Billing itself as the city’s first full-service espresso bar on wheels, Indy Coffee Van has joined the crowded food truck scene. The checkered orange box truck was spotted yesterday morning on the Circle. Behind the wheel is Wes Kerlin, a former US Air Force special agent. His affinity for coffee runs deep in his family and is what drives him each day. “My parents have been collecting vacuum pots (siphon pots) since I was about 10 years old. I bought my first vacuum pot 20 years ago,” says Kerlin. While living in the Northwest, Kerlin trained at Portland’s American Barista and Coffee School as well as the Caffe D’Arte training centers in Seattle and Anchorage. Today, he takes his profession and passion very seriously. At his Carmel home, he keeps a bevy of coffeemakers. “I have one group espresso machine, Melitta Cone, Kalita Wave Cone, Chemex with Coava Kone, six different siphon pots, and various tea presses,” says Kerlin.
Kerlin created this truck for a client in Alaska, but when the client bowed out of the concept, Kerlin bought it back and transported the truck to Indianapolis. He offers specialty coffees and teas from local and nationally known roasters, including lattes, mochas, and chais. Indy Coffee Van also serves coffee-friendly foods, including pastries and Umpqua Oats.
