Frequently Asked Questions

Most events run $900 to $1,800, all-inclusive, and smaller gatherings start at $500. Every quote is custom and itemized based on your guest count, service hours, and travel, so you see exactly what you are paying for with no surprise fees. Gratuity is always optional. Use the instant estimate on our pricing page, or send your details for a free custom quote within 24 hours.

Most of our work is in Chicago and Milwaukee. We also take events in Madison. We carry general liability insurance and can send a certificate of insurance for your venue. We serve private events, weddings, offices, and brand events, but not public farmers markets.

An 8' x 6' level space is needed for the espresso cart, equipment, and staff. For outdoor events, a covered area is required to protect against weather. We require two dedicated 20-amp 120V circuits within 25 feet; our cords cover the distance. If you're unsure about the power setup, contact your venue and tell us early so we can work it out before the date.

We typically arrive 1 hour before your event to unpack, set up, and prepare the machines. After service, we need approximately 20 minutes to pack up and tidy the area. You are only charged for the hours of service, not for setup or teardown time.

No. We serve weddings, offices, product launches, trade shows, private parties, studio events, and brunches.

French vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut are included. Other syrups can be added. We can also make one or two signature drinks, print a small menu, add cup stickers or printed cups, and quote a cart wrap or backdrop for brand events.

Pricing covers event prep, equipment, supplies, staff, setup, and teardown. Travel for Chicago, Milwaukee, and Madison events is quoted up front in every quote, no surprise fees. Longer distances are charged at $0.90 per mile.

Yes, we offer oat milk at no additional charge (for approximately 20% of the guest count, more available upon request). Decaf options are not available at this time due to limited cart space and the need for a second grinder.

Yes. We carry general liability insurance and can send a certificate of insurance naming your venue before load-in, which is what most buildings and event producers ask for. Send us the naming language your venue requires and we will usually return the COI the same business day. Every venue-facing spec we have, including power, footprint, and load-in, is on our venue requirements page.

One barista sustains about 40 drinks an hour. A second barista on the same cart takes it to roughly 55 an hour combined, not double, because both people share one espresso machine and one grinder. We size the service window and staffing around your guest count so the line keeps moving, and we will tell you up front if your event needs more than one cart can pour. We take one event a day, so the cart and the crew are yours for the day.

Whole milk is standard and oat milk is included at no charge. Almond or soy milk can be added with at least 14 days notice. Because every drink is made on one machine with shared steam wands and pitchers, we cannot guarantee a drink is free of contact with dairy or nut milks, so we tell your team exactly what is in each drink and let guests with serious allergies decide for themselves. We can send manufacturer ingredient information for our syrups before the event. Hosts are responsible for notifying guests of potential allergens.

We pour beans roasted by Tala Coffee Roasters in Libertyville, Illinois, roasted close to your event date rather than pulled off a distributor shelf. French vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut syrups are included, and we can add others on request.

Lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, americanos, chai, matcha, hot chocolate, iced drinks, and signature drinks. We pour beans roasted by Tala Coffee Roasters in Libertyville, Illinois.

Fill out the booking form with your date, city, venue, guest count, and service window. We will send a custom quote within 24 hours.

We can serve outdoors as long as there's a covered area to protect the equipment. Rain, snow, or extreme cold without coverage is the one thing that stops us, so for outdoor events we strongly recommend a tent, porch, or backup indoor space. We're happy to coordinate with your planner or venue on a weather contingency.

The 20% deposit is non-refundable; it reserves your date and the time we turn away other bookings for. If you cancel 14 to 30 days before the event, 50% of the remaining balance is due. Within 14 days, the full balance is due. Rescheduling is free if space is available.

We have a bench of trained baristas, and every event is staffed with a backup on call. In the rare case of a same-day issue, Spencer or Syra personally steps in to cover. Your event never goes unserved.

A 20% deposit locks your date. Balance is due one week before the event. We accept card, ACH, or check. You'll receive a simple invoice link when you accept the quote.

A covered 8' x 6' space, two dedicated 20-amp outlets within 25 feet, and an arrival time for our crew. That's it. We bring everything else: cart, machines, beans, milk, syrups, cups, napkins, lids, and stir sticks.