Most mobile coffee carts also serve tea, hot chocolate, iced coffee and other chilled and soft drinks, along with a selection of biscuits, cakes and muffins.

Coffee carts are usually a purpose-built or adapted van or trailer, a purpose-built tricycle, or a light cart towed by an electric bicycle.

Anyone operating a mobile coffee cart will require a street trading licence from their local authority. Separate permission may also be required in order to trade from pitches in retailers’ car parks and at visitor attractions.

Food business operators, such as mobile coffee cart owners, are subject to significant amounts of legislation relating to registration of premises, food safety, waste disposal, and health and safety.

This profile provides information about starting up and running a mobile coffee cart. It describes the skills required, the training available, the current market trends and the key trading issues. It also explains the legislation that must be complied with and provides sources of further information and support.