We recently connected with Bri Burks-Johnson and have shared our conversation below.

Bri, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

After spending almost, a decade in the demanding field of supply chain management, where I honed my skills in logistics, procurement, and operations, I realized that there was something missing in my life – the opportunity to pursue my true passion: owning my own business and doing what I love. The COVID-19 pandemic gave me a chance to pause, reflect, and reassess my priorities.

With a desire to make my dream a reality, I began by creating a detailed business plan. It involved extensive research, market analysis, and financial projections to ensure the viability of my mobile coffee bar. I spent countless hours understanding the industry, studying trends, and identifying potential target customers and locations.

Next came the exciting yet challenging phase of finding reliable vendors who could provide high-quality, specialty grade coffee beans, equipment, and other supplies. Quality has always been a top priority and most of the syrups used are made in house. It was important to source as ethically and sustainably as possible, ensuring that every cup served would not only taste great but also contribute positively to the world.

Obtaining permits and licenses was a crucial step in ensuring the mobile coffee bar’s compliance with local regulations. It required careful navigation through bureaucratic processes, but I was determined not to let any obstacle hinder my progress.

Once the groundwork was laid, it was time to invest in the trailer itself. I carefully selected a trailer that could be customized to create a cozy and inviting space for customers to enjoy their coffee. I also procured top-notch equipment to ensure the highest quality brewing and service.

Finally, after six months of intense preparation, I was ready to open and serve our fist community event. The support, encouragement, and positive feedback I received from friends, family, and the local community were overwhelming. Seeing their enthusiasm and appreciation for the coffee I served made all the hard work and dedication worth it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was born in Southern IL and raised in St. Louis County. We moved around when I was younger, and I have lived from the Southwest to Midwest and a few places in between. My path to becoming a mobile coffee bar owner has been a labor of love and fueled by a deep passion for both coffee and family. From a young age, I developed a genuine love for coffee, savoring its aroma and finding joy in the rituals of brewing and enjoying the perfect cup. However, when it came to pursuing a career, I chose to explore my other passions first.
I pursued my love for music by graduating as an audio engineer from a recording arts studio in Arizona. The studio allowed me to immerse myself in the art of sound and work alongside talented individuals on various creative projects. It was an exciting time, and I learned valuable skills that still come in handy today.
After some time working in the music industry, life brought me many blessings, including a beautiful family. As a dedicated mother of three and a loving wife, my family has always been my top priority. I settled down and decided to put my business degree to good use, understanding that it could provide me with the skills and knowledge needed to run my own venture.
After moving back to Missouri and creating a stable and nurturing environment for my family, my passion for coffee began to resurface. I realized that life is too short to suppress my dreams and passions. It became clear to me that starting my own mobile coffee bar was the perfect way to combine my love for coffee, entrepreneurship, and the flexibility to prioritize my family.
With unwavering support from my loved ones, I took the daring leap into the world of entrepreneurship. I spent months researching, meticulously planning, and connecting with vendors.
Investing in a top-notch trailer allowed me to create a warm and inviting environment, transforming it into a mobile coffee bar that would bring joy to people’s lives while still being able to balance my commitments as a mother and wife.
The decision to start my own business was driven by my passion to do what I love, while also having the flexibility to prioritize my family. Now, every day, I have the pleasure of serving delicious coffee, interacting with wonderful people, and making a positive impact on their day, all while being there for my loved ones.
My journey as a mobile coffee bar owner is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passion and the rewards that come with taking a leap of faith. It’s not always easy, but with dedication, hard work, and the support of my family, I have found a fulfilling path that brings joy to both myself and those I have the pleasure of serving.

If you have multiple revenue streams in your business, would you mind opening up about what those streams are and how they fit together?

Absolutely! At Bri’s, we’re passionate about supporting local businesses and offering a variety of products beyond our handcrafted specialty espresso. We believe in creating a community platform where everyone can thrive. That’s why we have partnered with a range of talented local artisans and businesses to provide our customers with a unique and diverse experience. One way we support our community is by offering whole bean coffee bags locally roasted by Course Coffee Roasters in St. Charles. It’s important to us to source high-quality coffee beans, and partnering with a local roaster allows us to showcase the incredible craftsmanship and flavors that can be found right in our own backyard.
In addition to coffee, we also offer a delectable selection of vegan desserts and pastries from Royally Baked Vegan STL in St. Peter’s. We believe that everyone should have access to delicious treats, and partnering with a local vegan bakery allows us to cater to the dietary preferences and needs of our customers while supporting a fellow small business.
We’re also excited to showcase freeze-dried candy made in Troy by The Currie Roots. This partnership allows us to offer unique and flavorful treats, providing our customers with a delightful range of options to satisfy their cravings.
We’ve collaborated with Clover Shoppe, a local business in Old Monroe, to offer branded glass cups and mugs. These beautifully crafted, locally made products not only enhance the overall aesthetic of our mobile coffee bar but also promote sustainability and reduce single-use waste. It’s all about supporting our community and showcasing the incredible talent and craftsmanship found right here in our region.
By collaborating with these local businesses and artisans, we not only provide our customers with a diverse and high-quality product range but also contribute to the growth and success of our community. We believe that by working together, we can create a stronger and more vibrant local economy.
So, when you visit our mobile coffee bar, you not only get to enjoy our handcrafted specialty espresso, but you also have the opportunity to support and discover other fantastic local businesses and artisans. It’s our way of bringing the best of our community to our customers’ cups, all while creating a sense of connection and pride in our local area.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building a strong reputation in any market requires dedication, consistency, and a commitment to delivering a high-quality product. In our case, these factors have been instrumental in establishing our reputation as a trusted and cherished brand in our community. First and foremost, dedication has been the driving force behind our success. We are passionate about what we do and deeply committed to providing the best experience possible to our customers. From carefully selecting the finest coffee beans to investing in top-notch equipment, we leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of excellence.
Consistency is another key element that has helped us build a solid reputation. We understand the importance of delivering a consistently great product every single time. Our customers know that when they visit us, they can expect nothing less than exceptional flavor, aroma, and service. This reliability has earned us their trust and loyalty over time.
Quality is at the core of everything we do. From the first sip to the last, we are dedicated to maintaining high standards in every aspect of our business.
Through our dedication, consistency, and commitment to quality, we have been able to create a positive and lasting impression on our customers. They appreciate our attention to detail and recognize the value we place on their satisfaction. As a result, they consistently recommend us to friends, family, and colleagues, helping us grow organically and expanding our reach in the market.
Additionally, our strong reputation has also been bolstered by word-of-mouth and positive reviews. We actively seek feedback from our customers and use it to continuously improve and refine our offerings. By listening to their preferences and suggestions, we have been able to tailor our products and services to better meet their needs, further solidifying our reputation as a customer-centric brand.
By staying true to our values and consistently exceeding customer expectations, we have earned the trust and loyalty of our community, positioning us as a go-to destination for exceptional coffee.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://briscoffeebar.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bris_coffee_bar/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briscoffeebar
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@briscoffeebar

Image Credits
Tim Burks