Vendor services.

Start a Food Truck

The food truck industry remains the fastest growing segment of food service. The recession of 2008 pushed talented chefs and restaurateurs out of brick-and-mortars to realize their dreams of owning their own business through a food truck. The industry now sees global interest from customers and restaurateurs alike.

The Food Truck Handbook by David Weber and Running a Food Truck for Dummies by Richard Myrick are both very helpful books to start with. Like every new business, it takes a committed planning process to take your concept from idea to the road.

Is the food truck industry easy?

Don't be fooled by the movie Chef. If you plan on owning and operating your food truck, you should expect long days: planning, shopping, prepping, marketing, cooking, selling, cleaning, storing, bookkeeping, forecasting, scheduling, and advertising. You'll become an expert in many domains of the restaurant business — plus mechanical issues and weather hazards.

Where should I start?

Start with your business plan. Write down every idea, establish a business model and a brand, and map out the finances. Then research permits, certifications, and local regulations.

What should I know?

It's important to be aware of the local and regional regulations, including permits and certifications. Food truck operators are responsible for the happiness and the safety of their customers. Research the legislative and the operational side of mobile food before you spend money on a build.

Permits & Regulatory Know-How

Getting your own permits ensures you know the process and don't have to rely on costly consultants when renewals come due.

For regulatory questions, the enforcement agencies that issue your permits are the best source of information. Always get the name and email from anyone that gives you information so you can hold them accountable if someone else in the department gives you contradictory information. When you are done talking to anyone in a position of authority, email them what you talked about to make sure there is a record.

Health Permits

Usually county issued. Bigger cities will have their own departments. This is a permit to serve food. The Health Department only cares about food safety.

Business Licenses / Vendor Permits / Peddlers Permits

Unless your region is unincorporated, this will be city issued. Any info you receive, get names and email addresses from government employees giving you the information you requested. This permit is to sell food. They don't deal with food safety — just collecting taxes and permit fees. They will also be able to tell you where your truck can park and sell.

Fire Departments

A fire department sign-off is necessary in some jurisdictions. They will be looking at fire suppression, gas lines, and safety valves.

Working on a Food Truck

Nothing beats actual first-hand knowledge of food truck operations. If there are food trucks in your region and you are serious about starting your own food truck, getting a job on a food truck is the very best option to learn the business fast.

Learn from the Industry

Watch the food truck tutorial, the Best Food Trucks Podcasts, and the fire safety video. Also read through the Best Food Trucks blogs — Matt Geller wrote most of them.