You don't just want to run an okay coffee shop. You want to run a great coffee shop, right? The way to do that is to make some small changes and implement a few small touches that just make things feel unique and special. Follow some or all of the tips below, and your customers will start considering yours "the best coffee shop."

Offer complimentary sweets.

People often like something small to nibble with their coffee, but not always so much that they're going to buy a muffin or scone. If you can find some small, pre-packed biscuits or biscotti in individual wrappers, try setting them out in a bowl on your counter with a sign that says "help yourself to one." Some customers won't take one, but others will. And the mere idea that you're giving something away for free with the coffee will delight your customers. If you have to charge a few pennies more for the coffee to account for the costs, it's often worth it considering the positive feedback this act of generosity will earn you.

Give guests something to do.

For many people, getting a cup of coffee is about more than the coffee. It's about relaxing, setting aside the stress of the day, and enjoying oneself. Try providing some sort of entertainment or something for guests to do in your coffee shop so they can step away from their stress more easily. You can set out some board games, keep local magazines and papers in-stock, or set crossword puzzles out for people to do. It won't take long for your coffee shop to become known for this little thing you do.

Allow customization.

Some coffee shops try to cut down on the ways they're willing to customize drinks to make things easier on their baristas. This approach is understandable if you're under-staffed or your baristas are working in a tight space. But if you can manage it, allowing your customers to add things or subtract things from their coffee drinks is a wise choice. It ensures that every customer gets exactly what they want, and it also shows that customers' needs are your top priority. 

You don't always need to overhaul your menu or bring in the latest specialty coffee drinks to set your coffee shop apart. Making a couple of small changes to the way you do things or the items you offer can make all the difference in the world. Check out local coffee shops, such as Encircle Cafe, to get more ideas.