How to Start Mobile Juice Bar

Busy Americans looking for a way to increase their fruit and vegetable count are turning to nutrient-packed juices and smoothies to supplement their diet. This is great news for an entrepreneur looking to jump on this increasingly popular trend. Starting a mobile juice bar could prove to be extremely lucrative, due to its low overhead and start-up fees.

Instructions

1

Find a prime location for your mobile juice bar. Shoot for high visibility and convenient access. Prime locations for a cart or kiosk include malls, offices, hospitals, hotels, colleges, athletic clubs, government buildings, airports, grocery stores and large department stores. You may set up a juice van outside of community centers, tourist attractions, beaches or shopping centers. Write up a business plan identifying how much traffic you expect to bring in. Present this to owners and property managers when selling your mobile juice cart idea. Get clearance from your zoning office

2

Create a clever name for your juice bar. Then register your business at your county clerk's office. In addition, you will need a sales tax permit, federal tax ID, liability insurance, food handler's permit, and mobile food service license. Your van will also need to meet health regulations and be inspected. Along with your application and fee, you will need to submit a packet that may include your menu and operating procedures, drawings of cart and a list of your equipment. Contact your health department for details.

3

Familiarize yourself with popular supplements, antioxidants, and popular fruits and vegetables. Research which combinations of fruits can provide appealing health benefits such as anti-aging or memory enhancement. Experiment at home making juices and smoothies and have friends and family try them out.

4

Purchase your van or cart and supplies (see Resources). Visit local farmers to purchase organic or all-natural fruits. Purchase juicers, blenders, refrigeration, sinks, jugs, branded cups and napkins, a menu board and signage for your cart or van. Get your cash register, receipt paper and accounting tools by signing up for a merchant account (see Resources), which will allow you to accept credit and debit cards.

5

Advertise your mobile juice bar at health clubs and colleges. Join your Chamber of Commerce and network with other businesses, such as hotels.