Thinking of Starting a Food Truck?
Here is a quick checklist to consider:
1. Research and Planning: Identify what kind of food you want to sell, who your potential customers are, and where they’re located. Make sure to understand the local laws and regulations related to food trucks in your area, such as health and safety codes, permits, and licenses required. Also, conduct market research to understand your competition. Visit local trucks!
2. Develop a Business Plan: This should include your business’s mission, vision, and goals, as well as operational details like staffing, inventory, and logistics. You’ll also want to detail your marketing and sales strategy, financial projections, and pricing. It’s not essential, but can help guide your financial decisions!
3. Obtain Necessary Permits and Licenses: The exact permits and licenses you’ll need will vary depending on your location, but common ones include a business license, food service license, and a health department permit. You may also need a driver’s license that allows you to operate a food truck. Google: Mobile Food Unit Requirements
4. Source Your Food Truck or Concession Trailer: You can either buy a new one, a used one or lease one. Make sure the truck or trailer is equipped with the necessary cooking equipment, and safety features, and meets local health codes. I know a guy!
5. Find Reliable Suppliers: You’ll need a steady supply of ingredients to make your food. Build relationships with local suppliers or farmers’ markets, or consider larger food distributors.
6. Create a Menu: Design a menu that satisfies your target customers’ tastes and is feasible to prepare in a food truck setting. Keep in mind the cost of ingredients, preparation time, and pricing. Download Marcus Lemonis’ Cost Margin App
7. Brand Your Business: Create a catchy name, design a logo, and paint your truck in a way that represents your brand and attracts customers.
8. Develop a Marketing Plan: This can include social media advertising, attending local events, partnering with local businesses, and more. Many food trucks use social media to alert followers to their locations and specials. Find local Influencers!
9. Get Insured: This is an important step to protect your business. You’ll likely need liability insurance, vehicle insurance, and possibly others depending on your business and location.
10. Hire Staff: You may need additional staff to help with food preparation, serving, and driving.
11. Test Your Business: Consider doing a soft launch with friends and family to gather feedback before you officially launch.
12. Funding: consider financing if it makes sense to you, typical trailers range from $25K to $90K, food trucks $65K-$180K.
Every food truck business is unique, so you may need to adjust these steps to fit your specific circumstances.