Americans are drinking more coffee than ever. Recent surveys show that most of us drink at least one coffee every day.
If we extrapolate the data, it’s apparent that Americans consume billions of cups of coffee in a week. Cafes, supermarkets, and restaurants across the country sell a nearly inconceivable amount of it every year.
Many of us can’t afford to spend a half-hour waiting in line. A mobile coffee shop is a great way for people to grab their daily joe and a great business idea. Keep reading to learn about the benefits and challenges you’ll face.
Opening a Mobile Coffee Shop: The Challenges
Nothing good comes easily. That is especially true for new businesses in the food industry.
Running a mobile coffee truck isn’t a walk in the park. It’s going to require dedication and hard work. There are things to know before diving into the biz.
Here are a few things to consider before you set out to put Starbucks out of business.
Dealing With The Law
When you’re slinging coffee downtown, you don’t have to hide every time the law rolls around.
Of course, you’re running a completely legit coffee business. Like any other establishment that sells food products (or really anything), you will have to register your company to make it official.
Plus, you need to be prepared to satisfy the requirements of your local health department. They’d like nothing more than to shut down a new startup trying to make name for themselves IF you are doing so with no regard to health and safety regulations.
The Competition
To put it gently, you won’t be the first person in your city who has thought about selling coffee. Coffee shops are as trendy as ever and most large cities have many quality places to get your caffeine fix.
Although the mobile coffee industry doesn’t have as much competition yet, word is starting to get around.
Don’t let it discourage you though; with how much coffee consumers are drinking, there is plenty of demand to go around! If your coffee is amazing and you find a good spot, you should be able to run a successful venture.
The Benefits of a Mobile Coffee Shop
We saved the good stuff for last. Whether you’re selling out of a coffee trailer or a food truck, this is a business that can work.
A Time-Honored Tradition
Baristas and other purveyors of coffee take part in a tradition that goes back for centuries.
The first coffeehouses were created in Mecca around the 15th century. They were places for people to hang out, play chess, and talk. Political gatherings of concerned citizens were held in coffeehouses and this led them being banned several times.
No matter what, however, people are always going to fight for their rights (to drink coffee).
The Moolah
Of course, you’re doing this for the love of coffee and the satisfaction of seeing happy customers. However, making money doesn’t hurt either.
Being mobile allows you to keep costs low, and profit margins for coffee are high. In fact, Starbucks makes a profit margin of over 90% on each cappuccino sold.
Pedaling Coffee
If you’re thinking about opening a mobile coffee shop, you’re are definitely on to something. Coffee is a multibillion-dollar business that is booming in all fifty states.
You don’t need to go brick-and-mortar to be successful. People are making mobile work and so can you.
Check out our blog for more articles about food trucks and other ways to grub on the go.