This little gem has been my everyday transportation for 3 years now.
It's a 1965 Cushman 'Truckster'.
Now I'm considering setting it up as a coffee vending unit.
I'm thinking I'll call it 'Java Tactical Response' J.T.R. for short.
My first concern is producing enough hot water. My other concern is that I don't know enough to know what my concerns are.
I already have the needed commissary. I'm familiar with the health dept. stuff, but all inputs are appreciated.
As always,thanks -Scott
freshbeans attached the following image:
too cool...
love the name.
will you add a small trailer to pull added supplies?
hot water, several things come to mind, it the Truckster electric or gas?
Will you have both?
you can use a camp/very small house instant hot water unit to produce the hot water my concern is where you will get the H2O? You can carry a large drum with an attached small circulating pump with instant hot water unit hooked to propane.
You can get the BIG BLUE drums from wine makers or buy them at most feed stores
depending on where you live; the blue are best for water because you will not get mold from the sun into your coffee water source.
I have a couple of brochures in the basement for instant hot water. I will go find them later and post the url's for your information.
a nice canvas/whatever material over the top, you could build fold out counters to come over the sides for customer service unless you plan to use a trailer of sorts, a UTV type could be built into a great mobile coffee space; or simply use the back of the Truckster with all you need. Unless you find a space where you have access to water where you could put a filter on to run a steady stream tap on and off with a hose I think the biggest thing you will carry is a 55 GAL drum of water.
Sure you could start with a 25 gal and see how it goes; clearly you would save space with a 1/2 size drum of water.
More later,
ginny
Keeper of Xanadu, the last bohemian outpost!!
Hi Ginny,
Thanks for the link. It's looking like a trailer will be needed.
The vehicle is gas (18 hp) ...It can run a generator. It will carry 600 lbs. safely. I was hoping to heat water with propane so I don't have to listen to the generator. I have an AC inverter to grab some power off the battery for small things.
I speak from no experience...I'm keeping an open mind. Thanks -Scott
Neat idea. If you are just going to sell brewed coffee, then why not use a bunch of airpots and avoid tanks, heaters and pumps? If espresso, then look at an RV propane water heater. RV units have low voltage water delivery pumps, too. Remember, everything that the water touches has to be NSF rated. You can get NSF polyethylene tanks about every size and shape. What I'd do is make a removable insert for that Truckster's bed so that it could be pulled when you don't want it, or when it needs repair.
Hi Dan,
Right on with the removable unit. The Truckster is my 'multi-use platform' . It has other jobs to do. I scored
a great winch for 30.00$
Safe to assume that the RV heater will be NSF rated?
If that works, then I assume I'd be looking for some compact way to pull espresso. La Pavoni ?
As always, Thanks -Scott
There is no question that all of this coffee unit must be portable since you mentioned it is your daily driver.
When I was talking about pumps and a water source I was looking at what a greenhouse would use for water use which is always low voltage for maintaining the hot water.
A small water heater or other holding tank with a very small recirculating pump will keep the H2O hot or you could heat as needed with a burner fired with propane depending on what type of coffee/coffee drinks you will make.
For espresso, got power?
for any other use whatever you wish but I must say that coffee from air/hot pots is usually not good after the first cup or two max!!
If your offer is fresh coffee then make it fresh. Boil water an pour over like the old places still do in Santa Cruz with each bean.
Air pots are great for plain hot coffee for the masses, not for such as you will roast!!
Be as clean and true as you can be to the real coffee experience and taste. You only need a house coffee for the running late folks and one or two others for those that stop for that freshbean taste.
Got cart, got coffee...
limited supply of freshbeans, thank you. come again. they will/
g
Edited by ginny on 07/26/2010 17:19
Keeper of Xanadu, the last bohemian outpost!!
A lot of tradesmen here in AU use a lift off frame unit for there tool boxes
Loading
Its a matter of driving under the equipment and lowering into position
Unloading
Use the frame to lift the equipment and drive off
Put it on for work
Take it off when visiting the beach
KK
Koffee Kosmo attached the following image:
[22.79Kb]
koffeekosmo.com.auI home roast and I like it
Bezzera BZ40:BNZ MD74 Grinder: 7 Box hand grinders: Pullman Tamper Convex: (KKTO) Turbo Oven Home Roaster: CONA Glass Rod Syphon: Pyrex Brewer:
The lift-off would really make sense to move it around in the warehouse. That's a winner.
Ginny, you're right. This coffee experience needs to be the real-deal. Selling cups of coffee is great, but this needs to be a marketing tool as well. I'm sure I'd have a couple airpots of 'regular' for those in a hurry, but pushing the 'fresh' is where I want to go with my brand.
Maybe an idealist, but I'm so bored with the wholesale, I just don't care. -Scott
freshbeans wrote:
The lift-off would really make sense to move it around in the warehouse. That's a winner.
