About Catering Trucks
Catering trucks allow you to combine a food service business with the flexibility of moving the business from one location to another. There are advantages to being able to change the location of a food business. One of the most attractive benefits is having different menu options that generate profit based on the needs of your customers at specific locations. This business is often easier to operate than a stationary restaurant. You can serve coffee and breakfast, hot dogs with all the trimmings, or boxed lunches and more from a mobile catering truck.
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History
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In many industrialized areas of the country, mobile catering trucks are a familiar sight. Office workers and factory workers depended on their local mobile caterer to supply them with breakfast, soft pretzels, hot dogs and quick sandwiches in large cities for most of the 20th century. Originally, many food vendors used small wooden or metal carts to serve their customers. Food safety regulations and local government restrictions made it necessary to upgrade this food business. Most mobile caterers now use specially designed vans with complete kitchens that meet modern sanitation requirements.
Types
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Mobile catering business owners enjoy a great deal of flexibility in their choice of equipment. This business has relatively low start-up costs. The primary investment is the vehicle of choice. Next, the business must equip the vehicle with food preparation equipment that meets local sanitary regulations. This includes stainless steel sinks and preparation areas, a grill or cook top, refrigeration and a source of running water. Fortunately, many companies sell new and used vehicles that meet these specifications. In addition, you can choose to start a mobile catering business by purchasing a franchise. In exchange, you get a proven business plan and a mobile food unit that will allow you to set up your operations quickly.
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Considerations
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Every municipality in America regulates business activities. A business license, food handling permits and possibly training are often required before your mobile catering truck can start serving food. Contact your city and state government about licensing requirements for mobile catering trucks before you buy one or look at franchise opportunities.
Potential
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Mobile catering truck owners can increase profits from their business by adding services. Some mobile catering businesses lease a permanent space in an underutilized area and provide seating for their customers near the vehicle. The chairs and tables can be transported on top of the truck if it is large enough, or a small trailer can be used specifically for that purpose. In many cases, customers who linger around the truck attract more customers or make additional purchases before leaving the area. This option works best in temperate climates.
Benefits
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Some mobile catering businesses secure choice spots at public sports and cultural events. They enjoy a captive population and repeat customers who look forward to sampling the fare they know from vendors they trust. Even though most events of this kind take place on weekends only, some mobile caterers actually make a full-time income just working in this market.
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