Pop-Up chocolate cafe at markets and events

Market and festival visitors, event organizers, and hosts of weddings, parties and corporate events.

Per-item sales at events, plus flat fees or minimum guarantees for private bookings. Cooler months and holiday markets are often the busiest.

• Making drinks and desserts quickly
• Customer service
• Planning stock and logistics
• Social media for finding events

• Health permits for temporary events or mobile carts, which vary by county and state
• Cottage food rules may not cover hot drinks or items needing refrigeration, so check what is allowed
• Market vendor fees, event insurance requirements and sales tax registration
• Weather, unpredictable event income and heavy lifting at setup and teardown
• Allergen labeling and safe hot-drink handling

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on whether you use a tent, cart or small booth, plus equipment, supplies, permits and insurance. A pop-up costs far less than leasing a storefront.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many events you attend (from about 12 hours a week), local crowds, weather and your pricing. Event income can be unpredictable, and these are estimates only.

Check health permits for temporary events or mobile carts, which vary by county and state. Cottage food rules may not cover hot drinks or refrigerated items. Also check market vendor fees, event insurance, sales tax registration and allergen labeling.