Popular Vancouver espresso bar on wheels takes on 'Dragons' Den'

Vancouver entrepreneur and mobile barista Vladislav Priadko has been passionate about coffee for much of his life.

“I wouldn’t say I’m just a fan of coffee, I’m more of an addict if I’m being honest,” Priadko told Dished in an interview. “I’m an extra concentrated cold brew kind of guy. Just black, simple, strong, and inspiring.”

Like his preferred beverage, Priadko is also inspiring others to follow their dreams of owning their own business with his company, Coffee Bike World.

Coffee Bike is a full espresso bar on wheels that serves a variety of hot and iced drinks as well as snacks and pastries. Locals and visitors can find the mobile cafe in various locations around Vancouver throughout the year, from the seawall to street festivals.

Fans of Dragons’ Den will also see the red-and-white Coffee Bike on the upcoming season of the long-running TV series.

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According to Priadko, the idea to launch Coffee Bike came from a college friend who shared a similar business idea in Europe.

“I saw it and immediately wondered why we are still spending so much on brick-and-mortar cafés when we could go mobile,” he explained. “Starting a coffee shop the traditional way was just too expensive and restrictive. So I figured, let’s cut the overhead, make it flexible, and focus on quality.

“We built the first Coffee Bike right here in Vancouver back in 2019, and it’s been a wild ride ever since.”

Priadko currently operates a fleet of six Coffee Bikes and six mobile espresso bar setups, which are used for private events and catering. He estimates that he has sold over a million cups of coffee since the first bike hit the road six years ago.

The Vancouver resident has also sold Coffee Bikes to over a dozen independent owners across the city, Canada, and internationally. The price for a Coffee Bike Vol. 2 ranges from US$9,850 for an open-concept bike without espresso equipment to US$17,850 for a package with a fully equipped coffee shop.

“Everyone who buys a Coffee Bike owns it 100 per cent — they run their own business, choose their own name, branding, and pricing,” explained Priadko. “What we offer is a turnkey platform and ongoing support if needed.

“I’ve seen too many people get locked into complicated franchising contracts that strip away their freedom and profits. We’re building a community, not a chain. It’s about empowerment, not control.”

Coffee Bike’s growth has caught the eye of the producers of the popular Canadian reality TV show, Dragons’ Den. Priadko recently attended a taping of the CBC series where he got to pitch his idea to the Dragons.

“I applied because I wanted to share our story — not just what we do, but the philosophy behind it,” he shared. “I really believe the world needs more accessible, human-scale business models, and Dragons’ Den is a huge platform. If even one person watches the episode and feels inspired to start something of their own, then it’s already worth it.

The exact air date for Coffe Bike’s Dragons’ Den episode has not been released yet, but Priadko said it will be later in 2025.

He also added that the experience on the reality show reminded him how important it is to stay true to your values.

“There’s always that pressure to fit into traditional business models — to franchise, scale fast, or chase investors. But we’ve stayed focused on what actually matters to us: giving people tools, not rules. And surprisingly, that message resonated more than I expected.”

In the meantime, Priadko and his Coffee Bikes are back on the road around Vancouver, preparing for the busy summer season.

“What I love most about the Coffee Bike is the interaction with customers, our team, and the city itself,” he said. “You’re outdoors, part of the community, and you never really know who you’ll run into that day.

“Whether you’re in a small town or a big city, the need for connection, creativity, and opportunity is universal. If you’ve ever dreamed of starting something but didn’t know where to begin, we’re proof that you don’t need perfect timing or a perfect plan. You just need to start.”