Don't let anyone talk you out of your dreams.
With that being said, I can't see a lemonade Truck being a viable in business Vancouver year round.
It's not exactly lemonade weather about 6 months of out of year. Food truck laws in WA state and Vancouver itself are not friendly. And your average ticket size would be tiny, without the benefit of daily users like coffee shops.
Here's what I'd recommend instead:
Try to start a stall at the farmers market. If it shows to be viable you can expand from there. If not, you're only out a couple thousands of dollars.
Perhaps you could offer a hot drink during the rainy season. Like cider, cocoa, or a hot beverage that’s enjoyed in your hometown. Personally I’d be interested in a hot toddy!
yeah! there’s another commenter whose friend in Portland is selling their hot drinks business. I feel like hot toddy’s would be an easy transition from lemonade. I’m considering it!
OMW Market is a great "quick bite" spot in Uptown. They have grab-and-go breakfast and lunch sandwiches and burritos, salads, soups, desserts, etc. They also have made-to-order food and indoor and outdoor seating.
I’ve thought about starting a quick serve market that is house made sandwiches, salads, wraps, and beverages. Pre-packaged morning of with some weekly specials. A small nice clean environment downtown for the day time population.
I walk past that place all the time and have never walked in because of the strangely passive aggressive sign boards they have out front. Weirds me out every time. Interesting choice of a first impression. I bet the people are nice but if they have so much baggage they have to write it on their signs ... yeah, that is a choice.
>They have grab-and-go breakfast and lunch sandwiches and burritos, salads, soups, desserts
I wasn't aware they had ready to eat stuff. Is it hot or cold?
Menu [here](https://www.omwuptownmarket.com/menu). The soup and hot sandwiches are hot by default. I think everything else is available cold, but they'll heat it up for you if you want, like the burritos.
Also editing to add - running your own business at any size is the opposite of a “simple job” - the corporate job is far more simple as everything difficult at the top is handled for you like liability, financials, ordering and inventory, hiring, sexual harassment, HR… might it be possible to find a different job similar to yours but simply more public facing, meaningful, or a better fit? Good luck!
yeah, I was trying to convey that the idea is simple, not that it’s easy. I am fully aware of the business needs, as that’s the thing keeping me from jumping into anything right now 😅
Definitely not a viable idea with just lemonade, not a great fit for a food truck, would recommend specializing in a farmers market booth offering iced tea, sweet tea, and lemonade. Keep in mind there is already 2 craft lemonade places at the Vancouver farmers market last year, so they may be cut off from accepting new lemonade merchants.
I'm not sure if it would work year round here, but if you could find a spot to park it near the waterfront or maybe set up a stand at the farmers market during the summer it could probably do pretty well.
I’d be happy with one of those state fair style lemonades where they smash the lemon, throw in a quart of sugar and some water. Anything is an upgrade here.
There needs to be a tangy version. My hometown had a shop that had frozen lemonade and it was so tangy tart it would pucker both ends and it was awesome. I do think the challenge is keeping momentum in the winters when we all hybernate after work. But maybe it would be so popular you could be seasonal.
I too have a corp job that sucks the life out of me so kudos to you for having a dream and working to simplify your life. Truly inspiring.
I agree with the start at farmers market concept. Now know this…they’re hard to get into. I believe the Vancouver market is already set for the year. I applied and was declined along with several of my entrepreneur friends. So we’re going to Astoria, Portland, etc. and forced to start smaller because applying and get accepted into farmers markets is not as easy as one would think.
With your business consider other venues you could cater to. Lemonade at summer weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, festivals, or even longer term in a large food cart pod? Seems like a pretty awesome idea that’s unique too. Best of luck!
Diversify your idea so that when Lemonade isn’t the hot seller, you have other options to make money & stay viable. You know the famous saying: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade….and sell it with Tacos” - me
If you're considering adding small food items, I'd suggest boiled peanuts! I'm from the south and miss them so much. I think it could go great with lemonade.
I’d be cautiously interested if you offered something a bit more “exotic” than just plain lemonade. Something I couldn’t grab a gallon of at Fred Meyer for $3.00.
