As a city-dweller, this Frenchie knows how much a good cup of joe is needed in those early and not so early morning hours. It's the right pick-me-up to get the day started. And it's the right brew for those long work nights that can drag you down.

It was our good fortune that we came across this Astoria Gloria Lever AL2-2 Group Espresso Machine. My male human saw the potential of having a custom made vehicle to tote this exquisite mechanical beast around to all those deserving people who love coffee. However, it was my lady human that took the initiative to design the graphics and came up with our official name Butternut Coffee Co. With me as the Spokesperson... or is that "Spokesdog," I'll be able to keep a paw on the pulse of the city and together we will make the perfect mobile coffee team.

To bring an eco-conscious coffee tuk-tuk experience to Downtown Los Angeles and the surrounding areas via the streets and special events.

Along with our good fortune we have partnered with Ubora Coffee in Augusta, GA who will provide us with mouth-watering blends. This includes a coffee that is produced by The Hingakawa Women's Association in Rwanda. Plus, we have hired Grandmaster Mikey Goodwin (IG @mikeygoodwin) to train us in the way of the coffee ninja.

While the Astoria Espresso Machine is being made run-ready, the kind gentlemen over at Barmoor Garage in Ryton, England are converting a 50cc Piaggio Gull Wing Ape Van to meet our specific needs. The Gull Wing Ape is essentially a tuk-tuk that has wings in the back that open up to an area perfect for our espresso machine, grinder, moccamaster, and cold brew dispenser. Did I mention... Autobot.

The Butternut Coffee Co. tuk-tuk will look like this:

We have invested quite a sum of money into this project to get the conversion started on our tuk-tuk. My humans have put their heads together, along with our conversion team, to get all the wires, water pumps, and everything else that's necessary to make this van, branding, and quality roasts from Ubora Coffee to come into fruition. I cannot wait until you have tried our 24 hour Watermelon Cold Brew. You'll love it!

However, we do need your help to raise funds to finish the conversion and to have this amazing piece of machinery shipped from Ryton, England to Los Angeles. Once we pick it up, we will make the final touches to prepare it for the streets of California... to deliver to you a damn fine cup of coffee.

Our funding goal is $20,000. That is the amount needed to cover the remainder of the conversion funds in making sure the tuk-tuk has the proper hookups, water system, power outlets, and switches to enable a smooth transition for the espresso machine, grinder, and moccamaster... making sure that everything is in working order. The funding would also cover US duties and taxes when the van is imported to the United States.

We have included special perks to go to our special people who help us meet our goal:

•  Limited Edition Illustrated Prints of myself

•  Coffee beans for at home lovin'
•  Having a drink named after you
•  A ticket to the official opening of Butternut Coffee Co.

This campaign is paramount to securing the tuk-tuk that is being converted. If we do not reach our goal then we will lose the vehicle and all the work, time, and funds already invested. Special events are already in motion and we need the van in order to serve coffee at those events.

Here is a small listing of where the Butternut Coffee Co. will be:

• Ladies & Gents Night Out in Burbank, CA
• Horror Trivia Night at Blast From the Past in Burbank, CA
• Holiday in the Park in Burbank, CA
• Hollywood Blvd. among the stars, and
• Comic Con 2020 in San Diego, CA

After all, coffee isn't just about coffee. Coffee is about community and the people who live there. I want those who come by our espresso-on-wheels to step out of their busy everyday life... to know they are not just getting a cup of coffee; but, getting Love that is served with Peace and Happiness.

My humans' long term goal is to be able to take other Butternut Coffee Co. tuk-tuks with the same set up to other cities, states, countries, and worlds. I wanna give a shout-out to my pups in Atlanta... I have you in my sights. I'm an LA girl though, and Los Angeles is the place to begin such a goal. As the Spokesdog for the Butternut Coffee Co. I do hope we can count on you for success.

Every adventure has some risks and challenges. However, I feel confident that our team has the ability to take on whatever comes our way. My humans are versed in fast-paced working environments that demand meeting challenges head-on. They have worked in industries such as film/tv, graphic design, escape rooms, conventions, and food service.

We thank you for viewing our campaign. Please tell your friends about our new company, the Butternut Coffee Co., by using Indiegogo's social media share tools.

With a heartfelt thanks,

Butternut Louise & her humans