How This $3 Bus Became a $20K Rooftop Coffee Spot

In Hefei, a 30-something entrepreneur didn’t just open another coffee shop—he built one atop a former city bus. With a white-and-green paint job, white tires, and wooden folding windows, the once-nearly-scrapped vehicle now looks like a mobile design studio. But the real surprise? Its rooftop plans.

This $3 purchase, later renovated for over $20,000, will serve coffee—with seating on the roof. The transformation includes a full interior rebuild, a kitchen behind glass, and a spiral staircase leading to an open-air deck.

From Near-Scrap to Cafe Canvas

The project started with a simple buy: a 30,000-yuan (~$3,900) bus on the verge of being decommissioned. That low cost gave the owner room to invest heavily in the redesign. More than 200,000 yuan (~$26,000) went into transforming the vehicle’s interior and exterior, turning it into what locals now call a “small fresh” mobile space.

The bus’s original seats were removed entirely. In their place: a full wooden floor. A central counter splits the space into a front and rear section. The rear holds the kitchen, tucked behind a glass screen. Even the air-conditioning unit found a spot—mounted near the driver’s area—and the entire roof was decked out with fresh planks, ready for outdoor seating.

Interior Layout & Features

Inside, the bus now functions as both kitchen and bar. Workers installed a kitchen unit along one wall, cordoned off from the customer area with a clear glass partition. The counter acts as both service point and spatial divider. A large air conditioning unit hangs from the front ceiling, ensuring a comfortable indoor temperature. Most notably, the roof was completely refitted with wooden flooring, supported by a staircase leading up from the back of the vehicle.

The renovation also included aesthetic upgrades like white-painted tires and wooden folding windows—a detail that adds charm and a slightly vintage aesthetic. The overall look is bright and minimalist, with light wood tones and clean lines dominating the space.

Location & Legal Considerations

The completed bus cafe is set to open at Xihuan Central Plaza, pending final approval from city planning officials. While the renovation itself is creative and fully land-bound, authorities have made one thing clear: this vehicle will not be allowed on public roads. Even though the bus was purchased cheap due to its near-scrap status, once modified, it’s no longer street legal.

Local traffic police reminded the public that while the concept is inventive, any attempt to drive a heavily customized vehicle like this one would face strict penalties. The owner is working with urban management to secure a permanent, stationary spot for the cafe instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did the bus cafe renovation cost?

The initial bus was bought for 30,000 yuan (around $3,900), but the renovation alone cost over 200,000 yuan (approximately $26,000), bringing the total investment well above 200,000 yuan.

What features does the inside of the bus cafe have?

The interior includes a full wooden floor, a central counter dividing the space, a kitchen area enclosed by a glass partition, a mounted air conditioner, and a staircase leading to the rooftop seating area.

Can the bus legally drive on the road after renovation?

No. Though the bus was once roadworthy, its current state after extensive modification means it is no longer permitted on public roads. Police have confirmed it will remain stationary.

Where will the bus cafe be located?

The cafe is planned to open at Xihuan Central Plaza. The owner is currently coordinating with local city management for a permanent location.

Will customers be able to sit on the roof of the bus?

Yes. The renovation includes a rooftop deck with wooden flooring, accessible via a staircase from the back of the bus, where customers can sit and enjoy their drinks.

What was the original condition of the bus before renovation?

The bus was nearly scrapped and had been purchased for just 30,000 yuan due to its poor condition, making it an affordable base for a creative redesign.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Mobile Cafes

For a mobile cafe like this bus setup, FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera offers bright citrus and floral notes ideal for pour-over service outdoors. Their PWN Golden Mandheling delivers a full-bodied, sweet cup with hints of caramel—great for espresso-based drinks on the go. Finally, try the Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 for a smooth, low-acid option that impresses guests without needing milk. All three roast profiles travel and brew well in non-traditional settings. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.