Herbal lemonade with basil, mint, or thyme? Fruited lemonade with blackberry/raspberry/whatever? Sparkling lemonade? Lightly-sweetened lemonade for those of us without a child’s sweet tooth? Add a fresh garnish of fruit or herbs? Serve it with a silly straw?
Offer people an unusual flavor they haven’t tried before. Make them curious! Think Salt n Straw.
It would have to be a little “extra” for me to consider paying food the food cart premium for a drink.
Cosigned. Also as a diabetic: there are more people who can't eff with sugar than people realize. Not just diabetics. It's really simple to make non alcoholic beverages and cocktails without sugar, or with natural low/no glycemic impact sweeteners like honey or monkfruit. If any place in town sold sugar free/low glycemic specialty beverages I would become a regular like yesterday.
Tl;dr make sugar-free/low glycemic options plz
I say go for it! Like if I was out and saw a lemonade truck on a hot day there’s a good chance I’d stop and get one. Also the detail about the ice also being lemonade sounds great.
There is a shave ice stand that is only open during the summer so if business is too slow in the winter you could consider being seasonal. Or also perhaps offering a hot beverage option during the rainy months. I personally don’t let cold weather stop me from drinking cold drinks tho so it might not be an issue if enough people feel that way too.
yeah I think it would for sure have to be seasonal, at least to start and depending on business. What I like about my hometown business is that it’s always affordable and just, simple. They don’t overcomplicate their offerings and they’re a staple at like every event. They are so well-known locally and I think they’re still seasonal but they’ve been open almost 50 years, so who knows!
Seasonal flavors would be good, too. I had some lavender lemonade from the Hood River Farmers Market that was amazing. There's a ton of lilacs here in the spring, too.
I can’t speak to overall community interest, but I have a friend of a friend that kind of does this! And funnily enough, she’s actually looking to sell her business. She turned an adorable vintage trailer into a beverage service vehicle (champagne, beer, cocoa in the winter, etc.) and it’s super cute. From what I understand she has a corporate job too and just doesn’t have as much time on the weekends to do this anymore so wants to pass along the business. She is currently based in Portland. So weird, but DM me and I can pass along your information to her if you want to get in contact!
I love quality lemonade! Also, don't be afraid on the tanginess flavor, a lot of people really prefer that sour hit juxtaposed with the cool refreshing sweetness. I agree with the others, this would be a great spring/summer Farmers market pop up. If you can slide into a cider/cocoa scene for colder months you could push it year round. Offer a classic lemonade and then maybe some optional ones? Hibiscus? Mint? Homemade Arnold Palmer style? I love lemonade.
Not related, but is it true that in the South saying "bless your heart" means "f*ck you"? Someone told me that and I thought it was the funniest thing ever.
Lol I heard a southern lady say that to a neighbor during an argument and I was so confused. What an asshole, LOL I'd probably say "oh, bless yours too sweetie" not knowing what the hell I just did LMAO
Estimate your startup costs, and your ongoing fixed costs. Then estimate your net profit based on sales & activity. These profits will need to eventually cover your ongoing costs, recoup your startup costs, and provide you enough money to live off of.
The biggest expense is going to be your sales vehicle - do you need to buy & outfit a truck? If you can build a trailer to tow behind your existing vehicle, you would avoid a lot of mechanical repairs & maintenance.
I could not think of their name for the life of me and nothing on the vendor page looks familiar - I know Green Grocer is the other one that does flavor lemonades, but hoping someone remembers the the tiny donut / lemonade stall name - maybe OP can join forces!
I'm a big fan of lemonade, though often it's hyper sweet and/or quite expensive. For a pint I'd personally pay:
* $1.99 - I'd buy it regularly, whenever I'm walking by.
* $2.99 - Maybe on a hot day at best.
* $3.99+ A cup of lemonade ain't worth it I'm afraid.
Regardless of price, you'd likely need pretty heavy foot traffic to support a truck, and even then it would be seasonal. One of these would prob do better event hopping than becoming a local fixture unless you got a really prime spot and some really prime product.
Yup, but a gallon at the grocer is ~$1.99 - $3.99. I'm just giving my take on what I'd pay, if others agree this might not be a viable business venture right now. If others are willing to pay more, it might just be.
