Starting a Mobile Food Catering Business

mobile food
Mobile catering business is dynamic and has many formats. Mobile catering is common in large cities where teeming crowd unable to eat breakfast patronize such food vendors.
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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