A guide to picking the right mobile cafe option for you.
The mobile café has been getting around to our favourite events for decades. Whether it’s at the markets, a carnival or sporting event there is always time for an espresso. A business that will never go out of fashion, it’s one of our best sellers! The biggest dilemma of all, is whether to set up your mobile cafe in a van or a trailer. Here we explore some of the details you’ll need to consider when setting up your mobile café.
Coffee Van
Bella Manufacturing have been building bespoke coffee vans for a decade now. Being an all-inclusive mobile solution where you can just pack up and go is one of its many perks! No need to pack up your entire setup into the boot of a car (including those pesky marquees!) or the hassle of hooking up a trailer. It’s as easy as closing the doors and go!
The coffee van is most commonly known for being a compact set-up so utilising every bit of space is key. Being the experts, we have created the perfect coffee van, time and time again. We ensure to include enough fridge space for your variety of milks plus heaps of storage space for all your knick-knacks. We utilise a battery system to power your entire unit that is the perfect combination of compact and quiet. Typically, the coffee van is best for stop and go coffee runs, parking on busy street sides and at the local market.
Coffee Trailer
The coffee trailer, whilst sometimes forgotten, is a great mobile cafe solution that comes with perks that the coffee van cannot offer. Being a trailer automatically gives you extra storage space, allowing you to pack extra marquees, chairs, food and drinks, all on board. In comparison to a coffee van, the trailer gives you extra space to expand your food or beverage offerings or to completely rebrand. Having a trailer gives you the flexibility to unhook your vehicle at the event or at the end of the day.
There are a few downfalls to a coffee trailer that typically steer customers back to the van. The coffee trailer, being bulkier in size, means you don’t have all the capabilities that a coffee van has, for example, setting up in a compact street side position or a stop and go coffee run. It also requires a vehicle with a tow capacity greater than 3 tonne.
All in all, both options are great depending on your specific business requirements. This can be dependent on where you desire to trade, what food and beverage options you are offering and what your future growth options may be. Our team of industry experts are here to help you every step of the way. For more information, submit an enquiry or give our team a call on 1300 721 811.
FAQs
How much does a coffee van cost compared to a coffee trailer?
A Bella coffee van fit-out starts from $70,000 and a coffee trailer from $100,000, excluding GST. Van pricing covers the fit-out only, so you’ll need to supply or buy the base vehicle. A trailer will need a suitable tow vehicle. Talk to our team for a quote based on your menu and equipment.
What vehicle do I need to tow a coffee trailer?
You’ll need a vehicle with a towing capacity above three tonnes for most Bella coffee trailers. The exact figure depends on the trailer’s size and loaded weight once equipment, water and stock are on board. Check your vehicle’s rated towing capacity before you commit to a trailer build.
Do coffee vans and coffee trailers need different council permits?
No. In most areas a coffee van and a coffee trailer fall under the same mobile food business rules. You’ll typically need a food business licence from the council where the unit is based, and a separate permit from each council where you plan to trade. Requirements vary between councils, so check with each one before you trade.
What other kinds of coffee units are there?
Coffee kiosks and coffee carts are some other options for a coffee business, both with pros and cons depending on where the unit will be trading and how mobile it needs to be. Talk to our team about the best options for your mobile coffee business.