Summer Archives - Custom Concessions https://www.customconcessions.com/tag/summer/ Fri, 11 Jun 2021 14:59:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 http://www.customconcessions.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/cropped-Fav-32x32.jpg Summer Archives - Custom Concessions https://www.customconcessions.com/tag/summer/ 32 32 4 Valuable Summer Season Preparation Tips for Your Food Truck Company http://www.customconcessions.com/4-valuable-summer-season-preparation-tips-for-your-food-truck-company/ Mon, 14 Jun 2021 06:00:00 +0000 https://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13790 The summer season is potentially the most profitable time of year for a food truck company. There are more outdoor events, and people naturally spend more time outside in the hot and sunny weather. However, if you are unprepared, you could miss out on huge business opportunities. Fortunately, you can […]

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white food truck parked on city street

Photo by Rachel Claire from Pexels

The summer season is potentially the most profitable time of year for a food truck company. There are more outdoor events, and people naturally spend more time outside in the hot and sunny weather.

However, if you are unprepared, you could miss out on huge business opportunities. Fortunately, you can take several key steps to ensure you work efficiently and maximize your profits.

Read on for 4 essential summer season food truck tips and tricks.

Prepare for the Season

Because the weather is more favorable, you could be attending events and posting up at outdoor locations every day during summertime. It’s important to look after your health by keeping your air conditioning unit in good mint. 

Also, you can’t afford for fridges or ice makers to stop working in the heat. Food could go off more quickly, in which case you might have to leave a busy location early. You don’t want to miss out on those potential sales! It’s important to check these appliances before and after every use.

Cleanliness is vital for a food truck business. While it’s crucial for your appearance, it’s even more important for food safety. Use a food truck cleaning list to ensure you don’t miss any areas, and give your truck a deep clean before the busy season. 

By keeping a regular maintenance routine, you can make sure your truck is ready for the whole season.

Look Out for Events

There are endless opportunities to attend music concerts, sporting events, outdoor cinemas, and other popular events in the summertime.

Try to free up some time each week to go onto Facebook groups, local authority websites, and even check on shop noticeboards. Form relationships with other business owners who can keep you in the loop about local events.

If you can find an opportunity your competitors don’t know about, you could make a healthy profit and boost your reputation within the local community.

Seasonal Menu for your Food Truck Company 

Choosing a menu isn’t quite as simple as offering what you think customers might like in warmer weather. You also need to consider current popular trends! And you might want to keep in mind that summer is also diet season for some people. 

Look online to see what’s popular. You may find a new juice drink or a popular type of Mediterranean salad that is all the rage.

You can install new equipment for different foods and beverages before it’s time to meet your hungry customers. This can give you an edge over your competition. 

Connect With Customers

An important step when connecting with the modern-day customer is to advertise on social media. Regularly take high-quality photographs of your food and post them on multiple platforms.

Many businesses think this is enough, but the best food trucks take it further. Post questions about what people want to eat to get engagement. If you offer healthy meals, explain why it is good for the customer.

The more detailed information you provide, the more likely a customer will choose your food truck for their needs.

Don’t Get Beat by the Summer Heat

Don’t let summer go by without taking advantage of the benefits it holds for your food truck company. 

Want to expand your food truck fleet or open your first truck? Contact us for a free quote on your custom 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.

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Get Your Food Truck Ready for Summer In 6 Easy Steps http://www.customconcessions.com/get-your-food-truck-ready-for-summer-in-6-easy-steps/ Mon, 24 May 2021 06:00:00 +0000 https://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13758 Summer is the busiest season in the food truck industry, so make sure you’re prepared to handle the rush and take advantage of maximum profits. Before the summer kicks off it’s important to get your food truck in good shape, plan a seasonal menu, and strategize your marketing efforts.  Follow […]

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glass of ice water on a picnic table in the sun

Photo by picjumbo.com from Pexels

Summer is the busiest season in the food truck industry, so make sure you’re prepared to handle the rush and take advantage of maximum profits. Before the summer kicks off it’s important to get your food truck in good shape, plan a seasonal menu, and strategize your marketing efforts. 

Follow these six tips on how to get your food truck ready for summer to have the biggest season yet.

1. Get Your Food Truck Maintenance Done Early

Before summer kicks off, make sure your food truck is in top shape so you don’t have to slow down for repairs and maintenance during the busy season. Take care of the oil change, check the tires, fill up the fluids, flush holding tanks, and get any other needed repairs done.

