Did you know that the restaurant industry in the United States reached $745 billion in 2015? In other words, it’s a giant industry with lots of potential.
But to really do well, you need to be different. And one great way to do this is through starting a pop up restaurant. This is the perfect way to generate a lucrative additional revenue stream.
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry! Check out our guide on how to start a pop up restaurant below.
How to Start a Pop Up Restaurant: Get Your Paperwork
First of all, it’s important to get your paperwork figured out. This includes insurance, licenses, and permits. Make sure you begin the process by getting these documents.
Some pop up restaurant owners think they can move ahead without these documents, but that’s simply not the case. You should make sure that what you’re doing is completely legal.
The necessary paperwork is different throughout the country, so double-check with your local government offices to know what you need.
Decide on Your Location
Next, it’s time to pick your spot. Where do you want to host your pop up restaurant? There are tons of options out there.
However, there are some important questions you should ask yourself when finding a location. These include:
- Is there electricity readily available?
- Is there easily accessible running water?
- Is there enough room to fit your customers?
One great way to host a pop up restaurant is by utilizing a restaurant space that already exists. This infrastructure can make your job much easier.
Perhaps there’s a restaurant that’s recently closed or that’s only open on weekends. You could use the space when it’s available, which is a win-win for both you and the restaurant owner!
However, hosting your pop up restaurant inside a food truck is possibly the best option of all; it gives you the freedom to choose different locations at different times based on foot traffic, and to move when you find a better one.
Create Your Menu
Now it’s time to make your pop up restaurant menu. Because you’re doing a pop up restaurant, it’s best to keep your menu simple.
Go with things that you know people like and that have a wide appeal. It’s okay to also throw in one or two unique items, but for the most part keeps things simple.
This will also benefit you because you can simplify the amount of ingredients and kitchen space you need to make your items.
Want more restaurant tips and tricks? Discover more on our blog.
Set Up Your Kitchen
Last but not least, it’s time to set up your kitchen. Obviously, if you use an existing restaurant, this will be simple. It’s just a matter of getting things set up just right.
However, for most people, this isn’t the case. If you’re setting up a mobile kitchen, you’ll need to think about the grills, utensils, burners, and preparation space you’ll need.
Closing Thoughts
Now that you’ve read all about how to start a pop up restaurant, it’s time to begin. Think about how these steps apply to your situation and start the process.
Have some questions or want to learn more? Contact our team today.
Want more food truck advice? Check out more blog posts here!
Thinking about starting a food truck? Request a free custom quote and one of our food truck specialists will help you design the truck of your dreams.
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