Mobile catering accounts for a billion dollar industry
that is still growing. Each country has its own unique twist to this
interesting business.
The mode of delivery are either mechanized or manual
however the function and purpose the same. The mobile food vendor’s primary
function is to provide hot food to hungry commuters and office workers.
The trucks and carts used for vending purposes are many
depending of the mode of transportation and functionality. They provide food in
public places, venues and sometimes home delivery.
The vendor may favor a sweet spot, park at popular events
or operate on a circuit. The popularity of mobile catering is based on the need
for cheaper delicious meals.
Things
to Consider
There are a few things to consider before starting your
mobile catering service. You need to consider how much is needed to launch the
enterprise.
Knowing the cost startup
cost implications will aid budgeting. How much catering and small business
experience do you have?
If you have little cooking experience then you need to
employ a chef to prepare the meals. Are
you starting the business on a part time bases or as a full time business.
Finally what unique products are you going to sell that
differentiate your establishment from other mobile food vendors? To operate a
mobile catering service there are a few guidelines and laws to follow.
Starting
a Mobile Food Catering Business
Registration
and License
Before you start your catering service you need to apply
for a food vending license. Other instruments are motor vehicle license and
insurance.
To sell your food publicly your kitchen should comply
with food safety laws. You need health certification and trade permit.
You also need to apply for a business license and incorporate
the company. The business could fall under sole proprietorship or limited
liability and comply with health departments rules guiding the enterprise.
Buy a
Vending Vehicle
There are a few types of vehicles to consider for your
food catering business. You can purchase a gourmet food truck, regular food
truck or concession trailer. Other types are food carts and the popular food
kiosk.
Concession
Trailer
A concession trailers is cost effective, popular and easy
to manage. They are easy to assemble and move from one place to the other.
Concession trailer attract less permits, are easy to
maintain and fit snuggly in small spaces. The menus are either cooked onsite,
pre-cooked or produced in advance. Common examples of concession trailer food
are ice creams, hot dog, sausages, pies and fruit drinks.
Food
Kiosks
Food kiosks are more stationary and are built-up temporary
structures. Operators need approval from regulatory authority before setting up
a food kiosk.
The effectiveness
of this business format is location-location. Kiosks are easy to assemble and
move and are popular at event locations.
Popular locations are stadiums, outside a mall, office
complex and theaters. The size of the kiosk limits the inventory and type of
food you can produce.
Food
Truck
A food truck is a kitchen on wheel and accommodates lots
of equipment. Food trucks are able to produce a verity of food based on the
menu.
A mobile food
business operating out of a food truck is able to make lots of money. The truck
can accommodate two or three chefs dishing out delicious meals.
Common food associated to food trucks are sandwiches,
pizza, burgers, hot dogs, spaghetti and packaged food. A fully fitted food truck could cost $25,000
to $90,000 depending on the design, equipment and functionality.
Plan
the Menu
Plan the menu carefully before investing in raw material.
You need to understand the type of customer and their preferences.
Create a menu based on availability of raw materials and
popularity of the food. There is a large choice of meals from fast food such as
meat pies, doughnuts, sausage rolls and pizza. The business can make full
meals, packaged meals or snacks.
Carry
out a Feasibility Study
Carry out a feasibility study to find good locations for
your business. A good location is where there is huge pedestrian population and
offices.
Find out sources of raw material and location of
restaurants and canteens in the area. You can approach property owners for
setup agreements and deals.
There are some open spaces that require state permits to
sell your food. Food business is tough and requires lots of effort to make
profit. You need a selling point and unique tasty products to attract
customers. How to Start a Concession Stand Business
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