WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE HIRING A COFFEE CART
Hiring a coffee cart sounds simple, but every venue has different rules, every event has different needs, and not all carts operate the same way. Knowing a few basics before you book can save you time and prevent day of issues for corporate events, weddings, production sets, or brand activations.
This guide covers the essentials so you can hire confidently and avoid common surprises.
Understand Your Event Needs First For A Coffee Cart
Before reaching out to vendors, clarify a few details on your end.
Guest Count
Set your drink estimate and staffing needs.
Event Duration
Short events usually require less service, while longer timelines or all day production shoots need steady drink flow and higher output.
Event Type
Corporate events, weddings, production sets, and brand activations each have different consumption patterns and menu expectations.
Indoor or Outdoor Setup
Indoor setups require power and space checks. Outdoor setups need weather considerations.
Venue Coffee Cart Requirements To Confirm Early
Venues vary widely in their requirements, so it helps to confirm these details early before booking.
Power
A dedicated 110v three prong outlet is typically required. Pulo Coffee uses the Linea Mini R, which works on standard 110v, but the outlet must be dedicated so the machine is not sharing power with other equipment. Sharing a circuit can overload it and trip the breaker during service.
Space
Carts need enough room to roll in and set up without blocking hallways, doorways, or guest flow. Older buildings and tight office layouts often require advance planning.
Load In and Parking
Rooftops, hotel docks, corporate garages, and studio lots all have different procedures. Some require early check in or elevator reservations.
Insurance
Most buildings require a Certificate of Insurance that lists them as an additional insured. Vendors should provide this easily.
Building Rules
Security check in, elevator holds, no open flame, or off-limit areas may apply. Clarifying these ahead of time prevents delays during setup.
For general venue information in the area, you can visit Los Angeles County’s official site:
https://lacounty.gov/
What You Can Expect When Hiring a Coffee Cart
Most professional coffee carts include:
Espresso machine and grinder
Water system
Milk and non-dairy options
Cups, lids, napkins
Setup and breakdown
One or two baristas
A curated menu or signature drinks
Some offer add-ons like branded latte art or custom branded cart and cups.
Drink Coffee Cart Output and Why It Matters When You Book
Speed is one of the most important details planners overlook. A well equipped cart typically serves 45 to 60 drinks per hour with one barista. Two baristas increase speed and reduce lines during peak times.
Equipment quality plays a major role. A strong grinder and espresso machine keep the workflow steady, which is essential for weddings, production sets, and corporate events with specific timelines.
If you want a deeper look at what separates an average cart from a great one, you can read our guide on choosing the best coffee cart catering.
Coffee Cart Red Flags To Watch For
These signs usually mean the vendor is not equipped for professional events:
Cannot explain power requirements
Cannot estimate drinks per hour
Avoids questions or responds inconsistently
No COI
Poor quality photos or lack of real event images
No clarity on setup or menu
A reliable vendor should make planning easier, not more confusing.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a coffee cart is much easier when you know what to ask and what to expect from the venue. A good vendor will walk you through power, space, logistics, and menu planning so the service fits your event smoothly.
If you want help planning coffee service for your event size, venue, or timeline, we can put together a custom recommendation for you.
Request a quote here:
https://www.pulocoffee.com/contact
