafes.
    • Brands: Nada (Blue cap is famous for foam stability), Almarai (widely available).
  • Plant-Based: You must offer alternatives. Alpro (Barista version) and Oatly are the market leaders in KSA.

C. Syrups & Sauces

  • For your Spanish Lattes and Mojitos.
  • Top Brands: Monin, Giffard, 1883 Maison Routin.
  • Suppliers: Growth, Platraw, Coffee Supplies (online marketplaces).

🛠️ 4. Smallwares & Water: The Forgotten Costs

Don’t forget to budget for these items:

  • Water Filtration: A BWT or 3M Reverse Osmosis system is mandatory. Cost: SAR 3,000 – 6,000.
  • Pitcher Rinser: The little star-shaped sprayer built into the counter. Cost: SAR 800 – 1,500.
  • Tampers & Distribution Tools: Brands like Pullman or Saint Anthony.
  • Ice Machines: For cold brew and iced lattes. Scotsman or Brema are the reliable choices. Don’t buy a cheap plastic ice maker; it will melt in the summer heat.

✅ Phase 5 Checklist: The Shopping List

  • [ ] Espresso Machine: Selected based on volume (2 Group vs 3 Group).
  • [ ] Espresso Grinders: Two needed (one for house blend, one for single origin/decaf).
  • [ ] Filter Grinder: EK43 or similar for V60 bar.
  • [ ] Water Filtration: TDS meter checked (target 100-150ppm).
  • [ ] POS System: Hardware (iPad + Stand + Drawer) purchased.
  • [ ] Wholesale Account: Contract signed with a local roaster (negotiate a “tasting session” first).
  • [ ] Ice Machine: Capacity calculated (e.g., 50kg/day for small shop).

What’s Next?

You have the gear. Now you need the people to operate it. It’s time to tackle the most complex challenge in the Saudi market: Nitaqat, Visas, and Finding Good Baristas.

👉 Next Step: Go to Phase 6 – HR, Staffing & Training