The coffee landscape is undergoing a transformation, with cold and iced coffee leading the charge. In 2023 alone, cold coffee generated nearly $18 billion in sales, now accounting for more than half of all specialty coffee shop revenue. This isn’t just a seasonal trend—it’s a fundamental shift in consumer preferences that smart restaurant and café operators can’t afford to ignore. Your restaurant or cafe needs a cold coffee program.

Understanding the Cold Coffee Revolution

While traditional hot coffee remains popular with certain demographics, iced coffee has become the overwhelming preference for Americans aged 18-24. As these younger consumers represent the future of your customer base, building brand loyalty through cold brew offerings is increasingly essential for long-term success.

But what exactly drives this coffee phenomenon?

• Extended enjoyment: Unlike hot beverages that quickly become lukewarm, iced coffee maintains its quality for hours—perfect for today’s on-the-go lifestyle
• Customization culture: Cold brew serves as an ideal canvas for personalization with dairy alternatives, flavored syrups, and creative toppings
• Visual appeal: Served in clear cups with attractive layers, cold creations become Instagram-worthy moments that drive social media engagement and organic marketing
• Higher profit margins: Cold brew and iced coffee typically command premium prices while maintaining reasonable production costs, delivering margins of 70-80% compared to 65-70% for hot coffee

The Business Case for Cold Coffee

For establishments still focused primarily on traditional hot coffee, the numbers make a compelling case for expansion:

• The average cold or iced coffee drink sells for $4.50-6.00—significantly higher than hot coffee averages
• Cold and iced coffee consumption has grown 7.3% annually over the past five years
• 20% of coffee drinkers now prefer cold coffee year-round, rising to 35-40% among younger consumers

As the 18-24 demographic matures and transitions to full-service dining, they expect their preferred iced coffee options wherever they go. Businesses that adapt early gain substantial competitive advantages in customer acquisition and retention.

Operational Advantages

Beyond sales potential, a well-designed cold coffee program can streamline your operations:

• Batch preparation during slower periods reduces staff workload during peak hours
• Longer shelf life (7-14 days refrigerated for cold brew concentrate) minimizes product waste
• Advance preparation ensures consistent quality and faster service during busy periods

Brisk Coffee Roasters: Your Coffee Program Partner

At Brisk Coffee Roasters, we specialize in helping restaurants and cafes implement seamless, high-profit cold coffee programs. Our comprehensive support includes:

• Premium coffee blends specifically developed for optimal cold extraction
• Tailored solutions scaled to your operation’s size and customer base
• Staff training to ensure proper execution and consistent quality
• Marketing support to effectively promote your new offerings

Whether you’re looking to add cold brew, iced coffee, or blended coffee drinks to your menu, Brisk provides everything needed to ensure a profitable experience for your business and a delightful experience for your customers.

The cold and iced coffee revolution shows no signs of slowing. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your menu, attract the next generation of coffee enthusiasts, and substantially boost your beverage profits. Contact Brisk Coffee Roasters today to create your customized coffee program.