Opening a coffee shop is never simple. It takes vision, patience, financial commitment, and the right support system. For Alli and Titian, owners of Allicat’s Coffee House just outside of Philadelphia, the journey to opening their café was deeply personal and years in the making.
We’re honored to have supported them in outfitting their coffee bar, and today we’re sharing their story. If you’re a café owner planning a buildout or upgrading to new coffee shop equipment, this one is definitely worth the read!
Meet the Coffee Shop Owners Behind Allicat’s Coffee House
Alli, co-owner of Allicat’s Coffee House, blends creativity and discipline with a background in fashion, entrepreneurship, military logistics, and now a PhD in Psychology. The other co-owner, Titian, is the builder behind the vision. He runs a welding, sign, and print business and can fabricate just about anything: “If you can think it, he can make it,” Alli says.
They met in 2022 when Alli stopped by his studio for help with home projects. What started as a few ideas quickly turned into something much bigger.
From Vision to Reality: Purchasing and Renovating a Commercial Café Space
In July 2022, Alli deployed to the Middle East. After her service concluded from a medical discharge, she returned home and began focusing on recovery and her next chapter. During that time, she and Titian started seriously discussing the idea of purchasing a commercial property and building their own coffee shop.
They purchased the building that would become Allicat’s Coffee House in May 2024. With Titian’s technical skills and Alli’s design and operations background, they decided to build something together from the ground up.
Allicat’s Coffee House became the first business they started together from scratch.
Designing a Cozy, Community-Focused Coffee Shop Atmosphere
From the beginning, they renovated the building with a potential coffee shop in mind. The process was challenging and they had to remain patient and committed.
When they started to think about outfitting their café, they reached out to Espresso Parts.
It took about two years to bring the dream to life. After purchasing equipment, it took about three months to get everything in place and open.
Today, the café reflects their beliefs and values.
Creating a Welcoming Café Experience That Feels Like Home
Allicat’s has an eclectic, cozy feel. Much of the furniture was donated by neighbors. The goal was to create a living room or family room vibe outside the home; something inviting rather than sterile or overly modern.
Building a Strong Coffee Program with Locally Roasted Beans
Working with Wake Coffee in Ambler, PA, has helped shape a menu that reflects how their guests actually like to drink coffee. Their core lineup features a dark roasted espresso and a medium roast drip that holds its own.
That approach shows up clearly in their personal favorites, too. Alli typically reaches for an iced oat milk vanilla latte with three extra pumps, while Titian gravitates toward a cappuccino or caramel latte.
For dine-in customers, they provide mugs, plates, and silverware as a sustainable option. Guests on the go can get 10% off when they bring their own mug (BYOM).
Outfitting a Café with Reliable Espresso Machines and Coffee Grinders
Choosing commercial coffee equipment is one of the biggest — and most expensive — decisions a new café owner will make. The espresso machine, grinders, and brewer you select don’t just sit on the counter; they shape workflow, drink quality, speed of service, and the overall customer experience.
For Alli and Titian, building their bar meant finding equipment they could trust to deliver consistency while they learned the ropes as first-time operators.
Their current lineup includes:
- La Marzocco Linea Classic S2 Group
- Fiorenzato F64 EVO Pro Sense
- Fiorenzato F4 EVO Demand
- Fetco Coffee Brewer
Alli shared that putting together their equipment list felt overwhelming at first. There were countless models, configurations, and price points to consider, and they were making a significant investment in machines they hadn’t yet operated themselves.
For many café owners, this stage is where doubt creeps in. Are you choosing the right setup? Will it support your menu? Can your team learn it quickly? Having clarity and guidance during this phase can make the difference between second-guessing every decision and moving forward with confidence.
Why Working With the Right Coffee Equipment Partner Matters
When you’re opening your first café, the equipment purchase isn’t just another task on the checklist; it’s a major financial and operational decision. Alli and Titian found Espresso Parts during a Google search when they were looking for a smooth, straightforward process. What they received was more than a quote.
After submitting a contact form, they were quickly connected with our team who helped provide a detailed plan to help get them up and running. Instead of feeling like they had to figure everything out alone, they had guidance at along the way.
As first-time coffee shop owners, that support made a real difference. They especially valued:
- A clear starter equipment inventory tailored to their space
- Fast, patient communication while weighing options
- Coordination around shipping timelines
- Assistance with installation
- A hands-on crash course to learn their espresso machine
For new café owners, there’s a big gap between purchasing equipment and confidently running it during a morning rush. Bridging that gap requires more than a transaction. It requires partnership.
Alli described the overall experience with Espresso Parts as extremely smooth and emphasized how supported they felt both before and after the sale. That ongoing involvement gave them confidence not only in their equipment, but in their ability to operate and grow their business.
Planning a Café Buildout? Key Considerations for Coffee Shop Owners
Allicat’s Coffee House is a reminder that opening a café is rarely linear. There are delays, second guesses, and unexpected turns. But having the right guidance — especially when it comes to coffee shop equipment and bar layout — makes a big difference.
If you’re planning a café buildout, upgrading your espresso machine, or starting from scratch, having a knowledgeable team walk you through equipment selection, installation, and training can remove a lot of uncertainty.
Ready to Build Your Café?
Whether you’re opening your first coffee shop or renovating an existing space, we’re here to help you plan your bar setup and select the right equipment for your goals.
If you’re ready to start your café buildout, contact us today. Let’s build something you’re proud of.
Our team is here to help out and answer all your questions. Fill out a quote or email our sales team at sales@espressoparts.com.
