10+ Best & Profitable Coffee Cart Business Ideas [2023]

Looking to start a unique, in-demand coffee cart business? Check out our list of 10+ creative and profitable ideas to get your business off the ground and make it a success.
Nick

By Nick Cotter
Updated Feb 07, 2024

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Hey there, future coffee cart mogul! Can you already smell the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air? Can you see the line of eager customers, waiting for their daily caffeine fix from your very own coffee cart? Well, you're in the right place, my friend.

Believe it or not, 2023 is going to be your year. It's going to be the year you finally take that leap of faith and start your own profitable coffee cart business. And we're here to guide you every step of the way.

Whether you're a coffee connoisseur, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just someone looking for a fresh start, this article is for you. We've put together a list of the 10+ best and most profitable coffee cart business ideas for 2023.

So, sit back, grab a cup of joe, and let's dive into the exciting world of coffee cart businesses. It's time to turn your dreams into reality!

Coffee Delivery Service

Starting a coffee delivery service could potentially be a great business idea. In today's fast-paced world, people are constantly on-the-go, and convenience is of utmost importance. A coffee delivery service would cater to this need for convenience while also satisfying people's love for coffee. Here's why:

  • Convenience: A coffee delivery service offers ultimate convenience, allowing customers to order their favorite coffee without ever leaving their home or office.
  • Increased Productivity: With a delivery service, employees can skip the trip to the coffee shop and stay focused on their work, which could lead to increased productivity.
  • Specialized Offerings: A coffee delivery service would have the opportunity to specialize in unique or high-end coffee offerings, which could attract a specific niche market.
  • Repeat Business: If customers are satisfied with the service, they are more likely to become repeat customers, leading to steady and reliable business.
  • Expansion Opportunities: As the business grows, there is potential to expand beyond just coffee delivery - food and snack options could be added, as well as a catering service.
  • Environmental Benefits: Delivery services, in general, can help reduce carbon emissions from individual transportation, which is a growing concern in our society.
image of a Coffee Delivery Service

Mobile Coffee Cart

Are you a coffee lover who is interested in starting your own business? Consider investing in a mobile coffee cart. A mobile coffee cart is a compact, portable unit that is designed to serve coffee and other beverages on the go. It is an ideal business idea for individuals who love coffee and are interested in working in the outdoors. Here are some reasons why it would be ideal to start a mobile coffee cart business:

  • Low Start-up Costs: Starting a mobile coffee cart business is much more affordable than opening a brick-and-mortar coffee shop. This can be a great way to earn extra income without having to make a big upfront investment.
  • Flexibility: A mobile coffee cart can be easily transported to different locations, so you can serve coffee at farmers markets, festivals, sporting events, and other events with high foot traffic.
  • Customization: You can customize your mobile coffee cart to fit your brand and unique style. This allows you to stand out from the competition and capture the attention of potential customers.
  • Creative Freedom: A mobile coffee cart business can be a great outlet for creativity. You can experiment with different types of coffee, tea, and other beverages, and come up with unique recipes that appeal to your customers' tastes.
  • Opportunities for Growth: As your mobile coffee cart business grows, you can start to expand your services. This might involve opening a second cart, hiring employees, or even opening a physical coffee shop with your mobile cart as your base of operations.

Overall, a mobile coffee cart can be an excellent business idea for anyone who is passionate about coffee and looking for a new challenge. With low start-up costs, flexibility, and opportunities for growth, it's a great way to turn your love of coffee into a thriving business.

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Examples of successful businesses:

The coffee cart business industry is thriving, with entrepreneurs taking advantage of the increasing demand for specialty coffee. Many companies have seen success in this industry, and the following is a list of notable examples:

  • Starbucks
  • CafeX
  • Coffee Cart King
  • Coffee & Kitchen
  • Kiosk Cafe
  • The Coffee Truck Company

Subscription-based Coffee Service

Are you a coffee lover looking to try different coffee flavors from around the world? Or are you tired of running to the store every time you run out of coffee beans? A subscription-based coffee service might be just what you need!

