How to Start a Food Truck Business in 2021: Which Business Is Best?
Food trucks have become so popular in recent years that they are now a common trend in certain cities.
A food truck business is a great idea for someone who loves food and wants to start a small business.
Although the scale of a restaurant is smaller than a full-fledged one, the preparations and steps you must take are just as important.
You are the next successful food truck owner, but you don't know where or how to begin.
We have listed 8 essential steps for future food truck owners.
This article will answer the most common questions about how to start a food truck business.
8 Steps to Start a Food Truck Business
1. Find out about your target market.
Restaurant MBA predicts that food truck operators will fail at 60% within three years. How much planning you put into your food truck business will determine its success or failure.
It is important to identify a market gap or a need when you start a food truck company.
Assess the Space Available
It is important to choose the right location for your food truck. To determine what is permissible, you should be familiar with the local regulations and rules governing food truck parking.
Take a look at the Competition.
Once you've identified the locations where your food truck could be located, get a feel for what local cuisines are popular. For example, you wouldn't want your food truck to offer falafel.
You should choose a food item that isn't being offered by other food trucks in your area, but it should be something that appeals to a broad range of people.
2. Select a Food Truck Name and Concept.
Once you have identified the available cuisines and spaces, it will be much easier to narrow down your food truck idea and name. You should consider the demand of consumers, but you also need to think about your personal interests and experiences.
The following are some of the most well-known food trucks:
- Fusion dishes: This method combines two distinct cuisines to create dishes that appeal to a wider audience.
- Organic and health foods: Popular health foods include acai salads, cold-pressed juices, and innovative combinations of salads.
- Gourmet sandwiches: Use non-traditional ingredients or create a theme to make your dish stand out.
- Pizza: Most people would love a wood-fired pizza.
- Regional cuisine: You could make a success of regional delicacies like lobster rolls in New England, or breakfast tacos here in Texas.
Choose a name for your food truck.
If you are looking for ways to start a food truck company, the next step is to think of a catchy name.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of naming a business. Here are some ideas for naming your food truck.
- Be sure to make your food truck's name unique
- Make your name as descriptive as possible.
- Names should be catchy and easy to pronounce
- You should choose a business name that is flexible enough to grow with your business.
Create your Food Truck Logo.
Your food truck's name and concept should be represented in your business logo.
It must be able to produce high-quality food and still be interesting enough to rival other food trucks.
Your logo will appear on all marketing materials, including menus, business cards, and social media. Your logo and colors should clearly communicate what your food truck sells.
3. Plan a Food Truck Business.
If your food truck is to succeed, it will need a business plan. Your business plan is the formalization of your idea. You will also need to create a financial strategy.
Your food truck business plan is the foundation for how your company will start, function, grow, and evolve. Your food truck business plan should include the following sections:
Business Description:
Please describe the current and future state of your local food truck industry. Also, include your concept, theme, and any other industries or markets that could have an impact on your business.
Market Analysis:
Assess market trends and your competitors in the food truck market. Are there other food trucks in your area that offer the same cuisine or regular restaurants with a similar client base?
Management and organization:
Describe your business strategy including the standard operating procedures (SOPs), staffing and the roles and responsibilities of each partner and employee.
Product line:
Give a detailed description of your menu, ingredients and preparation methods. Also, the cost of food preparation and the price that you will charge.
Marketing Plan:
Your marketing strategy for food truck businesses. Food trucks can market themselves by word-of-mouth, influencer marketing, and social media marketing.
Request for funding and proposal:
Declare how much money is needed to start your food truck. Make it clear what amount you require for a loan to start a food truck.
Financial projections:
Prepare a list of the expected costs, earnings, losses, and income for the first three- to five years.
You should also open a bank account for your food truck.
4. Register and get licenses for your food truck.
Food truck permits and licenses can range anywhere from $100 to $500 depending on where you live. You will need at least two licenses or permits. Your business license is the first, while your food service permit is the second.
Some states may require additional permits. California, for instance, requires the following:
- Permit for Mobile Facility
- Health Permit
- Food Safety Certification
- Employees can apply for a Food Handler Permit
- Workers' Compensation
- Business insurance
Different cities have different requirements for issuing food service permits. The best way to find out is to go online to contact your local government and specifically the local health department to get all the information you need.
