We chat to entrepreneur Lerato Mpobane who owns Full of Beans, a mobile food business that caters for both corporate and private events in Joburg.
What does Full of Beans offer?
My company has three main offerings: high-end gourmet coffee, frozen yogurt and smoothies. We’re a mobile business and our food trucks can cater for any event: from birthday parties to corporate events, weddings, expos, or even school fundraising events.
How did Full of Beans start?
I bought the business from a gentleman who was relocating to France last year – I fell in love with the visual appeal of the rustic Italian TriVespa scooter trucks. These days people eat with their eyes, and often we attract clients because of our unique look and feel.
Have you always worked in the food industry?
I’m a qualified Research Analyst and I’ve been self-employed for the past five years. Although I was working in research, the food business kept calling my name. I grew up cooking and baking for weddings, however I never thought a hobby could later in life turn into a career or business opportunity.
What are some of your most popular orders?
Young and old love our frozen yogurt: try the caramel with chocolate sauce covered in Jelly Babies, speckled eggs and Oreos. Our most popular Froyo Shake is salted caramel or milk chocolate and our red cappuccinos are also very popular. We can colour coordinate our smoothies or frozen yoghurt for your specific corporate event or wedding, for example for an FNB event we designed everything in shades of blue, while Nedbank treats were served in shades of green.
Where do you source your coffee beans from?
Our coffee beans are sourced locally from a variety of suppliers, who in turn source from Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda and the DRC, offering a variety of taste experiences to our customers.
What are your plans for the future?
I’d like to offer franchising opportunities, so we can spread the Full of Beans brand around the country and create jobs.
Full of Beans Mobile Coffee Service
072 195 4548
Words: Belinda Mountain | Images: Supplied
