Want more food truck advice? Check out our entire blog here!

If you are looking to break into this industry, make sure to request a custom quote!

To stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

The post Comparing Food Truck Generators: Gasoline, Diesel, Propane appeared first on Custom Concessions.

Want more food truck advice? Check out our entire blog here!

If you are looking to break into this industry, make sure to request a custom quote!

To stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

The post Comparing Step Vans: Gasoline Vs Diesel appeared first on Custom Concessions.

Want more food truck advice? Check out our entire blog here!

If you are looking to break into this industry, make sure to request a custom quote!

To stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

The post Food Trucks vs. Concession Trailers Infographic appeared first on Custom Concessions.

If you are one of those people, first off, congrats!

Now, here are five reasons why all restaurants — including yours, of course — should own food trucks.

5. Convenience For Your Customers

Because it is all about the customers, right?

If your place is jam-packed on a nightly basis, that is awesome, but some of your customers might be scared off because of the long wait. Also, some of your customers might not want to travel too far to eat all of the delicious foods that your chefs prepare.

If that is in fact the case, you are in luck! Think of a food truck as a mobile version of your restaurant — because that’s exactly what it is. Being mobile, your customers don’t have to go to one location just to eat your scrumptious food.

All of that said, I leave you with this one important word that is literally everything to customers: Convenience.

4. Your Restaurant Is Thriving, So Why Wouldn’t A Food Truck Version?

You already have the business plan down — well, some tweaks will of course need to be made with your food truck business plan. However, you are an expert at all things restaurants, so there is only one question you should ask yourself at this point.

Why wouldn’t a food truck version of your restaurant thrive?

3. Expansion Is Never A Bad Thing

Maybe you are wanting to expand by building another location. Maybe you are afraid to take that big of a leap. A food truck business for your restaurant is also another option for expansion — just remember that.

2. Simply Put, Another Way To Rack Up The Dough

If all goes according to plan, your food truck will bring in a ton of cash … and isn’t that the point?

1. Food Trucks Are Booming Right Now

If anyone is thinking about starting up their own food truck business, whether you are a first-timer, an up-and-coming chef or already have an established restaurant, now is the perfect time to take a swing at a food truck.

After all, food trucks are everywhere for a reason — the food truck industry is booming right now. Don’t miss out.

The post 5 Reasons Why All Restaurants Should Own Food Trucks appeared first on Custom Concessions.

Custom Concessions recently built Potbelly Sandwich Shop’s first food truck, which is located in Dallas, TX. The food truck debuted on Oct. 16, and will eventually be hitting events across Texas.

According to Potbelly Sandwich Shop’s website, the company started off as an antique shop that was owned by a young couple who eventually started serving lunch at their shop. Today, there are more than 300 Potbelly Sandwich Shops across the country, but the food truck in Dallas is the first of its kind. The original Potbelly Sandwich Shop started in Chicago, IL.

Custom Concessions builds its food trucks and concession trailers in its facility that is located in Elkhart, IN. The facility is 30,000 square feet. It builds for every market in the United States, and it also offers nationwide and international delivery. For more information about pricing and availability, please visit www.customconcessions.com.

Potbelly’s food truck features a smaller version of its menu that includes five of its signature sandwiches. On top of five well-known Potbelly sandwiches, the new Dallas food truck will offer a morning menu, and costumers can expect to see breakfast sandwiches and blueberry muffins on that menu.

To find out where the food truck will be, follow all of its moves on Twitter (@PotbellyTruck). 

Click Here to View A Photo Gallery

About Custom Concessions:

Custom Concessions specializes in manufacturing the highest quality concession trailers and food trucks on the market. It also specializes in meeting all of its customer’s needs when it comes to building state-of-the-art food trucks. Custom Concessions has worked with brand names such as Domino’s Pizza, Wolfgang Puck and Johnny Rockets, and organizations such as the US Army, NASCAR and the Washington Redskins. Custom Concessions offers unbeatable customer support, and is all about making its customer’s dreams and ideas come to life.

For more information about Custom Concessions, visit www.customconcessions.com.

The post Custom Concessions Builds Potbelly Sandwich Shop’s First Food Truck In Dallas appeared first on Custom Concessions.

The colder months of the year can definitely be tough on your food truck business. After all, there are plenty of people who hate cold weather. Naturally, people stay inside during the winter months as well.

Fight off those winter months with these five meals (if you will). Most of them are classics, and everyone loves a good classic.

5. Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie at a food truck? Yes, pumpkin pie at a food truck. It fits under the category of classic and appetites go wild over a slice of pie during the holidays.

Guess what else pumpkin pie does? Let people know that the holiday season is in fact here, and it also reminds food lovers of everything that goes down during said holiday season. Like family time and grandma’s famous pumpkin pie.

Pumpkin pie (or any pie really) is a proven winner.

If you really want to get people’s taste buds going, serve up some sweet potato casserole.

