You should never start a business without doing some research first. There are numerous books on starting a business, but only a few that are geared specifically for those starting a coffee shop, cafe or tea house. Most of the coffee shop information would be helpful for anyone in the tea business too.
1. How to Open a Financially Successful Coffee, Espresso & Tea Shop
By Elizabeth Godsmark. A detailed business book that even includes sample business plans, floor plans and a wealth of budgeting and accounting information. It comes with a CDROM of bonus documents that you can actually use.
2. Start and Run a Coffee Bar
Part of the Self Counsel series, and written by two coffee bar entrepreneurs. This book covers every aspect of running a coffee business in an easy-to-understand manner.
3. Pour Your Heart Into It
"How Starbucks Built a Company One Cup at a Time". Reading up on how one company became a success might give you some ideas for your own coffee shop.
4. Espresso!
"Starting and Running Your Own Specialty Coffee Business". This book contains a good foundation to get you started, including a collection of forms, worksheets, recipes and sample menus.
5. Bars, Pubs, Cafes
By Julie Taylor. Hot designs for cool spaces. Trying to decide on a style for your coffee shop? This book will give you some inspiration. Photos of cafes and pubs from around the world will certainly give you some ideas for your own hot coffee house.
6. The Restaurant Business Start-up Guide
By Paul Daniels. Not specifically about running a coffee business, but still packed with lots of information that would suit any food or drink business.
7. Espresso Coffee: Professional Techniques
By David Schomer. The author is the owner of Vivace Roasteria in Seattle, and this handy book will teach you what you need to know to be a professional barista. There's more to making good espresso than learning how to pull a basic shot.