Coffee Trucks, Carts, and Catering: An Entry Investment in Coffee

Most students who come through our doors have a vision—of roasting beans, curating menus, and managing baristas for the popular brick-and-mortar coffee shop they launched, starting in our classroom. Maybe they’ll even run multiple locations! And while this is a worthwhile (and achievable!) dream, an investment in a coffee business can sometimes feel out of reach.

That’s why many aspiring coffee shop owners are finding new avenues to building their businesses. Some are turning to coffee trucks, carts, and catering. It’s a more manageable start-up investment, and you can test-run your equipment, operations, and target audience. Serve multiple neighborhoods and determine the best fit, one small step at a time. You could even start a coffee business on the side while working full-time.

A number of Texas Coffee School Coffeepreneurs® have gone on to launch highly successful mobile coffee businesses. Some have even turned them into brick-and-mortar coffee shops. Get inspired to get on the go below.

Coffee Trucks, Carts, and Catering Success Stories

Inspira Coffee

Launched by Justin and Corinna Valdez, Inspira Coffee is a refurbished FedEx truck that became a staple in the neighborhood. Beyond serving regulars, the coffee truck caters corporate events, weddings, birthdays and more. After four years of success, the duo is opening a standalone cafe with plans for a drive-thru and expanded food menu. Justin says that coffee shop ownership isn’t exclusive. Anyone can run a successful business by keeping their eye on the “why.”

Sno King

Sno King is a mobile sno cone and coffee stand, designed to serve customers all year round. Gerardo Mazariegos built it on his mother’s syrup recipe, made from real fruit, and Mexican-inspired menu items like mangonadas and aguas frescas. Gerardo invested his savings into a coffee education, but it led to a wildly popular small business. He’s facing uncertainty due to his DACA status in Texas, but we’re hopeful Sno King will be revived as soon as possible.

Collections Coffee Co.

Collections Coffee Co. was born from one unforgettable cup of coffee that Zack and Alexis Lane enjoyed at former student’s De Ra Coffee. With a young daughter and a mortgage, the couple wanted to start a business with a more manageable investment in coffee. Alexis handles the booking and overall design using her background in finance and art, while Zack brings entrepreneurial hustle. After testing their operations while serving at the YMCA, the coffee cart is ready to cater weddings and corporate gigs.

Roaming Grounds

Rural South Dakota needed specialty coffee on the go, and Roaming Grounds was the answer. Becky Sehr, a former insurance professional, opened a mobile truck that serves coffee one day a week in several small towns. You can find the business outside food stores, high schools, and pizza shops. Their full menu also boasts featured monthly specials.

Lady Sunshine Coffee

Lady Sunshine Coffee is a yellow VW van brought to life by Elizabeth Estabrook, who left her corporate career in HR to open a mobile coffee business. Elizabeth wanted to sell coffee that was accessible to everyone, even if it meant driving to them. Lady Sunshine caters small curated markets, private events, and employee engagement events, in addition to public venues across Southeastern Massachusetts.

Make an Investment in Coffee at Texas Coffee School

If you’re ready to enter the coffee industry but with a smaller investment and a launch pad, learn how to open a coffee truck, cart, or other mobile format in our 3-Day Coffee Business Master Class®. Over three full days, learn from the industry’s top-rated teachers and get barista training, operations training, and in-depth coffee business education that apply to the coffee business you’re aiming for. Leave with a binder full of what you need to succeed. Sign up for a weekend class!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to start a mobile coffee cart business?

Currently, the full start-up cost for a quality mobile coffee cart can average between $7,500 and $15,000 (depending on configuration). Compared to other options (coffee kiosks, trucks, vans, drive-thrus, brick and mortar shops, and more), a mobile coffee cart is the most affordable option. Coffee trucks can offer business owners more flexibility and fewer expenses.

What training do I need to start a coffee truck or mobile coffee business?

Texas Coffee School’s 3-Day Coffee Business Master Class covers truck, cart, drive-thru, kiosk, coffee shop or cafe training. The course includes hands-on coffee education and barista training with espresso equipment, plus specialized coffee business education, operations training, and management training taught by real coffee business owners. No experience necessary.

Are mobile coffee truck and cart businesses profitable?

Yes, just like any coffee business, a coffee truck has the potential to be profitable when operated strategically. A mobile coffee business can be less expensive to operate since you’ll be staffing fewer people, working on a smaller footprint with less equipment, and avoiding certain big ticket items like rent. Coffee sales have high profit margins, but also high overhead expenses, which mobile businesses avoid. Adding an additional revenue stream can increase your average transaction, thus lowering the number of transactions you require each day to operate profitably.

What are the benefits of starting a coffee truck instead of a coffee shop?

Coffee trucks can offer business owners more flexibility and fewer expenses. Your mobile coffee business may be quicker to launch than a traditional coffee shop. The greatest advantage of a mobile business is that it gives the owner agility to adapt, pivot, and be creative without taking on the same risk as a permanent location. The financial investment was significantly lower, and the truck could be driven to where customers were.

How comprehensive is Texas Coffee School’s mobile coffee business training?

The 3-Day Coffee Business Master Class is truly turn-key and comprehensive, including all tools, printed resources, and real-world guidance needed to launch with confidence at one fair price. Students leave with a 240+ page binder of notes, spreadsheets, vendor and equipment lists, café design templates, operations manual, and more at no extra charge. Hundreds of students have successfully opened their coffee shops without ever needing additional consulting after class.