Custom Concessions http://www.customconcessions.com Mon, 30 Aug 2021 18:12:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8.1 http://www.customconcessions.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/cropped-Fav-32x32.jpg Custom Concessions http://www.customconcessions.com 32 32 Why Your Food Truck Should Offer a Military Discount http://www.customconcessions.com/why-your-food-truck-should-offer-a-military-discount/ Mon, 30 Aug 2021 18:12:09 +0000 https://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13884 There are more than 1.3 million active-duty military members. Including their spouses and children, there are over 1.5 million additional active-duty military family members. So what does this mean for you as a food truck owner? It means there’s a big opportunity to expand your customer base while also helping your local community. You can […]

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Close up of military uniform with painted rustic boards of USA flag in background.

There are more than 1.3 million active-duty military members. Including their spouses and children, there are over 1.5 million additional active-duty military family members.

So what does this mean for you as a food truck owner? It means there’s a big opportunity to expand your customer base while also helping your local community. You can do this by offering a discount to military members and their families. 

Read on for reasons why your food truck should offer a military appreciation discount, and how this simple discount can be beneficial to you and your military customers.

Gain a New Loyal Customer Base

When you advertise a military discount, word travels among military families. This discount will attract hungry military members to your food truck during their lunch break. 

Once you create a customer base, you want to keep them coming back for more. They’ll start to bring their co-workers along. Soon enough, they will bring their families even on their days off. 

Serve Military Bases

One of the perks of owning a food truck business is that you can take your business to any part of town. To connect with military members and their families, look up nearby military bases and see if you can operate there once or twice a week. You’ll need to make sure and get the necessary permissions before setting up nearby.

Build Your Company Image

Not only will you build a great reputation with military families, but a military discount (and veteran’s discount) shows non-military people that you care. Chances are, they have a friend or relative that serves. Because of this, they are also more likely to recommend your business to others. 

Help Your Business

Though at first it seems counter-intuitive, offering any discount will drive up your business.

For example, customers eligible for the discount might end up buying more because it seems like they are saving money. In the case of the year-round military discount, your military customers will visit more often, increasing sales over time.

Show Your Support 

Military discounts benefit everyone involved. Military families, especially younger military families with children, live on tight budgets. Financially, offering a discount helps them save a little bit of money when feeding their families. More so, it shows that you support and salute their service.

How Much to Offer for a Military Discount

Most restaurants or stores with a year-round military discount offer somewhere between 10-15% off for military members and their families. 

Along with the year-round military discount, consider upping the amount for anything surrounding military appreciation holidays or events. Military appreciation discounts work well for Memorial Day weekend, the Fourth of July, and Veteran’s Day. This would be a great time to offer 20-25% off, to show military members and their families how much you appreciate their service. 

Show Your Military Appreciation With a Discount

From gaining a new customer base to showing your support for the armed forces, there are multiple reasons why your food truck should offer a military discount. Start offering a military discount today; your customers will appreciate it. 

For more tips on how to successfully run your food truck business, check out the rest of our blog.

Want more food truck advice? Check out more blog posts here!

Thinking about starting a food truck? Request a free custom quote and one of our food truck specialists will help you design the truck of your dreams.

Stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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5 Things You Should Know Before Buying a Food Truck http://www.customconcessions.com/5-things-you-should-know-before-buying-a-food-truck/ Fri, 06 Aug 2021 19:22:09 +0000 https://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13863 The average cost of opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant is $275,000. If you’re an aspiring restaurateur, you’ve likely looked into your options, like buying a food truck. Sounds simple, right? Here are 5 things you should know before you start your food truck adventure! 1. The Cost of Starting up  The costs of […]

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red food truck parked on a city street

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels

The average cost of opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant is $275,000. If you’re an aspiring restaurateur, you’ve likely looked into your options, like buying a food truck. Sounds simple, right?

Here are 5 things you should know before you start your food truck adventure!

1. The Cost of Starting up 

The costs of starting a food truck business are more than the vehicle, fuel, and food expenses. Unless you’re prepared to do it all on your own, you’ll need to hire and train employees. A food truck needs to be checked out and maintained by a mechanic, like any other vehicle.

Overall, the upfront cost for launching your mobile restaurant business can be over $150,000. Along with equipment for your truck and other essential supplies, you also need to acquire licenses and permits.

