The Business
Coffee cart operators serve offices, markets, events, and pop-up locations. The margin on specialty coffee is 70-80% on ingredients. A cart doing 100 drinks/day at $6 average = $600 gross, $480 net before labor. Weekly office subscriptions (guaranteed revenue) and event bookings build stability.
How to Start
Buy a used commercial espresso machine ($2,000-4,000) and build or buy a cart ($1,000-3,000). Start at farmers markets and office parks. Pitch companies for weekly pop-up service. Keep your concept tight — one great latte beats a menu of 40 options.
Equipment Needed
- ▸Espresso machine
- ▸Grinder
- ▸Mobile cart
- ▸Generator or power inverter
- ▸Bean supply
Licensing
Food handler license + mobile vendor permit
Monthly Search Volume
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“Coffee carts are the sanitized version of the food truck dream. Lower startup, lower complexity, higher margin. Specialty coffee at $6–$8/cup with 80% margin is just math that works.”
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