Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Franceschini.
Hi Anthony, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My first job was as a paper boy for the Capital Gazette newspaper in my hometown of Arnold, MD. At the time, my sister worked at the now-defunct local coffee shop called City Dock Coffee. I would ride my bike to visit her during just about every one of her shifts after I had finished my paper route. Once I grew out of my paper route, I decided to work for the same coffee shop. It was my first “real” job and I loved it! At the time I didn’t even like coffee, but I’ve grown to love coffee more and more over the years and now, it’s just about my favorite thing in the world.
I came up with the idea of the espresso cart about a year ago after slowly realizing how much I loved my daily macchiato. After tons of planning and research into how a portable operation like this would be possible, I built the cart from scratch with my dad. My dad is extremely handy and has built just about every piece of furniture that you can imagine. Seeing as this idea was so out there, it was a bit of a new challenge for him! He helped me execute my idea to perfection.
Until now, I’ve had a career in the world of special events working for the Baltimore Orioles, Washington Wizards and Capitals, the Miami HEAT, and a few other sports organizations. I now get to combine my passion for coffee and events by having my espresso cart at events of all kinds!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Due to TONS of over-thinking before acting, the road to a successfully-built espresso cart was probably as smooth as it could be. My wife and I are pretty budget-conscious, so to take on the start-up costs of building the espresso cart was something we really wanted to think through. Building the cart was not an easy task and I had to watch a lot of YouTube videos about water pumps, portable sinks, espresso machines, coffee bean grinders, and much more. It took about 4 days to build the structure of the cart and to get all of the big pieces in place.
Before this month, I had only been committing part-time to the business as I continued with my day job. I’m now committed full-time to the cart, so I am sure both the bumps in the road as well as the successes will increase drastically!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Franceschini’s Espresso Cart serves delicious espresso drinks – lattes, cappuccinos, cold brew, and more – all from a fun and totally unique, hand-made mobile cart. The cart was built with convenience in mind as it can be taken apart to fit through any standard doorway, making events of all kinds a possibility. Plus, the whole operation only runs on a single standard power outlet! Whether it’s a wedding, a corporate event, a family gathering, or another type of event, Franceschini’s Espresso Cart can be there to serve delectable coffee drinks.
I can make all kinds of espresso drinks with added flavor options such as vanilla, chocolate, or caramel. I can make drinks iced or hot and with a number of regular and dairy-free milk options. With any given event, both the menu and the cart itself can be customized to fit the look and feel of that event. The logo on the front is replaceable, the overhead canopy is removable, the menu options are adjustable, and the cart can be decked out with whatever decor you see fit!
I am lucky enough to be partnered with a local coffee shop and roastery in Coral Gables, FL – Per’La Specialty Roasters. Per’La sells their beans exclusively to some of Miami’s highest-end businesses and hotels. Their beans are out-of-this-world good and they will make you quickly realize how much you’ve been missing with your Costco beans (believe me, I would know!).
I am most proud of the cart representing my family, who is the most important thing in my life. My family has supported the idea of the espresso cart from the very beginning and have never wavered in their excitement for my business. None of this is possible without the Franceschini entrepreneurial spirit!
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Quitting a full-time job with the Miami HEAT to commit to an espresso cart business? I’d call that a risk!
I am all about risk-taking when the time is right. Fortunately, with an amazing support system in place and the right mindset, I feel confident that my risk-taking is going to pay off. My wife Bridgette not only supports my vision, but adamantly assists with executing events, finding new opportunities and overall being an amazing supporter of my ideas. She’s also the creative brain behind the Franceschini’s Espresso Cart social media pages!
If I have learned anything since March of 2020, life is just too short not to take risks.
Contact Info:
- Website: franceschinis.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/franceschinisespresso/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Franceschinis-Espresso-Cart-104476215849293/
