Thinking of entering the exciting world of mobile catering? You couldn’t have picked a better time!

These days, running a food truck is considerably easier than running a restaurant. For starters, the overhead is much lower, and you won’t have to hire as many staff. Plus, you can always go to where your customers are.

That said, this type of business still requires a lot of time and effort. Much like restaurant owners, you’ll have to deal with bad weather, slow seasons, and languid economy.

Want to know more about how to start a catering business? Here’s a quick guide to help you out!

1. Find the Right Place

First of all, you should make sure your city allows food trucks. For example, New York City and Los Angeles have a cap on food truck permits. Needless to say, the waiting lists for these permits are quite long.

Even if your city does allow food trucks, some streets and districts may still be off-limits. Before setting up shop in a business area, make sure it’s legit.

2. Define Your Concept

To give your catering business the best chance to succeed, you’ll need a catchy name. Ideally, the name should reflect your food or theme.

While you’re brainstorming, give some thought to your menu as well. Are you going to serve the same food every day or rotate the daily specials? Will you have a menu board, plastic sleeve menus, or a combination of both?

3. Secure Financing

As we’ve mentioned, catering businesses are cheaper than sit-downs. That said, you may still need some financing. Used food trucks cost between $20,000 and $40,000, and a new truck can set you back as much as $125,000.

Want to go down the economical route? Consider a food trailer. Concession trailers aren’t as glamorous, but they’re affordable.

4. Stock the Truck

If you do go with a mobile catering truck, make sure it’s a good fit for your needs. See, outfitting a food truck is a lot like equipping a commercial kitchen.

For instance, are you planning to serve pizza or fried foods? If so, you’ll need an oven and/or fryolator. If your business plan involves selling pre-made sandwiches, you’ll need plenty of space.

5. Market Your Business

Again, marking a mobile kitchen is easier than marketing a restaurant. After all, food trucks are basically advertisements on wheels. Still, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put in some extra advertising effort.

Unsurprisingly, social media outlets are great for building a customer base. You can get started by tweeting a morning route or posting photos of lunch specials.

6. Prepare for the Future

Like with any other business, you’ll need to establish clear goals. Before doing anything else, decide where you want to be in 5 or 10 years. This can be a great help at keeping you focused and motivated.

Also, do your best to be ready for emergencies. Whenever you can, save some money for equipment repairs and other unexpected events.

More on Mobile Catering

Mobile catering is all the rage right now, and there are no signs of this trend slowing down. In the long run, operating a food truck can even be the first step toward opening a restaurant.

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.

Stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

The post Take It On The Road: How to Start a Mobile Catering Business appeared first on Custom Concessions.

Would you pay $3,000 to sit down?

It’s easy to overspend when you’re starting a restaurant. Did you know that this exciting, yet expensive, business venture can cost over $200,000? That means new owners are spending roughly $3,000 for every seat in their dinner.

Having a mobile catering service means being able to avoid most of the common expenses the food industry struggles with. Instead of overspending, you can have exactly what you need to turn a profit and keep the customers happy. Read on to learn how you can get your delicious food out on the road.

Getting the Right Paperwork

Let’s start by looking at the licensing and permit portion of your business. For most locations, you’ll need 2 types of licenses–a food vending license and a business license.

You’ll also need to acquire the proper permits and liability insurance. Here’s a short list of the important documents you’ll need:

• Food vending license
• Business license
• Liability insurance
• Permits

A great place to start collecting your documents is by contacting the health department in your local area. Ask them about the specific licenses and food handling permits your town requires.

Service and Food Standards

What’s the first expense you think of when you imagine your mobile catering business? For many owners, they begin to consider the cost of food items. Yet, in reality, the area you need to spend the most time and attention in is the quality of your food, and its reputation.

Online Reviews

It’ll cost you time and money to market your business and build the brand and reputation you want. Yet, all it will take is a few bad online reviews to bring all of your hard work tumbling to the ground.

For this reason, you’ll need to make sure the driver and employees working in your vehicle have the right type of customer service attitude. If you are going with a 3rd party driver, spend time to make sure their customer service beliefs align with yours.

Food Standards

Make sure there are policies and procedures in place to maintain food quality. The very last customer of the day deserves the exact same high-quality customer service and food that the first customer received. One of the benefits of having in-house drivers is being able to closely monitor quality-control standards.

Mobile Catering Service Operating Costs

Now, you need to decide who will be driving your mobile catering service. If you decide to find drivers from within your company, you’ll need to budget for upfront managing costs. When you go with in-house drivers, you can expect to have fixed prices, and expenses.