Ginny, you're right. This coffee experience needs to be the real-deal. Selling cups of coffee is great, but this needs to be a marketing tool as well. I'm sure I'd have a couple airpots of 'regular' for those in a hurry, but pushing the 'fresh' is where I want to go with my brand.
Maybe an idealist, but I'm so bored with the wholesale, I just don't care. -Scott
Scott,
"Push the Fresh" to the extreme with flash and mystique. Be the first to do a mobile siphon bar. Well, someone has probably already done it somewhere.
YouTube Video 1/2 lb and 1 lb drum, Siemens Sirocco fluidbed, presspot, chemex, cajun biggin brewer from the backwoods of Louisiana
Wow! The siphon thing was so hot in Thailand and Japan when I was there...20 years ago.
Having been in retail for a number of years now, it's clear that you sell the sizzle,not the steak.
....But they only come back if the steak is great.
Thanks,-Scott
Scott, R/V plumbing must be NSF just like everything else meant for potable water. Its the law. Each item will be stamped with the NSF logo.
That lift-off looks easier than a pull-off. What I do at home and at work is keep a chain hoist overhead. You could do the same, or use a frame gizmo like above.
Regarding your marketing strategy. Your unit is portable, which is your greatest asset. You'll move it to where the action is. People will be looking for convenience first, quality and experience second. Heck, just buying a cup from your cute scooter will be an experience! To me, the primary reason they'll buy coffee from you is because you are closer than your competition is. After all, a coffee shop located in a business can't move to the county fair, street fair, sporting event, etc.
To me, the primary reason they'll buy coffee from you is because you are closer than your competition is. After all, a coffee shop located in a business can't move to the county fair, street fair, sporting event, etc.
Scott/ dan
I think you miss one of the important issues with Scott and "the Truckster," fresh roasted beans, personal appeal and real information. Perhaps where you are from it is simply a "cute cart thing."
People that I know who love coffee will walk a few extra blocks for fresh coffee. They would be open to what beans are about and how they are roasted. Scott could have a small roaster attached to really tell the story about FRESH BEANS; he could roast a few batches while serving his coffee to real folks who have an interest and he could sell those roasted beans. You would be surprised at what my local Farmers Market yields each week.
We all know the NSF means clean, proper and protecting the public. I do not believe that any member of HRO is or would willingly endanger the public. What about the guy who spits right by your cart? Call 911 and say this guy spit in the Farmer Market? you would be laughed out of the area!!!
Way too much is made of what regulations are and it scares people away from trying their dream.
Tons-o-ice-cream vendors started with a wing and a prayer!! Coffee has been around a bit longer!!!~
Coffee Carts are a great idea, IMO. Just based on the low overhead. Again IMO the fears and challenges of meeting regulations should really only come into play after you have a real idea of how your going to fit all the componants on/into/towed behind the Truckster.
So I'm into developing(and doing the CAD sketches) of some layouts. My feeling is if some how this group can fit a coffee shop in the back of that thing. If its possible, then I would doubt that we would ever have a smaller space to contend with.
Things we know...
has to be removeable
want to offer esspresso and drip
can handle 600 lbs
propane over electricity.
Things we need to know-
how big is the space
eeeek Budget?
have you ever attempted to attach wings to that thing
and if not, why not.
lets get a list of componants needed to make and serve the coffee.
Lets get this rolling, anyone else in?
Sean
Edited by Unta on 07/27/2010 18:32
Sean Harrington
Unta Coffee Roasters---We roast coffee because we love coffee. I play on home roasters because this place is full of awesomeness and problem solving types who like learning and tinkering. There is nothing more true and good in life then tinkering and learning. Thanks to everyone.. This forum rules!
freshbeans wrote:
Wow! The siphon thing was so hot in Thailand and Japan when I was there...20 years ago.
Having been in retail for a number of years now, it's clear that you sell the sizzle,not the steak.
....But they only come back if the steak is great.
Thanks,-Scott
If you ever decide to go the vac brewer route, one thing to consider. Time from order to being served in these shops is usually longer than most folks would like.
Another option is to use larger capacity vacuum pot brewers, transfer into your preferred thermal server but often enough to keep a show going regularly. That way no one waits for their anticipated cup but also sees and smells your unique process of brewing.
"Specialty Coffee" has been around long enough now to be old hat and without something unique to show people you're zero'd in on killer artisan brewing, it's hard to show distinction other than "how the steak tastes".
Institutional Fetco, Bunn etc... brewers and airpots can produce a great cup but have zero sex appeal.
Allen
1/2 lb and 1 lb drum, Siemens Sirocco fluidbed, presspot, chemex, cajun biggin brewer from the backwoods of Louisiana
Tons-o-ice-cream vendors started with a wing and a prayer!! Coffee has been around a bit longer!!!~
ginny
Um, all your points are spot on, Ginny, except this one... The origins of ice cream date to 400 BCE. It is well established Emperor Nero was fond of eating ice cream made with cream and snow then mixing it with fruits, nuts and other additives.
Sherbet, however, is younger than coffee, even at coffee's tender age of roughly 700 years old.
