Running a hospitality business isn’t for the faint-hearted. Between managing staff, stock, suppliers, and customer expectations, there’s little room for error, and even less room in the budget for costly upgrades. But sometimes, the right piece of equipment, and the right supplier, can transform your operation overnight.
That was certainly true for one independent café, which worked with 86 Degrees Coffee Ltd. and Tower Leasing to dramatically boost profits and customer satisfaction. Located in a busy UK tourist hotspot, the café was already well-known for great service and quality drinks, but as footfall increased, their existing coffee setup began to slow them down.
The Challenge
More customers meant more orders, but the machine on the counter couldn’t keep up. It was showing its age, couldn’t handle the growing demand, and frankly, was becoming a bottleneck during peak times.
The café needed something faster, more reliable, and better-looking. A machine that would keep pace with demand while improving quality and presentation. But with ongoing commitments like staffing and inventory already squeezing the budget, investing in a new setup upfront wasn’t the right option.
The Solution: Coffee Machine Finance
Rather than wait and risk compromising customer experience, the owner explored alternative ways to get the upgrade they needed. That’s when they came across the option of coffee machine finance.
Through Tower Leasing, they arranged a 36-month lease for a de Jong Duke Lua bean-to-cup coffee machine, supplied by 86 Degrees Coffee Ltd. This allowed them to access premium equipment immediately, without the heavy upfront investment.
The impact was almost instant.
The Lua’s sleek, modern design lifted the aesthetic of the café counter, while its intuitive interface made it easier and faster to use. The wider drink selection allowed staff to serve more customers in less time, and the ConnectMe system also enabled the team to run on-screen promotions, which were especially effective during events. Customers quickly noticed the upgrade in drink quality, particularly praising the improved taste of the drinking chocolate.
“The old machine had its day. The supplier was very difficult to deal with and lacked communication. With the Lua, everything changed. It’s easy to use, looks great, and the ConnectMe system has made a huge difference. We’re serving more drinks, faster, and our customers love it.” — Café Manager
The Result
Over the first seven months with the new setup, the café generated £37,000.
- Drinks sold: 11,600
- Average price per drink: £3.25
- Gross income: £37,700
The machine had practically paid for itself within a few months. Leasing costs were comfortably covered by the additional revenue, and the café was able to continue growing without disrupting its cash flow.
“Partnering with Tower Leasing has allowed us to offer our clients a smarter, more accessible way to upgrade their coffee experience without the financial strain of upfront costs. The Lua machine is a game-changer for hospitality businesses, and with Tower’s flexible leasing options, we’re helping venues boost revenue, streamline service, and delight customers—right from day one.” — Chris, Director at 86 Degrees Coffee Ltd.
Why Coffee Machine Finance Works for Growing Businesses
This case highlights a growing trend: cafés and restaurants using coffee machine finance to access the machines they need now, while spreading the cost over time.
It’s not just about affordability. It’s about:
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Upgrading without delay – No need to wait until you’ve saved enough; start improving service now.
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Keeping cash flow healthy – Preserve working capital for essentials like staffing, marketing, or stock.
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Paying as you profit – Generate income from the equipment while you’re still paying for it.
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Staying competitive – Offer a better experience without putting pressure on your finances.
Whether you’re opening a new venue or modernising an existing one, financing options like leasing can give you the flexibility to stay competitive, without compromise.
Interested in Doing the Same?
Explore how Tower Leasing can help you upgrade your coffee equipment without the financial strain of paying upfront. Find out more about coffee machine finance here.
