Coffee is one of the top beverages in America. Around 64% of American adults drink coffee every day. That’s equivalent to more than 150 million coffee drinkers in the U.S. daily. No wonder, the annual market revenue of coffee is $18 billion in 2019.  Coffee has a high-profit margin. Coffee truck owners may spend less than 0.50 cents for a cup of coffee and sell it for a retail price of $2.00 to $3.00.

 

A Brief History of Coffee in America

Coffee was said to originate in Ethiopia. A goat herder named Kaldi saw his herd galloping around after eating some red berries. He tested the fruit himself and felt energized. He then shared his discovery with the monks of the Ethiopian Valley. The monks shredded the fruit and turned it into a drink. In the 15th century, the Arabians cultivated and traded coffee beans in Europe. It quickly became a favorite drink among Europeans in the mid-1600. During that time, there are more than 300 coffee houses in London. These shops were frequented by famous artists, intellects, and writers. In the 17th century, the British empire brought coffee to the New World. Coffee houses started to flourish in America. Until in 1773, the rebellion against King George III made the colonists abstain from drinking tea, Great Britain’s main product during that time. Americans started switching to coffee instead. The demand for coffee flourished as Americans made a change in their culture. 

Coffee became the world’s most profitable product in the 18th century. Brothers, Charles and John Arbuckle, started pre-roasting coffee in Pittsburgh in 1864. They made huge money by selling them to the Western cowboys. James Folger followed suit. He sold instant coffee to the Californian gold miners. As it saw great success, Hills Brothers and Maxwell Hose quickly followed. During the Great Depression, food trucks proliferated in the crowded cities of America. Most food trucks serving desserts, donuts, and sandwiches also served brewed coffee. Until in 1971, Starbucks opened in Seattle. Since then, coffee was tailored to the unique palate of each American. Coffee trucks followed the trend eventually and started to make names in 2008. 

Let’s take a sip at the 5 best coffee trucks in America.

5 Best Coffee Trucks in America

 

Big Shoulders Coffee (Chicago, IL)

 

Chef Tim Coonan has worked in prestigious restaurants in Chicago, France, Italy, and New York for 35 years. This has taken him to origin trips around the globe since 1980. It’s also the time he started learning the techniques of roasting coffee. In 2005, Tim started a coffee truck in Chicago. He named it after the city’s popular name – Big Shoulders. Big Shoulders coffee trucks offer freshly roasted artisan coffee. Their locations in Chicago are considered sanctuaries. It’s because they want their customers to smell and taste the coffee in a relaxing environment. Among Big Shoulders top-scoring roasted coffees are:

• Burundi Buhorwa – a pleasing Burundi coffee layered with a floral and fruity aroma
• Burundi Kibingo – a deeply sweet and rich blend of Burundi infused with gingerbread or spiced-toned pastries
• Colombia – a sweet nut-toned Colombian aroma with chocolates and raisins
• Honduras FTO – best organic coffee brand in the U.S. with a bitter-sweet taste
• Kenya Kirinyaga – a juicy sweet Kenya cup with roasted cacao nib

 

Celesto Espresso (Seattle, WA)

 

Celesto Espresso coffee truck is a Seattle staple from sun-up to sunset. Celeste Clark ventured in a milk espresso cart in South Lake Union way back in 1991. In 2013, Celeste bought a truck which she named Annie and started the Celesto Espresso in Seattle, Washington. The beverages in their menu include:

• Americano
• Espresso
• Iced Americoco
• Latte
• Latte Macchiato
• Macchiato
• Mocha

Each cup contains two shots of espresso. Celeste, being a coffee lover, guarantees to serve with a smile and tasty coffee.

 

Ralph’s Coffee (New York City, NY)

 

Ralph’s Coffee began as a coffee shop in the iconic 5th Avenue store of Ralph Lauren way back in 2014. But it closed after 2 years. In the same year, it made a comeback as a food truck at the heart of the Rockefeller Center in New York. The truck had a retro feel in a pearly white tone. It became a spectacular view with a luscious glow for coffee lovers. Le Colombe supplies Ralph’s Coffee truck with its signature roast. Among them are:

• Ralph’s Roast – a bold and classic roast designed exclusively for drip coffee. This organic coffee has a chocolaty tone. 
• Ralph’s Espresso – a creamy and floral organic coffee
• Ralph’s Decaf – a full-body classic coffee with a rich organic aroma 

 

Reveille Coffee Co. (San Francisco, CA)

 

Brothers Chris and Tommy Newbury founded Reveille Coffee Co. in 2010. It started as a food truck in the neighborhoods of Mission Bay. From there, the brand transformed into a California modernist café. Reveille Coffee truck provides an elite coffee experience and offers the following special roast coffee flavors:

• Americano
• Cafe Latte
• Cappuccino
• Cold Brew
• Espresso
• Macchiato
• Mocha

 

The Beignet Truck (Los Angeles, CA)

 

Chris Bautista grew up in a multi-ethnic family. He grew up with a love for culinary. When Chris went to New Orleans, he fell in love with beignets. They are donut-like pastries powdered with sugar. When he came back to Los Angeles, he couldn’t find any beignet stores in the area. It gave him the idea to start the Beignet Truck in 2018. In 2019, another truck popped up in New Orleans. Patrons of The Beignet Truck lined up not only for their beignets. The truck also became popular for its chicory coffee. It’s a blend of dark brewed coffee peppered with chicory. Coffee lovers crave its nutty and strong aroma flavor.

Thinking about starting a coffee truck business? Used Vending offers the largest selection of beer, coffee, tea and other beverage trucks. You will surely find the perfect brew of either a good as new or freshly refurbished coffee truck unit.

Get inspired and discover amazing business opportunities. Check out our listings of mobile kitchens and food trucks today.