Custom 18-ft Coffee Trailer Built for BoBo’s Cafe - Somers, New York
Golden State Trailers designed, manufactured, equipped, tested, and delivered this custom 18-ft coffee food trailer for BoBo's Cafe in Somers, New York. The commercial mobile kitchen was engineered around the client's coffee and hot-food menu, with dedicated espresso and cooking stations, refrigerated preparation areas, commercial ventilation, integrated utility systems, and a layout designed to support efficient service during high-volume catering operations.
Coffee Food Trailer Project Overview
Client
BoBo’s Cafe
Location
Somers, New York
Trailer size
18-ft
Trailer type
Coffee Food Trailer
Cuisine
American
Year
2026
Client Goals and Operational Requirements
BoBo’s Cafe wanted to expand its café operations by serving customers at corporate events, schools, festivals, and private gatherings. The goal was to provide the same handcrafted coffee, fresh food, and customer experience outside of its permanent locations.
Because the menu combines espresso-based beverages with hot food preparation, the mobile kitchen needed to support two different service operations within one commercial workspace. The layout had to provide efficient movement between beverage preparation, refrigerated food prep, cooking, and customer service while keeping each work area organized during daily operation.
The project also required commercial refrigeration, ventilation, plumbing, electrical, and fire safety systems designed to support reliable operation at different event locations. Every planning decision was based on the customer’s menu, equipment requirements, and operational workflow before manufacturing began.
Custom Coffee Food Trailer Design
How the 18-foot mobile kitchen was engineered around BoBo's Cafe's coffee and hot-food menu, station by station.
Kitchen Layout and Staff Workflow
The interior layout was engineered around BoBo’s Cafe’s menu, allowing coffee service and hot food preparation to operate side by side without disrupting one another. Dedicated work zones separate beverage preparation, cooking, cleaning, and customer service while keeping equipment within easy reach.
The coffee station is positioned next to the refrigerated preparation area, while the cooking equipment is grouped together beneath the ventilation hood on the opposite side of the trailer. The three-compartment sink and hand sink are located separately from the cooking line to support sanitation and create a logical workflow throughout the kitchen. The service window connects directly to the preparation area, allowing finished orders to move efficiently from the kitchen to the customer.
Coffee Preparation Area
The coffee preparation area is centered around a commercial espresso machine and designed to support continuous beverage service. Two refrigerated prep tables provide convenient access to milk and other refrigerated ingredients, while a commercial refrigerator offers additional cold storage for products used throughout the day.
An undercounter ice maker is positioned next to the coffee station to keep ice readily available without interrupting the workflow. Stainless steel work surfaces provide dedicated space for drink preparation, while overhead shelving keeps frequently used supplies organized and within reach.
Cooking Area
Hot food preparation is organized in a dedicated cooking zone equipped with a flat-top griddle and a deep fryer. Both appliances are installed beneath a commercial exhaust hood with a make-up air system to manage heat, grease, and cooking vapors during daily operation.
Positioning the cooking equipment adjacent to the refrigerated preparation area allows ingredients to move directly from cold storage to the cooking line while keeping hot food production separated from beverage service.
Refrigeration and Ingredient Storage
Refrigeration is integrated throughout the kitchen to support both coffee service and food preparation. Two refrigerated prep tables provide immediate access to frequently used ingredients during service, reducing unnecessary movement throughout the trailer. A commercial refrigerator supplies additional refrigerated storage for products that do not require constant access during operation.
The undercounter ice maker is located beside the coffee station to support beverage production, while wall-mounted shelving and stainless steel cabinets provide organized storage for dry goods, small equipment, and daily supplies. This arrangement helps maximize usable workspace while maintaining an efficient operating layout.
Order Pickup and Service Window
The service window is positioned beside the primary preparation area, allowing food and beverages to move directly from production to the customer. A stainless steel service counter provides space for handing out completed orders while supporting communication between staff and customers.
By locating the service window adjacent to the main preparation zone, staff can prepare, finish, and serve orders without unnecessary movement through the kitchen. This layout improves operational efficiency while supporting a smooth customer experience during busy service periods.
Coffee Food Trailer Equipment
Every appliance was selected and positioned to support a continuous, high-volume catering workflow.
