How to Build Your Own Catering Truck

There are many types of catering trucks, from premade to home-built. The truck must meet rigid food service regulations, just as a restaurant would. A van with an extended roof will also make a nice catering truck. Equipment can be purchased new or used at local restaurant supply stores.

Instructions

1. Clean the inside of the vehicle. If you are using a van and it has carpets, remove them. Remove all of the seats, except those in the front. If you are using a used catering truck, remove all of the equipment.. Lay down a tile floor. Choose a tiling that is easy to clean. If you are using a van, make the counter at the back double doors, or cut a window out of the side of the van.
2. Clean any used equipment with a degreaser, then a bleach and water solution. You will need, at a minimum, a refrigerator, grill and a warming plate or warming light. Purchase utensils, such as spatulas, spoons and grill scrapers.
3. Arrange equipment so that it is easy to reach everything without having to make more than a few steps. This is important when you are working a busy venue. All of the equipment should run on propane---even the refrigerator, as you may not have an electrical hookup at certain venues.
4. Hook up the equipment up to propane bottles. Make sure the shut-off valve is in easy reach for each of the pieces of equipment. The propane bottles should be mounted outside of the vehicle (this is a safety concern). Keep a few extra propane tanks around.
5. Contact the local food service inspection company or code enforcement agency for the catering truck's first inspection. They will inspect the truck and issue you an inspection license if the catering truck passes. Once you have passed cleanliness and safety inspections, purchase food and find a venue. Only purchase what food will be used in a few days.

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How to Start a Lunch Truck Business

If you've ever wanted to open your own restaurant but worried about the high costs of real estate, monthly rent and operating costs, a lunch truck business could be the perfect solution. A lunch truck is a restaurant on wheels, and the only operating costs are those of the lunch truck rather than a restaurant building and employees. With a lunch truck business, you are in control and always in a great location with plenty of hungry customers.

Suggestions

1. Write a business plan that includes both your short-term and long-term goals. You'll need to include estimates of profitability, equipment and supplies costs, and operating costs. This is also a good way to map out what type of foods you'll be serving and your target demographic.
2. Buy a food truck. You'll be able to save money if you purchase a used food truck. Previously-used food trucks will also be outfitted with the necessities and you won't have to spend extra money renovating your truck. The type of kitchen you'll need on your food truck will depend on the type of food you serve and how much of it needs to be prepared on the truck itself. You'll also need to take into consideration how many people will be working on the truck at a time.
3. Contact your local business department to find out which permits you'll need to run a food truck. Permit and licensing information will vary by state and district, so make sure to contact the business department for the area you'll be operating your business in. Also, contact your local health department to have your food truck inspected. The health inspection process will vary by location.
4. Market your business via social networking sites, email blasts and a professional website. Make sure your website includes your menu, hours of operation and where your food truck will be located.
5. Choose a prime spot to sell your product. Even with the best business plan and food concept, you'll be running a flailing business if you haven't chosen a high-traffic location. Hungry groups of people tend to crowd around business offices, college campuses and entertainment venues. If your area already has a high influx of street vendors and food trucks, either scope out a new area or see if their schedules leave a gap during the day.

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What Kitchen Equipment Is Needed for a Catering Truck?

A kitchen on wheels, or catering truck, can deliver food for special events or sell food on street corners. Mobile restaurants became trendy during the 2010 decade, but so-called "chow-wagons" were popular on military bases decades before that. If you're thinking of starting your own catering truck business, you should contact your local health department before purchasing equipment as regulations could impact your business

Things You'll Need

Cooler or Refrigerator

• No matter what you sell at your stand, a cooler or refrigerator will be needed to safely store uncooked food. This equipment needs to be able to maintain temperatures below 40 degrees throughout the day. If you select a cooler, you will need to fill it with ice every day and move your food inside your home each night to prevent waste. A cooler can also be used to display and sell cold beverages along with your food.

Cooking Equipment

• Once you decide what kind of food you want to sell, then you can select the cooking equipment you need. Fryers can prepare food like corn dogs, french fries, onion rings or jalapeno poppers. Grills can be used to cook meals like kabobs, burgers, taco meat or chicken. Don't limit yourself to these common options, though. Mobile restaurants can sell slow-cooked barbecue, crepes, pizza and or even soup.

 

Warming Station

• If you plan to cook your food to order, you will not need a warming station but that could result in slower service. To prepare for big lunch rushes, it might be a good idea to prepare a lot of food ahead of time and store it in a warming station at safe temperatures for as long as you need. A warming station usually includes heat lamps and a surface or tray where food can be stored underneath.

Running Water

• Many community health codes require running water inside of any food service business sp employees can thoroughly wash their hands. If your area requires this, you will need to install a hand washing sink, water heater and water hook-up line. If you have the room, you can include a water storage tank which will give you more freedom when selecting spots to set up shop. Consult a professional plumber when installing this equipment to ensure your water is safe.

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How to Start a Mobile Kitchen Business

Mobile kitchens, also known as catering and food trucks, are a type of food business that operates by going to different locations throughout the year. Various types of food, from ice cream to sandwiches, are sold by mobile food kitchens, and they can be found all across the country. Starting a mobile kitchen business is less risky than opening a full restaurant, as the start-up expenses are much lower. To grow a successful mobile kitchen business, there are several things you should consider.

Suggestions

1. Sell a specific type of food. The space you have to cook and sell from will be quite small, so you should specialize in a certain niche. For instance, you can sell cupcakes, tacos, gourmet hot dogs, crepes or burgers.
2. Contact your state's department of health to determine what permits and certifications you will need to legally operate a mobile kitchen, as well as which areas in town you're allowed to sell in. Depending on where your business is located, you may need a food enterprise license, tax permit, food handler permit or food manager certification.
3. Rent or buy a mobile kitchen. There are several kinds available, and what you get should be determined by the amount of space you need and the type of vehicle you want to use. Most mobile kitchens are large trucks.
4. Develop a menu of items that can be eaten without sitting down; as you are operating a mobile kitchen, you won't have any seating for your customers. For example, instead of selling steaks, you can sell steak sandwiches or steak wraps.
5. Source your food ingredients locally, if at all possible. Doing so will lower your operating costs, since you will not have to pay as much to ship and transport the food you use.
6. Buy wholesale napkins, cups, plates and utensils instead of paying full retail price. You will save money in the long run doing this, especially since mobile kitchens tend to use a large number of these items.
7. Promote your mobile kitchen business. Let customers know where you are each day via your blog or social networking accounts. Put up large, attractive signage and menu boards and offer samples to people passing by.
8. Earn extra revenue year-round by vending at city fairs, carnivals, car shows, flea markets or farmers markets.

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