Month: April 2026

We’re in Our Non-Coffee Drink Era at Coffee Shops

Smart Coffee Shop Owners Are Diversifying Their Drink Menus

Matcha, energy drinks, dirty sodas, and more. Non-coffee drinks have moved from novelty to the norm in coffee shops. Look no further than Starbucks, the most closely watched barometer of consumer behavior in the industry. Cold drinks account for half of Starbucks’ sales, and the menu has evolved in turn. The cold drinks on the menu expand far beyond coffee, from flavored iced matcha with protein cold foam to colorful refreshers. 

What It Actually Takes to Run a Successful Coffee Cart Business

A coffee cart is one of the most accessible entry points into coffee entrepreneurship available right now. Compared to a coffee truck ($35,000 to $100,000) or a traditional brick-and-mortar shop ($300,000 to $625,000 for a 1,500-square-foot space), a quality cart business can come together for a $7,500 to $15,000 all-in startup investment. With no long-term lease or build-out, a cart offers the freedom to move, experiment, and grow at your own pace.

However,