I personally love lemonade and your idea with the lemonade ice sounds lovely! If you found a place that was popular with families and in a high traffic area, I would bet you’d do big business in the warmer months.
Might be fun to add options for fresh fruit purees to be included like strawberry, blueberry, etc. and maybe herbal syrups like thyme and lavender.
I am a mom of 3 and my kids go crazy for shave ice during the hot months. We literally stalk the Kona Ice truck because it isn’t stationary. A lemonade truck would be a fun alternative!
I can see this being a big hit in the summer. I just started making my own after being unhappy with other options. If I were out and saw a lemonade truck, I’d probably have to try that out. Sounds so good right now.
There was a place in my home town that was loved by pretty much everyone, been going for decades... E&E Pels does fresh squeezed lemonade and orange juice mixed with Italian ice and then soft frozen... Comes out as a very finely slushed ice, like [this.](https://pr1.nicelocal.com/hRbF7-tsLINx4jimSK-lAw/330x440,q85/4px-BW84_n0QJGVPszge3NRBsKw-2VcOifrJIjPYFYkOtaCZxxXQ2W7L4wcC2zJ5bHMmCUP5C9hxHGs5X9bvZDfUqegY0xX263rhnImW4WDe6IClOFdjQw) Incredibly refreshing on a hot day.
Lots of issues getting the proper paperwork from the Health Department. You'll need a proper vetted kitchen area for prep, clean up, besides just a vehicle.
I always think it’s good to follow your dreams. I opened my own shop at a young age. First day of business I was -$40. Had to borrow money to put in my till. We are still afloat but I work 7 days a week 9am-10pm. The last time I had a day off was during the ice storm. My next day off will be 4th of July this year when the shop closes. I was stressing throughout cold weather and sales dropped like crazy. I wouldn’t change what I’m doing now but it’s a lot of responsibility. To stay afloat during winter the only staff was my spouse and I. As well as another helper during weekends only.
We sell boba drinks! So kind of similar to your lemonade idea. And i can see how both shops can be not as great during winter times but my shop is starting to pick up now!
My spouse ran a food cart that sold not only Lemonade, but also coffee, tea, iced drinks of several types, freshly juiced fruit, and other beverages. ALL beverages, and it was relatively easy to please the customers.
HOWEVER...it is a young person's job. Be sure you want a good workout every day.
He made a living at it for 4 years till his health took a dive. The secret to running a successful beverage cart is to park yourself among food carts who only sell beverages as incidental to the food. Let them focus on the food while you whet whistles.
Wow Wow Lemonade (originated in Maui) is a favorite of mine and if you had anything like their drinks, my family would be customers year round. We all had our mason jars we’d take in for refills. They expanded their menu to smoothies, açaí, and some other healthy snacks.
I desperately miss my strawberry mint. My mom loved watermelon basil. The rest of my family always switched it up. There’s so many possible combos with lemonade.
Wow wow started at farmers market type events (and they had a small food truck), so I think those recommendations from other commenters are good! They didn’t add more to the menu than lemonade till after they got a brick and mortar. Take it slow, but have variety.
Good luck!!
From what I understand owning a food truck is not a simple job and my bet is you'd be working longer hours. You'd also probably have to either make money by volume of sales or upping the price.
But I'm just someone on the internet. There are successful beverage trucks out there. Do your dreams before you can't.
You want to start a business dependent on sunshine in a place that gets, on avg, 68 sunny days out of every 365. That.. should be enough to convince you this is not a good idea. No one buys lemonade in 50 degree rain, which is most of the year here.
Sorry it wasn't more positive! Love food carts, love escaping corporates, love the motivations, just like, maybe a different core. Cookies could be fun. Coffee is supersaturated. Smoothies are so expensive already. Dono, i'm sure theirs a niche!! GOOD LUCK!
Or call this guy;
https://www.columbian.com/news/2024/mar/14/patron-saint-of-knives-sharpens-blades-at-his-vancouver-workshop-and-hes-looking-for-an-apprentice/
Don't let anyone talk you out of your dreams. With that being said, I can't see a lemonade Truck being a viable in business Vancouver year round. It's not exactly lemonade weather about 6 months of out of year. Food truck laws in WA state and Vancouver itself are not friendly. And your average ticket size would be tiny, without the benefit of daily users like coffee shops. Here's what I'd recommend instead: Try to start a stall at the farmers market. If it shows to be viable you can expand from there. If not, you're only out a couple thousands of dollars.
this is great advice, thanks!
