Fast Coffee self-service coffee stations have become a popular solution for businesses in Canada thanks to their compact size, affordability, and high-quality beverages. However, 70% of a station's effectiveness depends on choosing the right location. Below is a selection of the best types of facilities where coffee stations generate maximum profit and high user traffic.

1. Fitness centers and sports clubs

Why it works:
– Athletes love a “quick coffee” before or after training.
– Most fitness centers do not have their own barista coffee shops.
– The waiting time after class is the perfect moment to sell drinks.

What drinks do they choose:
Americano, latte without sugar, protein latte (if available).

Tip: set up the station near the reception desk or sports nutrition store.

2. Offices and business centers

Why it works:
– Employees drink coffee regularly: in the morning, before meetings, during breaks.
– Installing a station is cheaper than a corporate coffee bar or kitchen equipment.
– No queues, no service, always consistent quality.

Who it's for:
IT companies, call centers, coworking spaces, financial and legal firms. p>

Tip: a combination of 2-3 stations on one floor with high traffic increases sales by 20-30%.

3. Medical clinics and health centers

Why it works:
– Patients often wait 10–40 minutes for their appointment.
– Doctors and staff are also active coffee consumers.
– Coffee increases comfort in the waiting area.

Ideal locations:
Waiting areas, lobbies between departments, near the pharmacy.

4. Educational institutions

Suitable for:
– colleges
– universities
– private schools
– training centers
– language schools

Why it works:
– Students and teachers drink coffee every day.
– Self-service is cheaper and faster than cafeterias.

Popular hours:
8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

5. Shopping centers

Advantages of placement in shopping centers:
– stable flow of people
– points operate without staff
– drinks are purchased on the go before shopping or during breaks

Where to place:
near entrances, food courts, supermarkets, and play areas.

6. Car dealerships, car services, and service stations

Why it works:
– Customers spend 1-3 hours at the service center.
– Coffee makes waiting comfortable and creates positive emotions about the brand.
– Staff need coffee too.

Tip: add branded cups — this increases customer loyalty. p>

7. Hotels and motels

Why it works:
– Guests often have coffee early in the morning when the kitchen may not be open yet.
– An additional service that does not require staff.

Best locations:
lobby, breakfast area, near elevators.

8. Government agencies and banks

Suitable for:
passport offices, service centers, insurance companies, banks, post offices.

Reason for effectiveness:
queues + long waits = ideal conditions for coffee.

9. Manufacturing plants and warehouse complexes

Why you should put it here:
– Employees work shifts and need an invigorating drink.
– There are usually no alternatives in remote locations.

How to determine if a location is suitable for Fast Coffee?

Check three criteria:

✔ 1. Traffic

At least 80-150 people per day.

✔ 2. Accessibility

The station should be visible and easily accessible.

✔ 3. Context

People should be in a state of ‘waiting’ or “pausing” at the location.

If all three points coincide, it is a promising location.

Conclusion

Fast Coffee stations are ideal for locations with a constant flow of people and short waiting times. Choosing the right location will increase profits, enhance the customer experience, and provide a stable income for the business or franchise owner.