How to Open a Turkish Games Coffeehouse: Costs, Licenses and a Step-by-Step Guide
A Turkish kiraathane is a social venue built around conversation and table games. Okey, backgammon and similar games create long stays, average checks remain low, and frequent tea rounds support the room.
This guide focuses on the kiraathane activity and gaming-room model. If you plan a neighborhood tea and coffee venue without games, the kahvehane opening guide is a closer fit.
Define the games coffeehouse model first
The games and conversation area is the heart of a kiraathane. A dedicated games room, a light-snack model and a site with passing traffic need different rents and table counts. Separating games tables from the service counter improves circulation and reduces staff workload.
- How many tables will okey, backgammon and other games occupy, and how will the municipality classify that area?
- Will regular neighborhood guests lead the trade, or do you also expect passing customers?
- Will the menu remain drink-led, or include toasties, desserts and other light food?
These answers affect rent, table investment, staffing and POS selection. If there is no gaming room, your registered activity may be closer to a neighborhood coffeehouse.
Licenses and documents for a games coffeehouse
The basic list includes a business opening and operating license, tax registration, food business registration and hygiene training documents. The main difference appears in the registered activity and local conditions for the room and gaming area.
- Business opening and operating license with the kiraathane or gaming-room activity clearly stated
- Tax registration and tax certificate
- Food business registration
- Hygiene training certificates for staff
- Any local conditions for room capacity or gaming-area use
Do not treat the kiraathane, kahvehane and cafe labels as interchangeable. The same floor area can face different conditions under a different activity. Written confirmation from the municipality and relevant chamber protects the renovation budget.
Games coffeehouse startup costs and working capital
Location, room capacity and table count change the budget. Equipment is lighter than an espresso bar, so rent, games tables and room renovations are usually the main lines.
- Rent and deposit for enough space to support long table sessions
- Paint, lighting and room renovations
- Games tables, chairs and conversation seating
- Tea counter, water boiler, tea service and refrigerator
- Opening stock of tea, sugar and a limited snack range
- License costs and working capital
Use the Opening Budget Calculator to test your figures without registering.
Core equipment and layout decisions
Games tables fill the room, but tea service must still move freely. A separate service counter lets staff carry fresh tea and empty glasses by a shorter route.
- Gaming area: Leave enough space between tables for movement, even when chairs spread during a busy session.
- Tea and service counter: Keep filling and clearing simple and separate from the games tables.
- Storage: Keep tea and packaging stock accessible without spilling into the room.
Walk through opening, the midday rush, evening sessions and closing on the plan before building it.
Menu, pricing and profitability
Sales often come from repeated tea rounds. A focused menu reduces waste and preparation work, which matters when the average check is low.
The free business calculators help test food cost and break-even scenarios. Ritapos can calculate food cost and prime cost from your real menu and recipes.
Using a POS system in a games coffeehouse
Paper checks are easy to lose during long table sessions. Digital table and check tracking makes close-out clearer even when each order is small.
A cafe POS with table checks and quick drink keys fits this rhythm. See the Cafe POS System page, or the kahvehane guide if that model is closer to your venue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much capital do you need to open a games coffeehouse?
Capital needs vary by location, floor area, equipment and business model. Budget rent and deposit, renovations, games tables, service equipment, licenses, opening stock and working capital separately. Test your figures in the opening budget calculator.
Which documents are required to open a games coffeehouse?
The usual framework includes a business opening and operating license, tax registration, food business registration and hygiene training documents. Local rules may add conditions for the gaming room or activity. Obtain the current list from the municipality licensing office and relevant chamber in writing.
What is the difference between a kiraathane and a kahvehane?
A kiraathane is built around games and conversation. Games such as okey and backgammon create long table sessions, and some municipalities apply extra room or gaming-area conditions. A kahvehane is a neighborhood tea and coffee venue without the same gaming-room focus. Confirm the registered activity with the municipality. For that model, see the kahvehane opening guide.
Which POS system suits a games coffeehouse?
A cloud POS can bring table orders, stock and end-of-day reports into one place. See the Cafe POS System page for a similar long-table-service workflow.