If you live in the city, you’ve likely witnessed the recent boom in mobile food service. Food trucks capitalize on hungry customers around sports arenas, city parks, and college campuses. They have a unique opportunity to “go where the money is,” changing their location based on demand. Food trucks provide an enormous opportunity for food service profits. In 2009 mobile food service was roughly a $1 industry in 2009. It’s experienced 8.4% in growth over the last 5 years. Food trucks are relatively simple to start, with few supplies needed and limited staffs, and often expand into brick-and-mortar restaurants. If you’re ready to start a mobile food service business, here are Quik n’ Crispy’s 4 best tips for starting a food truck.
How to Start a Food Truck
- Pick your cuisine. Mobile food service is more tailored than bars, restaurants, or even concession stands. You can start a gourmet food truck, a “one trick pony” food service with a specialized menu, or a catering service that merely transports pre-cooked food to customers at another location. Food trucks that service specific or unique cuisine have more success in cities with a flourishing mobile food industry, whereas food trucks in smaller towns may find it profitable to serve pizza and burgers instead of choosing only one.
- Get up to code. Mobile food trucks have more versatility than traditional food services, but there are still a list of health regulations they must pass. Before setting up your food truck, make sure you follow sanitary codes, check your local licensing requirements, and get your parking permits.
- Market yourself. What type of food truck are you starting? Does the vehicle’s exterior reflect the type of cuisine you sell? Where should you park to attract the right kind of customers? Determine how to market yourself and you’ll start earning profits in no time.
Want more information on buying cooking equipment for a food truck, marketing your mobile food service, or choosing menu items for a new food service business? Call QNC, Inc.