2. Keep Your Truck Cool

Make sure your food truck’s AC is operating smoothly before the long summer days start. The last thing you want is for food to go bad or to overheat your employees working all-day outdoor events. 

Stock a fridge with drinks and refreshments just for your employees to help keep them cool for their entire shift. To keep your food safe, be sure and keep items within recommended temperature ranges.

3. Switch Up Your Menu

No matter what style of food you serve, you should start offering menu options that play off the summer season. Think about cool drinks, refreshing snack options, and frozen desserts to beat the heat. A seasonal menu will keep your customers’ attention and leave them wanting more.

4. Build Community Through Your Social Media

Summer is a great time to build a community around your food truck since you’ll encounter the most customers during this season. Before it starts, post fun challenges on your social media pages and offer coupons for customers who complete the challenges. When summer rolls around, they can use those coupons at one of your events. 

For the challenges, you can have your followers share your social media pages with friends so you get more exposure.

5. Invest in Promotional Swag

You’ll be in front of more customers during the summer months than any other time of year, so take advantage of promotional swag to spread brand awareness. Stickers and pens are great options to giveaway to customers for free, and make sure you outfit your staff with crisp new t-shirts for summer. 

6. Plan a Summer Kick-Off

Memorial Day is typically seen as the start of the summer season, so make sure you have events lined up for Memorial Day weekend. Promote it as your food truck’s “kick-off” to the season with special discounts and incentives to increase customer turn out. Make it a party and set the tone for how the rest of the season will be so that your customers will want to keep coming back all summer long.

Get Your Food Truck Ready for Summer

Your business will have a successful and memorable season with these ideas to get your food truck ready for summer. For more tips on running your food truck business all year round, check out the rest of our blog.

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.

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Getting Your Food Trucks Memorial Day Business: 5 Creative Tips http://www.customconcessions.com/getting-your-food-trucks-memorial-day-business-5-creative-tips/ Fri, 07 May 2021 16:16:39 +0000 https://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13737 Memorial Day isn’t a holiday that was created to revolve around food. But that doesn’t mean Americans don’t love to grab a mouthwatering meal on this special day! Over 60% of Americans typically attend Memorial Day weekend barbecues, and spend a whopping $1.5 billion on meat and seafood for the holiday. As […]

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muffin on a plate with an American flag toothpick

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

Memorial Day isn’t a holiday that was created to revolve around food. But that doesn’t mean Americans don’t love to grab a mouthwatering meal on this special day! Over 60% of Americans typically attend Memorial Day weekend barbecues, and spend a whopping $1.5 billion on meat and seafood for the holiday.

As a food truck owner, you may be wondering how to grab a piece of those food-laden Memorial Day celebrations. Here are five creative tips for getting your food truck Memorial Day business.

1. Add Summer-Inspired Dishes to the Menu

Small menu changes can be a great way to boost business. Advertise seasonal offerings that take advantage of summer fruits and veggies. These could be refreshing salads and entrees as well as cooling cocktails.

Barbecued and grilled dishes are always popular this time of year. Consider tweaking a go-to menu item for warm-weather flair. If you want to go the extra mile, consider taking this part of your menu outdoors with a visible grill to attract more attention.

2. Add Memorial Day Decor

Let loose your patriotic spirit with a host of red, white, and blue! From American flags to balloons to fresh flowers, the right decor can attract passing gazes.

3. Start a Fun Campaign

Everyone loves a freebie or deal, and Memorial Day is when they expect them. Decide on an incentive you’d like to offer, such as a buy one, get one free deal, and tack on a special campaign for extra fun.

For example, perhaps your brand’s food truck promotions are only open to people wearing red, white, or blue. Whatever you decide, make sure customers feel like they’re getting secret specials!

4. Offer Special Service to Veterans

To honor the holiday, and to attract more visitors, consider offering Memorial Day food truck deals to military veterans. Alternately, you can offer a percentage off of their total payment as a discount, or spread the word that you’re donating a certain percentage of your revenue to a veterans’ charity.

5. Attract the Kids

Because kids are off of school for Memorial Day, it’s safe to say that if you can make your business attractive to kids, you’ll be able to rein in their parents. Consider partnering with other local food trucks or vendors to host fun events for the family, like face-painting for kids, a special storytime, coloring or art contests, or music performances.

