Here’s a good way to get into the coffee business on a lower budget. For the price of an espresso machine, a grinder or two and a self-contained tabletop bar you can be in business. However, this kind of operation does require some marketing skills, and works best in a location with an existing coffee culture.

The advantages include:

  • The ability to make a fair amount of money in a relatively short amount of time
  • Less investment than a cart, kiosk, drivethru, or coffeehouse
  • A way to expand into a secondary business
  • A way to have a part-time income

The challenges include:

  • You may need a vehicle to transport the portable self contained bar
  • Most events are weekends or evening hours
  • The need for help setting up and tearing down

Possible contract events include:

  • Weddings
  • Open houses
  • Sales promotions
  • Grand openings
  • Parties
  • Sales meetings
  • Banquets
  • Church functions
  • Concerts and shows
  • Trade shows

Possible cash bar events:

  • Festivals
  • Concerts
  • Plays
  • Sport events