Pre-made sandwiches are popular lunch truck items.
Starting a lunch truck business is an ideal way to enter into the food service industry without investing in a restaurant. A lunch truck runs from early in the morning until mid-afternoon traveling around town, offering lunch to office and manufacturing workers. If you have multiple shift workers in your town, you may consider running your truck in the evening too, as the traditional dinner hour is often a second shift worker's lunch hour.
Instructions
1. Write a business plan. Investing in a lunch truck is a major business venture. Writing out a business plan will help you determine your costs, expenses and potential income, as well as set short- and long-term goals for your business. You can also include a section dedicated to your marketing research and ideas.
2. Evaluate your finances. A lunch truck is an expensive purchase. You will also need to purchase ingredients and other equipment, plus pay the fees associated with permits and licenses. Be sure you have enough money to cover your personal expenses for at least three months while you get your new business off the ground. Check your credit rating. You'll want to clear up any outstanding credit issues before you apply for a loan to buy a truck if you need to. If you don't want or can't get a loan and don't have enough money up front, consider asking friends and family to invest.
3. Purchase a lunch truck. Find used lunch trucks for sale in classified ads or online. The food truck should have kitchen equipment inside already. Make sure it is in good working order (or can be easily fixed) before purchasing. This will be your most significant up-front expense.
4. Call your county health department and find out what type of health license you need to operate your food truck. You will need to get an inspection first and this will tell you what, if any, changes need to be made to the unit itself.
5. Call your city clerk's office and find out what type of permit you need to set your food truck up at different locations or in just one spot. As long as your truck is licensed by the health department and you select a location that isn't impeding other businesses, you will most likely not have a problem getting a permit. Fees for permits vary depending on the city and state.
6. Develop your menu. Menus for lunch trucks vary, from basics like hot dogs, burgers and sandwiches, to the gourmet. Consider what types of restaurants in your area do well and plan your own menu accordingly. Having some cold foods, like sandwiches and bagels, wrapped and ready to go can save your customers time in line and can be prepared beforehand.
7. Purchase your ingredients, paper service products and any other equipment items you need. Decide what types of food items you will offer. Restaurant supply and warehouse stores offer bulk foods at lower prices than grocery stores, so seek one out for your menu items. Look for low-cost paper products that will be easy for your customers to use.
8. Promote your lunch truck before you start selling. Hand out fliers and menus to the businesses you are targeting; let them know what day you're starting and what time you'll be there. Having customers looking for you will give you a head start.
9. Create a website. The website can give potential customers information about your times and locations. You can also use the site to take orders, particularly large ones, online the day before you go to a certain location. Successful websites are simple and user-friendly. Accompany pictures of your food with concise descriptions and an easy way to order if you choose to offer this option.
10. Drive your lunch truck to locations you believe will be popular. Put a sandwich board-style sign out in front of the truck letting people know you're open, what your specials are and what they cost.
Tags: lunch truck, food truck, your food, your menu, business plan