Anchorage is second to Seattle for having the most coffee carts per capita, according to the National Coffee Association. That’s 189 coffee carts for all of Anchorage’s coffee lovers.


Alaska Process Industry Careers Consortium states that owners can make anywhere between $300 to $1,400 per day, depending on the location and concept. The captial needed to start the business could fall anywhere between $30,000 to $100,000.


Jon Campabello, the owner of Middleway Cafe, recommends budding business owners do their homework and explore their interests.


“Find a mentor that can help you along the way,” said Campabello. “I wish I would have. I would have made way fewer mistakes, you know. Mistakes are OK, you just need to learn from them and move on. Then decide, you know, how much you want to put yourself in to it. Just go for it. Find something you love to do.”


Start-up Cash Required (Coffee/food cart/small cafe)



  • $30k – $100k

  • Quality of facility

  • Equipment choices


Anchorage Restaurants



  • 189 mobile food/coffee stands

  • 138 coffee/espresso shops

  • 1,834 licensed food facilities


Revenue Potential



  • $300 – $1,400 per day

  • Based on location, concept and execution


APICC Outreach Coordinator



For more information on employment and training, visit APICC’s website.