How many staff members do you need for a bubble tea shop?

When it comes to setting up a bubble tea shop, the question of staffing becomes essential. It might come as a surprise, but running a successful bubble tea shop doesn't demand a large team of staff members. That being said, let's take a look at how many staff members you need for a bubble tea shop.

The Bare Minimum

With the leanest operation, only two staff members are required to keep a bubble tea shop open. One person looks after the front-of-house operations, such as taking orders and serving customers, and the other at the back to help cook the tapioca balls, prepare ingredients for serving and general shopkeeping.

As bubble tea shops can actually be quite small, the back-of-house operations can actually be performed in sight of the customer without any noticeable negative consequences. This also gives flexibility for staff to take breaks when necessary.

How about peak hours?

You might wonder, how many employees do you need to run a bubble tea shop during peak hours? If you find yourself facing a lengthy queue of customers, it might be worth bringing in an extra staff member or two for the shift. Realistically, during this busy period, you only require one person to handle the orders (taking around 10 – 15 seconds per customer), leaving the rest of the team to focus on preparing and serving the drinks. This approach can prove particularly advantageous if you've implemented an app-based ordering system, allowing customers to place their orders conveniently from their own devices.

Bottom Line

When it comes to running a bubble tea shop, how many employees do you need? Well, when you factor in shift work, holidays, and potential illnesses, it's advisable to have around 3-6 people on your payroll, even if they're all part-time staff. This consideration will aid you in effectively planning your operations.

If you're ready to embark on your bubble tea shop journey, staffing is just one piece of the puzzle. At Taipec, we're not only experts in bubble tea supplies, but we're also committed to supporting your business every step of the way. From equipment to ingredients, we have you covered. Whether you're starting from scratch or expanding your existing shop, our comprehensive range of products and industry knowledge will ensure your success.

Contact Taipec today to explore how we can meet all your bubble tea supply needs and help you create a thriving and delightful bubble tea experience for your customers.