Parking Permits and Regulations
These are some tips to help you choose the best spots for your food truck to park:
- Ask your county clerk for a list of prohibited parking areas.
- Contact your local motor vehicle department for information on lesser-known parking regulations.
- Parking meters will cost you extra.
- Find safe overnight parking for your food truck.
Securing A Commercial Kitchen
You may need a commissary or commercial kitchen depending on the state you live in.
You can either do your research online or ask the local food truck community for recommendations.
This could be a brick-and-mortar or catering kitchen or a designated commissary. This area will be used for food preparation and disposal of dirty water.
5. Finance your Food Truck Business
A food truck business will cost you between $40k and $200k depending on what the following factors are.
- Localization
- Cooking appliances
- Type of food truck
A used food truck is usually cheaper than a new one.
Based on data from mobile–cuisine.com, the table below gives an estimate of the cost to start a food truck company.
Estimated startup costs for a food truck business
Below are the approximate prices for food truck startup items:
No One- Time Charges
- Purchase a Food Truck: $5,000 to $125,000
- Vehicle Inspection $100 - $500
- Retrofitting and Bringing Your Truck To Code: $25,000 – $50,000
- Generator: $1500 - $10,000
- POS Software System & Hardware: 500 - $1500
- Paint: $1,000 – $3,000
- Wrap Trucks: $2,500 - $5,000
- Purchase of food for the first time: $500 to $2,000
- Utensils and Papers: $500 - $2,000
- Website Design: $500 to $3,500
- Equipment & Supplies for Initial Office Equipment: $200 - 1,000
- Advertising and Public Relations: $500-$2,000
- 500 - $2,000 for professional, legal & consulting fees
Recurring Startup costs
- Payroll for up to four employees: $1,500-3,500
- Rent for a commercial kitchen & commissary: $500 - $3,000.
- Monthly Credit Card Processing Fees: Approximately 3% of all sales
- Fuel: $250 – $400
- Insurance: $5,000
- Permits and Licensing: $50-$10,000, depending on where you are located
- Total Estimated Costs: $40,000 - $200,000
Most food truck owners can't afford to start a business.
Business financing is often the best way to do this. Most lenders will ask for a business plan, along with the amount you want to borrow and your credit history.
Here are some options for financing that you might consider:
- Equipment Loan/ Financing Program
- Rollover for Business Startups
- Business Credit Cards
- Personal Loan
- Microloan through Small Business Administration (SBA).
- Find investors.
- Crowdfunding
- Rent a truck second-hand with basic equipment
6. Create your menu board.
A menu board mounted on your truck's side is the best way to showcase your food. Your brand and theme should be consistent in the layout and design. Your food board should be easy to read and engage.
These are some tips to help you create a menu for your food truck menu.
- The design of your menu board should match the truck's style. A chalkboard with a handwritten list of items works well, especially if your menu changes frequently.
- The menu board should be easily readable.
- The background should not obscure the text.
- Your description of the meal should be concise and simple.
- Highlight your top sellers, new promotions, and specials.
- To make it easier for your customers to choose, you can add photos of your dishes to a large menu board.
- Avoid using the dollar sign if possible. It draws attention to the cost of your dish, not how well you describe it.
7. Buy, Insure & Outfit your Food Truck.
A used trailer can cost $3,250 while a new trailer costs $200,000 These prices include upgrades and wrapping costs, as well as the different truck sizes.
You can reduce the chance of having to repair later by investing in a quality food truck. To ensure that your needs are met, you should search for a local food truck manufacturer. This will help you save a lot of money over the long term.
Make sure your truck has code-compliant equipment such as:
- Properly working refrigerators and ovens.
- You can get hot and cold water together with the right pressure.
- Fire extinguishers and first-aid kits are available onboard.
- Proper and adequate food storage is possible.
Where to Buy a Food Truck?
You can search eBay or Craig list for a vendor to purchase a used food truck. You can also search for food truck directory sites.