La Cimbali Commercial Espresso Machine
The beverage station is built around a La Cimbali Commercial Espresso Machine positioned at the center of the coffee preparation area. Its location allows staff to prepare espresso drinks while maintaining direct access to refrigerated ingredients, the ice maker, and adjacent work surfaces. This arrangement supports continuous beverage service without interfering with the hot food production line.
Refrigerated Sandwich Prep Tables
Two Atosa MSF8301GR refrigerated prep tables provide cold storage and ingredient preparation space for daily operation. Located on both sides of the espresso station, they keep refrigerated ingredients within easy reach for beverage preparation and food assembly while reducing unnecessary movement throughout the trailer.
Atosa Commercial Refrigerator
An Atosa MBF8505GR upright refrigerator provides additional refrigerated storage for products that are not required on the prep line throughout service. Positioned near the coffee station, it supports efficient restocking while preserving valuable workspace around the primary preparation area.
Atosa Undercounter Ice Maker
An Atosa YR140-AP-161 undercounter ice maker is installed adjacent to the beverage station to provide a dedicated supply of ice for coffee drinks and cold beverages. Keeping the ice maker next to the espresso equipment minimizes movement during busy service periods and improves workflow efficiency.
Flat-Top Griddle and Deep Fryer
The hot food cooking line includes a Cook Rite manual flat-top griddle and a Cook Rite ATFS-50 deep fryer. Both appliances are installed beneath the commercial exhaust hood, creating a dedicated cooking zone that separates hot food production from beverage preparation while supporting efficient daily operation.
Completed Trailer Specifications
The full equipment and utility configuration delivered for BoBo's Cafe.
| Specification | Project Configuration |
|---|---|
| Exterior & structure | Commercial-duty aluminum body and flooring with a fully finished stainless steel interior, built for daily wear and easy cleaning |
| Electrical system | Dedicated shore power connection with a professional-grade breaker panel and generator hookup |
| Plumbing & water systems | Fresh and wastewater tanks sized for full-day service, with a pressurized supply and dedicated water heater |
| Sinks | Multi-compartment and hand-washing sinks installed to commercial health code |
| Climate control | Rooftop air conditioning for reliable operation in any season |
| Ventilation | Commercial exhaust hood with powered exhaust and make-up air to manage heat and grease safely |
| Propane system | Dual-cylinder setup with regulated supply lines feeding the cooking equipment |
| Fire & safety systems | Restaurant-grade fire suppression, extinguisher, and first aid kit installed per code |
| Lighting | Interior and exterior LED lighting for service, safety, and nighttime visibility |
| Windows & doors | Service window, insulated entry door, and a secondary safety exit |
| Storage | Wall-mounted shelving and enclosed cabinets keep dry goods and supplies organized |
| Chassis & mobility | Heavy-duty axles, leveling jacks, and step access built for frequent transport between events |
Project Challenges and Solutions
Every custom commercial food trailer presents unique engineering challenges. For the BoBo's Cafe project, the objective was to combine a high-volume coffee station and a commercial cooking line inside an 18-foot trailer while maintaining an efficient workflow, reliable utility systems, and a layout designed for daily catering operations.
Integrating Coffee Service and Hot Food Production
BoBo's Cafe required a mobile kitchen capable of serving handcrafted espresso drinks alongside freshly prepared breakfast and lunch items. Both operations needed to run simultaneously without creating bottlenecks during festivals, corporate catering, schools, and private events.
The trailer was engineered with dedicated work zones for beverage preparation and hot food production. The La Cimbali S20 espresso machine, refrigerated prep tables, undercounter ice maker, and refrigerator were grouped into the coffee station, while the manual griddle and commercial deep fryer were installed beneath a dedicated 4-foot Type I ventilation hood. This configuration allows multiple employees to prepare drinks and cook food simultaneously while maintaining an efficient workflow.
Maximizing Workspace Inside an 18-Foot Commercial Kitchen
The customer required a fully equipped commercial kitchen inside an 18-foot trailer without sacrificing workspace, storage capacity, or operator mobility.
Equipment was arranged along both sides of the trailer to create a continuous center aisle connecting preparation, cooking, sanitation, and service areas. Stainless steel work surfaces, refrigerated prep tables, wall-mounted shelving, and undercounter storage maximize available workspace while allowing staff to move efficiently throughout the kitchen during busy service periods.
