How Our Coffee Cart Helped Launch Our Dream: From Pop-Up to Full-Fledged Coffee Shop
Humble Beginnings
Starting a coffee business is no small feat, but for us, it began with something small—our coffee pop ups. This humble setup not only introduced us to the coffee-loving community in New York but also paved the way for our full-fledged coffee shop in New Rochelle. Today, we still cherish our coffee pop ups as a vital part of our business, using it to connect with people through catering and pop-up events. Here’s how our journey unfolded.
I often think back to our first pop-up. We didn’t have a full cart at the time, only a few tables and some coffee making equipment. We hired a professional barista to help us and teach us some things as we went. The original venue we had booked, canceled on us 3 days before the event. Luckily we made some friends along the way that were able to rent out another space that was an even better fit for what we had planned. I remember it rained so hard that day and we weren't sure if people were going to show up. Long story short, our community showed up for us and we had an amazing event. More importantly we finally had an opportunity to let people see and try what we had been working on for a few months.
Starting Small with a Mobile Espresso Bar in New York
When we first decided we wanted to start a coffee business, the idea of opening a full shop was daunting because we had never operated a brick-and-mortar business before. Enter the coffee pop-ups — a mobile espresso bar that allowed us to dip our toes into the industry before the hefty investment of a brick-and-mortar space. Setting up at local markets and hosting our own events gave us the freedom to test the waters before we fully opened our doors.
Our mobile espresso bar became more than just a coffee-serving setup; it was a platform for experimentation. From perfecting our signature drinks to figuring out which beans resonated with customers, we learned invaluable lessons that shaped the foundation of our menu today. The flexibility of the cart allowed us to take our coffee anywhere, meeting customers where they were and building a following along the way.
How a Coffee Cart Builds Community and Awareness
One of the most rewarding aspects of starting with a coffee cart was the sense of community it fostered. Coffee, after all, is more than just a drink—it’s a conversation starter, a comfort, and if done correctly, it can be the highlight of someone’s day.
Our cart became a hub for connection. People stopped by not just for their caffeine fix but to chat, learn about our journey, and share their love for coffee. These moments weren’t just transactions; they were opportunities to build relationships and spread the word about our business.
By showing up consistently and offering a unique, high-quality experience, we made our brand synonymous with great coffee and friendly service. It wasn’t long before people started asking where they could find us—planting the seed for our eventual coffee shop in New Rochelle..
From Pop-Up Events to Permanent Roots: Our Coffee Journey
After months of serving coffee on the go, we fine-tuned our operation and bar flow, while our space was under construction. The support from our community gave us the confidence we needed by the time we were ready to open our doors. But even after opening the doors to our coffee shop, our coffee cart remains an integral part of our business.
Today, we use our cart for catering events, weddings, and corporate gatherings across NYC and Westchester. Its mobility allows us to bring our signature coffee experience to all kinds of settings, from outdoor festivals to private celebrations. It’s also a great way to stay connected with the community that supported us from the start.
Our journey from a pop-up coffee cart to a full-fledged coffee shop taught us the value of starting small, staying flexible, and putting people at the heart of everything we do.
Conclusion
Our coffee cart wasn’t just the beginning of our business—it was the cornerstone of our success. It allowed us to connect with our community, refine our craft, and establish our brand before taking the leap into a permanent space. Today, it continues to play a crucial role in how we serve customers and share our love for coffee.
If you’re considering hiring a mobile espresso bar or looking for coffee catering in NYC, we’d love to bring our cart to your next event. Contact us to learn more or book our services today!
