Sometimes you don't need a deep dive. You need a quick answer.
Here are the questions I get asked most, answered without waffle Coffee Cart Exact.
- How early should we book specialty coffee for an event?
4-6 weeks minimum. 8+ weeks for large events or custom drink development. Popular dates book faster.
- How many drinks per guest should we budget for?
2-3 drinks for events under 4 hours. 3-4 drinks for full-day events. Some guests have more, some have none—it averages out.
- Can you really make blue drinks naturally?
Yes. Butterfly pea flower creates vivid blue without artificial colouring. Add citrus and it shifts to purple. It's chemistry, not food dye.
- What if our venue has exclusive catering arrangements?
Ask specifically about beverages. Many venues allow external specialty beverage providers while keeping food catering exclusive. Always worth asking.
- Do we need special power requirements?
No, we only require access to two power points of 10-amp circuits. Shared circuits trip when multiple machines run.
- What about water access?
We can bring filtered water if needed. Ideally, access within 10 metres of the station. If further, build in extra setup time.
- How long does setup take?
Minimum 60 minutes for simple setups. 2-3 hours for full activations with multiple stations and digital displays.
- What if dietary requirements change last minute?
We carry alternatives (oat, soy, almond milk; decaf options). Let us know what you can as early as possible, but we adapt.
- Do guests really photograph drinks?
Unusual-looking drinks? Yes, significantly. Generic coffee? Almost never. If you want social content, make drinks photogenic.
- What's the most popular specialty drink right now?
Matcha lattes dominate. Followed by oat milk variants of everything. Turmeric lattes are growing. Cold brew never goes away.
- Should we offer both coffee and non-coffee options?
Always. 30-40% of any group doesn't want coffee. Matcha, chai, and specialty non-coffee drinks ensure everyone's included.
- How do you handle queues during rush periods?
Strategic menu design (fewer options, faster preparation). Multiple baristas at peak times. Staggered service announcements if possible.
- Can drinks be made to match specific brand colours?
Most colours, yes. Blue (butterfly pea), green (matcha), pink (strawberry/hibiscus), yellow (turmeric), purple (ube). Brown and red are trickier but possible.
- Can we have coffee service for just part of the day?
Yes, but consider the experience. Morning-only coffee followed by nothing creates contrast. Partial service can feel incomplete.
- How do digital display carts work?
Built-in LED screens displaying your content—brand videos, menus, social feeds, messaging. Content uploaded beforehand, runs during service.
- What happens if equipment breaks during the event?
We carry backup equipment for critical components. Grinders have spares. Steam wands have alternatives. Complete machine failure is rare but protocols exist.
- Is it really worth paying more for premium service?
If brand impression matters, yes. The difference between forgettable and memorable is often 3-5% of total event budget. ROI comes through impression, not caffeine.
Bonus Round: Questions People Should Ask But Don't
What will guests remember about beverages one month later?
Most planners never ask this. It's the most important question.
How do drinks connect to our brand story?
Generic drinks create generic impressions. Intentional alignment creates brand memory.
What metrics do you track beyond drinks served?
Cups served is a vanity metric. Impression created is what matters.
What will baristas say when guests ask about the drinks?
If the answer is "I don't know," you're missing an opportunity.
What's your backup plan?
Everyone should have one. Ask to see it.
The Question Behind Every Question
All these questions ultimately point to one underlying concern:
"Will this actually work?"
The answer depends on intention.
If "work" means "provide caffeine to guests"—almost any coffee service will work.
If "work" means "create memorable brand impression"—that requires strategic thinking, intentional design, and execution that goes beyond logistics.
Both are valid. Know which one you're asking for.
Have a question not covered here? Get in touch. We answer fast.