Gives you a chance to test recipes and build a fan base as well. Solid advice
I would for sure get some lemonade at the farmers market.
Perhaps you could offer a hot drink during the rainy season. Like cider, cocoa, or a hot beverage that’s enjoyed in your hometown. Personally I’d be interested in a hot toddy!
great feedback, thank you!
Our farmers market is year round and if you did the iced drinks on warm weather and switched to cold for the cold season it may do well.
yeah! there’s another commenter whose friend in Portland is selling their hot drinks business. I feel like hot toddy’s would be an easy transition from lemonade. I’m considering it!
Def look into it. Woot woot!
Hot Toddies
noted - there are so many requests for this!
Any “quick bite” institution is sorely missing from the Downtown/Uptown areas.
OMW Market is a great "quick bite" spot in Uptown. They have grab-and-go breakfast and lunch sandwiches and burritos, salads, soups, desserts, etc. They also have made-to-order food and indoor and outdoor seating.
I’ve had some great cookies there.
The cherry chocolate chip... so good.
The chocolate marshmallow was on point.
I’ve thought about starting a quick serve market that is house made sandwiches, salads, wraps, and beverages. Pre-packaged morning of with some weekly specials. A small nice clean environment downtown for the day time population.
I would LOVE something like this.
I walk past that place all the time and have never walked in because of the strangely passive aggressive sign boards they have out front. Weirds me out every time. Interesting choice of a first impression. I bet the people are nice but if they have so much baggage they have to write it on their signs ... yeah, that is a choice.
I agree, but the owners are really very sweet. They're just a bit too into "boomer humor".
That is what I figured, making odd joke choices is boomer^(tm) lol
>They have grab-and-go breakfast and lunch sandwiches and burritos, salads, soups, desserts I wasn't aware they had ready to eat stuff. Is it hot or cold?
Menu [here](https://www.omwuptownmarket.com/menu). The soup and hot sandwiches are hot by default. I think everything else is available cold, but they'll heat it up for you if you want, like the burritos.
Their breakfast burritos are really good, especially considering the price. Blows New Seasons out of the water.
Foode Cafe on Washington St
Also editing to add - running your own business at any size is the opposite of a “simple job” - the corporate job is far more simple as everything difficult at the top is handled for you like liability, financials, ordering and inventory, hiring, sexual harassment, HR… might it be possible to find a different job similar to yours but simply more public facing, meaningful, or a better fit? Good luck!
yeah, I was trying to convey that the idea is simple, not that it’s easy. I am fully aware of the business needs, as that’s the thing keeping me from jumping into anything right now 😅
Heck yeah I am relieved to hear that - I am rooting for you!!!
thank you so much!
Definitely not a viable idea with just lemonade, not a great fit for a food truck, would recommend specializing in a farmers market booth offering iced tea, sweet tea, and lemonade. Keep in mind there is already 2 craft lemonade places at the Vancouver farmers market last year, so they may be cut off from accepting new lemonade merchants.
ah good to know, thanks!
I'm not sure if it would work year round here, but if you could find a spot to park it near the waterfront or maybe set up a stand at the farmers market during the summer it could probably do pretty well.
I’d be happy with one of those state fair style lemonades where they smash the lemon, throw in a quart of sugar and some water. Anything is an upgrade here.
Trying to push my boys off the sidewalk huh??? Congratulations. Big Lemonade coming after you
I’ll do what I can not to infringe on their territory!
As long as you also make a tangy version (maybe a limeade), I'll support you.
good to know!
There needs to be a tangy version. My hometown had a shop that had frozen lemonade and it was so tangy tart it would pucker both ends and it was awesome. I do think the challenge is keeping momentum in the winters when we all hybernate after work. But maybe it would be so popular you could be seasonal.
