thread Re: Thinking about starting a mobile coffee cart. What would you do differently? in Food & Beverage

Thinking about starting a mobile coffee cart. What would you do differently?

BrianaJo — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 21:10:00 GMT

We’ve got a brick & mortar roastery café, but I’m starting to look into building a mobile cart setup for events: weddings, farmers markets, pop-ups, that kind of thing

If you’ve done this already, what’s something you wish you’d done differently when setting yours up?

Did you build it yourself or buy one that was already made? And if you could go back, would you do it the same way again?

There's so many different ways it can go. An actual cart-cart, built out the back of a small truck or bicycle, a full food truck style build.

Also curious what equipment you actually ended up needing versus what you brought “just in case” but never touched? Like what really matters when you're out working an event?

I figure we'll have a trimmed down version of our menu. Probably just the most popular stuff.

Just trying to figure out what’s worth the investment and what ends up collecting dust.

Would love any advice!

Re: Thinking about starting a mobile coffee cart. What would you do differently?

Lovewell — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:59 GMT

Hey! We built our own coffee cart (perks of having a general contractor dad) HOWEVER we would highly highly highly recommend going with simple cart systems. Super compact- well done- and honestly affordable!

id follow cuties coffee or valor coffee for inspo! They do catering well. Valor also has a super amazing podcast!

our cart is on pause but we do want to get it back up in the future!

Re: Thinking about starting a mobile coffee cart. What would you do differently?

BrianaJo — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 19:37:15 GMT

I've seen simple cart systems around. I think I follow them on one of my socials but I've not given them a whole hard look over.

From glancing around on their site just now it does help make this seem like an attainable goal rather than just a dream.

Thank you so so much for the recommendation!

Now I have to find an espresso machine and grinder to use on the cart 😅

Re: Thinking about starting a mobile coffee cart. What would you do differently?

Lovewell — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 06:11:31 GMT

YES!
we opted for a very “dry” cart and that is a regret. So we hope to get a more functional cart in the future.

I am so excited to see how this unfolds!

Re: Thinking about starting a mobile coffee cart. What would you do differently?

NeuroBrews — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 01:54:36 GMT

Hi! We started a coffee cart a few months ago and we bought a pull alone trailer that was 50% done and we finished the rest. Definitely make sure you buy all your equipment and calculate the wattage that you will need for your generator. I did not have enough power once the espresso machine was in and had to buy a new generator! Pricey lesson learned! Good luck!

Re: Thinking about starting a mobile coffee cart. What would you do differently?

BrianaJo — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 16:57:01 GMT

Oh my gosh! Yes, I hadn't even considered how this was going to get power. Thanks!