A used truck can usually be purchased pre-owned for around $50,000. However, you will need to complete exterior and interior painting to enhance your food truck concept.
A manufacturer may also be able to sell you a food truck, such as Prestige Food Trucks and Cruising Kitchens.
You can have a custom-made food truck made according to your needs. You can build a brand new food truck that is customized to your specifications for between $100k-200k.
Food Truck Insurance
To get comprehensive insurance for food trucks, you will need five types. Here is a list of insurance that you will need and an estimate of how much it will cost.
- Commercial Vehicle Insurance
- Property Insurance
- General Liability
- Workers Compensation
- General Auto Insurance
Here are some things that could impact your insurance costs:
- Limits of coverage for each individual
- Type of food truck
- The exact location of your food truck (State and City)
- What type and value of the personal business property needs to be insured
- How many places and events do you visit each year?
- Your cooking equipment must meet professional culinary standards.
- Your business hours and days
- Your food truck business should be seasonal
- The equipment is permanently mounted and then moved to various events.
Outfitting Your Food Truck
A few other items are still required to be installed, aside from the cooktops, ovens, and grills that you will use in your food truck.
While details may vary depending on the food truck's concept, all food trucks require a generator to power their trucks. Choose a generator that is lightweight, quiet, and efficient.
8. Promote Your Food Truck.
After you have your food truck ready and you have chosen a location, you can promote the company.
A solid marketing strategy for food trucks includes both online and traditional marketing strategies, including sending flyers, vending at local events, and creating a website.
Social Media Marketing
It's a great way to get new customers by using Instagram and Facebook. It's easy to see why there are billions of people using social media. Instagram is also a great place to showcase images of your food.
Regular posts will maximize your impact. Use local hashtags to help people find you faster. You should also mention your locations and hours so people can find you easily. You can also include information about orders you have taken over the phone or online in your bio on social networks.
Your contact information, location, and good-quality photos should be included on your Instagram account for your food truck.
Targeted postcards
Before your business can start making consistent profits, it may take time for enough customers to find your food truck. Postcards with a promotion or a special offer that might attract hungry customers can be sent by mail.
Participate in Festivals and Local Events
Festivals offer a great opportunity to meet new customers and get advice from other food truck owners.
Most cities and towns host outdoor activities, such as farmers' markets and fairs, particularly in the spring and summer.
Participating in these events is a great way to increase awareness of your food truck and make extra money.
Make a website.
Websites are essential for every business. Websites inform potential customers about you, your food truck, and the location of your truck. Your website can also be used to display your event calendar.
Develop your Food Truck Business Plan
These are some tips to help you launch your business smoothly.
Supplement Sales By Catering Events.
Many food truck companies increase their revenue by renting out their trucks to customers for special occasions, such as weddings or workers appreciation days.
Accept Online Orders
Online orders are a great option for people who travel. It will make your customers' experience with your food truck more enjoyable and easier.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to make money with a food truck?
Yes, You can!
But...
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What kind of design should I give my food truck?
This is best done by hiring a designer. After you have a plan, hire a designer to help you create it.
A simple wrap design for a food truck is approximately $500. Be mindful of your brand. Make sure your logo and truck design reflects who you are.
Set a time frame and communicate clearly your goals and expectations.
What are some of the most popular food truck concepts?
Your goal for your food truck business should not only be unique but also have broad appeal. These are some of the most common options:
- Barbecue, slow-cooker, and food trucks
- Wood-fired pizza
- Hot dogs and gourmet burgers
- Gourmet mac and cheese
- Coffee trucks
- Tacos, rice, and beans
- Smoothies and cold-pressed juices
How profitable is a food truck business?
Food trucks can potentially make a lot. Profitable Venture reports that it is not uncommon for food trucks to make $20,000 to $50,000 per month in large metropolitan areas.
Food trucks in smaller cities are more likely to make less than food trucks, which can earn anywhere from $5,000 to $16,000 per month.
Bottom line
It's rewarding, but it can be time-consuming. There are many opportunities for growth and profit.
The food truck business can be difficult but lucrative if you do your research well and create a solid marketing strategy.
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