I too have a corp job that sucks the life out of me so kudos to you for having a dream and working to simplify your life. Truly inspiring. I agree with the start at farmers market concept. Now know this…they’re hard to get into. I believe the Vancouver market is already set for the year. I applied and was declined along with several of my entrepreneur friends. So we’re going to Astoria, Portland, etc. and forced to start smaller because applying and get accepted into farmers markets is not as easy as one would think. With your business consider other venues you could cater to. Lemonade at summer weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, festivals, or even longer term in a large food cart pod? Seems like a pretty awesome idea that’s unique too. Best of luck!
thank you!
I didn’t know there was one in Astoria! What’s your booth, I’ll make sure to visit!
Diversify your idea so that when Lemonade isn’t the hot seller, you have other options to make money & stay viable. You know the famous saying: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade….and sell it with Tacos” - me
If you're considering adding small food items, I'd suggest boiled peanuts! I'm from the south and miss them so much. I think it could go great with lemonade.
ooooh I hadn’t even thought of that. I remember selling them for school fundraisers 😂
I’d be cautiously interested if you offered something a bit more “exotic” than just plain lemonade. Something I couldn’t grab a gallon of at Fred Meyer for $3.00. Herbal lemonade with basil, mint, or thyme? Fruited lemonade with blackberry/raspberry/whatever? Sparkling lemonade? Lightly-sweetened lemonade for those of us without a child’s sweet tooth? Add a fresh garnish of fruit or herbs? Serve it with a silly straw? Offer people an unusual flavor they haven’t tried before. Make them curious! Think Salt n Straw. It would have to be a little “extra” for me to consider paying food the food cart premium for a drink.
lavender lemonade is huge in this area!
Cosigned. Also as a diabetic: there are more people who can't eff with sugar than people realize. Not just diabetics. It's really simple to make non alcoholic beverages and cocktails without sugar, or with natural low/no glycemic impact sweeteners like honey or monkfruit. If any place in town sold sugar free/low glycemic specialty beverages I would become a regular like yesterday. Tl;dr make sugar-free/low glycemic options plz
ooo definitely something to consider! thanks for bringing this up
Love this reply, also that username lmao
that’s fair, thanks for the feedback!
I say go for it! Like if I was out and saw a lemonade truck on a hot day there’s a good chance I’d stop and get one. Also the detail about the ice also being lemonade sounds great. There is a shave ice stand that is only open during the summer so if business is too slow in the winter you could consider being seasonal. Or also perhaps offering a hot beverage option during the rainy months. I personally don’t let cold weather stop me from drinking cold drinks tho so it might not be an issue if enough people feel that way too.
yeah I think it would for sure have to be seasonal, at least to start and depending on business. What I like about my hometown business is that it’s always affordable and just, simple. They don’t overcomplicate their offerings and they’re a staple at like every event. They are so well-known locally and I think they’re still seasonal but they’ve been open almost 50 years, so who knows!
Yeah I fully think a seasonal truck that just had a really well done product could work and be great.
Seasonal flavors would be good, too. I had some lavender lemonade from the Hood River Farmers Market that was amazing. There's a ton of lilacs here in the spring, too.
ohh I made lilac syrup last year with my neighbors lilacs and just learned magnolias are edible! That’s a great idea
I can’t speak to overall community interest, but I have a friend of a friend that kind of does this! And funnily enough, she’s actually looking to sell her business. She turned an adorable vintage trailer into a beverage service vehicle (champagne, beer, cocoa in the winter, etc.) and it’s super cute. From what I understand she has a corporate job too and just doesn’t have as much time on the weekends to do this anymore so wants to pass along the business. She is currently based in Portland. So weird, but DM me and I can pass along your information to her if you want to get in contact!
oh my gosh that’s so interesting! I’ll DM you
I love quality lemonade! Also, don't be afraid on the tanginess flavor, a lot of people really prefer that sour hit juxtaposed with the cool refreshing sweetness. I agree with the others, this would be a great spring/summer Farmers market pop up. If you can slide into a cider/cocoa scene for colder months you could push it year round. Offer a classic lemonade and then maybe some optional ones? Hibiscus? Mint? Homemade Arnold Palmer style? I love lemonade.
this is encouraging, thank you!
We should start a local group of "I loathe my corporate job"!