Work on Getting Your Food Trucks Memorial Day Business

When it comes to getting your food trucks Memorial Day business, these strategies can be a great way to attract customers’ attention. Make sure to invest the time and money to promote them a little in advance for best results, and prepare to reap the benefits of your hard work!

Whether you’re hopping into your first truck or upgrading to a new one, we can help you get up and running! No matter what type of food truck you run, we cater to a range of preferences, so contact us to learn more.

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.

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7 Food Truck Prep Tips For Spring 2021 http://www.customconcessions.com/7-food-truck-prep-tips-for-spring-2021/ Mon, 01 Mar 2021 06:00:00 +0000 http://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13586 Owning a food truck is an exciting venture, but it comes with its challenges. If you own a food truck in a place with harsh winters and shut down or have reduced sales during the off-season, one of those challenges is preparing to restart operations in the spring.  Spring will be here […]

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photo of a worker setting items on a food truck's fold down shelf

Photo by Kampus Production from Pexels

Owning a food truck is an exciting venture, but it comes with its challenges. If you own a food truck in a place with harsh winters and shut down or have reduced sales during the off-season, one of those challenges is preparing to restart operations in the spring. 

Spring will be here before we know it, so make sure your food truck is prepared for maximum growth. Bring your business out of hibernation effectively so you can serve more customers without skipping a beat.

Let’s breakdown seven food truck prep tips for Spring 2021. 

1. Amp Up Your Menu

If you offered a limited selection during the winter slow time, now’s the time to surprise and delight your customers with new options. Get creative and try to offer seasonal foods that will become a staple of springtime.

2. Hit Social Media Hard

If you stepped back on social media because there wasn’t as much going on, now’s the time to boost your online presence so your customers know you’re back in business. Utilize tools that engage with your audience, like polls and question boxes on Instagram.

3. Target Spring Breakers

If hungry spring breakers descend in throngs on your town every March, make a plan to serve them. You could offer special prices and menu items just for spring break, or offer a coupon if they post a picture with your truck on social media.

4. Plan Ahead for Summer

You should start seeing more sales in the spring, but it most likely won’t be up to summer levels yet. Use your time wisely throughout the spring to plan your summer strategy, and start booking outdoor events and festivals coming up in the summer months now. 

5. Offer Seasonal Drinks

Your customers are ready to shake off their winter coats and enjoy warm weather again, so offer them something cool and refreshing to drink. Make it tropical with spring flavors, like cherry, pineapple, or mango. 

6. Sweeten Up Your Menu

Add new dessert items that your customers have been craving all winter, like ice cream sandwiches or gourmet popsicles. They’ll jump at anything that reminds them that summer is coming.

7. Have Fun Experimenting

Things are picking up again, but you won’t be as slammed in spring as you will be in summer. This is a time to test drive menu options and see what works. If there are things you’ve always wanted to try but you weren’t sure how they’d sell, add them to the rotation in the springtime. You may have new hits or you’ll learn what doesn’t work, but either way, it will be fun to experiment before you get too busy.  

Springtime Food Truck Prep Tips for Success

Food truck seasonal challenges are nothing new in this industry, but with a little prep and creativity, your business can thrive during the spring. Have fun trying new things during these months, and don’t forget to take advantage of spring breakers. 

It’s also the perfect time to do food truck prep for your busiest season coming up, summer. For all the tips you need to help your food truck business thrive year-round, check out our blog.

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.

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Running a Food Truck on a Hot Day? Here’s How to Keep Your Customers Cool! http://www.customconcessions.com/running-a-food-truck-on-a-hot-day-heres-how-to-keep-your-customers-cool/ Thu, 25 Jun 2020 07:00:00 +0000 http://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13252 As a food truck operator, you know that in order to earn big you need to make the right choices in operating your food truck. Here are some tips on how to keep customers cool and happy when the temperatures are up.  Set Up Near Green Spaces  Heat islands are a phenomenon that […]

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summer watermelon popsicle sticks on a tray with ice cubes

Photo: Freepik

As a food truck operator, you know that in order to earn big you need to make the right choices in operating your food truck.

Here are some tips on how to keep customers cool and happy when the temperatures are up. 

Set Up Near Green Spaces 

Heat islands are a phenomenon that makes it feel many degrees hotter in urban areas than it is in surrounding greener areas. 