A subscription-based coffee service is a business model that delivers freshly roasted coffee beans directly to your doorstep on a regular basis. You can choose the frequency of the delivery, the type of coffee beans, and even the grind size. Here are some reasons why this model could make a great business idea:

  • Convenience: Convenience is key in today's world. With a subscription-based service, coffee lovers can enjoy their morning cup of coffee without the hassle of running to the store to purchase coffee beans. It also makes it easier to keep a constant supply of coffee beans on hand.
  • Personalization: One of the biggest advantages of a subscription model is the ability to personalize the experience. Customers can choose the type of coffee beans, roast preference, and grind size to fit their specific taste preferences. This personalization can lead to greater customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Discovery: With a subscription-based service, customers can discover new coffee flavors and blends from around the world that they may not have otherwise tried. This can lead to a sense of adventure and excitement for coffee lovers.
  • Cost savings: Coffee is a daily staple for many people, and the cost can add up over time. With a subscription-based coffee service, customers can save money by purchasing in bulk and receiving regular deliveries.
  • Sustainability: By choosing a subscription-based service, customers can reduce their carbon footprint by eliminating repeated trips to the grocery store. Additionally, many subscription-based coffee services use eco-friendly packaging and partner with sustainable coffee growers.

In conclusion, a subscription-based coffee service can provide convenience, personalization, discovery, cost savings, and sustainability for coffee lovers. With the help of modern technology, this business model could be implemented easily and effectively with a high probability of success.

Catering For Corporate Events

Corporate events often require extensive planning and execution, from venue selection to menu development. This is where catering comes in, as it can take care of the food, beverages, and service aspects of the event. Corporate event catering is a service that provides food and drink provisions for business or corporate events.

  • Corporate events range from meetings and conferences, to product launches and parties.
  • Corporate catering can provide a range of menu options, including lunch and dinner buffets, snack bar service, and cocktail party bites.
  • Corporate catering companies handle not only the food and drinks but also logistics such as setting up stations and cleaning up after the event.
  • Corporate catering services can be tailored to fit the specific needs of the client, such as dietary restrictions, cultural requests, and branding requirements.
  • Corporate catering and event planning go hand-in-hand, which opens up the possibility of providing comprehensive event planning services to clients.

Catering for corporate events is a reliable and profitable business idea in terms of the sheer size of the market. Corporate entities regularly host events, which means a steady flow of potential clients. Furthermore, such events often require larger menus and higher budgets, meaning that catering for corporate events is a high-volume, high-profit business.

Artisanal Coffee Carts

In today's fast-paced world, people need their caffeine more than ever. And that's where artisanal coffee carts come in – they provide a convenient way for people to get their caffeine fix without having to go out of their way. But what exactly is an artisanal coffee cart?

  • Artisanal coffee carts are mobile coffee shops that specialize in high-quality, unique coffee blends.
  • They offer a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso, lattes, cappuccinos, and more, all made with top-quality coffee beans.
  • These coffee carts are typically small and designed to be mobile, making them easy to set up and move around to different locations.
  • They're ideal for outdoor events, food festivals, farmers markets, and other venues where people want to grab a quick cup of coffee.

So why would an artisanal coffee cart make a good business idea?

  • Low startup costs – compared to opening a traditional coffee shop, starting an artisanal coffee cart is relatively inexpensive. You don't need to rent a space, purchase furniture, or invest in expensive equipment.
  • Flexibility – since these coffee carts are mobile, you can take them to different locations and events. This means you can target specific audiences and be where the demand is highest.
  • Low overhead – artisanal coffee carts typically have low overhead costs, so you can keep your expenses low and your profits high.
  • Unique experience – by offering high-quality, unique coffee blends, you can create a memorable experience for your customers. This can help you build a loyal following and stand out from the competition.

All in all, an artisanal coffee cart can be a great business idea for someone looking to start a small, mobile, and unique coffee shop. With low startup costs, flexibility, and a growing demand for specialty coffee, this could be the perfect way to turn your passion for coffee into a successful business.

Specialty Latte Cart

A specialty latte cart is a mobile coffee shop that focuses on providing unique and artisanal lattes to customers. Instead of offering basic espresso drinks, a latte cart takes coffee to the next level by experimenting with flavors and textures to create a one-of-a-kind experience for coffee lovers. The cart is equipped with all the necessary equipment such as an espresso machine, milk steamer, and various flavored syrups that allow for customization of drinks.

  • Low Overhead Cost: Starting a business can be expensive, but a latte cart requires minimal investment as compared to opening a traditional brick-and-mortar cafe.
  • Highly Mobile: Being a mobile coffee shop, a cart can easily move around to different locations depending on where the customers are located, making it a perfect option for community events, farmer's markets, and other events.
  • Specialization: A latte cart can set itself apart from the competition by focusing on specialty coffee drinks, such as unique flavors or even latte art.
  • Flexible Business Hours: Since it's mobile, a latte cart can adjust its operating time based on demand, allowing for more flexibility for business owners.
  • Provides a Unique Experience: A latte cart offers a unique experience for coffee lovers, which can turn into a loyal following and repeat business.