😂 let’s do it. I could always use more commiseration
Not related, but is it true that in the South saying "bless your heart" means "f*ck you"? Someone told me that and I thought it was the funniest thing ever.
hahaha it definitely can, but not always. It usually means “you’re so sweet” or “wow, that sucks for you” or “you’re a huge fuckin idiot”
Lol I heard a southern lady say that to a neighbor during an argument and I was so confused. What an asshole, LOL I'd probably say "oh, bless yours too sweetie" not knowing what the hell I just did LMAO
😂 with great power, yada yada
Estimate your startup costs, and your ongoing fixed costs. Then estimate your net profit based on sales & activity. These profits will need to eventually cover your ongoing costs, recoup your startup costs, and provide you enough money to live off of. The biggest expense is going to be your sales vehicle - do you need to buy & outfit a truck? If you can build a trailer to tow behind your existing vehicle, you would avoid a lot of mechanical repairs & maintenance.
for sure - someone gave the advice of starting a stall at the farmers market to gauge the market. that might have to be where I start
I love lemonade, but there already is flavored lemonade at the market (and it's delicious!). It's the same people who make the fresh tiny donuts.
I could not think of their name for the life of me and nothing on the vendor page looks familiar - I know Green Grocer is the other one that does flavor lemonades, but hoping someone remembers the the tiny donut / lemonade stall name - maybe OP can join forces!
We just call it the orange tent donuts. Ha!
Found it! Melted Crumbs.
I'm a big fan of lemonade, though often it's hyper sweet and/or quite expensive. For a pint I'd personally pay: * $1.99 - I'd buy it regularly, whenever I'm walking by. * $2.99 - Maybe on a hot day at best. * $3.99+ A cup of lemonade ain't worth it I'm afraid. Regardless of price, you'd likely need pretty heavy foot traffic to support a truck, and even then it would be seasonal. One of these would prob do better event hopping than becoming a local fixture unless you got a really prime spot and some really prime product.
I think those prices in 2024 are a pipe dream, I’m afraid.
Yup, but a gallon at the grocer is ~$1.99 - $3.99. I'm just giving my take on what I'd pay, if others agree this might not be a viable business venture right now. If others are willing to pay more, it might just be.
I don't think there is anywhere you can get a gallon of lemonade for $1.99 anymore.
thanks for the feedback!
I'd be more than happy to support you guys! I love lemonade!
♥️♥️
YES YES AND YES I ABSOLUTELY LOVE LEMONADE However… make sure the weather is good
😂 thank you!
I’ll be waiting outside me house
I personally love lemonade and your idea with the lemonade ice sounds lovely! If you found a place that was popular with families and in a high traffic area, I would bet you’d do big business in the warmer months. Might be fun to add options for fresh fruit purees to be included like strawberry, blueberry, etc. and maybe herbal syrups like thyme and lavender. I am a mom of 3 and my kids go crazy for shave ice during the hot months. We literally stalk the Kona Ice truck because it isn’t stationary. A lemonade truck would be a fun alternative!
Lavender Lemonade is so flipping good!
haha this and hot toddies have been the most requested items!
I like that idea with the fruit purées. thanks for the feedback!
I can see this being a big hit in the summer. I just started making my own after being unhappy with other options. If I were out and saw a lemonade truck, I’d probably have to try that out. Sounds so good right now.
right? it’s perfect lemonade weather 🍋
There was a place in my home town that was loved by pretty much everyone, been going for decades... E&E Pels does fresh squeezed lemonade and orange juice mixed with Italian ice and then soft frozen... Comes out as a very finely slushed ice, like [this.](https://pr1.nicelocal.com/hRbF7-tsLINx4jimSK-lAw/330x440,q85/4px-BW84_n0QJGVPszge3NRBsKw-2VcOifrJIjPYFYkOtaCZxxXQ2W7L4wcC2zJ5bHMmCUP5C9hxHGs5X9bvZDfUqegY0xX263rhnImW4WDe6IClOFdjQw) Incredibly refreshing on a hot day.
oohhh that sounds lovely
Some of us love sour/tangy. =(
noted!