4. Hot Chocolate, Egg Nog, Apple Cider

Hot chocolate helps keep people warm. Plus, who doesn’t want to channel their inner child with this legendary hot drink?

Egg nog, of course, is huge during the holiday season. So is apple cider.

The holiday season doesn’t last all winter, but you might as well benefit from it when the shoppers are flooding the stores.

These three drinks and pumpkin pie might throw off your menu some, but why not give the people what they want, and change things up a bit in the process?

3. Chili, Chili And More Chili

Sure, not everyone likes chili, but if your recipe is good enough, then everyone should love your chili.

Spicy foods keep people warm, just to put that cherry on top.

Consider a bowl of chili a secret weapon. It helps people get through the winter months and actually enjoy those months as well. With a bowl of chili, you will basically be going all out on this winter thing.

2. Some Form Of Stew

Stew isn’t really a summer food, so take advantage of this valuable tool (stew, that is) when the temperature starts to drop. Winter foods are all about hearty foods, and stew could be the heartiest of them all.

Even if you do live in a climate that screams beach weather year-round, serving up stew (or any winter food in general) helps people get in the mood for wintertime.

1. Something Creative

Winter is the perfect time to really spice up your menu. You want to get people’s attention, right? If business is slow, throw that Hail Mary by serving something rather creative … even if it might be a bit exotic or a one-time thing.

Just remember, you can beat wintertime with one great meal at a time.

The post 5 Meals Food Trucks Should Serve In Colder Climates appeared first on Custom Concessions.

If you are starting up a food truck business and don’t exactly know what you are getting yourself into, don’t panic and pull all your hair out just yet — because here are five things every future food truck owner needs to know.

Heck, even if you have done the food trucking thing for years and could use a nice cold glass of refresher (that’s not really a drink), feel free to follow along and take notes.

5. Branding And Social Media — Learn How To Do Both Very Well

Your brand, or better yet, your food truck’s brand, is arguably one of the most important things. What does your food truck stand for? What do you want it to be known for? The logo, scheme of the truck and all of its appearances in general are crucial.

After all, if you saw your truck parked, would you go over and eat at it? If the answer is yes, then you are on the right track.

Social media comes into play because you can help build your brand on social media. You can also promote your food truck business on social media. After that, you can promote your food truck business some more.

Basically, winning the hearts of fans on social media is the key nowadays — because who doesn’t have a Facebook that they don’t check all of the time?

4. You’re Not Just Serving Food

You are also running a business.

Although many chefs will take the food truck route so they can do what they love — which is cook — said chefs also have to keep in mind that there’s more to a food truck business than just cooking. Of course, if you can cook, you have the art down — and that is very important.

3. Permits And Regulations

Know them, you don’t have to love them … but know them.

2. Just Remember, Being Unique Is A Good Thing

America tends to love hamburgers and hot dogs, but that doesn’t mean you have to go with those two traditional recipes. Sure, people in Chicago love their Chicago Dogs, and fish tacos in Los Angeles (or anywhere for that matter) are to die for, but serve what you want to serve.

If your favorite recipe is out there, but you know it will make tastebuds all over the world happy, then do your thing.

Also, don’t be afraid to spice up your brand. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to be yourself and let yourself show through your brand and food truck business in general.

1. A Good Business Plan Will Save Your Life, And Your Business

If you do anything right, make sure you do this: Make. A. Good. Business. Plan. Because with a solid business plan, no problem will seem too overwhelming, no task too large.

You really, really need to know what you are getting yourself into and how much EVERYTHING will cost before crushing your new food truck business. So do yourself a favor and make the best business plan there ever was.

After that, cook on, and cook well.

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 5 Things Every Future Food Truck Owner Needs To Know appeared first on Custom Concessions.

This week’s blog will focus on everything you need to know about Commissaries for your Food Truck.

One of your first steps in becoming a food truck owner will be to reach out to your local health department to determine their requirements for food trucks. Not all municipalities’ health codes require Food Trucks have a commissary. However most do, and as food trucks are becoming increasingly popular more cities throughout the country are requiring food trucks have a commissary.

Commissary

A Commissary is a commercial kitchen where food truck owners can prepare and store their food. These commercial kitchens should be fully equipped with refrigeration, cooking equipment, sinks, and waste disposal units. Your local health department will need to inspect these commissaries.

Since space on a food truck is limited, commissaries are very convenient for prep work and storage. Many commissaries also offer ingredients for your menu and supplies for your truck, selling anything from napkins to meat.

In some cases, your local health department may require you to park your food truck at your commissary. Many offer parking spots along with the right electrical outlet to plug your truck in. Having a parking spot at your commissary is very convenient not only for loading up your truck with supplies, but having a place at the end of the way where you can clean your truck. There you can also dispose of any waste you’ve accumulated throughout the day.

Types of Commissaries

So you may be wondering where can you find a commissary?