A jumble of roofs and pavements work together to bump up the temperatures. So, instead of a parking lot in a business park, opt to set up near a green space. Especially on those days where it is going to get hot, hot, hot.

Look for any patch of green: a golf course, a football field, a park. If you can find some trees to park under, even better!

Not only will trees block the sun from beating down on your customers, they will also provide cooling shade for your truck. 

Park Strategically

Running a food truck involves a lot of strategic decisions. One of them is where you will park. 

If you are attending an event, ask if you can choose the parking spot. Try to pick a spot where you are not in direct sunlight.

If you are not at an event and just trying to feed hungry people in the city, this still applies.

If you park facing north or south, it usually means that the sun will not be in your customers’ eyes. Depending on the time of day, you may even want to swivel around to face the other direction to give them some shade.

Also, look around and park where there are shaded areas nearby. If there are picnic tables that’s a bonus! Customers are more likely to stick around and buy from you if it is convenient for them to eat in the vicinity too. 

Pack an Umbrella

You pack a lot of gear and ingredients in order to run your food truck, we know. You have a list of food truck expenses. If you don’t have an attached awning, packing an umbrella and stand is one extra item to lug around and one more expense. 

Yet, this can make a huge difference in your business. Set up your umbrella near your order window. Try to angle the umbrella to cast shade towards the lineup. 

That way customers get some relief as they stand in line. Chances are people will stick around to wait for their order if they aren’t roasting. 

Ask Your Customers Their Names 

On those scorching hot days when the asphalt is melting, standing in a lineup is torture.

Don’t do that to your customers. Take their name down as you take their order. Tell them you will call their name when their food is ready.

Doing this takes just a few seconds. Then your customers can go stand by a tree or a building where there is shade.

They will appreciate not having to stand in the open where the sun is fiercest. 

Play Some Music

Playing music won’t lower the temperature at all. But, it can do a lot to boost the mood.

People naturally feel happier when there is music on. Even if they are so hot, sweat is dripping down their back. Put some music on and suddenly they feel like they are on vacation at the beach!

Running a Food Truck Is All About Customer Satisfaction 

There you have it! Some fool-proof tips for running a food truck during a heatwave.

Remember, running a food truck is just as much about customer service as it is about good food.

Contact us today for more info on our state-of-the-art food trucks.

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.

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How Do I Book a Spot at Summer Food Truck Festivals? http://www.customconcessions.com/how-do-i-book-a-spot-at-summer-food-truck-festivals/ http://www.customconcessions.com/how-do-i-book-a-spot-at-summer-food-truck-festivals/#comments Thu, 18 Jun 2020 06:00:00 +0000 http://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13242 Photo by Arturo Rey on Unsplash Are you a food truck owner thinking of taking the plunge and participating in a food truck festival? If you are, the good news is there’s probably one taking place near you. The Food Truck Festivals of America has seen an explosion of food truck […]

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Photo of a woman waiting in front of a vintage blue and white food truck where a man is cooking crepes

Photo by Arturo Rey on Unsplash

Are you a food truck owner thinking of taking the plunge and participating in a food truck festival? If you are, the good news is there’s probably one taking place near you. The Food Truck Festivals of America has seen an explosion of food truck events with each passing year.

The bad news? It’s not always easy to secure a spot. With so many applicants clamoring to participate, the competition can be surprisingly fierce.

But there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of getting accepted. Here are some tips on booking a spot at food truck festivals.

Make Sure You’re a Match

The first step is to find a food truck festival that your brand and menu are a good fit for. If you have a burger and hotdog food truck, you don’t want to apply to vegan or vegetarian festivals.

You also need to consider whether the festival will help you turn a profit.

Many food truck festivals require that all truck vendors give a percentage of their sales in addition to the application fee. This may require you to raise the price of your menu items for the event. However, if you increase them too much, it could turn people off and negatively affect your brand.

When you come across a festival you may be a match for, read the application process carefully and do some number crunching to make sure it’s worth the invested time and money. Be aware that renting additional equipment and services at a festival can rack up additional fees. 

Apply for a Spot

Once you’ve found an event that seems like a good fit, you’ll have to submit an application once the organizers start accepting them.

This may require more than listing the name of your food business and menu items. Think of it like applying for a job — you’ll want to introduce them to your brand and provide a little history on it. Include links to your social media profiles and any positive press written about your food truck business.