However, if you decide to hire an outside group, you’ll need to budget capital to pay the third party provider. Having a third party can be very beneficial, especially when you don’t have to manage the drivers or their schedules.

However, outside parties also come with unexpected expenses. It’s possible the third party will change their rates, or charge you an additional fee for something unexpected. Expect to have fluctuating, unsteady expenses if you choose to outsource the work.

Customizing Your Vehicle

Now you know more about how to start your mobile catering service. Delivery Concepts is here to help you as you begin your new business venture. We are proud to be able to offer our clients some of the best affordable delivery solutions.

Each of our custom designed trucks will be specifically tailored to meet all of your needs. We understand that everyone is going to have different requirements, depending on the type of catering service they’ll be providing.

Since everyone needs something different, Delivery Concepts understands the importance of really listening to our clients’ needs. Temperature requirements, fitted interiors, and more will all vary from vehicle to vehicle. That’s because when we build your truck, every detail will help set your company up for success.

Don’t wait to make your dream a reality. We look forward to hearing from you!

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.

Stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

The post Setting Up a Mobile Catering Service 101 appeared first on Custom Concessions.

You’ve opened your food truck and everything is just perfect. The food is wonderful, guests are loving it, and you are making some good money. Then…

Disaster strikes. Something is wrong! Oh no. You realize… you didn’t get any type of food truck insurance.

How are you supposed to keep your new, amazing business afloat?

The good news is that getting food truck insurance is very simple and can be done before you even open your new food truck business!

Is Food Truck Insurance Really Necessary?

The answer to this question is, yes, absolutely!

Not only do you need insurance for your business, but you have to remember that you also are running the business out of a vehicle.

Legally, you need to have at least commercial vehicle insurance on the mobile kitchen itself. In addition to this, a lot of food truck owners will get other coverage as well, such as general liability, to make sure that they are covered in other unexpected instances.

Owning a food truck is a big deal! Protect your business with insurance. Not only that, but show others that you care enough about the business you have created to cover it with quality insurance.

Food trucks come with a lot of extra things that normal trucks don’t have, such as refrigerators, temperature controlled compartments, freezers, heat sources, or storage space. You need to protect your truck and all of the assets that go with it.

What Type of Insurance Is Needed For a Food Truck?

The first thing to consider is that although you can get some great advice online, you should always consult an insurance broker or a lawyer to make sure that you are getting the exact type of insurance you need.

You need to at least have vehicle insurance starting on the first day that you purchase the food truck. You can wait a little bit on getting other types of insurance, but vehicle insurance is very important if you plan to drive or move your food truck around.

Other types of coverage you will need are for your vehicle, your business, and your employees. This will generally include:

• Commercial auto liability insurance
• Commercial property insurance
• Workers’ compensation insurance
• General commercial liability insurance

On average, food truck insurance is going to cost between $300 and $600 per month, but it really depends on the type of coverage that you get and how much your food truck sells each year.

Getting Your Insurance Set Up Today

Now that you have learned a little more about food truck insurance, you likely are aware of how important it is and are possibly ready to get your own policy!

The good news is that setting up a new policy is not terribly difficult, but it is important to choose the right one for your business.

Protecting your business from the very beginning is one of the best things you can do as a new food truck owner.

If you’d like to learn about how to turn your food truck business into a mobile catering business, check out this blog article about how to make it happen. It can be a lucrative way to get more of your food out there, while also making a bigger name for yourself.

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.

Stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

The post Food Truck Insurance: All You Need To Know To Get Going! appeared first on Custom Concessions.

$800 million. That’s how much the food truck industry is worth right now, and it’s expected to grow another 20% in 2019. Do you want a piece of that pie?

Whether you’re a brick and mortar store looking to go mobile or you’re just getting into the food biz, here are a few things you need to know about getting a food truck license.

Types of Food Truck Licenses and Permits

Unfortunately, there isn’t one license or permit that you can acquire and be on the road with. There is a lot that goes into making mobile businesses legal.

Licenses and Registration

When it comes to serving food, there are a lot of legalities involved. Businesses require licenses, and even though food trucks are mobile and typically more laid back, they’re still a business. 

You’ll first need a business license. The cost of attaining your business license varies from county to county.

In addition to your business license, you’ll need to make your vehicle legal by registering and licensing it. Again, the cost varies depending on where you’re registering. Your vehicle registration will be commercial instead of private use since this won’t be your everyday ride.

