So You Want to Start an Espresso Cart Business? Here’s What You Need to Know
Starting your own espresso cart business can be an incredibly rewarding experience, both personally and financially. However, there are a few things every aspiring entrepreneur should know before diving in.
Coffee isn’t going anywhere
The coffee industry is booming, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s delicious and offers a variety of health benefits, making it a popular choice for those looking for a healthy beverage option.
In fact, coffee is the most consumed beverage and most traded tropical product in the world! After all, it is the most popular human fuel.
Portable espresso carts are on the rise
Coffee is also becoming increasingly popular among companies. Many companies now offer their employees free coffee as a way to increase productivity and morale. And with the growing popularity of espresso drinks, espresso carts are becoming a common sight in office parks and other commercial areas.
Americans love their cup (or two) of espresso a day
In 2020, the average American drank an estimated 1.87 cups of coffee per day! That means that every person who walks past your mobile espresso cart can buy an average of 2 cups per day.
If this has gotten you interested in starting your own espresso cart business, there are some basic points to keep in mind. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of operating a mobile espresso cart!
What Are the Benefits of Starting an Espresso Cart Business?
- Choose where to sell with a well-planned route
- As a boss, you decide when and how long you want to work
- Minimum start-up capital
- Create your own brand and design your shopping cart to match it
- Think outside the box and offer a variety of espresso-based drinks, some caffeine-free options and your favorite foods
- Consider this the precursor to your own coffee shop! You can always expand to a brick-and-mortar business once you build your loyal customer base.
You can start your espresso cart business by following these 8 steps:
- Research (Competition & Niche)
- Business planning
- Legal & Finance
- Choosing the right shopping cart
- Choose your location(s)
- Buy additional equipment
- Train crew (optional)
- Evaluate and adapt!
Step 1: Research the competition and find your niche
When it comes to starting an espresso cart business, research is key. Study the competition, observe their strengths and what they can improve.
You will also need to find your niche and figure out what makes your espresso cart business unique. Would you like to profile yourself around organic and fair trade coffee beans? Do you offer vegan espresso drinks?
Step 2: Write a perfect business plan
Once you’ve done your research, start creating your business plan. This document describes your business goals, strategies, and the specific steps needed to achieve them.
If you’re not sure where to start, check out some resources online. Alternatively, you can hire a professional advisor to help you get started.
Step 3: Legal and financial
Next, you need to organize the legal and financial affairs of your company. You will need to obtain the appropriate licenses and permits, open a business bank account and register with a tax ID number.
You will also want to find out about the prices for your drinks and food items. Make sure you do your research to price your products competitively.
Step 4: Find the right espresso cart
Choosing the right espresso cart is important because this will be the new home of your business for the foreseeable future and you want to be sure that it can provide you with everything you need for the future.
Some things you’ll want to consider:
- The size of the portable espresso cart. Make sure it is large enough for all your equipment, but not so large that it is difficult to maneuver.
- The materials and structure it is made of. Check the materials and structure of your cart to ensure it can stand the test of time and handle all your tools and equipment. Stainless steel and hardwood are quality materials to look out for.
- The espresso machines. Because there are so many different espresso machines on the market, you will want to do your research and figure out which one is best for your business and your expected volume.
Step 5: Location
Location is another important factor to consider with your mobile espresso cart. Consider elements such as pedestrian traffic, zoning regulations, and whether or not there are decent places to park your shopping cart.
Step 6: Purchase the necessary equipment
Now that you’ve chosen the perfect espresso cart, it’s time to purchase the necessary equipment. This includes machines, coffee grinders, refrigerators and other specialty tools.
Step 7: Train your staff (optional)
If you plan to hire staff to help run your espresso cart business, make sure they are properly trained. This includes learning how to make espresso drinks, how to handle customer service, and everything else they need to know.
Step 8: Evaluate and Adjust (Learn While You Earn)
As with any business, it is important to regularly evaluate your espresso cart business and adjust as necessary. This includes things like changing marketing strategy, tweaking your menu or even trying new locations.
Time to start brewing!
By following this guide, you will be on your way to starting a successful espresso cart business! With all the great food carts and affordable equipment available today, anyone can become a successful business owner in no time. Remember to always keep learning and observing so you can continue to adapt and succeed.