You’ll also need to propose your menu for the event, focusing on dishes that can be prepared quickly and meet the festival’s criteria.

Follow the Rules

Once you’re accepted, you may need to secure the necessary business license and health permits and equip your truck with the proper fire extinguishers — you don’t want to have to deal with a fire.

Read over everything in the festival application carefully so you know exactly what you need before the event.

Put Your Best Foot Forward

Make the outside and inside of your truck shine by cleaning and disinfecting it before the big day.

Remind employees to smile and greet every customer. This is an important opportunity to elevate your brand, so do what you can to make a great first impression.

Increase Your Chances of Getting Accepted at Food Truck Festivals

Participating in food truck festivals requires a little extra work on your part, but it can be a wonderful way to introduce new customers to your menu and brand.

Are you thinking about starting your own food truck business? Learn more about our mobile kitchens and request a quote!

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.

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Food Truck 101: How to Get Your Food Truck Ready for Summer http://www.customconcessions.com/food-truck-101-how-to-get-your-food-truck-ready-for-summer/ Wed, 10 Jun 2020 15:39:04 +0000 http://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13230 It’s been a tough winter and spring, but summer is here and people are hungrier than ever for food truck treats. But is your truck ready to handle the summer rush?   We have got the food truck 101 on how to get your food truck ready to handle this summer season.  Let’s […]

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close up of a white person's hand holding a cone of fish and chips with a blurry beach in the background

It’s been a tough winter and spring, but summer is here and people are hungrier than ever for food truck treats. But is your truck ready to handle the summer rush?  

We have got the food truck 101 on how to get your food truck ready to handle this summer season. 

Let’s take a look at what you need to ready your rig in no time! 

Make Your Food Truck Shine Like New

Many food truckers are seasonal. Things like weather and other normal wear and tear during the offseason can really bring the look of your food truck down. 

The fact is, you have roughly seven seconds to make an impression on a customer and if they have the choice between a sparkling clean and shined up food truck or a dingy rundown rig they are probably choosing the former.

Make sure your food truck looks sparkling clean and you’ll be sure to attract more customers.

Get the Maintenance Out of the Way

Procrastination is not your friend. Do not wait until you are in the thick of the food truck season to fix the leak in the radiator or upgrade your tires.

The following is a maintenance checklist for your food truck:

  • Oil change
  • Check tires
  • Inspect ventilation and exhaust fans 
  • Fill up all fluids 
  • Flush holding tanks

Getting these routine maintenances checked off early in the season will give you more time to focus on promoting the business and creating delicious food. 

Keep It Cool

Be sure your a/c system is running at top notch. You don’t want it blinking out on you during some of the hottest and busiest days of the year. Keeping your employees in a comfortable work environment will improve efficiency and morale. 

Make sure you also have chilled options on your food truck menu for customers looking to cool off. You might have iced drinks, or frozen desserts on offer.  

Amp Up Your Social Media Presence 

There are over two billion monthly users on the Facebook platform alone. Factoring in other social media sites like Instagram and Snapchat, you can reach more customers in multiple ways. 

Get a jump start on a social media campaign this summer to draw new customers in and keep existing customers intrigued and hungry for more. 

Consider posting things like the following:

  • Promotion swag 
  • The location you will be posted and what time
  • Daily or weekly specials
  • Special events that you will be apart of like food truck festivals
  • New menu items or menu changes

Make sure to take pictures of your food and post them as well! Feedback from your followers will help you promote your food truck and get a feel for what is popular.

Encourage your guests to take photos as well. Consider offering a small discount or reward system for guests who tag your food truck or post photos of their meals. 

The Skinny on Food Truck Summer

Keep cool this summer with these tips on how to keep your truck rolling and the customers coming!

Don’t get bogged down in the stress of preparation; instead, get the hard stuff out of the way early so you can be creative and hustle this summer.

Looking to upgrade your truck? Contact us for a free quote.

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.

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Common Summer Strategies for the Food Truck Owner http://www.customconcessions.com/common-summer-strategies-for-the-food-truck-owner/ Mon, 03 Jun 2019 06:00:45 +0000 http://www.customconcessions.com/?p=12206 Photo: rawpixel.com / Freepik If you’re a food truck owner, you probably already know it can get as hot as 130°F inside a food truck on the most sweltering of summer days. And that can be dangerous for workers and food alike.  What you need are strategies to keep your workers cool […]

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Photo: rawpixel.com / Freepik

If you’re a food truck owner, you probably already know it can get as hot as 130°F inside a food truck on the most sweltering of summer days. And that can be dangerous for workers and food alike. 