Managing Heat, Refrigeration, and Ventilation
High-temperature cooking equipment operates alongside refrigeration and espresso equipment, making heat management and airflow essential for reliable daily operation.
The cooking line was positioned beneath a dedicated 4-foot commercial exhaust hood with a make-up air system, rooftop exhaust fan, and rooftop air conditioner. Refrigeration equipment was installed away from the primary heat source with appropriate operating clearances, helping maintain stable temperatures while supporting efficient airflow throughout the trailer.
Coordinating Commercial Utility Systems
The trailer integrates electrical, plumbing, propane, refrigeration, ventilation, and coffee equipment inside a compact mobile kitchen. Every system had to operate together without interfering with workflow or future maintenance.
The project incorporates a 50 Amp electrical service, commercial plumbing with 56-gallon fresh and 93-gallon wastewater tanks, propane cooking equipment, commercial refrigeration, rooftop air conditioning, a Type I exhaust hood with make-up air, and an Amerex fire suppression system. These systems were engineered around the project specifications and applicable local review requirements provided for the build, supporting reliable daily operation and simplified equipment access for maintenance.
Final Project Results
What BoBo’s Cafe gained from the completed build – and how it’s performing today.
The completed 18-foot custom coffee food trailer provides BoBo’s Cafe with a fully self-contained commercial mobile kitchen designed to support handcrafted coffee service alongside freshly prepared breakfast and lunch items from a single platform. Following manufacturing, the trailer underwent system testing before being delivered and handed over with its installed commercial equipment and utility systems.
Since delivery, the trailer has entered active operation as part of BoBo’s Cafe’s catering program, serving corporate events, private parties, schools, festivals, golf outings, and community events throughout the region. Built around the customer’s menu and workflow, the trailer expands BoBo’s Cafe’s ability to bring the same coffee and food experience offered in its café locations directly to customers at off-site events.
This project demonstrates how a custom-engineered commercial food trailer can help an established food business extend its operations beyond a fixed location while maintaining efficient workflow, commercial-grade equipment, and consistent service quality.
Exterior Photos
Interior Kitchen Photos
Equipment and Workstation Photos
Frequently Asked Questions About
This Coffee Food Trailer
Common questions about our wrap design process, portal, and materials.
What size was this custom coffee food trailer?
This project was built on an 18-foot trailer platform. The size was selected to accommodate a commercial coffee station, hot food cooking equipment, refrigeration, sinks, storage, and an efficient workflow for catering and mobile food service.
What equipment was installed in this coffee food trailer?
The build carries a La Cimbali S20 espresso machine, two Atosa MSF8301GR refrigerated prep tables, an Atosa MBF8505GR refrigerator, an Atosa YR140-AP-161 undercounter ice maker, a Cook Rite flat-top griddle and a Cook Rite ATFS-50 deep fryer under a 4-foot Type I hood, plus a three-compartment sink, a hand sink, and stainless steel work surfaces.
Can this coffee trailer layout be customized for my business?
Yes. Every trailer is engineered around the menu and workflow of its owner, so the station layout, equipment package, and storage of this build are a starting point rather than a fixed plan.
What utilities does a similar coffee food trailer require?
This trailer runs on a 50 Amp 120/240V shore power connection, carries 56 gallons of fresh water and 93 gallons of wastewater, and uses propane for the cooking line. Ventilation is handled by a Type I exhaust hood with make-up air and a rooftop exhaust fan.
Can the equipment package be changed?
Yes. Appliances are selected per project, so espresso equipment, refrigeration, and the cooking line can all be swapped for models that match your menu and volume before manufacturing begins.
Can Golden State Trailers deliver a custom coffee food trailer nationwide?
Yes. This trailer was built in California and delivered to Somers, New York. We deliver finished trailers to all 50 states.
How do I request a quote for a similar coffee food trailer?
Plan your layout in the 3D Food Trailer Builder or send us your menu and equipment list, and our team will prepare a quote for a build engineered around your operation.
3D Wrap Design Visualization - 18ft Food Trailer BoBo’s Cafe
The trailer's exterior wrap, rendered in 3D before production.
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