Fabricate

Food and drinkEvenings and weekendsA cart and an espresso machine

Start a coffee cart business

To start a coffee cart business, check the permits your city needs for mobile food and drink, choose a cart and machine that run where you will trade, and learn to make a short menu well and fast. Then trade at regular markets and take bookings for private events.

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At a glance

You start with
A cart and an espresso machine
Time
Evenings and weekends
Where you work
Markets, sports grounds, office events and private parties
Who pays
Market visitors, event hosts and offices
Check first
Mobile food permits, power and water at each site, and insurance

How to start a coffee cart business

  1. 1

    Check the permits

    Mobile drinks usually need a health permit and permission for each place you trade.

  2. 2

    Choose a cart that fits your sites

    Power, water and space differ between a market and a wedding venue.

  3. 3

    Keep the menu short

    A few drinks made well and fast beat a long menu and a long line.

  4. 4

    Get regular market spots

    The same stall each weekend builds regulars.

  5. 5

    Offer the cart for events

    Weddings, launches and office days book a whole session at once.

The app that runs it

Where the cart is this week and event booking requests. Fabricate builds it from the words below; change any of them first.

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Questions about starting a coffee cart business

Do I need a permit to sell coffee from a cart?
Usually yes: a health permit for mobile food and drink, and permission from the market or landowner. Rules vary by city.
Where do coffee carts trade?
Markets, sports grounds, offices and private events. Events are often booked for a set session.

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