COFFEE CARTS VS CRAFT SERVICES: WHAT WORKS BEST FOR PRODUCTION CREWS
Production sets operate on a different rhythm than corporate or brand events. Call times are early, days are long, and energy has to stay consistent from first setup to final wrap. On set, coffee is not a perk. It is part of how the day runs.
Production teams often weigh whether craft services alone is enough or if adding a coffee cart actually adds value. The answer usually depends on the type of shoot, the length of the day, and what the crew needs to stay sharp.
This guide breaks down how craft services and coffee carts each support production crews, and when it makes sense to use one, the other, or both.
How Craft Services Supports Production Crews
Craft services is the backbone of on-set fuel. It keeps crews moving with snacks, hydration, and basic coffee throughout long days and early call times. On set, it is often referred to as crafty.
Craft services is efficient, expected, and built for volume. It does exactly what it is meant to do: support the pace of production without slowing anything down.
When production teams start looking beyond craft services, it is usually not because it falls short. It is because coffee needs change as days get longer, pressure increases, and consistency matters more.
Where Craft Services Coffee Has Limitations
Coffee provided through craft services is typically functional rather than specialty.
Options are often limited to drip coffee or airpots, with minimal customization. Quality and consistency can vary throughout the day, especially during long shoots or late afternoon stretches when energy dips.
Craft services is designed to keep people going, not to elevate the coffee experience. For many crews, that distinction matters when morale and focus need a boost.
What a Coffee Cart Adds to a Production Set
A coffee cart introduces specialty espresso and milk-based drinks into the production environment.
Instead of just caffeine, crews get consistent quality, real espresso, and options that go beyond basic coffee. Lattes, cappuccinos, non-dairy milks, and properly pulled shots can make a noticeable difference over long days.
A coffee cart also creates a natural pause point. Even short breaks to grab a drink can help reset energy without disrupting set flow or timing.
Coffee Cart vs Craft Services for Production Sets
This is not an either-or decision.
Craft services and coffee carts serve different roles. Craft services covers essentials at scale. A coffee cart elevates the coffee experience and supports morale.
Many productions use both successfully. Craft services handles the baseline needs, while a coffee cart adds quality and consistency in moments where it matters most.
When a Coffee Cart Makes Sense for Production Crews
A coffee cart tends to be most valuable in specific production scenarios:
Long shoot days or early call times
Productions with sustained crew presence throughout the day
Client, network, or executive visits on set
Crew appreciation moments or wrap days
If you are planning around budget and logistics, we break down what typically impacts pricing in our guide on how much coffee cart catering costs.
What Production Teams Should Look for in Coffee Catering
Not every coffee cart is suited for production environments.
Production teams should look for vendors who understand tight timelines, shared spaces, and power limitations. The ability to operate on standard power, serve quickly, and communicate clearly is often more important than an expansive menu.
Many of the same considerations apply to production sets, which we outline in more detail in our checklist on what to look for when choosing a coffee cart.
Where Pulo Coffee Fits Into Production Coffee Catering
We recently supported a scripted television production for a network comedy series, Hacks, which reinforced how different production needs are compared to traditional events.
Our mobile coffee carts are designed to integrate smoothly into busy environments, operate on standard power with dedicated outlets, and deliver consistent drinks without disrupting the day. Understanding production flow and respecting set operations is just as important as the coffee itself.
Choosing the Right Coffee Setup for Your Production
Craft services and coffee carts are not competitors. They are complementary tools.
The most effective production setups balance efficiency with morale. Craft services keeps crews fueled. A coffee cart adds quality, consistency, and a small but meaningful lift that can make long days feel more manageable.
If you are exploring thoughtful ways to support your crew or elevate on-set hospitality, we are happy to help you create a setup that fits naturally into your production.