What you need are strategies to keep your workers cool and your food safety on point. If that’s something you didn’t consider when googling “how to open a food truck,” don’t worry. These summer food truck tips and tricks will keep you in compliance with food safety regulations and protect your workers from heat stroke and dehydration.

1. The Shade Is Your Friend

When you’re already slinging food on a flat-top, the summer sun beating down on your food truck is the last thing you need.

If you can, park in a shady area. You might even consider installing an awning. That will keep your customers more comfortable and allow them to read your menu more easily. It will also cut down on the sun blazing its way into your truck or reflecting off the sidewalk or pavement.

2. Ditch Heat-Producing Appliances When Possible

The oven and refrigerator are a necessary evil. But if there’s anything you’re not using, power it down whenever you can. Even the lights can produce extra heat you don’t need. This will also cut down on your operating costs.

3. Stay Hydrated

Protect yourself and your workers from the summer heat. As a food truck owner, you are responsible for your employees’ safety. Make sure you and your workers drink plenty of water throughout the day. Have water available in a dispenser where employees can refill their water bottles. If you have to, set a timer to remind people it’s time to take a hydration break.

4. Dress Appropriately

If you have a uniform, make sure it’s summer-friendly. Focus on light, breathable fabrics and discourage too many accessories. 

You can also buy mesh cooling towels or keep a wet rag draped around your neck.

5. Get a Breeze Going

Depending on the design of your food truck, you might be able to open doors on one or both sides of the truck to get a cross-breeze going. 

Whether you own a small food truck or a large one, consider investing in some solar-powered fans. They’ll give you some relief without having another appliance to keep on and pay for.

6. Know the Symptoms of Heatstroke

The signs of heatstroke include:

  • Red, hot and dry skin
  • Lack of sweating
  • Cramps and muscle weakness
  • Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Severe headache
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Shallow but rapid breathing 
  • Confusion, disorientation or difficulty standing or walking
  • Seizures
  • Unconsciousness 

If you or any of your employees or customers exhibit these symptoms, call 911 immediately. 

7. Keep the Fridge Maintained

An improperly maintained refrigerator is a disaster waiting to happen. Contact a certified mechanic to put together an inspection and maintenance plan. If your fridge goes out in the middle of a hot, busy day, you are likely to lose out on a lot of business.

8. Keep the Refrigerator Door Closed

Opening and closing the fridge door too much lowers the temperature. Consolidate steps by getting everything you might need out as long as it’s safe to do so. And at all other times, keep that door closed!

9. Upgrade Your Storage Containers

Porous containers like cardboard and styrofoam don’t let food cool as quickly when the humidity gets up. They can also promote mold growth. Upgrading your containers can save you a lot of money and headache in the long run. Use metal or polycarbonate storage containers—like Lexan—whenever possible.

10. Upgrade Your Food Truck

If your truck is older or if you’re having trouble keeping the one you have cool, a food truck purchase may be in your future. When operating a food truck business, your truck is your lifeline to a successful and profitable business. The investment is well worth it.

Just keep the tips above in mind when researching which kind of truck you’re going to buy. Things like where the doors are located can affect your decision. 

More Help for the Food Truck Owner

The food truck business involves a lot of special logistics that a brick-and-mortar restauranteur doesn’t have to think about.

Don’t go it alone. Whether you’re a new or seasoned food truck owner, we’re here to help!

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.

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Spring Cleaning 101: How To Clean The Inside Of Your Food Truck Just In Time For Summer! http://www.customconcessions.com/spring-cleaning-101-how-to-clean-the-inside-of-your-food-truck-just-in-time-for-summer/ Mon, 22 Apr 2019 01:15:56 +0000 http://www.customconcessions.com/?p=12157 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. […]

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young woman walks past colorful food trucks with a smoothie in hand

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.