Get the Right Permits

There are a lot of permits that go into getting your food truck on the road. A lot of tips out there can also help to make it a little bit easier, but in order to really learn what needs to be done, you have to dive on in.

There are a few different permits you will need to get things going. You will need a seller’s permit, a food handling permit, and a health department permit. 

In addition, don’t overlook the need for insurance. Not only will you need insurance for the actual vehicle, but you’ll need insurance for liability and any employees (worker’s compensation). 

Typically, your local health department can assist in giving you the information you need for your specific location.

Check for Local Laws and Restrictions

You may be required to go through more permitting and licensing in one city than in the next. Be sure to research your laws and restrictions based on what city you live in.

While some cities just require licensure and permits, other cities are more stringent when it comes to food trucks. That said, your city may also have restrictions on where you can park your truck and when. Make sure you know all the laws in your city to avoid financial penalties or loss of license or permits.

Before you’re able to get started, a health inspector will visit and check things out to make sure everything is above board, healthy, and in good working order. 

Get on the Road

Unfortunately, there is no one food truck license that you can pay for and get started on your dream of being a food truck owner. A lot goes into cultivating a business that’s going to last.

One thing that’s for sure is that you will need the best of the best when it comes to your food truck.

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.

Stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

The post Food Truck License 101: Everything You Need To Know appeared first on Custom Concessions.

If you’ve been thinking of opening a food truck for some time, good for you! Taking the dive into the food truck industry can be a very rewarding experience. As with all investments, you need to have a plan before you charge in headfirst.

Let’s take a look at how to start a food truck, with advice from some of the best in the business. By the end of this post, you should have some tangible advice and tools that you can implement for your business.

How To Start A Food Truck

There are three things that you need to do to get your food truck started. First, you need to get the proper documentation for your business. Second, you need to have a plan for how you’re going to succeed in your business. Last but not least, you need to be hands-on in your food truck.

1. Establish Yourself as a Business

It can be frightening to put yourself into the position of starting a business. It makes it all real. But you will never get anywhere unless you take the first step!

There are a few very important things you’ll need to do as you get started. You want to make sure that you’ve registered your business and that you have all the permits you’ll need to operate. Different cities have different rules and laws, so be sure to do some research on your own city’s rules about food trucks.

2. Have a Plan of Attack

If you want to be profitable and have a sustainable business, you need to have a plan ready. Whether that’s your food truck’s theme, where you’re parking for the day, or contingency plans in case something breaks, you need to have a plan.

To kick things off, write a good business plan for your food truck. You need to know what type of numbers you should be hitting once you’ve started working. You should also understand how much you’ll need to invest in the early stages.

3. Be Hands-On

Ask anyone who’s worked on a food truck: it’s not an easy job. As the owner of a food truck, you need to be a hands-on owner for your food truck.

Vacation days are going to be rare. Most days, you’re going to get up early to prep your ingredients and you’ll close late to clean up your stations. A food truck is tough and requires a lot of time and energy. But aside from all that, it can also be incredibly rewarding and enjoyable.

No Time Like The Present

If you’re interested or you’ve been planning to start your very own food truck, there’s no better time to start than the present. It might be time to find a food truck for yourself. Get a menu set up, do some taste tests, and hit the road.

If you’re looking for some resources on how to start a food truck, or how to supplement your current restaurant with a pop-up location, we have some great blog articles that may help you out. We look forward to seeing your food truck out on the road!

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.

Stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

The post How To Start A Food Truck: Inspiration From Some Of The Best In America appeared first on Custom Concessions.

Whether you’re slingin’ salami on rye or tossin’ tacos with extra guac, a bad health inspection could mean the end to your snack-mobile! 

The food truck industry is growing; it’s now over a 2 billion dollar industry. You’ll want to make sure you pass your health inspections so you can grab a piece of that [pizza] pie.

We’ve compiled a few tips to help you make the grade and keep your food truck grillin’ and rollin’. Feast your eyes on the facts below.

Food Truck Health Inspection Basics

Just like regular, non-van-based restaurants, food trucks are subject to health inspections. The goal of the health inspector is not to be a jerk and come down on you for trying to make a buck with your chuck, but to keep the public safe. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 48 Million people get some form of foodborne illness every year. 3,000 people die each year from foodborne illnesses, so it’s safe to say that the health inspector has a very important job.