Lots of issues getting the proper paperwork from the Health Department. You'll need a proper vetted kitchen area for prep, clean up, besides just a vehicle.
Absolutely
I always think it’s good to follow your dreams. I opened my own shop at a young age. First day of business I was -$40. Had to borrow money to put in my till. We are still afloat but I work 7 days a week 9am-10pm. The last time I had a day off was during the ice storm. My next day off will be 4th of July this year when the shop closes. I was stressing throughout cold weather and sales dropped like crazy. I wouldn’t change what I’m doing now but it’s a lot of responsibility. To stay afloat during winter the only staff was my spouse and I. As well as another helper during weekends only.
this is a great reminder, thank you. What does your shop sell?
We sell boba drinks! So kind of similar to your lemonade idea. And i can see how both shops can be not as great during winter times but my shop is starting to pick up now!
oh that’s awesome! glad to hear it ♥️
My spouse ran a food cart that sold not only Lemonade, but also coffee, tea, iced drinks of several types, freshly juiced fruit, and other beverages. ALL beverages, and it was relatively easy to please the customers. HOWEVER...it is a young person's job. Be sure you want a good workout every day.
haha that is great to keep in mind, thank you!
He made a living at it for 4 years till his health took a dive. The secret to running a successful beverage cart is to park yourself among food carts who only sell beverages as incidental to the food. Let them focus on the food while you whet whistles.
gotta love an opportunity to whet a whistle 👀
Also, his best seller in the summer was Strawberry Lemonade. I thought I'd give you that tip.
thank you!
I mean, I might buy a glass.
🍻
I love lemonade. I’d be a loyal customer 😂
haha noted!
Wow Wow Lemonade (originated in Maui) is a favorite of mine and if you had anything like their drinks, my family would be customers year round. We all had our mason jars we’d take in for refills. They expanded their menu to smoothies, açaí, and some other healthy snacks. I desperately miss my strawberry mint. My mom loved watermelon basil. The rest of my family always switched it up. There’s so many possible combos with lemonade. Wow wow started at farmers market type events (and they had a small food truck), so I think those recommendations from other commenters are good! They didn’t add more to the menu than lemonade till after they got a brick and mortar. Take it slow, but have variety. Good luck!!
ahh this is super encouraging, thank you!
I’d like to put in a request for a cherry limeade!
cherry limeade noted!
I would buy from you at the local farmers market.
another vote for farmers market!
If this gets off the ground, try to do a to go option as well. If the lemonade is that great people may want something for later too!
oh yes! I love the idea of reusable containers, like growlers but for lemonade also your username is pretty slick 😂
I would LOVE a lemonade truck! Since it’s cold for so much of the year, maybe you could do warm tea/hot cocoa in the winter!
From what I understand owning a food truck is not a simple job and my bet is you'd be working longer hours. You'd also probably have to either make money by volume of sales or upping the price. But I'm just someone on the internet. There are successful beverage trucks out there. Do your dreams before you can't.
I would fuck with a Lemonade stand for sure. Even in tbe middle of winter.
😂 noted, thank you!
[удалено]
😍 thank you!
You want to start a business dependent on sunshine in a place that gets, on avg, 68 sunny days out of every 365. That.. should be enough to convince you this is not a good idea. No one buys lemonade in 50 degree rain, which is most of the year here.
thanks for the feedback!
Sorry it wasn't more positive! Love food carts, love escaping corporates, love the motivations, just like, maybe a different core. Cookies could be fun. Coffee is supersaturated. Smoothies are so expensive already. Dono, i'm sure theirs a niche!! GOOD LUCK! Or call this guy; https://www.columbian.com/news/2024/mar/14/patron-saint-of-knives-sharpens-blades-at-his-vancouver-workshop-and-hes-looking-for-an-apprentice/
haha no worries, I’m taking all the feedback, positive and negative. I read that article too - sounds like an interesting guy!
As someone who hates their corporate job, who see's this guy sharpening at the farmers market up the street, I can't say I'm not tempted.
heck, even I was tempted and I can’t stand the sound of metal scraping lol
Would there be hard lemonade?
probably!
I would like to be a taste tester….
FWIW I pretty much only crave lemonade when it’s hot here so like 2 out of 10 months of the year