With its low startup cost, flexibility, and ability to offer a unique experience, opening a specialty latte cart could be a great business idea for coffee enthusiasts looking to turn their passion into a profitable venture.

Cold Brew Cart

Have you ever heard of a cold brew cart? It's a mobile cart that serves cold-brewed coffee. Not only is it a trendy and popular drink, but this specialized cart can also be a great business opportunity.

  • A cold brew cart allows you to take your business anywhere. You can set up shop at various events, farmers markets, or even park it on a busy street corner to capture foot traffic.
  • It's a low-cost business idea to start. Compared to opening a standalone coffee shop, the startup costs for a cold brew cart are significantly lower.
  • Cold brew coffee has a great profit margin. While the startup costs may be lower, the profit margin for cold brew is high. It's a premium drink that customers are willing to pay more for, so you can make a good profit.
  • Cold brew is in high demand. Cold brew coffee has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years. More and more people prefer cold brew over traditional coffee, making it a drink that people seek out.
  • You can be creative with your flavors. With cold brew, you have the ability to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create unique and exciting taste combinations.

Gourmet Tea Cart

Have you ever heard of a gourmet tea cart? If not, you're in for a treat. A tea cart is a mobile business that sells high-quality, artisanal teas in a variety of flavors. They can be set up at farmers markets, festivals, special events, or even on a regular street corner. Here are some reasons why a gourmet tea cart could make a great business idea:

  • Low start-up costs: compared to other food and beverage businesses, setting up a gourmet tea cart requires relatively low start-up costs. You'll need a cart, inventory, and some basic kitchen equipment.
  • Flexible schedule: you can choose when and where to set up your tea cart, giving you the freedom and flexibility to create a work schedule that fits your lifestyle.
  • High demand for quality tea: more and more people are looking for high-quality teas with unique and distinct flavors. As a result, there is a growing demand for vendors that can offer these products.
  • Ability to stand out: a gourmet tea cart stands out from other food and beverage vendors and provides a unique experience for customers. With the right branding and marketing efforts, you can create a memorable and loyal following.
  • Potential for growth: once you've established your tea cart and developed a loyal customer base, you can expand your business by adding new flavors, offering catering services, or expanding to other locations.

With all these benefits, it's no wonder why a gourmet tea cart could make a great business idea. So if you're looking for an exciting and low-risk way to start your own business, consider starting a tea cart today!

Smoothie Cart

Have you ever strolled through a park or a busy street and stumbled across a refreshing smoothie cart? These mobile businesses have become a popular sight in many cities and communities, and for good reason.

  • Smoothie carts are a low-cost business idea that can yield high profits
  • They offer a healthy alternative to traditional fast-food options
  • Smoothie carts are environmentally-friendly as they often use paper straws, compostable cups, and biodegradable packaging
  • They can be easily moved to different locations, making it possible to target different customer demographics and events
  • Smoothie carts can create a loyal customer base through social media promotion and word-of-mouth advertising
  • They are a great opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to start a business but don't have the resources to open a traditional storefront

In summary, a smoothie cart can be an excellent business idea for those looking to combine their passion for health and wellness with a low-cost, mobile business venture. By offering a tasty and healthy alternative to fast food, while prioritizing eco-friendly business practices, a smoothie cart owner can create a lucrative and conscience-driven business with a loyal customer base.

Espresso Cart

Are you a coffee lover looking for a unique and profitable business idea? Look no further! An espresso cart might be the answer you're looking for. Let's dive into what an espresso cart is and why it could be a great business venture.

  • An espresso cart is a mobile coffee stand that serves espresso-based drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos, and americano.
  • It can be set up in high traffic areas such as parks, shopping centers, hospitals, and corporate offices.
  • Espresso carts require minimal equipment and can be operated by a small team of staff, making it cost-effective compared to opening a traditional brick and mortar coffee shop.
  • With low overhead costs, the profit margin is high, and the return on investment can be realized in less time than other businesses.
  • Espresso carts offer flexibility in terms of location and hours of operation.
  • Customers appreciate convenience and quick service provided by these carts that are often situated where they spend most of their time.
  • By creating a unique and welcoming atmosphere, espresso carts can differentiate themselves from competitors and create loyal customers.
  • With a focus on customer service and quality coffee, it's easy to develop a strong customer base and increase revenue with time.

Nick

Founder and CEO

I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.