This really depends on where you live larger cities almost always have commissaries available for rent for food trucks.  Most food truck owners start out with a shared space in a commercial kitchen. This is when a commercial kitchen allows multiple users to rent out kitchen space. The users will sign up to reserve cooking equipment for certain times, ensuring two users are fighting over using the oven! Using a shared space is usually the most cost efficient method and since everyone wants to spend less money it’s very popular.

If you are looking for your own private kitchen and don’t mind to pay extra you can look for a private commercial kitchen. Private commissaries are ideal if you have more than one truck and need as much space as you can get while preparing your menu items.

You may be located in an area that doesn’t have any commercial kitchens for rent yet your health department requires you to have a commissary- what do you do? Luckily there are a few other great options.  You can rent kitchen space from a restaurant or catering company. Some smaller restaurants are thrilled to rent their kitchen as a commissary to food truck owners during their closed business hours. Many caterers are also willing to rent out kitchen space for extra cash, and since caterers hours vary you will usually have more flexibility on when you can use the kitchen space.

Restaurants and catering companies aren’t the only places to look for. Keep in mind you can also rent kitchen space from other certified kitchens such as: schools, churches, community centers, and even nursing homes!

When looking for your commissary here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Commissary’s location, this will be your commute to work so you may want it closer to home or closer to your serving locations.
• Parking, look for a commissary that offers parking in a well-lit area, preferably in a locked- gate.
• If you are using a shared kitchen, visit the kitchen during hours you plan to be there that way you can see how busy it will be and if you will have enough space.
• Make sure the commissary you chose has all the restaurant equipment you will need.
• Overall cleanliness: if you are renting space out of a kitchen keep in mind that if they fail to maintain their health inspection this could prevent you from selling your food.
• Thanks for tuning into our blog this week! We look forward to seeing you next Monday, and remember if you dream it, we build it. If you have any questions about this article please contact Stephanie Jarrell at sales@customconcessions.com

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 Commissary Information appeared first on Custom Concessions.

In today’s blog we are going to discuss the pros and cons of food trucks versus food trailers.

So you’ve finally decided to quit your day job, buy a mobile kitchen, and hit the road selling your specialty burritos. What comes next? The great debate; should you purchase a food truck or a food trailer?

Food Trucks

In this type of mobile kitchen, the kitchen and vehicle are one unit. The kitchen is built out in the “box” space of a step-van. Kitchen space size can vary anywhere from 10’ to 26’. The most common size is 16’ or 18’ of kitchen space.

The biggest advantage to choosing a food truck over a food trailer is that it is one unit. Therefore, it is ideal for making multiple location stops. You needn’t worry about towing anything, and your overall size will be smaller making it easier to navigate through tight city streets and sharp turns.

Food trucks are generally allowed on more city streets than trailers. Allowing for a wider range of serving locations. Without having to tow anything, it makes it less of a hassle to switch serving locations throughout the day.

Food trucks are generally more expensive than their competition, the food trailer.  However, with a food trailer you will need a vehicle with the towing capacity to tow your trailer. This can be a hefty added expense which sometimes can exceed the cost of a food truck.

Since food trucks are one unit, if your truck has mechanical issues and needs to be in the shop, you’re business will be in the shop too.  This usually is a nonissue when you purchase a new step-van.

If you purchase a used step-van to build out your mobile kitchen, it is very important to have a mechanic look it over first to avoid costly repairs and time off the road. If you have a food trailer and your vehicle is in the shop, you can always rent or borrow a vehicle so you don’t miss any time on the road.

Food Trailers

Food Trailers are generally more affordable, allowing for a lower entry cost into the world of mobile kitchens.

The greatest advantage to the food trailer is the various size options. Food trailers can be anywhere from 8’ to 53’ long. The width of food trailers is commonly 8.5’ wide unlike the food truck which is usually only 7’ wide. In a tight kitchen space any extra width is much appreciated.

Food trailers generally carry more storage space. In a food truck the generator is almost always built inside the kitchen space, on a food trailer the generator is place on the tongue, allowing for more interior space inside the food trailer.

On the flip side, trailers are generally always larger when you factor in the vehicle towing the trailer. This makes it difficult for novice drivers to navigate in tight spaces.  

Food trailers are best for stationary or longer-term parking locations, versus a food truck with that may have a route with multiple stops.

Conclusion

• Food trucks are ideal for routes, and having the capability to make multiple stops throughout the day.
• The initial cost of a food truck may be more expensive than the food trailer, however you must have a reliable vehicle with the proper towing capacity for a food trailer.
• Food trailers are ideal for events or areas where they can be stationary for long periods of time.
• Food trucks are more compact. This makes them easier to navigate on city streets.
• Food trailers have various size options and will offer more storage and cooking space than food trucks.
• Thanks for tuning into our blog this week! We look forward to seeing you next Monday, and remember if you dream it, we build it. If you have any questions about this article please contact Stephanie Jarrell at sales@customconcessions.com

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 Trucks vs. Food Trailers appeared first on Custom Concessions.