Coffee van business guide: How to start a coffee truck

Whether you’re a barista looking for a change of scenery or you’re embarking on a brand new venture, starting a coffee van business is a great opportunity for you. The freedom that comes with owning a food truck is appealing to many of us in the hospitality industry, and starting a coffee van business comes with these same great benefits, allowing owners the flexibility to operate in various locations and bring freshly brewed coffee to customers wherever they are. 

So, how exactly do you go about setting up a mobile coffee business? In this guide, we’ll cover all you need to know to start a coffee truck business. Read on to learn more about coffee shop rules and regulations, coffee van ideas, and more. 

• Why set up a coffee van business? 
• Mobile coffee shop rules and regulations
• Coffee van ideas
• How to start a coffee truck

If you’re looking for freedom and flexibility when planning your next venture, starting a coffee truck could be the perfect option for you. Owning a coffee van gives you the ability to set your own hours and move around as and when you choose. This isn’t just great for your work-life balance, but for your business too. By having the opportunity to target the areas with the most footfall at peak times, such as business parks, festivals, markets, and tourist hot spots, you can attract as many customers as possible. 

Setting up a coffee van also comes with relatively low overheads, with significantly lower startup and operational costs than a traditional brick-and-mortar café. This comes with many benefits in the long run, especially if you plan on expanding your pop-up coffee shop business. Once your coffee van is established and you have the finances, you have the potential to expand by adding more coffee trailers, covering additional locations, or even franchising your business.

Starting a coffee van business in the UK involves navigating several rules and regulations. It’s important to be aware of these before you start planning your business venture as they may have an impact on how you set up your business.

Where can I park my coffee van in the UK? 

Selecting the right location is key to the success of your coffee van business. And the good news is that being a mobile barista allows you to target numerous different places. However, you cannot park a coffee van just anywhere in the UK. Here is everything you need to know about where and when you can park your coffee truck 

Public land: To operate on public land, such as streets, parks, or beaches, you’ll require a Street Trading Licence from your local council. Some councils designate specific spots for street vendors, while others offer flexible locations. As covered in our food truck guide, there are three different types of public streets to take into account when selling drinks from your mobile coffee van: 

• Licensed streets: Here, you need a Street Trading Licence to operate your coffee van business.
• Consent streets: Here, you need a Street Trading Consent before selling drinks from your coffee van, which gives you consent from your local council to operate.
• Prohibited streets: You can never operate your mobile coffee van on a prohibited street. If you do, you could end up getting a fine or even getting your licence revoked. Always contact your local council if you are unsure whether a street is prohibited. 

Private land: When parking on private land, such as a business car park or an event venue, you will need permission from the landowner. You may also need to pay a fee or share a percentage of your takings — it’s always best to get a written contract from the landowner if this is the case. However, in some cases, a council permit may also be necessary, so it’s always worth contacting your local council to check before setting up. 

Events and markets: Events, festivals, and markets are prime locations for coffee vans. These often require an application and payment of a pitch fee to the event organiser. Large events might have strict vendor guidelines, so it’s important to comply with all requirements. If held on public land, most food markets will be covered by a council-issued Market Consent. However, never assume this is the case and always make sure to check with the event organiser. 

While not a parking restriction, you should also be aware of Clean Air Zones, which charge older, more polluting vehicles. 

Do you need a license to sell coffee in the UK?

As already mentioned, if you plan to sell coffee on public land then you will need a Street Trading Licence from the local council where you intend to operate. This licence allows you to sell goods on the street and the requirements and fees can vary by council. If you plan on selling hot drinks between 11pm and 5am, or you intend to sell alcohol from your coffee van at any time of day, you will also need a premises licence. You can find out more about these licences in our UK alcohol law guide.

As well as requiring at least one of the above licences, you must register as a food business with your local Environmental Health Office. You should do this at least 28 days before you start trading. Registration is free but mandatory, and it applies whether you are selling coffee from a mobile van, market stall, or permanent location.

Do you need a food hygiene certificate to sell tea and coffee?

Many are surprised to learn that you do not need a food hygiene certificate to sell tea and coffee in the UK. However, the vast majority of people handling food and drink do choose to get one so it is highly recommended that you do. 

