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Café Space Management

April 2025

This article is related to a recently completed custom research project conducted on behalf of an ABA member. Our research team is always delighted to speak with members about tailoring research projects to your organization. To learn more or submit a custom research request, simply contact your member advisor or email us at info@advisoryarts.com.

How are peer institutions managing their café space? What are existing best practices and preferred partnership and management models for these spaces to enhance engagement, spatial vibrancy and revenue streams?

These questions, from a performing arts centre in the ABA membership, led to a qualitative research study consisting of interviews with multiple arts and cultural organizations who have F&B spaces in their institutions or who plan to open them.

Findings from the research include:

  • Management Models: Institutions should consider whether they want to internalize or externalize café space management - in doing so, the associated benefits and drawbacks should be kept in mind. Notably, internalizing allows for control over consistency over product, service, experience and staffing whereas externalizing alleviates operational and financial risks. Organizations can set required criteria for external vendors that align with their values and requirements as part of the bid process.

  • Vision, Purpose & Space Activation: Institutions should consider what the purpose of their F&B space is and how to activate it. Some cafés offer bespoke experiences and products that align with their institutional identity, whereas others highlight community building initiatives and meetings being held in the space. Across the board, institutions view their F&B spaces as facilitating a full day out at the institution.

  • Operations Management: Institutions should consider how they want to align the likes of café hours and staffing with that of the institution in general. Other considerations involve revenue sharing agreements, menu changes, location facilitating foot traffic, whether spaces are available to rent and alcohol management.

The full report is available to ABA members by clicking below.