Food trucks have become increasingly popular over the years. They pop up at breweries, parks and even weddings. They are cheaper to fund than an entire restaurant, and food truck owners love that they can travel around and find new clients. Starting a food truck is exciting but a lot of work. Before you jump in with both feet, develop a smart business plan. Make sure to go through these steps to ensure that your business is able to take off.
Develop a Concept
There is a lot of competition in the food truck industry, so you need to find something that will help your business stand out. If you have sushi, tacos and cheeseburgers on your menu, people will be confused. It is important to focus on one type of food. You can always find a way to make a twist on your items to help your truck stand out, or you can always just make really good food. Don’t make your menu too big. Remember that this is a food truck and you only have so much space inside.
Make a Business Plan
Before you are able to go to the bank and get a loan, you will need to write a business plan. Most banks expect you to have this ready at your meeting. A business plan should include information on the financials, marketing plan, what products and services you will provide and organization and management information. This plan is not just for the bank. It will also help you to run your business more smoothly in the first year.
Get Funding and Permits
Opening a food truck requires different permits depending on your location. No matter where you are though, you will need to get a food handler’s certificate. This can usually be done online at places like probeit.ca. You will probably require a bank loan to open your business. Simply set up a meeting, present them with your business plan and see what type of loan you qualify for.
Once all of these steps are complete you are ready to buy your truck and get started. The work definitely isn’t over yet though. Make sure that you are getting your name out there and constantly drumming up new business as soon as you open. Go on social media, look for events to attend in your area and make good food so that you can get great reviews. Keep working hard because it just may pay off in the long run.