Why even last weekend, we made ice cream in the blender with whole cream, ice and a few raspberries.
John
Fade to black coffee
John Despres
Fresh Roast 8, Gene Cafe, JYTT 1k, Mazzer Mini, Technivorm, various size presses and much more.
John Despres wrote:
Um, all your points are spot on, Ginny, except this one... The origins of ice cream date to 400 BCE. It is well established Emperor Nero was fond of eating ice cream made with cream and snow then mixing it with fruits, nuts and other additives.
Sherbet, however, is younger than coffee, even at coffee's tender age of roughly 700 years old.
Why even last weekend, we made ice cream in the blender with whole cream, ice and a few raspberries. John
John,
I'll bet the Nero double blended raspberry shake would be an extreme hit on the Java Tactical Response Cart. (Listed under Roman Smoothies).
1/2 lb and 1 lb drum, Siemens Sirocco fluidbed, presspot, chemex, cajun biggin brewer from the backwoods of Louisiana
As always, really like the wealth of knowledge here!
I think the vac-pot component is fanatastic 'sizzle' that also translates into knowledge and credibility. It helps establish the vendor as an authority on the matter. That being said, also having the ability to crank out some volume with a pour-over or auto-brew would be wise, without much compromise.
As far as meeting D.O.H. approval... There is no fear left. I've been in small family business in New York State for nearly 20 yrs.
"Just keep punching" is what my father said.
Sean, I'll get some dimensions posted. The wings are currently in for testing..awaiting FAA approval.
A good source for Vac pots would be appreciated . As always Thanks -Scott
A few dimensions. I've left about a half-inch of slack all around for movement.
For the bed; length; 45" width; 34.25" height; 13.5"
The cab height is 48" off the bed floor.
The bed is 20.5" off the ground.
It's not alot of room, but I've seen some cool stuff the Europeans have done with the Vespa 'Ape'
I can fabricate alot. I'm not currently set up to weld aluminum, but I imagine it's within reach.
I'm shooting for next spring (April) to launch this thing. Although I drove this through 2 winters,
I plan to keep it in the warehouse and work on it this winter.
...On the Fetco brewers. I've got 3ea 220v units collecting dust.
If anyone has an interest, I'll post the model #
Another place for inspiration are the street vendor carts and 'roach coaches.' Both should be online.
Some sort of swing up roof panel is in order, or an awning that you can roll out. You would have 10" more work space if you worked from the side of the unit instead of the tailgate. Another idea is to have all your equipment on a roll out shelf, with utilities on the other side and below. This is doable since the height of the bed wall from the ground is 34."
freshbeans wrote:
A good source for Vac pots would be appreciated . As always Thanks -Scott
For unbreakable (SS) the Nicro pots are almost always available on Ebay for a reasonable price and have one of the best filters ever invented for a vacuum brewer. Brew quantity is somewhere between 1 and 1.5 liter.
The glass model seen in the video I posted is the Hario TCA-5 but only brews 20 oz. Good for show but you'd need a few going at the same time.
For heat you can use the Hario beam heater at $350.00 a pop or find a propane solution.
Unless you are as quick and ambidextrous as a Benihana table side chef you will (as you mentioned) definitely want conventional brewers as well to allow volume brewing.
Allen
1/2 lb and 1 lb drum, Siemens Sirocco fluidbed, presspot, chemex, cajun biggin brewer from the backwoods of Louisiana
I'm considering dropping the espresso thing. I prefer the 'flash and mystique' of the vacpots. I only have 2 hands.
Am I shooting myself in the foot? -Scott
Espresso drinks are big margin items...don't know what you can get for a vacpot cup.
It comes down to what your goals for the business are.fun or cash. You can have both but without enough cash its going to be tougher to have fun. Unless of course this is just going to be a hobby, but I get the feeling your goals are to be both financially successful and have some good times while your at it.
oh and if you really want to get the word out We built a few of these www.rocketman.com with plans for people on foot slangin' iced coffee.
sean
Sean Harrington
Unta Coffee Roasters---We roast coffee because we love coffee. I play on home roasters because this place is full of awesomeness and problem solving types who like learning and tinkering. There is nothing more true and good in life then tinkering and learning. Thanks to everyone.. This forum rules!
Scott, I've seen this a dozen times. A technical person who jumps into the portion of starting a new business where they know the most information. In your case, roasting and making coffee. I just assumed you had already decided on what you wanted and had run some numbers so knew it would be profitable. I think it is time for you to figure out what your basic business plan is, then your marketing plan, and THEN do your equipment design. You don't have to do anything fancy, just make sure you think this through from the beginning.
for me it's the 200 foot of fence I just lost; old fence but still must "fix it" to keep out the cows!! well maybe I will simply lat the cows eat the weeds sure save me time in the long
Been away a bit -- just read the last 3 pages of the Datalogger thread. wow. You all amaze me -- this forum is the most productive and creative crowdsourcing I've seen... at just 1,234 strong. :T
John