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Summer Advice For Food Truck Owners http://www.customconcessions.com/summer-advice-for-food-truck-owners/ Wed, 31 May 2017 23:22:13 +0000 http://www.customconcessions.com/?p=8697 Summer is almost here, food truck owners, and you know what that means! The busy season in the mobile kitchen industry is almost among us. It’s almost time to say hello to an overload of customers, double-digit hours, food/cooking galore and crazy sales. In hopes of getting food truck owners […]

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Summer

Summer is almost here, food truck owners, and you know what that means! The busy season in the mobile kitchen industry is almost among us. It’s almost time to say hello to an overload of customers, double-digit hours, food/cooking galore and crazy sales.

In hopes of getting food truck owners ready for the summer months, we will be dropping a few articles that should do you wonders all summer long. Feel free to read them once, or drop by all summer! Nonetheless, good luck during the busy season, and we hope this advice helps you conquer your goals and dreams.

Note: Whether you are new to the food truck industry, have been going at it for years or are thinking about taking the leap in the very near future, these articles can do you wonders.

Summer Advice For Food Truck Owners

How Food Truck Owners Can Keep Their Sanity In The Mobile Kitchen Industry

“If you have had the pleasure of owning and operating a food truck, then you can likely agree with this statement: Being a mobile kitchen owner is tough — to say the least.”

“After all, being a food truck owner typically requires you to put in more work than you have ever done in your entire life, and the stresses that accompany owning your own business can be unbearable. Problems will arise, money will be tight (well, until you are established, that is) and the list of worries could go on and on.”

“If you are discouraged as a result of the daily grind in the food truck industry being rather grueling, then use the techniques below. Said techniques will help you keep your sanity, food truck owners.”

3 Extremely Unique Ways To Attract More Food Truck Customers

“Believe it or not, you don’t have to have a menu makeover to attract new customers. You don’t even have to change up your brand. While taking extreme measures might help some companies, which includes food truck businesses, you don’t necessarily have to have an extreme makeover to gain new customers.”

“If you are struggling to retain customers, or attract them in general, then you are in luck. We understand how hard it can be to attract customers to your food truck during the offseason (aka when the temperatures start to drop). That is why we have provided three extremely unique ways to attract more food truck customers. Use the points below to your advantage, mobile kitchen owners. In the process, you will attract more customers to your truck, which will lead to more business and more money.”

Helpful Tips For New Food Truck Owners

“Are you new to the food truck industry? Perhaps you are more fresh than that and have yet to buy your very own food truck. Therefore, your mind might be racing with questions.”

“For example, you might be wondering what a business plan should include, where you can buy a food truck, if you have what it takes to enter this industry, how social media works and the list goes on and on. While we won’t be answering all of those questions, we will be providing future and relatively new food truck owners with some helpful tips. Use them to your advantage.”

“Bonus: Know the laws. There are so many laws that food truck owners have to learn before they jump into this industry, and they can be different in every state. Before you even think about buying a food truck, you might want to learn the laws in your area first.”

How To Retain Customers In The Food Truck Industry

“In the food truck industry, there are so many things that owners have to worry about. However, the one thing that said owners have to always keep in mind is the customers.”

“After all, without customers, who would buy the delicious foods that mobile catering trucks have to offer? Without sales, a food truck would sink just as fast as it started. That is why we are going to talk about the importance of retaining customers. Just to go into a little more detail, we will explain how to retain more customers in the food truck industry.”

25 Motivational Quotes That Aspiring Food Truck Owners Can Relate To

“No one said entering the food truck industry was going to be easy, yet here you are, on the verge of becoming a food truck owner!”

“Coming up with the necessary funds to start a food truck business is tough — to say the least. Simply coming up with a business plan or food truck concept might seem like a real feat to some aspiring owners, and that’s because it is. If opening up a mobile kitchen business was easy, then everyone would be doing it.”

“We are here to say this: Keep moving forward, and never stop following your dreams.”

“In hopes of giving aspiring food truck owners a monster dose of inspiration, below you will find 25 motivational quotes. Use them as fuel!”

Now is the time to really get moving on those food truck goals, mobile kitchen owners. If you are on pace to hit all of your goals this year (although the summer months are probably a big portion of your business, and we understand that), then great! If not, then now is the time to put your foot on the gas pedal and get moving, and hopefully the advice in the articles above can help you get on the right track.

Nonetheless, the busy season in the food truck industry is almost here, and that should be music to the ears of food truck business owners and food lovers alike.

Happy summer 2017!

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 Summer Advice For Food Truck Owners appeared first on Custom Concessions.

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