FOOD TRUCK BUSINESS

Here are some steps to start the food on the wheels business

LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT THE BUSINESS PLAN 

A food truck is a big motorized vehicle, such as a small bus or trailer, where you can cook, prep and sell your food. It comes with an organized and onboard kitchen with a long list of fast foods . World cuisine such as Italian, French and Mexican also find acceptance among foodies. In addition to food, they can sell cold drinks such as carbonated drinks and water. This new practise of dining had drawn inspiration from European countries. Running a food truck business is a great opportunity for businessmen if they are passionate about serving the best food.In contrast to opening a restaurant, there is no need to buy or rent expensive spaces so you get to start with a small investment.

Some food truck owners prefer to  park their vehicles in apartment buildings, private areas, schools or company offices. Many food trucks are transformed into fixed kitchens or parked for business in the basement of the mall or at private events. There are also a couple of food streets in large cities where you can start.Indeed, given that the threat of COVID-19 follows us everywhere, a food truck is a safer option.People can wait for food in their car’s security or can queue, keeping social distance.The benefit of mobility in a food truck allows owners to access several locations.The outbreak has changed the food truck industry:vehicles no longer operate in the streets, but have changed their business strategy. Many have converted into cloud kitchens and deliver food via online partners. Clients hire food trucks for special events such as business meetings, weddings or shoots for films.Some also carry ads and banners for various brands, providing a different source of revenue for the owner.

SETTING UP OF FOOD TRUCK 

Initially you should have a business plan that outlines the program for growth in future. A properly documented business plan is important if you are interested in fundraising from investors. It should include the following elements:

A) An overview of the company : Enumerate the reasons why you want to start the food truck venture. You should also point out in what way it will be different from competition.
B) Analysis of markets : You would need to write to find out who your target audience is and what will be your area of service.
C) A description of the product : List the food offer or, specifically, provide the details of the menu.

Starting a restaurant truck business will require an investment in – 

• Truck for the business
• Insurance 
• Promotion 
• Interior decoration
• Ingredients for cooking
• Disposable items
• Systems for the process of cooking
• POS software system
• Uniform for all staffs
• Certification of food safety

There are also recurring expenses such as – 

• Staff payroll
• Fuel
• Proper permits and licenses 

In India, the average start-up cost of a food truck business would range between 15 lakhs and 25 lakhs.It depends on what you’re going to sell and the type of vehicle.

To start a restaurant truck business, follow these steps – 

A) PROPER RESEARCH – You need to look up your city’s food truck scene for the following 

• Preference of taste by people
• What they want to eat on the run.
• Existing enterprises and their USPs.
• Demographics
• Premises to sell food.
• Crowded offices where to find potential customers.
• Inquiry for the type of product you wish to sell.

B) OPT FOR AN EXCLUSIVE DESIGN – Choose a concept that blends your unique style sensitivity with the interests of your target clients.You are required to choose a name and logo that represents your company. The name of the company , logo , and concept should be exclusive , memorable and give a clear idea about what you are planning to deliver. An interesting concept and a well-conceived logo can encourage a passerby to become a customer.

C) PICK THE RIGHT TRUCK – The vehicle is expected to be at least 18 feet in length, and a new one may cost between 7-8 lakhs INR.Food trucks are of various sizes and are personalised.The cost of the decor may range from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakhs. You may choose from one of the famous truck brands like Ashok Leyland, Mahindra, and Mahindra, or Tata. If you want to save expenses, you can buy a used one that will be about half the price of a new one.

D) LICENSES –

• Food License : FSSAI is the relevant governmental body which issues licences for all types of food enterprises. It certifies that foodstuffs are suitable for human consumption.
• NOC issued by the fire department : The trucks have boilers, deep fryers, gas appliances, grills, etc., all of which involve fire. Therefore, a fire department certification is mandatory.
• A local municipal corporation licence is required in order to serve food to the public.
• Commercial vehicle license : You must get a commercial vehicle permit from the RTO for the sale of food.

E) NECESSARY EQUIPMENTS – Obtain the necessary cooking equipment and raw ingredients for the tanker truck. This will include cooking containers, cutlery, stove, utensils, etc. You can also set up some tables and chairs, to give guests the opportunity to sit down. If you can get the commodities directly from the farmers, it’s going to be an absolute Unique Selling proposition ( USP). All of these items will drive you back about Rs 2 lakhs. 

F) HIRE THE PERSONNEL NECESSARY FOR THE PROPER OPERATION OF THE TRUCK.

G) MARKETING OF YOUR BUSINESS – If you put your brand on the vehicle and it circulates throughout the city, it’s going to be a great marketing tool. It is necessary to be active on social networks to declare its presence.

H) IT’S ALL ABOUT COMMUNICATION – As you are always on the go, you should have mobile phones so that customers can contact you.

I) CHOOSING THE APT LOCATION – Pick a street that has a steady stream of traffic to ensure great foot falls, and there are not many competitors. This should also be an area where there are young professionals or students. It’s a price-conscious category that prefers a restaurant truck to a gourmet restaurant.

J) INSURANCE – Opt for the right insurance coverage for your business and truck.

TRUCKS THAT SPECIALIZES IN GOURMET FOODS

Ethnic and fusion dishes are available in these trucks, and are handled by eminent chefs.They all have their own specializations. In the food truck industry, it is unclear how long you will have space and where you will be tomorrow.Many owners become diversified in other businesses.Since they are already in the food industry, opening a restaurant is a good alternative.The Indian restaurant industry is among the most dynamic in the world and by 2022-23 it is expected to grow to 5.99 lakh crore. 

Here you will learn how to open a restaurant 

• Set up suppliers and sellers for your restaurant.
• Decide upon design and location.Consideration must be given to the total capital that can be invested.APC gives you a sense of the amount a customer will typically spend in your restaurant.It is usually between Rs 50 – 500.
• Once you have decided on the concept, you need to plan the cuisine and the theme of the restaurant.
• The average size of a Quick Service restaurant would be approximately 450 square feet, and the rent will be approximately Rs 40,000 per month.
• You can arrange the start-up money either by self-financing, a loan or via angel/VC financing.
• Obtain any required licenses.
• Set up the right tech.
• Recruit the staff.

The restaurant truck is a profitable business where you can serve mouth-watering food and at the same time earn great profits. We hope that the preceding article will help you in your dream venture.