Espresso carts have become popular due to the need for espresso based drinks in small spaces, with no water or drain lines. The espresso carts are self contained, and may include water tanks , pump systems, electrical systems, waste tank, as well as sinks and water heaters. The cart owner usually has to cover the expense of having a 30-50 amp electrical outlet installed. Carts usually come in 4,6, or 8 foot lengths, and often have fold out wings of 12-18 inches on each side, lengthening the top service as much as an additional 3 foot.
A 4-foot cart should be considered if the cart has to be moved every day. County health departments vary in their requirements. Many are not familiar enough with carts to list the requirements for the prospective owner. If the cart is placed in a facility near a 3-compartment sink or a hand sink, it may be possible with written permission to not require the normal sinks. If a prospective owner is looking at a location to roll a cart into and will not be moving it to other locations they may consider a self-contained bar or kiosk. It would save a fare amount of funds because a self-contained bar may be built using a couple of base cabinets with a space for a refrigerator and a finish facing. Eliminating the wheels and metal frame will save a substantial amount of money.
Pump systems, tanks, and electrical systems can be purchased through a select group of espresso distributors (check Guido’s pricing).
The advantages include:
- Low initial investments
- Ability to change locations easily
- Ability to sell and recover part of your investment
- No build-out is required
- It is often easier to secure a location if the location owner sees it as temporary
- It is an easy way to test a location
- It is compact
- It is easily to expandable with side carts
- Heating and air conditioning are provided
The challenges include:
- The inconvenience of filling water and waste tanks
- The limited work space
- The added maintenance of pump systems
- Security challenge
- Limited business hours
Possible locations:
- Hospitals
- Office complexes
- Malls
- Strip malls
- Established business
- Amusement parks
- Sports complexes
- Government buildings
- Schools
- Universities
- Bases
- Library
- Art gallery