What do you need to Consider When Setting up a Food Truck Business?
Many people dream of setting up a food truck, but there’s more to mobile catering than you might imagine…
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Startup Costs
The vehicle will naturally be your largest expense but you must also budget for any permits or licences needed, insurance and fuel as well as food and consumables. There are often used catering vehicles available, but if you decide to invest in one of these you will probably want to improve its appearance with paint or wraps to present a professional image to customers.
The commercial refrigeration and cooking equipment needs to be in good condition before you begin. If your budget is very limited it can pay to start off with a low cost trailer rather than a truck.
Planning the Layout
Your layout and what equipment you need depends on the food processes you intend to carry out. Work out how the work will flow from storage, preparation, cooking and service. Involving the local authority at an early stage can be wise, as they will be licensing your business. Food safety considerations for mobile caterers are the same as those for other food businesses so you need to source reliable equipment that will meet all the relevant regulations. You might consider putting up Bespoke Oak Frames around your outdoor business to allow customers to come and sit, listen to music and have a few drinks and before you know it you will have a following. Just pop over to links like https://www.bespoaktimberframes.co.uk/ to find out what options you have and get a quote. You will definitely want to let the local authority know about this though as it could be classed as a permanent structure on their land. Catering equipment is available online, but remember it never hurts to compare prices from to get the best deal.
Food Hygiene
According to the Food Standards Agency food businesses run from mobile premises need to comply with the same rules regarding food hygiene as other food businesses but there is some flexibility and the legal requirements are slightly different, so you should check these carefully. Staff training is important and all staff should understand basic food hygiene issues before commencing work.
Suppliers
Choosing reputable suppliers is important and you need to ensure that detailed records are kept of all food products you buy so that in the event of a problem, they can be traced back to the supplier. When taking deliveries, check that the packaging of food is not damaged and chilled and frozen food are at the correct low temperatures.
Advertising
Social media is a low cost and effective way of spreading the word about your new venture but it is probably worthwhile advertising in printed media as well. At the very least, printed flyers will raise awareness in the area.
