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How to Start a Food Truck

mrsprockit | Nov 4, 2010 |

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Do you possess aspirations to one-day start a food truck business? If you are looking for information on starting a small business, a food truck is like restaurant on wheels. It has many distinct advantages over a more traditional sit down restaurant. A food truck can go to wherever the customers are; it has a relatively low overhead, and does not require many people to run. However starting a food truck is still starting a business. And this requires a lot of industry specific work and attention. This holds especially for the first couple of years. Continue reading to learn some industry secrets on how to start your very own food truck.

Step by Step Instructions to Start a Food Truck

Before opening a small business, your first step is to ascertain whether a food truck business is legal in your area. This may sound like a no-brainer, but you will be surprised how many places do not allow food trucks or put a limit on the number of food truck permits allowed at any given time. For example, both Los Angeles and New York City - two of the busiest areas for food truck businesses - have caps on the number of permits allowed.

Find locations where you can do business. If we assume that your city or town allows food truck businesses, you need to find a place where you can sell your food. Depending on local laws you may not be able to park in the busy downtown area. Before you dream about all the business you will make in a busy area, verify that it is legal to use the location to sell food.

As you are setting up your own company, you should select a name for your food truck. Once you have devised a solid game plan for where you are going to sell your food, you should decide on a fantastic food truck name. Similar to how restaurants select a name, the name of your food truck business should reflect your food concept.

But how can you start a food truck without a food truck menu. Even if you do not have the standard restaurant fare, you will still at a minimum need a menu board and takeout menus for your customers. You will also need to decide on the type of food you will be selling, food recipes, and any rotating specials your truck will offer.

Once you have your food truck ideas laid out, it is appropriate to begin thinking about financing. Food trucks are a great business to enter because they have a significantly lower threshold for entry. However, you may still need financing from a bank or various other private investors. A used food truck can cost between $20,000 - $40,000. A new food truck can cost as much as $100,000. You can also consider leasing a truck on a month-to-month basis. Food truck leases can cost several thousand dollars a month depending on the size and amenities you require. Even if you secure a modestly priced used food truck, you will still need to make sure it is going to meet the needs of the food you are planning to serve. If you plan to serve hot food, such as hamburgers and French fries, you will need an oven and fryolator. If you plan to sell pre-made sandwiches, then you will need sufficient cooler space.

After you obtain a truck, it is time start your food truck business officially. Stock the food truck with food and promote your truck's good name. The good thing about a food truck is that it is like an advertisement on wheels. Social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter are extremely useful for building a strong customer base. You can twitter in the morning your food truck locations and let your followers know ahead of time where your truck will be located for certain time slots.

While starting a food truck can be an exciting business venture, it is important to remember to create an emergency fund. Small business can be very fickle and this rule holds true for any new business. Unforeseen occurrences such as equipment repairs can be costly. Or a freak rainstorm could ruin business in a otherwise good week. Be prepared for the unexpected by having some cash set aside.