Home - Story - Concept - Vehicle - Coffee - Possibilities - Profit - Support (LINKS)

The Story....

In 1995 Guy Llewellyn could see an opening for good quality Espresso Coffee served from a mobile unit. He knew that the unit would have to be attractive and a little 'quirky' to gain acceptability and more importantly the sites. He hit on the idea of using an Italian Vespa unit - the first was quite a battered second hand unit. He then had to find someone that was prepared to turn it into a vending unit that was independent of any service.

He finally persuaded Towability's Managing Director to come up with a design and produce the first unit. As soon as the first unit hit the streets business boomed. Guy used only the best ingredients and he knew he had succeeded when Italians were joining the long queues to buy the coffee.

In five years the fleet has increased to nine and the easily recognisable units have become part of the North London Boutique coffee scene. With many accolades being bestowed upon the units and the quality of the coffee.

Now you can share in the success....

The Concept...

As demand increased for more units, Caffe Mobile Ltd decided to combine with Time Leisure Ltd, who through their brand Towability have manufactured 1000s of mobile units, to license the concept throughout the U.K., thus giving the maximum penetration of the brand throughout the U.K. This gives the opportunity for people to get into the lucrative coffee market with a relatively low outlay and with the backing and support of a recognised brand.

It was decided to follow the license route as this gives prospective operators a higher degree of individuality over a franschise but still offers all the support.

The Vehicle...

The Vespacar or Piaggio APE is one of the worlds smallest motorised carriers. Based on a Moped, the APE has delivered Italy's goods for over 50 years. It epitomises the character of Italy - the country of good espresso coffee. It's unique appeal will gain access to sites that other vending units would be precluded from. Because it can be used under it's own steam to get to locations, it has a distinct advantage over traditional vending carts. The vehicle body has been raised to make it more practical for a vending unit whilst still retaining all the charm. It has been fitted out to conform to the latest health requirements and is totally independent of any services. The Piaggio Ape vehicles are now distributed in the U.K. by Reliant Cars who have a network of dealers that are able to undertake warranty and service work. The coffee machine is one of the best available and has been specially adapted for use in this situation. The whole package has been well tried and tested and has already served millions of cups of delicious coffee.

The Coffee..

Caffe Mobile's coffee is a unique blend of beans - Central American smoothness and African strength. The accolades already received confirm our belief that it is amongst the best blend available...

'Probably the best Cappuccino in London'............... Time Out magazine.

Despite these accolades, you may be surprised to find from the enclosed supplies list that our coffee price is considerably lower than comparable wholesalers prices. This illustrates our commitment to our licensed operators, to bring the best quality supplies at competitive prices.

The Possibilities..

Location, Location, Location.

Coffee Stalls are commonly found in mainline train stations, suburban/tube stations, airports, bus stations and shopping centres. In addition events, fairs and markets are likely sites. A busy site can generate up to £1,000 per day of sales. Caffe Mobile is unique in being able to operate without any utilities. It does not need water, waste, electricity or shelter and as such gives your stall a unique selling point to landlords. It can generate income from space that cannot be used for anything else. Caffe Mobile is ideal for outdoor use, pedestrian areas, markets, hospitals, universities, shopping centres, sporting events and shows. Being mobile, you might even consider deliveries to offices and workplaces. Each potential site is 'owned' or controlled by a landlord or their agent. There is no such things as a 'free space', only illegal free space. Broadly speaking, there are private and public sites. Private tends to be more straight forward but more expensive and public spaces are controlled by local councils with lower rates but more restrictions.Who might be a suitable Landlord to approach? Market operators, events organisers, train operators, local councils, shopping complex managers, \tab bus operators, office complex managers etc. Alternatively, find a site you like and find out who controls it - a few phone calls will normally reveal the landlord.

Profit Potential..

Generally, costs are worked out at 20 - 25% of sales depending on split between Espresso & Capuccino and retail price.

A Medium site would take approximately £160 per day over a 6 day week. This would produce a gross margin (after supplies costs) of £720 per week.

A Busy site would take approximately £300 per day on a 6 day week. This would produce a gross margin of £1350 per week.From the Gross Margin you would have to deduct wages and rent. The above figures include gas. At an Event, it is feasible to take in the region of £100 per hour so at a weekend event it would be possible to take £1600 . This would produce a gross margin of £1280 (allowing for higher retail prices). A typical rent charge at a show for a weekend would be £350 to £500.