Other mobile coffee rules and regulations

There are several other regulations that you must follow if you want to start a coffee cart. These include general food and drinks business regulations, such as conducting regular risk assessments to ensure the safety of your staff and customers and following UK food safety regulations — you can find out more about food safety in our guide on how to prepare for an EHO food safety inspection.

Unlike a brick-and-mortar coffee shop, you must consider the rules and regulations regarding your vehicle. For starters, your coffee van must be appropriately insured. Standard car insurance won’t suffice here; you’ll need specialist insurance that covers your business activities, public liability, and employer’s liability insurance if you hire staff. Of course, you must also ensure your coffee van meets all legal road requirements, including having a valid MOT, and that it is roadworthy and compliant with any emissions standards, particularly if you plan on operating in Clean Air Zones.

One of the great things about becoming a mobile barista is that there are so many different coffee truck ideas to explore, meaning you can make your business truly stand out from the rest. Below are some coffee van ideas you may want to consider when setting up your business. 

Take inspiration from your vehicle 

The type of vehicle you choose can significantly influence your brand’s identity. For instance, a vintage van like a VW camper can evoke a sense of nostalgia and charm, perfect for markets or festivals. On the other hand, a sleek, modern van might appeal to urban customers seeking a quick yet quality coffee experience. One common coffee cart idea is to convert an old horsebox into a coffee shop. If this is your coffee cart of choice, you can take advantage of this by using equestrian-inspired decor. This can even give you a niche at certain events, like the races. 

 As well as being a source of decor inspiration, your vehicle can even spark ideas relating to your menu too. For example, the VW camper is often associated with summers by the beach, so consider that when setting up your drinks menu by incorporating summery smoothies and mocktails. Or if you go for a rustic horsebox cart, consider adding classic English food and drink pairings, such as tea and scones. 

Go bigger (or smaller!) 

When starting a coffee truck business, think about the size and layout of your vehicle. If you're looking to cater to high-demand areas, such as business parks or large events, a larger van or truck with more equipment and storage space might be ideal. This allows you to serve a greater variety of drinks and reduce restocking frequency, keeping the flow of customers steady.

Conversely, a smaller vehicle, such as a Piaggio Ape (a small three-wheeled vehicle) or even a coffee bike, offers a charming, compact solution that's perfect for tight spaces. Smaller setups are also easier to manoeuvre and park, which is advantageous in crowded areas or pop-up locations. 

Consider food options

While the drinks will be the star of your menu, offering a selection of food items can significantly boost your sales and attract a broader customer base. Simple options like pastries, muffins, and croissants pair well with hot drinks and are relatively easy to store and serve. If you have the space and resources, you could consider more substantial offerings such as premade sandwiches or wraps.

If you choose to serve food, make sure to think about the preferences of your target market. If you have a regular parking spot outside a gym, for instance, health-conscious customers might appreciate gluten-free or vegan options, while customers outside a train or bus station may be in a rush and prefer grab-and-go snacks. 

Coffee van business concepts

Looking for some help to find your niche? Below we’ve rounded up some coffee van ideas to give your business a USP:

• Eco-friendly coffee van: If you are looking for ways to reduce your business's carbon footprint and appeal to sustainable customers, an eco-friendly coffee van is a great way to go. There are plenty of ways to be a more conscious coffee van owner, including using biodegradable coffee cups and utensils, offering discounts for customers who bring their reusable cups, using zero-waste packaging, and even investing in an electric coffee truck. 
• Dessert and coffee truck: Pair your drinks with sweet treats by offering gourmet coffee desserts. There are plenty of coffee-flavoured desserts to try out here, including affogatos, tiramisu, and coffee-flavoured pastries.
• Fitness coffee cart: You can cater to fitness enthusiasts by offering health-conscious coffee options like protein-infused coffee, matcha, or keto-friendly drinks, as well as protein bars and smoothies. This can be a great idea if you park near a gym or you want to appeal to runners at the local park. 
• Pet-friendly coffee cart: Target pet owners on their dog walks by creating a pet-friendly coffee van. You could sell dog treats and puppuccinos, as well as have a dog bowl out to keep pups hydrated on hot days. 
• International coffee van: Take inspiration from countries around the world to create an international coffee van and serve drinks from a range of nations, such as Turkish coffee, Italian espresso, or Japanese iced coffee. 
• Community coffee cart: If you’re looking to set up a coffee van business which makes a difference, why not create a community coffee cart? This mobile coffee business idea can double as a community hub for those who need it most. You can also offer "pay-it-forward" coffee options and donate a portion of proceeds from a certain menu item to local charities. 

