Coffee Vending Carts Key Terms

Learn the key terms associated with coffee vending carts

A coffee vending cart can be a great business for the first-time entrepreneur. With little overhead costs, there is a greater chance of success. If you're looking at buying a coffee vending cart, however, you may find that there are terms that you are not familiar with. You'll need to decide what type of canopy, if any, you want. You'll also need to determine what types of coffee you'll be serving and whether you will serve food as well, which will help choose some of the features, such as a display window or racks. Learn the following terms to get started.

 

Pastry display window

If you plan on selling pastries on your coffee cart, you'll want a cart that has a pastry display window. This is a window in the front of the car that allows customers to view pastries and other offerings.
Try: Visit Merchandising Frontiers to see an example of a coffee vending cart with a pastry display window.

Canopy

The canopy is a part that covers the cart. Depending on its size, it can protect the coffee, food and employees from the sun. Canopies can often be customized with your business name, which makes your cart easily recognizable.
Try: CMC Espresso shows a number of different canopy styles.

Casters

Casters are the wheels attached to the bottom of the shopping cart. Casters can be stationary or swivel. If you want your cart to be portable, then it's a good idea to look for one with casters.
Try: You can see different types of casters at Hamilton Caster.

Vented or solid shelving

Solid shelving is a shelf made out of a solid piece of metal or wood. It is easy to clean and is a good solution for storing liquids that may spill, such as cream and flavored syrups for coffee. Vented shelving has slats that allow the air to pass through. Vented shelving may be an ideal option for storing sugar.
Try: Check out the Food Service Warehouse for a discussion on whether you need vented or solid shelving.

Hand sink cart

A hand sink cart is a small portable hand sink. This is necessary for hand washing, but you may also be able to use it to wash equipment in between preparing your customers' coffee beverages.
Try: See a hand sink cart at Cooks Direct.

Ice caddie

An ice caddie keeps ice cool. You can sometimes find carts that include an ice caddie, but you may have to buy one separately. This is great if you want to provide iced coffee beverages, a popular choice.
Try: See both short and tall ice caddies at Dei Design.

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