There are lots of business ideas that I see being slept on in Zimbabwe. It could be that some people might be hesitant to step into unfamiliar territory. By now I thought mobile bars would be a thing in Zimbabwe. There are somewhat variations to mobile bars that have become a thing. I am referring to mobile karts that most vendors now use. Think closely about that and you will realize mobile bars are not so far-fetched. Let us discuss starting a mobile bar business in Zimbabwe.
Key Approaches
I want you to think of mobile bars in a way that is easy to relate with. Consider common outlets such as restaurants, bars, fast food outlets, and so on. They are usually built in or operated using brick-and-mortar facilities. You can move away from that and operate the same using a mobile approach. You simply build a framework that enables you to operate using a mobile unit. That is the basic concept in question when you hear the term ‘mobile bar’. Concerning it being a bar, it means the major focus is beverages and probably other associated items e.g. snacks. The specific focus can be either alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages (or both).
Thus those already operating related businesses they can simply diversify into offering mobile services. It will be easier because they will already be licensed so it will be faster to set up. For those starting from scratch, you still can; it is not that much of a big deal. Just to paint a picture for you let us consider the example of the smoothies and juices mobile bar. This can entail making and selling fresh smoothies and juices. Globally, the smoothies market size was valued at US$6.68 billion in 2021. It is a budding industry in Zimbabwe which has vast potential.
Strategic Importance Of A Mobile Bar
You enjoy the flexibility of being able to operate from almost anywhere. You can have a fixed from which you operate outdoors. Alternatively, you can go to spots where people gather e.g. sporting events, musical concerts, and the like. It is much easier to position your business in locations characterised by high vehicle and human traffic. Operations can be effectively run using simple or minimalistic facilities (i.e. the mobile unit). This means you will generally need a relatively small footprint. That will enable you to set up shop almost anywhere due to manageable physical space needs. A mobile bar does not usually require lots of staff. A decent mobile bar can be operated by at least one person. The initial and operating costs are also relatively lower than for brick-and-mortar facilities.
Key Requirements To Consider
The key thing you will is a mobile unit or mobile food truck or trailer. There can be variations to this of course but I highly recommend that option. I say so because you can set up a mobile bar by erecting tents. Anyways, as for mobile food trailers, I know a Harare-based company that makes such. The name of the company is Background Investments and its contact number is +263 772 864 757. Their mobile food trailers range from US$1950, depending on the design and other features. You specify the kind of mobile food trailer you want, and they design and make it for you. They are perfect for use in running a mobile bar. The other items you will need will depend on the exact nature of your mobile bar. For example, if it is a mobile smoothie bar you will need juicers, blenders, utensils, serving cups or containers, and so on.
Do Not Forget to Get Licensed
Licensing is important because you will be operating a food-related business. Ensure you get the relevant operating license. It does not matter that you are using a mobile unit; you must adhere to regulations. There is a particular set of municipal licenses that would apply to a mobile bar. They apply to focuses such as canteens, food vending machines, caterers, restaurants, and coffee shops, among others. These are bases from which mobile bars can be derived. When applying for a license there is a Business Licenses Application Form that you have to fill. Applications are handled by the health department of your respective municipality. Other signatories on the application form will be an Environmental Health Officer and Director of Health Services.
I desire to see more and more mobile bars popping up in Zimbabwe. I strongly believe it is one of the most lucrative mobile businesses to consider in Zimbabwe. Take a cue from the use of mobile karts by vendors. That clearly shows that mobile bars can become a thing in Zimbabwe. Given that they are not as popular it means they will grab people’s attention wherever they appear. I recently did some research into what it takes to start a mobile smoothie bar. I discovered that roughly US$5000 can suffice to start that kind of business. Now you have a basic idea about the mobile bar business idea; give it a shot.
