Juice and smoothie kiosk or cart

Start small with a kiosk, cart or market stall serving fresh juices and smoothies where people already gather.

A customer buys a fresh juice at a bright counter in a juice shop.
Startup cost$5k to $25k
Monthly revenue$2k to $10k
Time needed15+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • $5k-25k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
  • Licence or permit needed

Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.

What it is

A compact juice and smoothie counter in a mall kiosk, farmers market stall, or permitted cart, with a short menu that is quick to make.

Your first three steps

  1. Ask your county health department which permits a juice cart or market stand needs, and whether you must use a commissary kitchen
  2. Contact local farmers markets, mall managers or event organizers about vendor spots and fees
  3. Pick 4 to 6 drinks, cost each one, and run a trial weekend to test sales and speed
Who pays

Shoppers, market visitors, event guests and commuters who buy a drink on the spot.

How it makes money

Sales per cup, with add-ons and a few bottled items. Lower rent and a small menu keep costs down compared with a full shop.

Skills that help
  • Customer service
  • Fast, consistent food prep
  • Basic bookkeeping
  • Event and location planning
Watch out for
  • Mobile or temporary food permits, which vary by county and state
  • A commissary or approved kitchen may be required for prep and storage; check locally
  • Unpasteurized juice labeling and handling rules, so check FDA and state requirements
  • Vendor fees, seasonal slow periods and weather affecting sales
  • General liability insurance, which markets and malls often require

Deep research report · US

Everything you need to start: juice and smoothie kiosk or cart

Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

  • Startup costs with real prices
  • Licences, registration and rules
  • Pricing: what others charge
  • Break-even example
  • Finding your first customers
  • 30-day launch plan
  • Risks and how to reduce them
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a juice cart or kiosk?

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your cart or kiosk setup, equipment, permits and vendor fees. Check what a commissary or approved kitchen may add in your area.

How much can a juice kiosk or cart earn?

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your location, menu, prices and how often you trade. Seasonal slow periods and weather can affect sales. Plan on at least about 15 hours a week.

What permits should I check before selling juice from a cart?

Check mobile or temporary food permits, which vary by county and state. Also check whether a commissary or approved kitchen is required, FDA and state rules on unpasteurized juice labeling, and general liability insurance that markets and malls often require.

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Photo: stevepb on Pixabay

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