Did you know that 9 in 10 people will stop using an app if they feel the performance isn’t up to par?
That’s because a good coffee shop app isn’t just nice to look at — it works, too.
Coffee shop app design needs to focus on strong user experience (UX), delivering exactly what your customers want and need while also acting as an extension of your brand.
But it’s not just about the customers.
Good coffee shop app design can be good for your coffee shop, too.
Why is good coffee shop app design so important?
There are a few significant ways strong coffee shop app design can impact your business (and change it for the better).
✓ Boosts repeat business
A user-friendly coffee shop app makes it easy for customers to order their go-to drinks or snacks in just a few taps, especially if you implement order history or “favorite order” capabilities.
→ Rook Coffee’s customers order 45% more often through their coffee shop’s app!
✓ Strengthens brand loyalty
A well-designed coffee shop app can strengthen brand loyalty through built-in loyalty programs. Reward your customers for using your coffee shop’s app and keep your brand top of mind.
✓ Improves operational efficiency
An intentionally designed app can streamline your coffee shop’s operational efficiency by sending orders straight to the kitchen and relieving staff from manual orders, for example.
✓ Drives a higher average order value
An app designed with strategic features — like upsells and modifiers — encourages customers to add more to their cart each visit, boosting average order value (AOV) without being pushy.
→ Sips Coffee sees a 20% increase in AOV on their coffee shop’s app vs. in-store!
✓ Better connects you to customers
A coffee shop app with push notifications and in-app updates allows you to market directly to your customers, without the restrictions that algorithms or third-party platforms have in place.
Best coffee shop app designs & why they work
Not all coffee shop apps are designed the same.
Some focus more on creating a high-end, luxurious feel, while others prefer a scaled-back vibe.
Some put loyalty front and center, while others focus more on customization.
And some just want their coffee shop app to feel fun.
Regardless of what features different coffee shops prioritize, one thing is for certain:
There are some darn good coffee shop app designs on the market right now — and here are the best five.
1 — Starbucks
✔ Starbucks’ app has a sleek, upscale user interface (UI) with iconic, easy-to-recognize branding and personalized greetings
✔ The app centers around loyalty and convenience, with a dedicated rewards feature and an order history page that goes back 120 days
✔ The customization flow is very intuitive, with real-time pricing adjustments and visual modifiers so you can see what you’re adding (or taking away)
Why it works
This coffee shop app design balances cool features with functional design. It offers users a ton of ways to customize their experience without being overly complicated, while maintaining their instantly recognizable branding and aesthetic throughout the app.
2 — Pret-a-Manger
✔ Pret-a-Manger’s app has a sleek, upscale UI that matches the brand’s premium positioning as a higher-end coffee shop
✔ The app has seamless integration with the brand’s loyalty program, Pret Perks, showing users how much they save on every order
✔ The brand’s subscription feature, Club Pret, is also managed through their app, making it a one-stop shop for Pret-a-Manger fans of all kinds
Why it works
This coffee shop app design feels high-end without being pretentious. It prioritizes customer loyalty and rewards through Pret Perks while also balancing ease of use for both Club Pret and regular users. This creates a seamless, enjoyable customer experience from start to finish.
3 — Dunkin’
✔ Dunkin’s UI speaks to the brand’s fun, lively energy, with bright colors, big, bold buttons, and seasonal visuals that keep things exciting
✔ The app has flexible order-ahead options, offering customers the choice to pick up their mobile orders in-store, curbside, or through the drive-thru
✔ The brand makes purchasing (and repurchasing) easy, allowing customers to save their favorite orders and auto-reload when their funds get low
Why it works
This coffee shop app design is created for customer convenience, giving busy, on-the-go customers choices for how they get their order. Plus, it’s designed to be unapologetically Dunkin’, nailing the brand voice and reminding dedicated customers why they love it.
4 — McDonald’s
✔ The McDonald’s app home screen features current deals and limited-time offers, encouraging users to “act now” on certain promotions
✔ The “MyMcDonald’s” loyalty program is exclusive to the brand’s app, gamifying rewards through exclusive in-app opportunities and perks
✔ The app adjusts its offerings based on the location users select, so pricing, pickup, and delivery are always up-to-date and accurate for the chosen location
Why it works
This coffee shop app makes value-driven ordering frictionless, perfectly balances convenience and ease without sacrificing location accuracy or customization features. Plus, the app’s “Rewards&Offers” page means an upsell opportunity is never lost.
5 — Dutch Bros
✔ Dutch Bros’ app has fun, upbeat branding that’s consistent across design and copy, making sure the brand’s personality is seen everywhere
✔ The “Dutch Rewards” loyalty program that customers rave about is easy to navigate in the app, making it simple to earn and redeem rewards every visit
✔ The app’s geolocation-based store finder helps users find their closest location, with a drive-thru priority window that gets customers their orders faster
Why it works
This coffee shop app design offers a mobile experience that’s just as good as in-store, offering personalized rewards, playful, on-brand design elements, and fast ordering (and reordering) capabilities that keep customers coming back again and again.
Wrap Up
So, if you’re ready to move the needle on your coffee shop app design journey, here are a few things you can do next.
→ Check out these local coffee shop apps for UX and UI inspiration
→ Learn more about coffee shop branding and the role it plays in design
→ Brush up on your online ordering best practices before you start designing your app
And, when you’re ready to take the plunge on designing (or redesigning) your coffee shop app?
Craver is here to help.
