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

Learn first hand from the owner of a mobile coffee trailer business what it takes to be successful. In this video Jimmy has an in depth chat with Tara from Kind Brew who owns and operates two mobile coffee trailers on the Coffs Coast of NSW Australia. They talk about the challenges of operating a small mobile takeaway coffee business, dealing with the local council, doing events, towing, staff, security, weather, the upsides, downsides and everything in between.

If you would like to learn more about Kind Brew check them out on Instagram here:

Thanks for watching, we hope you enjoy the conversation.
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#coffeecaravan #coffeetrailer #coffee #caravan #coffeebusiness #smallbusinesstips #businessadvice #entrepreneurlife

↓CHAPTERS↓
[0:00] INTRO
[1:21] Business Overview
[1:43] Working Events
[2:21] Cons to owning a coffee trailer
[3:05] Caravan Power
[3:34] Staffing
[3:58] Caravan Towing
[4:16] Caravan Size
[5:35] Offering Food
[6:00] Set up cost
[7:00] Fixed Site Vs Towing
[7:45] Are Events Viable
[9:40] Kilos Per Week?
[10:05] Weather
[10:38] Council Fees
[12:00] Flexibility
[12:48] Would Tara do it again?
[14:30] FINAL THOUGHTS

[balmatian]

Tara is smart. Most people get into this business thinking it will instantly make them a great income but have no idea of the realities

[bucksguineapigtalks]

One minute into the video - my first a FABULOUS view to have while waiting for a customer !

[whatbringsmepeace]

In Australia you need a food licence from the local council and permission to park your business in the location you choose. That isn't always granted. There's a lot of competition. Check that first before you buy anything.

[antonilavin]

Interesting video. I just lost my favourite barista from my favourite cafe because she’s starting up her own coffee van business. I think she’ll go really well.
Hey Jimmy I see a comment complaining about the oks! Ok, cool, yep, cool, ok, yep …
Works well if you don’t say anything at all in between questions. I know you’re just being super polite. You seem like a really nice guy but try just being quiet and just asking the questions without responding. Makes the video much better to watch.
(Or do whatever you like and say whatever you want - just some friendly advice mate from someone who is experienced in these things)

[MindfulMelodiesOfNature]

Thank you both for the great insight into this business model. I have been contemplating a shift into a small coffee cart business but never had an idea of the day to day running of this business. Thanks again for the great breakdown and inside knowledge.

[BenJohnston]

I’m looking to open a mobile coffee trailer/cart and I found this to be extremely informative. Thanks for making this video.

[jacquelinerice]

For people trying to work out income. 10 kilo of coffee per week is what she said she averaged. That’s max 80 shots per bag, Ave coffee $6 X 800 =$4, 800.00 obviously other things are sold and iced coffees etc cost more. I’d say perhaps $6k pw turnover, less GST and costs, staff, insurance, council, stock . It would still be good as a one man operation.

[fnnf]

That was great video with pros and cons. I'm thinking to make similar setup in Thailand. I love coffee and I'm trying with roasting coffee as well at the moment, so yeah will see.

[michaelivory]

Hi Jimmy, great first hand information and insight from Tara. I would love it if you could do a follow up from your perspective and experience having seen other set ups prosper and a lot more fail. Maybe highlighting where others have done well and where others have gone wrong. I'm guessing there would be some common mistakes and some common hurdles that people don't fully appreciate, and some common traits that allow others to do well. Cheers

[mustachesandcoffee]

Count the costs and good preparation are a must. I always appreciate business'that think outside the box :)

[Silatas]

This video has been very helpful. As someone in the process of creating a mobile cafe, this has answered some questions I had while also confirming many things! Thanks for the video!

[dthao]

I love them set up of your trailer. would love to know who did it foe you. I want to get one going too

[CASTIELSCOFFEEBAR]

Great idea for somewhere like Australia or somewhere hot. I'm in England and people don't want to stand in the rain for a coffee...Also my generator was huge to lift in and out everyday. Backbreaking if you are on your own. I could go all day and serve like 3 coffees and it was speciality coffee, not instant rubbish. I'm glad someone is doing really well with it but not everyone has the same experience unfortunately. Our events were so expensive. Some charge up to £3000 for a pitch at a large event 😔

[TBCreative-]

Love this video and the innovative nature of these businesses! Great channel too!
One question came to mind, regarding issues of power. I’m wondering if Tara or other owners have considered an EV that has vehicle to load to provide the ability to plug into your car to provide power? I realize there’s a whole other cost factor, just curious if that’s been part of the conversation.

[michaelwilliams]

Also, she didn’t mention ice, this can be a big deal. Some mobiles have icemakers, but it is often not viable, so I will have to load ice into my ice bin every day. Also, for Some people in the United States and elsewhere, some states require you to have an agreement with a commissary kitchen, a commercial kitchen Where are you do some prep and storage, and sometimes are technically required to park the unit at night

[anaisls]

Thank you for this informative interview. This is something that I have considered doing but never dared to try. One of the reason is that I am not comfortable with towing a caravan. Well done Tara.

[bacca]

Great episode! Tara has a great personality and obviously an excellent set of realistic business management skills.

On the flip side: Whatever was the fate of that Hillside Coffee trailer project? I recall it seemed after the original owners bowed out (didn't ever seem like the couple was on the same page), the trailer was parked in the Artisti garage being worked on. Sort of assumed Artisti bought it, converted it to a quality coffee trailer and then it disappeared. Sold to another entrepreneur? I think contrasting the great success an astute entrepreneur like Tara has had, lessons learned by coffee trailer failures you mentioned would underscore the harsh realities of operating one.

[felicitymartin-porter]

Tara is an amazing person and does such a great job

[dukesins]

I Love the touch of a slight accent that Tara has. Is she from the U.S. or Canada? (I'm guessing U.S.)

[redhawk_night]

Interesting to know more about the numbers:
How much profit for selling a regular cuppa?
For example if you sell for $6 how much is left for you after expenses working solo?