A coffee truck franchise is one of the fastest-growing mobile business opportunities in the U.S. With America’s love for coffee and the booming food truck industry, entrepreneurs are turning to coffee trucks as a lower-cost, flexible alternative to opening a full café.
In this detailed review, you’ll learn:
- What a coffee truck franchise is
- Total investment & cost breakdown
- Earnings & profit expectations
- Pros & cons
- Top coffee truck franchise brands
- Whether this business model is right for you
Let’s dive in.
⭐ What Is a Coffee Truck Franchise?
A coffee truck franchise is a mobile coffee business that operates from a truck, van, or trailer equipped with:
- Espresso machines
- Cold brew taps
- Pastry display
- Milk refrigeration
- Point-of-sale system
It allows you to serve:
- Lattes
- Cappuccinos
- Espresso drinks
- Cold brew
- Iced coffee
- Smoothies
- Pastries/snacks
You follow the franchise brand’s recipes, menu, equipment standards, and marketing system.
💰 Coffee Truck Franchise Cost (2025)
The cost varies depending on the franchise brand, truck size, and menu complexity.
Average Coffee Truck Franchise Cost Range:
👉 $100,000 – $250,000 total investment
Here’s a typical breakdown:
Startup Cost Breakdown
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
| Franchise Fee | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| Custom Coffee Truck | $60,000 – $150,000 |
| Espresso & Brewing Equipment | $15,000 – $35,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| Permits & Licenses | $2,000 – $8,000 |
| Insurance | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Working Capital | $5,000 – $20,000 |
Your exact investment depends on truck quality, machinery, and franchise requirements.
💵 How Much Does a Coffee Truck Franchise Make?
Earnings depend on:
- Location
- Operating hours
- Events & catering
- Menu pricing
- Seasonal traffic
Typical Annual Revenue:
👉 $150,000 – $350,000+
Owner Profit (After Expenses):
👉 $40,000 – $100,000+
Top-performing trucks at fairs or corporate events can earn $1,500–$4,000 in a single day.
🚚 Types of Coffee Truck Franchise Models
- Full-Size Coffee Truck
Best for high-volume events and daily parking routes.
- Coffee Trailer
Lower cost, easy to park, good for pop-ups.
- Coffee Van/Kiosk on Wheels
Perfect for office parks, campuses, and daily commuter routes.
🌟 Top Coffee Truck Franchise Brands in the U.S. (2025)
Here are the leading franchise opportunities:
- Scooter’s Coffee Mobile Franchise
Known for fast drive-thru coffee kiosks. Some territories offer mobile units.
Highlights:
- Strong brand
- Premium coffee menu
- Good for suburbs and cities
Investment: $512,000 – $1,000,000+ (kiosks; mobile units may vary)
- Biggby Coffee Mobile Franchise
Offers “BCubed” and mobile carts/trucks.
Highlights:
- Affordable
- Community-focused
- Flexible models
Investment: $120,000 – $350,000
- The Human Bean Mobile Unit
A high-end coffee chain known for excellent customer service.
Highlights:
- Simple operations
- Strong training
- Premium drink quality
Investment: $200,000 – $400,000 (drive-thru + mobile options vary)
- Maui Wowi Coffee Truck
Known for smoothies + Hawaiian coffee.
Highlights:
- Low investment
- Mobile-first system
- Popular at events and festivals
Investment: $100,000 – $250,000
- Independently Branded Coffee Trucks
Many entrepreneurs choose to create their own brand and avoid franchise fees.
Benefits:
- Lower cost
- Total menu freedom
- No royalties
- Higher profit margins
👍 Pros of a Coffee Truck Franchise
✔ Lower cost than a café
Traditional coffee shops cost $300K–$1M+. Coffee trucks cost a fraction.
✔ Flexible schedule
You choose your locations and hours.
✔ High-demand product
Coffee is consumed year-round.
✔ Mobile = more revenue
Serve at events, festivals, fairs, and corporate offices.
✔ Proven franchise support
Training, recipes, marketing, and truck setup.
👎 Cons of a Coffee Truck Franchise
❌ Weather can impact sales
Rain or cold can reduce foot traffic.
❌ Maintenance costs
A broken truck = no business.
❌ Seasonality in cold states
Winter months can be slow.
❌ Parking restrictions
Some cities have strict food truck rules.
❌ Royalty fees
Franchise fees reduce profit margins.
🧠 Is a Coffee Truck Franchise Right for You?
A coffee truck franchise is a great fit if:
- You want a coffee business without huge costs
- You enjoy fast-paced service
- You want flexibility and mobility
- You like social interaction
- You’re comfortable managing a small team (or operating solo)
It may not be right if you prefer a stationary store or dislike early mornings (coffee trucks often start at 6–7 AM).
📝 Final Verdict
A coffee truck franchise is a smart, affordable, and flexible way to enter the booming coffee industry. With a typical investment of $100K–$250K, you get:
- A fully equipped mobile café
- Brand support
- Proven recipes
- Strong event-based earning potential
If you’re looking for a business that combines mobility, high demand, and lower overhead, a coffee truck franchise is an excellent option.
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