If you are new in the food truck industry, you may want to learn about the different features that a food truck has to offer.
Storage areas
If you have any paper goods, non-perishables and dry goods to store, make sure that your food truck is equipped with sufficient cupboards and enclosed cabinets. You will need to make sure that its doors are securely closed while driving the truck, so that you wouldn’t have to worry about your items falling off during travel. Most food truck owners opt for built-in steel prep counters, since they are food-safe and makes food preparation easier. Like all other food establishments, it is important to keep hazardous materials and cleaning products away from your food supplies and serving utensils.
Refrigerators, stoves and grills
Many food truck manufacturing companies such as Creative Mobile Systems and Armenco, offer food trucks with built in refrigerators, grills and stoves. Before making a purchase, make sure that these are securely bolted, as well as proper electrical outlets and ventilation are also provided.
Service window
For your food truck, you may want to get one with a large window so that you can serve food to your customers easily. Having an outside counter would be to your advantage too since you will have an area to hold condiments, utensils and napkins for your customers. You may also have the option of purchasing a separate awning over your food truck’s window.
Health and safety concerns
Before you can get your permit or license for your food truck business, the vehicle must first pass the necessary fire and safety inspections by the local government. Make sure that you have the necessary fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and a sprinkler system, as well as make your floors and wall surfaces safe for the food you will be preparing and serving to your customers.
Buying tips worth keeping in mind
If you have any plans on purchasing a food truck and starting your own business, below are just useful tips you may want to remember to make a wise investment.
If you plan on purchasing a used food truck, you'll need to consider its age, mileage and condition. Remember to check the engine AND the equipment in the truck.
As in all purchases, you should consider your needs before buying a food truck. Below are some of the factors that you will need to consider before making a purchase:
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The menu that you will offer to your clients. When buying a food truck, make sure that it has all the tools that you need in preparing the food, as well as making the task easier and more efficient.
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The size of the food truck. The size is one of the most important aspects in a food truck, especially since it will determine how easy it would be for you to prepare the food you will serve. If you also have plans on hiring a staff or crew for your business, you need to make sure that the space will be enough for a few people to move in comfortably.
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Is there proper ventilation inside the vehicle? Your cooking equipment and appliances can generate lots of heat if you have a small space for food preparation. If no sufficient ventilation is placed on board, heat will be built up quickly, which will cause discomfort to you and your crew.
The price for food truck vehicles may vary depending on the manufacturer, model and the features that it has to offer. If you are in a tight budget, you can opt for used and fully equipped food trucks with prices ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. New food trucks on the other hand, can be quite expensive, but they may also give you the option of customizing your truck depending to suit your needs.
Find new and used food trucks for sale at sites such as http://www.FoodTruckSalesCenter.com, where they apply custom search and filtering to bring you fresh ads and auctions for food trucks of all types.