How much does it cost to set up a mobile coffee van?

Setting up a mobile coffee van typically costs between £7,500 and over £30,000 for a fully equipped, high-end, or franchise-supported setup. Lower-end, used, or smaller units (like Piaggio vans) can start around £7,500–£10,000, while custom-converted vans and extensive, high-volume equipment can exceed £30,000.

How much does it cost to set up a coffee van?

The average hire price for a coffee van is approximately £13 per guest for all-inclusive packages or around £417 per event for simpler setups, with costs varying based on menu choices and service duration.

Do I need a license to sell coffee from a van in the UK?

Food business registration - Because you'll be handling and serving drinks and food, you have to register with your local authority at least 28 days before starting to sell. Street trading licence - You must get this licence from your local council if trading in public places.

Are coffee vans profitable in the UK?

Coffee and tea offer incredible gross profit margins of up to 95% which is what has attracted the big companies to expand at such a rapid rate. Very few other products even come close, meaning that you have the potential to make a lot of money.

What do I need to start a mobile coffee van?

Equipment You'll Need

1. A vehicle. The vehicle you require depends on the type of coffee and tea business you want to create. ...
2. Coffee and tea making facilities. For coffee alone, there are multiple types of coffee-making equipment you could choose to purchase. ...
3. Cups and cutlery. ...
4. A refrigerator. ...
5. Accessories and equipment. ...
6. Stock.

Open a Successful Mobile Coffee Business (Advice from an Owner))

Can you park a coffee van anywhere in the UK?

The simple answer is 'no', you can't just park wherever you want and start trading. With towns and cities, local authorities have designated areas where street food vendors can operate as well as prohibited streets where you absolutely cannot work.

What is the most profitable food to sell in the UK?

Pizza and pasta

Italian food is a firm favourite among the UK population and can be far more profitable than other cuisines. As well as its popularity, a big reason behind its success is the fact that a large proportion of the menu is pizza- or pasta-based and therefore relatively cheap to produce.

Can I make money with a coffee van?

Yes! With low overheads and high demand for quality coffee, a well-run coffee van can be a lucrative business, especially with an established franchise like Xpresso Mobile Café.

What are the benefits of a mobile café?

Q: What are the main advantages of a mobile coffee cart compared to a traditional café? A: Mobile coffee carts offer flexibility in location, allowing for service at various events and gatherings. They often have lower startup and operational costs than traditional cafés, making them more accessible for entrepreneurs.

Do I need a food hygiene certificate to sell coffee?

As you'll potentially be handling and serving food, it's crucial that you have a food hygiene training. Having a food hygiene or safety certificate will also be necessary. This ensures you understand how to handle food safely and reduces the risk of food poisoning.

What do I need for a mobile coffee cart?

Essential Coffee Truck Equipment

• Commercial espresso machine.
• Coffee grinders (for espresso and drip coffee)
• Refrigeration units.
• Water system (tanks, filtration, and heater)
• Coffee brewers (for drip coffee)
• Milk frother/steamer.
• Point of Sale (POS) system.
• Stainless steel work surfaces.

What are common coffee franchise mistakes?

Many new franchise owners fail to account for all costs, including licensing fees, equipment, staffing, and marketing. Underestimating these expenses can lead to financial strain and operational setbacks. A great coffee shop needs a strategic location with high foot traffic.

Can I start a coffee shop with 20k?

Estimate startup costs & secure funding

Budget $20,000 to $100,000+ for a brick and mortar cafe. Equipment: Espresso machine ($5,000-$20,000), grinder ($500-$2,000), refrigeration, ovens, furniture, POS system. Plan for $15,000 minimum, likely more.

What is the most profitable food trailer?

What food truck concept offers the highest profit margins? Dessert and beverage-focused trucks typically achieve the highest profit margins, often exceeding 80% on specialty coffee drinks and 75% on dessert items. Pizza trucks with efficient operations also achieve exceptional margins around 70-75%.

How much money is needed to start a small café?

A Rs. 5 lakh budget may cover a very small kiosk or home-based café setup, but a full-scale commercial café typically requires Rs. 25-50 lakhs for space, interiors, essential equipment, and initial inventory.

How much electricity does a coffee shop use?

On average, coffee machines for commercial use can use between 1500 to 3500 watts per hour. This means that a machine that runs for 8 hours a day would consume around 12,000 to 28,000 watt-hours per day, or around 360 to 840 kilowatt-hours per month.

Can I open a coffee shop with 50k?

Yes. A micro-café or mobile coffee cart can open for $50,000–$150,000 with minimal space, used equipment, and tightly managed operations. You should plan for $80,000 to $400,000+, including all one-time and recurring costs like build-out, licenses, inventory, and operating capital.

What business is least likely to fail?

Top 10 Businesses with the Lowest Failure Rates in 2025

1. Mobile Home Parks. ...
2. Laundromats. ...
3. Self-Storage Facilities. ...
4. Essential Home Services (Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC) ...
5. Accounting and Bookkeeping Services. ...
6. IT Support and Services. ...
7. Real Estate (Rental Properties) ...
8. Grocery Stores and Essential Retail.

What is the 30/30/30/10 rule for restaurants?

The 30/30/30/10 rule for restaurants is a budgeting guideline allocating revenue: 30% to Food Costs, 30% to Labor Costs, 30% to Overhead, and 10% to Profit. It serves as a balanced framework for managing expenses, controlling spending, and ensuring profitability, though modern realities often make hitting the 10% profit target difficult, with many restaurants averaging much lower.
 

What business will be booming in 2025?

In 2025, booming businesses center around AI & Automation, Digital Services (apps, content, cybersecurity, EdTech), Sustainability (renewable energy, eco-products), Healthcare Tech, Creator Economy, and Specialized Trades (handyman, tech support) due to ongoing digital transformation, remote work, and consumer demand for efficiency and specialized skills, with opportunities in areas like AI consulting, VR/AR experiences, digital health, and green services.
 

What is the golden rule of coffee?

The standard “golden ratio” for coffee is 1:16 – that's one part coffee to 16 parts water by weight. For example, if you're using 20 grams of coffee, you'll need 320 grams (or milliliters) of water. This ratio is a great starting point for most brewing methods and balances strength and flavor.