2. Licensing, Regulations, Insurance, and Permits

There’s a lot of paperwork and legal costs to handle before you drive your food truck out on the road. In most cases, you can drive a mobile food business without a CDL, unless the vehicle is 26,001 pounds or heavier. Check with your state’s motor vehicle commission for specifics.

You’ll need comprehensive insurance coverage that protects you, any passengers, your equipment, and members of the public. You should have a warranty, which helps to limit out-of-pocket expenses such as repairs. 

Lastly, you’ll need to register and license your business so you can acquire parking permits. Cities, especially big cities, have zoning laws that govern where people can park and where businesses can operate. Unfortunately, sometimes the legal expenses can cost you a pretty penny, but they’re necessary for running any mobile restaurant.

3. Research Types of Food Trucks 

No matter how basic your menu is or how little equipment you think you’ll need, you should research the model and types on the market to learn everything about which is the right food truck for you. Factors from your food offerings, to where you plan to sell, and when, are all things to consider when looking at trucks. Your mobile kitchen should fit all of your needs. You don’t want to invest in a truck that you later find out isn’t going to be a good fit. So do your homework!

4. Have a Digital Marketing Strategy 

If you’re not marketing your mobile food business, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Even before launching, you should have a digital marketing and social media strategy. Establish and stick to brand identity for your online presence. 

Sending out a few tweets here and there isn’t enough. You’ll need a proper social media campaign to really launch your business off the ground. It’s especially important to make sure followers (read: potential customers) know where and when to find your truck!

5. Learn From Your Competition 

When figuring out where to buy a food truck, or how much is it to buy a food truck, you shouldn’t expect too much help from your competitors. The food truck industry is very competitive. Look into how other food trucks started (such as looking at their social media campaigns) or scout out the best spots in your city to sell.

Looking at your competitors will also give you an idea of what may be in-demand in your area. If the trucks in your city sell similar products consider introducing something completely different. If you’re one of ten other BBQ trucks, you’ll need some pretty amazing food to stand out from the crowd. 

What to Know Before Buying a Food Truck 

The upfront costs of buying a food truck can be steep. Permits, insurance, warranties, and other legal expenses are a necessary evil. But if you’re a truck die-hard food trucker, that won’t scare you off. To help your start-up, ensure you have a solid digital marketing strategy and you learn from your competitors to see how they succeeded.

If you want to know more about buying a food truck, request a custom quote from us today!

Want more food truck advice? Check out more blog posts here!

Thinking about starting a food truck? Request a free custom quote and one of our food truck specialists will help you design the truck of your dreams.

Stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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4 Important Food Truck Safety Tips http://www.customconcessions.com/4-important-food-truck-safety-tips/ Fri, 06 Aug 2021 13:54:20 +0000 https://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13859 Food trucks tend to have a bad rep when it comes to food safety. Any business that works in food service needs to be vigilant and follow proper protocols. When you own a mobile restaurant business, the safety and health of your employees and your customers should be a top priority. Keep […]

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food truck worker holding a burger

Photo by Kampus Production from Pexels

Food trucks tend to have a bad rep when it comes to food safety. Any business that works in food service needs to be vigilant and follow proper protocols. When you own a mobile restaurant business, the safety and health of your employees and your customers should be a top priority.

Keep reading to learn the best safety practices for your food truck. 

1. Properly Train Your Employees 

Your employees should be trained in proper food handling and how to operate the equipment in a food truck. In some states, food service employees must pass a food handler’s course and acquire a permit. These courses teach workers about proper sanitation, food handling and storage, and preventing the spread of food-borne disease. 

The FDA provides a handbook for retail food protection. It helps food service workers to learn essential employee health and hygiene matters. Your employees probably won’t seek out this information on their own, so it’s your job as their employer to stay on top of things.

2. Tell Sick Employees to Stay Home 

If an employee shows up to work sick, you should send them home. The same goes for if they get sick at work. Sick workers can infect food or contaminate the equipment they are working with.  

Additionally, sick workers cannot focus completely, making them prone to accidents or other hazards. This is a big red flag for health inspectors. If the health department finds out sick employees were handling and distributing food, you can face major fines and/or a shutdown.

