Burien, WA
Burien, WA coffee shop insurance
County coffee shop data, commuter patterns, and what insurers ask Burien cafes. A quote is not a binder.
In 2023, King County had 1,000 snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars with paid staff, the Census category that holds coffee shops, espresso bars, and juice and smoothie counters. Burien, with roughly 52,046 residents, is one of the markets those cafes serve.
Cafes, bakeries, and roasters in King County
CBP 2023 establishment and employment counts; businesses without employees excluded.
King County's coffee shops and snack bars paid about $344,158,000 in 2023 wages, or about $28,323 per employee (Washington: $25,584). The low figure reflects how many cafe jobs are part-time, and workers' comp is priced on that payroll.
How Burien gets to work, and what it means for your rush
In Burien, 61% of workers drive alone and 12% carpool. Drink carriers for carpool orders and secure lids for the cup holder are simple ways to cut burn claims.
Transit share in Burien: 5.6% of workers (state: 3.4%). Wet umbrellas and boots tracked in from the stop make entrance mats a must.
19% of Burien workers work from home (Washington: 20%). Remote workers become midday regulars with laptops, so Wi-Fi security and card-data protection matter more than many owners expect.
9% of Burien households have no vehicle, while 5% have three or more. Car-free households walk to neighborhood cafes and favor places close to home.
Renters head 43% of Burien's households. Across 21,271.0 homes, renters tend to move often and try new places, while owners become long-term regulars.
The median Burien home dates to 1966. Older districts often mean older storefronts, where water lines behind an espresso bar and aging electrical service deserve a close look before you install equipment.
City data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, 2020–2024 (tables B08301, B25003, B25024, B25035), via Census Reporter, plus B08303 and B25044. Population: U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2024 city population estimates.
Washington's counter workers and baristas earned a median $37,710 a year in May 2025 (BLS), and the state's 6,270 bakers earned a median $46,140. These figures count employees only.
Washington employs 20,700 first-line food service supervisors at a median $59,400 (BLS). In a Burien cafe, the shift lead is often the person who decides how a spill or a burn is handled in the first minutes.
Practical notes for Burien cafes
- Log refrigerator temperatures every shift.
- Purge and wipe steam wands between dairy and plant milks.
- Use carriers for orders of three or more drinks.
- Check every lid before handing a drink over the counter or through the window.
Owners in Burien planning to roast or bake should review in-house roasting and allergens and labeling.
Nearby cafe markets
Neighboring Seattle has a 35% work-from-home share. By transit commuting, Burien ranks 5th of 30 Washington cities on this site.
Burien cafe quote checklist
- Payroll: Employees and estimated payroll
- Seating: Seats, patio, and square footage
- Window: Drive-through or walk-up window
- Claims history: Any prior claims
- Kitchen: Baking, cooking, hood, or roasting
- Equipment: Espresso machine and other values
Burien coffee shop owners ask
Which policies do Burien cafes carry?
General liability with products coverage, property, business income, equipment breakdown, and workers' comp with employees. See the Washington page.
How many cafes operate near Burien?
County Business Patterns counted 1,000 snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars with employees in King County in 2023. Owner-only cafes and carts are not included.
Are coffee burns covered for Burien cafes?
Generally the products part of your general liability policy, subject to its terms. Secure lids and carriers help prevent these claims.
Cafe pages near Burien
Cafe insurance in Washington · Coverage
Last updated October 15, 2026 · How we research