New to coffee service industry...looking to break into mobile

[takyon42]

My wife would like to begin operating a mobile coffee unit, and from the massive amount of paperwork from the Dept. of Agriculture(we live in PA), and the time and expertise required to outfit a new concession trailer, we are looking to purchase a fully outfitted, used trailer.

I think this would be the best route to go.

Unfortunately, this forum doesn't have a for sale section, but have seen similar posts via search.

Was reading a thread on acquiring start up funds(can't post a link w/ low post count).

Liked the idea of buying used and then using profits to enhance/upgrade.

So regardless, just putting it out there that we are in the market for an espresso trailer, if you are located on the east coast, near PA. A lot of posters/roasters seem to be on west coast, where the mobile coffee boom is in full swing. Got the idea for the mobile coffee after a trip to Oregon and seeing the multitude of espresso huts.

 

[CoffeeJunky]

First welcome aboard, It won't be easy to find good espresso or mobile cafe anywhere or you will be dishing out tons of money.
I would actually look into buying used food trailer with good size kitchen and out fit with coffee shop equipment.
That would be easier and cheaper way to go.

** 2006 FOOD TRUCK/CONCESSION TRAILER fully•••

FOOD CONCESSION TRAILER MAKE AN OFFER

20ft FOOD TRAILER

some are over kill but I think you can be very creative with these trailers.

 

[John P]

join Barista Exchange also. Ask/search there.
Sometimes ebay has things from time to time.
Also check craigslist in Seattle/Portland and haul it back if you have to.

Equipment in the trailer is just as important as equipment in a brick and mortar. Don't purchase the set-up based on the cost, but rather on the reliability and quality of the equipment. Whether mobile or brick and mortar, if a few thousand here or there kills the deal, you probably shouldn't be in business.

.... GREAT suggestion by CoffeeJunky.

Spend wisely. Buy something that will last.

 

[CanadianBrian]

Hello takyon42 and welcome. What type of budget do you have? That will be the first question to ask and what type of equipment and size of trailer do you want?

 

[sidg]

There have been several used coffee trucks for sale over the past year. If you search on Craig's List and E-bay as well as just a general Google search you should find some. The main thing to be aware of if you are going to convert a food truck for coffee is the power supply. On the coffee truck you are going to want a lot of power to run espresso machine, brewer, fridge, etc. This is many times more than the generator already built into a food truck will be able to handle. So watch your amps and buy with that in mind.

 

[Redswing]

i recently found a somewhat successful universal craigslist search. try this on google when looking for your trailer (or other coffee equipment needs):

mobile coffee trailer site:craigslist.org