There are 3 different types of health inspections that you may encounter:

• Routine Inspection: Expect to be inspected on a yearly basis. It can happen at any time and often comes without warning. 
• Complaint Inspection: If a customer gets sick, they may file a complaint. The health department will perform an inspection to verify whether the complaint was valid.
• Follow-Up Inspection: The inspector’s goal isn’t to shut you down, but to keep people safe. If you do end up with any violations from the other 2 types of inspections, the inspector will often give you a chance to fix things and perform another inspection at a later date to make sure you made the proper changes.

So how do you make sure you are ready to pass those inspections? Follow these tips!

1. Perform Self-Inspections

Don’t wait for the surprise inspection to find out if you are up to code! Do your own inspections. If you have employees, make it a surprise just like the real thing. You want to get an accurate picture of what’s happening in your kitchen-on-wheels so that you can make sure to fix problems before they get any worse.

2. Keep an Eye on the Food, Dude!

The biggest thing that the health inspector is going to be looking at is how you are taking care of your food. They’ll be checking temperatures on cold, stored food as well as hot food to make sure they are within safe ranges. You’ll want to make sure you have adequate refrigeration to accomplish this. 

Inspectors will also be checking that cooked and raw food are stored separately. Cross contamination between raw and cooked food is a major issue and will hurt your score if they find it.

You must also make sure that you are dating stored food properly to avoid things going bad or serving food past its prime.

3. Grub-Slingers, Be Good!

The inspection will also observe the behavior of your employees. They will be checking that employees are properly washing their hands. They will make sure that cooks are using food thermometers to assure food being sent out is safe for consumption. 

Health inspectors will also make sure employees are clean, well-groomed, and wearing everything they are supposed to wear.

Pass That Inspection, Then Pass Me the Hot Sauce!

Passing your food truck inspection is crucial to succeeding in your culinary venture. Stay prepared and run a tight ship so that you can bring home the bacon.

If you’re just starting out and looking to outfit your food truck with the best equipment, get in touch. We’d love to help you out!

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.

Stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

The post 3 Essential Tips On How To Pass Food Truck Health Inspections appeared first on Custom Concessions.

There are an estimated 15,000-20,000 food trucks in the US.

With all that savory goodness riding around on four wheels, it is important to keep your vehicle tidy and sanitary.

Whether you are servin’ up barbecue or dishing out mac and cheese, here are some great tips for cleaning inside your food truck. And don’t forget to lock up that secret sauce before you close for the night!

1. Daily Cleaning

Your daily cleaning schedule should involve a number of basic routines to ensure the cleanliness and productivity of your operation.

Be sure to wash all the dishes and brush your grill. It is important to empty your garbage pails daily. Don’t use private dumpsters for this, lest you make any unwanted enemies. Instead, use a public receptacle.

You will want to be sure to wipe down all cooking and serving surfaces, including your steam table. It is important to empty the water wells every day, so bacteria does not grow underneath where food is being served.

You need to switch out your cutting boards each day to keep food prep sanitary. Deep-clean the dirty boards. You should also wash and sanitize your window ledges.

Be sure to scrub down all cooking tools and appliances. This includes your coffee machine, ovens, and microwave. Also, be sure to sweep and mop the floor, and to wash all floor mats.

Each day, you will need to cover all of your food bins and change all foil linings on your grill, range, and flattop. Remember that your customers are counting on you to provide healthy, germ-free dining on the go!

2. Monthly Cleaning Schedule

Each month, you will want to do a little deep cleaning that will make your daily tasks a cinch. Use a disinfectant to clean the walls and ceiling, taking care of any hidden germs or dirt.

You should also wipe down exhaust hoods, making sure they are dust and grease free.

Once a month, clean your light fixtures and remove any dust or dirt. Scour out your refrigerator with a tough brush and disinfectant. Make sure to clean the coils as well, as they can collect lots of dust.

Wash the can-opener and remove all lime on your sinks and faucets. You will need to do a little heavy lifting so you can wash behind your oven, stove, and fryers, if they are movable.

Once a month is also a good time to clean and sanitize your ice machine. In addition, this is when you can clean out your freezers.

3. Annual Business

Some attention to keeping your truck up to code each year will save you a lot of headaches in the long run. You will want to check your fire extinguishers and fire suppression system. This is also the time to calibrate ovens and thermometers.

You can clean the pilot lights on your gas equipment, and have a professional check for any signs of pests and have them removed. This is also when you should restock your first-aid kit and update your safety sheets.

Some entrepreneurs prefer to have a professional company clean their range hoods and filters each year. It is important for them to be free from all dust, pollen, and dirt. Doing this yourself can be somewhat messy and take up a lot of time.