3. Prepare for Emergencies

Any number of accidents can happen on a food truck. During a lunch-hour rush, it’s easy for someone to misplace a knife or stick a hand where they shouldn’t.

Burns are a typical injury for food truck workers. Have the proper tools to handle hot cookware and never leave hot equipment unattended. Make sure there you have both first aid kit and fire extinguisher in reach.

Physical harm isn’t the only potential emergency to plan for. You should have emergency safety protocols printed in a binder and kept in a secure place in the truck. Make sure all of the employees know the procedure for things like power outages, robberies, car accidents, and more.

4. Perform Regular Inspections 

Schedule times to inspect your truck, and regularly review a health and safety checklist that is specific for food truck owners. Take note of any hazards or potential dangers during your walkthrough. Here are some signs to look for:

  • Ensure containers are separated, and there is no cross-contamination between foods (potential allergens, raw, and cooked foods) 
  • Check refrigerator and freezer temperatures to make sure food is kept at a safe temperature
  • Food containers and storage bins are labeled properly 
  • Cleaning supplies are stored away from food products 
  • Employees are aware of proper hand washing, cleaning, food preparation, and serving techniques
  • The ventilation system is clean and up-to-date 

Having a regular walkthrough gives you the chance to identify problems before they become serious, as well as ensure your employees are aware of your expectations. Consider doing surprise inspections, so you can observe employee behavior when they haven’t had time to do anything differently.

Tips for Keeping Your Food Truck Safe

Food truck safety means having employees that are properly trained and certified in food handling. They should know what to do in the event of an emergency and how to find help. You can encourage safe practices by performing regular inspections and making sure no one is sick on the job.

For more tips on how to run a safe food truck, take a look at the rest of our blog.

Want more food truck advice? Check out more blog posts here!

Thinking about starting a food truck? Request a free custom quote and one of our food truck specialists will help you design the truck of your dreams.

Stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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How to Make Your Vehicle Stand Out at a Food Truck Festival http://www.customconcessions.com/how-to-make-your-vehicle-stand-out-at-a-food-truck-festival/ Mon, 02 Aug 2021 17:36:06 +0000 https://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13851 As of 2018, there were almost 6,000 food truck establishments. That number has doubled since 2013! Are you thinking about offering your food at the next local food truck festival? Then you’ll want to know how to make your vehicle stand out from the crowd. Read on for our best tips! Make Sure […]

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mini food truck selling frozen yogurt

As of 2018, there were almost 6,000 food truck establishments. That number has doubled since 2013!

Are you thinking about offering your food at the next local food truck festival? Then you’ll want to know how to make your vehicle stand out from the crowd. Read on for our best tips!

Make Sure Your Branding Is on Point

When you think of major food brands, what pops into your mind? With McDonald’s, it’s the golden arches—with Wendy’s, it’s their red-haired mascot.

Having strong branding means people will quickly recall your business name and image. What does this mean for you? You need to make sure the branding on your food truck is on point.

Often, the best thing is to keep things simple but striking. This strategy gives you maximum impact and also minimizes confusion.

Use a Vehicle Wrap to Attract Attention

A vehicle wrap is an excellent way to not only attract attention, but also to bring your branding to life. You’ll want something that stands out, but make sure you keep it in line with your branding to form a cohesive message.

Lettering on the vehicle wrap should be large enough to see in a crowd or from a moderate distance. The text might look plenty big when you’re standing right next to it, but take into consideration how big it needs to be for someone to see from a good ways. That way, you’ll draw in more potential customers.

The same goes for any images you use. If you have an exterior TV menu with food photos, make sure they are large enough for people to see from farther back in the line.

Perk up the Front of Your Food Truck Area

People don’t just attend food truck festivals to stuff their faces. They go for the overall experience, which is why you’ll often find entertainment such as bands, piano players, and more at the best food truck festival in town.

To add to this atmosphere, you might want to consider sprucing up the area right around your food truck.

For example, if you’re selling lobster rolls, you can expand on this theme by placing beach chairs and umbrellas up front. For an extra touch, you can even put a few beach balls around and have a sprinkle of sand on the ground.

The sky is the limit, just make sure any extra flair you add complements your branding, and that it’s allowed per festival rules.

Stand Out at the Next Food Truck Festival

Now know what you can do to make your vehicle stand out at your next food truck festival!