Have the ideas above inspired you to officially start your mobile coffee business journey? If so, we’ve put together everything you need to do to make your mobile barista dream happen, in six easy steps. 

Step 1: Setting your budget

Budgeting is a critical step in starting a coffee truck business, as it helps you understand the financial commitment involved and prevents overspending. This should be your first step so that you get an idea of what is achievable with the budget you have. To set your budget, start by calculating the start-up costs, including: 

• The vehicle and its power system
• The equipment 
• Initial stock
• Insurance
• Licences and permits 
• Insurance

You should also calculate the approximate monthly cost of ongoing expenses, including stock, wages (if you employ staff), fuel, and the cost of running your power system. You should also make sure you have a contingency fund to cover unexpected costs that may arise, especially during the start-up phase as this tends to be when unplanned expenses pop up most.

Step 2: Creating a business plan

If you have owned a business before, you will know that the foundation of your success starts with a well-thought-out business plan. Not only is this important if you plan on getting financial support from investors, but it will help you plan out exactly what you need in the journey going forward. Your coffee van business plan should be split up into the following sections: 

1. Executive summary: This is a summary of all the essential information in the rest of the plan, including the name of your coffee van business, locations you plan to operate, the concept of your business, and realistic goals you hope to achieve.
2. Business description: This is an overview of your business, looking at how the business will operate, who will be involved in day-to-day operations, the products you will offer, and your USPs. 
3. Competitor analysis: Here you will identify your competitors, whether this is other coffee trucks, independent coffee shops, or coffee chains, and look at their strengths and weaknesses. You can then use this information to do a SWOT analysis and identify your future business's potential strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. 
4. Marketing strategy: Create a marketing strategy to display your branding, pricing, and sales strategy. You can also detail strategies for reaching your target market here, such as social media marketing, local advertising, and partnerships with events or businesses. 
5. Operations plan: This should detail the everyday operations of your coffee van business, including where you plan to operate from, potential suppliers, an inventory of equipment, and health and safety information. It is also useful to have a typical “day in the life” section here. 
6. Financial plan: This should include a detailed breakdown of your budget, as well as revenue projections, a profit and loss forecast, and any potential financial risks. If you plan on securing funding with your business plan, clearly state how much you require and how you would spend the funding if approved. 
7. Appendix: This can include supporting documents, such as market research data, supplier agreements, or photo mock-ups of your coffee truck. 

Step 3: Buying a coffee van

Whether you’re buying a pre-fitted coffee truck or you’re converting a van into a coffee shop, this will likely be your largest expense, so it’s important to choose wisely. There are a variety of vehicles to choose from so there should be an option for you, even if your budget is on the smaller side. These range from coffee bikes which can sell for less than £1,500, to large coffee trailers retailing at £50,000 or more. You can convert a van, trailer, or horsebox yourself if you have the experience. However, this can take a lot of time and effort, plus it does not always save you much in the long run, so only do this if you’re confident you can do the conversion.

When buying a coffee van, make sure to consider the following:

• Size: The van, trailer, or cart should be large enough to fit all necessary equipment and stock while allowing room to work comfortably.
• Condition: Opt for a reliable vehicle to avoid costly repairs down the line. Always buy from a reputable retailer, especially if you’re buying pre-owned. If you’re converting a van, ensure it’s in good mechanical condition.
• Aesthetics: Your truck’s appearance is part of your brand, so choose or design a vehicle that will attract customers. 
• Functionality: Ensure the layout is practical for preparing and serving coffee efficiently.