Cleaning Inside Your Food Truck

Cleaning inside your food truck is a critical factor for your business. Keep a checklist of your daily, monthly, and annual cleaning schedule, and you can provide worry-free fantastic food service to your customers.

For more tips on your food truck, check out our blog for other helpful articles.

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.

Stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

The post Spring Cleaning 101: How To Clean The Inside Of Your Food Truck Just In Time For Summer! appeared first on Custom Concessions.

Ever since you were a kid, you could be found in the kitchen. You’d help out mom and dad with dinner, even packing your own gourmet peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for school lunches.

As you got older, that dream of being in the food truck industry, which is worth $1.2 billion, seemed like a distant memory. But now, you’re tired of working a regular 9 to 5 job, stuck in a corporate cubicle.

You’re ready to spread your entrepreneurial wings and fly. You want to know how to start a food truck but don’t know where to begin.

That’s why we’ll go over effective ways on how to start one. Keep reading to know all the best ways to start off on the right foot!

1. Invest in a Vehicle

You can’t start a food truck without a mobile kitchen! If you really want to make an impact right off the bat, a custom truck is the way to go.

You’ll be able to make it to your liking and add whatever features will best benefit your business. You can add a pizza oven, a deep fryer, or even a walk-in fridge!

Your food truck needs to be equipped with the right appliances depending on what kind of food you want to make, so make sure you plan ahead. 

2. Get Licensing

Don’t think that as soon as you get your truck you can start selling right away. You need to check with your local government about licensing and permits. These allow you to park and sell in certain locations.

You’ll also need to be certified with the health department to ensure your food truck is in good condition. Just know that this process can take some time, so it’s best to be patient.

3. Insure Your Food Truck

To protect yourself from whatever problems may arise, you’ll want to have insurance. Depending on your location, you’ll need to get in contact with your local health department to know which type of insurance you need.

4. Build a Brand

In order to attract people to your truck to try your awesome food, you need a brand. Obviously, you want your truck to reflect the type of food you’re serving.

This is a cost you don’t want to skimp on. After all, first impressions matter more than you think.

You want to draw attention to your truck in a good way. That means using bold graphics and legible typography to help sell your food.

5. Market Yourself

How else can you get people to your truck? You need to get the word out there!

Start by advertising yourself on social media platforms. Facebook is a good choice as you can control how much you spend on ads.

To establish yourself as an expert in your industry, guest write for blogs and appear on popular local podcasts. Be sure to let friends and family know what you have going on so they can let others know where to get a good meal.

How to Start a Food Truck Answered

Don’t let your dream of starting a food truck fall by the wayside. As long as you follow our tips on how to start a food truck, you’ll be well on your way to sharing your gift of food while earning a nice income.

Want to feel more prepared? Check out some tips for aspiring food truck owners!

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.

Stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

The post Start Your Engines: How to Start a Food Truck appeared first on Custom Concessions.

Food trucks are game-changers, the food is typically pretty darn good and they are becoming rather popular, which is a great thing for those people who love to eat (so basically everyone) and also for those people who are interested in starting their own food truck business.

For those people who are interested in starting up their own food truck, here are five truths that you might want to know.

5. It Costs More Money Than Some Might Think

You might not want to start up your own restaurant because it basically will cost a fortune. Therefore, you turn to the food truck department … which is still pretty pricey.

Just like with anything, the price completely depends on where you buy the truck, and what you all need so you can run shop.

Don’t let that initial price scare you away, though. If your business is thriving, the money will come flying in.

4. Weather Is Either Going To Be Your Best Or Worst Friend

Rainy days can be brutal for business. Sunshine, on the other hand, never gets old.

Rain or shine doesn’t really flow with the customers.

3. You Are The Boss

Everyone dreams about being their own boss. Well, if you start up a food truck business, guess what you will become? Your own boss!

However, being your own boss can still be pretty stressful since you literally have to worry about everything.

2. Vacation Time Is Likely Going To Be A Thing Of The Past

If you are all about that vacation life, this might scare you away: The food truck game requires a lot of your time. Therefore, you are going to be constantly working. As a result of you constantly working, you won’t be able to go on vacations.

10-14 hours (perhaps more) of work every single day is pretty brutal, and you likely won’t be able to escape reality by taking a vacation for quite some time.

1. You Are Going To Make A Lot Of People Happy

Food makes people happy, especially when the food tastes amazing. Of course, your food is going to make people flock to your food truck. Putting both of those things together, you are going to make a lot of people happy, and that’s what it’s all about, right?

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