Food trucks are vehicles which serve food. Some have a kitchen on board that prepares food from scratch. Others heat it up in a brick and mortar commercial kitchen. A few sell frozen and prepackaged foods.
Finding a good location
Choosing the right location for your new business is no small feat. You want to choose a location with high foot traffic and a lot of competition. The competition will help keep your prices down. Whether you’re a food trucker or a brick and mortar eatery, you’ll need to do some homework to get it right.
The best locations to park your wares are in places like large business buildings, malls, and plazas. There’s no shame in letting your customers know you’re nearby and what to expect from you. Be sure to pay attention to parking regulations as well. Thankfully, the city of Phoenix is known for its liberal zoning laws.
It’s easy to see why the city is a food trucker’s haven. In fact, you might be surprised at how many food trucks operate in the Phoenix metro area. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a wannabe, you can start up a new business based on the Phoenix food truck scene.
Zoning and parking restrictions
If you own a food truck, you need to understand the zoning and parking restrictions of your local area. These rules can vary a great deal from city to city. Some cities allow food trucks to park in public right-of-way while others prohibit them. You may have to purchase a permit to operate your mobile food business in your community.
Many urban environments enforce a two-hour parking restriction. Drivers who park illegally will be ticketed.
In addition to the two-hour limit, you will have to make sure that you meet certain other regulations. For instance, you will have to get a health permit and a parking permit. Also, you will have to apply for a special event permit. The cost of these permits can vary greatly.
In some communities, you must also receive clearance from the Department of Public Works before the Department of Public Health can issue you a food truck permit. Similarly, you will need to obtain approval for a variance from the Board of Zoning Adjustments.
Cost of starting a food truck
The cost of starting a food truck business can range from less than $75,000 to more than $250,000, depending on the type of equipment you want to purchase. If you have a good credit history, you may qualify for a small loan from a bank. You can also borrow money from an equipment finance company, or get a business credit card.
Before you start, you should develop a business plan. This will include your financial goals, your customers’ perception of your business, and your growth plans. It should also include details such as your marketing strategy and how you plan to fund your business.
In addition, you’ll need a license to operate your business. Different states have different regulations. For example, you’ll need to register your business entity with the state and get a sales tax permit.
Starting a food truck requires a lot of work. You’ll need to find a location, prepare and clean your equipment, and advertise. Also, you’ll need to choose a schedule and employees.