4: Getting your mobile coffee business supplies 

The best way to succeed with your coffee van business is with the best equipment, so make sure to invest in quality supplies. From appliances to storage solutions, here is a list of all the essentials you’ll need to equip your coffee van: 

• Coffee machine: Starting with the obvious, a coffee machine will be an essential part of your van’s set-up. Commercial coffee machines usually come with two, three, or four group handles. If you plan on operating the van solo, two will suffice. But if you are going to hire a staff member, it may be best to invest in a three or four group model. 
• Grinder: A high-quality grinder ensures fresh, evenly ground coffee.
• Water boiler: A reliable hot water source is essential for making tea or Americanos, and can be used for cleaning equipment too.
• Fridge: A small fridge or cooler is needed for milk and other perishables.
• Generator: Ensure you have a reliable power source, especially if you’re operating in locations without easy access to electricity.
• Water tank: A freshwater tank is essential for supplying your van with clean water, especially if you’re not connected to a mains supply.
• Storage: This includes airtight ingredient containers for storing coffee beans, tea, and sugar, as well as cup dispensers, lid dispensers, waste chutes, and straw holders. As space is a premium in pop-up coffee shops, wall-mounted dispensers can be a good option for maximising counter space. If you serve cakes and pastries you should also invest in wooden display plinths. As well as being useful for storage, these are also a great way to display your food and tempt customers in. 
• Coffee-making essentials: This includes all the items for making coffee, such as milk heating jugs, thermometers, scales, powder dusters, and a latte art pen for adding the finishing touches to a drink. 
• Serving supplies: This includes disposable coffee cups in various sizes with lids, coffee stirrers, napkins, and straws. 
• Cleaning supplies: This includes general cleaning supplies such as antibac spray, microfibre cloths, and rubber gloves, as well as supplies specific to your equipment, such as coffee machine cleaning tablets. 
• Health and safety supplies: Safety supplies are essential for any environment in which you make and serve hot drinks. Your health and safety collection should include a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, aprons, and cut-resistant gloves.
• POS system: This will include a cash register and card reader, as well as POS software for tracking sales. 
• Branding and marketing materials: Don’t forget clear signage and menu boards to catch the attention of passersby, as well as loyalty cards and business cards for your customers. 

5: Securing licences and insurance 

As already discussed, operating a coffee truck business requires several licences and permits, which can vary in price depending on your location. Here are some of the approximate price ranges for the licences, certificates, and insurance you need, as of August 2024:

• Street Trading Licence and Street Trading Consents: These vary widely from council to council, so the best thing to do is check the cost with your local council when setting our budget. Prices tend to range anywhere from £200 for smaller towns to £2,000 or more in popular high-traffic areas. 
• Food hygiene certificate: These are available at a relatively low cost, with a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate costing as little as £8. 
• Premises licence: This depends on where you are based in the UK and the band of your venue, with prices varying anywhere from £100 to £2,000. You can find out the exact figures in our UK alcohol laws guide.
• Coffee van insurance: This depends not just on the level of coverage you want and the value of your vehicle, but also your experience as a driver. Insurance can also sometimes be cheaper if you do not sell any hot food from your van. This cost varies widely — it can start from around £400 and reach up to the thousands. 
• Public liability insurance: This is an essential insurance which protects you in case of accidents involving customers. Many insurers offer bundles which include public liability insurance in your coffee van business cover. However, if you choose to get this separately, the average cost per year in the UK for a small business is £118 (NimbleFins).

6: Promoting your pop-up coffee shop

Effective promotion is key to attracting customers and building a loyal following. This is especially important for mobile pop-up coffee shops which don’t have one fixed location. The best way to keep customers updated with your latest pitch is through social media. Not only does regular posting on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X let your regulars know your current location, but it also allows you to showcase your coffee and engage with both old and potential new customers. 

Another key factor in marketing a mobile coffee business is creating a strong brand identity. Investing in a professional logo and consistent colour scheme for your van, signage, and cups can make your business stand out and in turn, make your coffee van more memorable. If you have staff, you could also consider branded aprons (or even full uniforms) to enhance the professional look of your business.

Having good connections with other local businesses is important for coffee carts as collaborations can help with your marketing, plus provide you with more potential locations to operate from. You can connect with other businesses in a number of ways, such as by working with local bakeries or food vans to offer special deals or cross-promotions. You can also become a regular at local weekly markets to build relationships with other market traders and event organisers. 

Starting a coffee truck involves careful planning and a significant investment of time and money, but with the right approach, it can be a highly rewarding business. After reading this guide, you should have a good idea of how to start your journey and what you need to do to make your coffee van business a success. 

Here at Mitchell & Cooper, we have all the premium appliances, storage equipment, and dispensers you need to become a mobile barista, from leading suppliers like Bonzer and Matfer. Shop the full collection now, and don’t forget to check out the rest of our guides for even more advice and inspiration for hospitality businesses.