A Food truck is a vehicle that is modified and equipped with the kitchen and all necessary kitchen essentials to prepare and serve meals. Food trucks often offer a limited menu of popular yet affordable items. Food trucks are mostly known and appreciated for their customer service, good food quality, and moving from one location to another. Food trucks have now also made their way into catering events, birthday parties, and marriages.
Here is what you should know before starting a food truck business.
1. Why is owning a food truck better than owning a restaurant?
Many people intend to start their food businesses but the huge investment for starting a good restaurant becomes a hurdle in the way of many. Therefore with less investments food trucks are becoming popular choices for starting a food business. You don’t need to hire a wide range of staff to run and look after your business. With better food quality at a marginally affordable price, Food trucks attract more customers. Compared to a restaurant where you have to operate from a certain location, a food truck is mobile. You can always choose the location as per your choice.
2. How to build up a good food truck?
To build a good food truck you must purchase or rent a food truck from food truck suppliers.While building up your food truck you must focus on the design, layout and technical build of your vehicle. Both the exterior and interior layout of your food truck will greatly impact your business. Certain must-have items should be installed in your food truck such as cooking equipment, a refrigerator, serving containers, food preparation items, a payment processing system , a sink , proper ventilation, and all necessary cooking equipment.
3. How much does a food truck cost?
Food truck’s cost will vary as it depends on the conditions whether the truck is new or used, the size, and the equipment included. Mostly new food trucks can cost between $50,000-$175,000 whereas for used food trucks the price may vary from $30,000 and $70,000.
4. Food truck permits and licence
Before opening or setting up your food truck business you must have some specific permits and licences required by the city, state or country where your business is located. You will need to have at least three licences which are a general business licence, food service licence , and a vehicle licence. The cost of your business licence and permit is mostly between $100 and $500 each depending on the state where your business is located and operated.
5. Create your Menu
Your menu will have a significant impact on the success of your business. Therefore you must put in your time and creativity while creating and designing the menu. This will draw people’s attention and motivate them to order more. Before choosing the food items and drinks that will go on your food menu you must consider your resources properly. Always be innovative and unique, think of the food items no other food truck has sold yet. This will attract more customers to your business.