While it’s true that your food should speak for itself, good marketing is a way to snag first-time customers. Otherwise, your food won’t even get the chance to reach people’s palates. Branding piques their interest; your amazing food is what keeps them coming back again and again.

Looking to upgrade your food truck? Get in touch with us now!

Want more food truck advice? Check out more blog posts here!

Thinking about starting a food truck? Request a free custom quote and one of our food truck specialists will help you design the truck of your dreams.

Stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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The Importance of Regular Maintenance for Your Food Truck http://www.customconcessions.com/the-importance-of-regular-maintenance-for-your-food-truck/ Mon, 26 Jul 2021 18:59:58 +0000 https://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13841 There are over 24,000 active food truck businesses in the U.S. Whether you’re starting out or have been delivering food on the go for years, maintaining your truck is extremely important.  But what goes into regular food truck maintenance? And why is it so important? That’s what we’ll be looking at today. […]

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wrenches and other tools hanging on a work bench

There are over 24,000 active food truck businesses in the U.S. Whether you’re starting out or have been delivering food on the go for years, maintaining your truck is extremely important. 

But what goes into regular food truck maintenance? And why is it so important?

That’s what we’ll be looking at today. In this article, we’re highlighting why regular maintenance matters for your food truck and tips on keeping your vehicle in tip-top shape. 

Regular Maintenance Delivers More Food

The low-hanging fruit of regular food truck maintenance is that it keeps your operation going. The more you pay attention to how your truck is doing, the more time you can spend on the street selling your products. 

Many people choose food trucks because it’s cheaper and slightly easier than owning a traditional storefront. The number of documents and regulations you have to work around is different than owning a store, but it’s still necessary. 

Additionally, just as a traditional restaurant owner has to pay attention to their AC units or other machinery, a food truck owner needs to keep their eye on their truck. 

After all, if your truck stops working, your entire business grinds to a halt. 

Less Downtime Equals Greater Revenue

Things like checking your engines, keeping a tidy washing station, and maintaining a good power supply are just a few things you can do to keep your food truck in good shape. 

Being on top of preventative maintenance benefits you in the long run. A Decisiv & Oakley study found that truck maintenance improved food trucks’ revenue by reducing downtime. 

Unexpected downtime that comes from fixing lingering truck issues eats away at your productivity. You have less time to serve your customers, meaning your revenues will drop. 

You also can’t afford to lose potential catering customers by having an unreliable truck. If you’re booked to cater a private event, make sure your truck is in good working order ahead of time so you don’t have any unfortunate surprises on the big day.

Food Truck Maintenance Tips

So what can you do to make sure your food truck is running at maximum efficiency? Because a food truck is essentially a mini-restaurant, you should ideally keep a truck maintenance checklist.

Here are some key points that you can include:

Check Your Battery

Your foodservice operation is quite reliant on your truck’s battery. Check to make sure it’s not running out of juice and replace it when it’s no longer operating reliably. 

Watch Fluids

Check your truck’s transmission, brake, and power steering fluids throughout the year. Sometimes winter seasons can diminish their effectiveness. 

Change Oil Regularly

Lubricating your engine with the right oil will prevent unwanted downtime. Always find time for oil changes to make sure you’re never hampered by breakdowns during your regular food service. 

Check Filters

Oil, fuel, transmission, and air filters are common mechanisms that preserve your engine. Check these filters and change them according to manufacturer specifications to keep everything chugging along. 

Watch Tire Pressure

Flat tires can ruin just about anyone’s day, especially food truck owners who are right in the middle of service. Be on top of your tire pressure to make sure you never have to fill up at inconvenient times. Keeping a close eye on your tires will also make you aware if one of them possibly has a slow leak and needs to be replaced.

Leverage Regular Food Truck Maintenance Today

A healthy food truck means more consistent service and greater revenues. Leverage regular maintenance to keep your food truck business profitable in the long run. 

Looking for your first food truck, or another mobile kitchen to add to your expanding fleet? Contact us today and we can get you started on a solution right away!

Want more food truck advice? Check out more blog posts here!

Thinking about starting a food truck? Request a free custom quote and one of our food truck specialists will help you design the truck of your dreams.

Stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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Why Catering Should Be an Essential Part of Your Food Truck Business http://www.customconcessions.com/why-catering-should-be-an-essential-part-of-your-food-truck-business/ Tue, 13 Jul 2021 13:35:56 +0000 https://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13820 Looking for ways to maximize your revenue at your current business? If you are in the food or beverage industry, this is one aspect you don’t want your business to miss out on! Food truck catering provides significant opportunities to broaden your horizons while adding additional means of revenue. Read on […]

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food truck vendor holding a hot dog

Photo by foodiesfeed / Freepik

Looking for ways to maximize your revenue at your current business? If you are in the food or beverage industry, this is one aspect you don’t want your business to miss out on!

Food truck catering provides significant opportunities to broaden your horizons while adding additional means of revenue. Read on to find out how you can benefit.

Broaden Your Abilities and Location

One of the more interesting trends to recently emerge is the popularity of food trucks. There are over 26,000 food truck businesses in the United States as of 2021. It has become more trendy to be in such a business with many offering unique flavors and fun pop-ups.

With so many in the game, you set yourself back when you don’t join in on the fun. A mobile food truck allows you to take your business anywhere. That means you always have the perfect location.

Great food pairs with great events, so it makes sense that food trucks are a popular choice for many when planning.

Weddings

From the smallest to the largest of weddings, it’s likely that they’ll need some food. It makes it easier for you and your clients if you have food truck wedding catering. Some might even make your truck a key part of their big day. This is more exposure for you and you are forever engrained in the memories of that day.

Here’s a fun fact that shows just how much you might make off of one wedding. The average couple spends anywhere from $1,800 to $7,000 on their catering alone.

Work Events

Work events are another big occasion that many choose to opt for a food truck or catering. So, how does catering for these kind of events work? Depending on your setup, you may come by at a scheduled time and drop off your food, or you may spend a set amount of time at the event working from your truck.

Festivals

It seems like every other weekend there is some kind of event or festival happening. There are art walks, gatherings downtown, vendors set up on the street, and even music festivals. If you have ever wished that you could bring your business to these events it’s time to realize you can!

Beautifully customized food trucks are no stranger to these types of events. In fact, food trucks are almost the main event for many attendees. It’s fun to try out new foods as you walk around and enjoy the rest of the entertainment.

Free Advertising

You’ll essentially be driving around a big billboard that exposes passersby to your logo and brand. Not only have you added another stream of revenue but you’ve put your investment to work for you. Bringing this giant advertisement to events is a wonderful way to increase awareness.

Keeps Costs Low

Have you ever wished that you had started your business elsewhere? Maybe a supposedly perfect location wasn’t really right after all? Well, food trucks are significantly less expensive than creating an additional physical structure or moving your business altogether. If you don’t think you’ve landed in the right surroundings, try taking your truck to a couple events in a place you’d be interested in relocating to see if it could be a good fit.

Food Truck Catering

Food truck catering is increasing in popularity. You can add another revenue stream, keep your costs low, increase exposure, and take your business essentially anywhere. As you weigh the pros and cons, remember that there are others out there who are already doing it!

We can help get you started with your food truck setup. Contact us today!

Want more food truck advice? Check out more blog posts here!

Thinking about starting a food truck? Request a free custom quote and one of our food truck specialists will help you design the truck of your dreams.

Stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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3 Ways to Integrate Online Food Ordering into Your Food Truck Business http://www.customconcessions.com/3-ways-to-integrate-online-food-ordering-into-your-food-truck-business/ Wed, 07 Jul 2021 17:19:47 +0000 https://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13809 The last year has changed so much about how the food and restaurant business operates. Many people relied heavily on order ahead and food delivery services, a trend that doesn’t seem to be slowing down.  Thanks to order-ahead food truck apps, this proverbial ship has been able to stay afloat […]

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woman receiving food in delivery bag

The last year has changed so much about how the food and restaurant business operates. Many people relied heavily on order ahead and food delivery services, a trend that doesn’t seem to be slowing down. 

Thanks to order-ahead food truck apps, this proverbial ship has been able to stay afloat through the pandemic and beyond. In fact, integrating online food ordering into your food truck business can ensure your ship not only stays afloat but has an upgraded propulsion system and is ready to sail!

Here are three unique ways to use this technology to your advantage!

1. Mobile Order Ahead

What makes this service so useful is that it lets QSRs build clout on the internet through mobile apps and PC web browsers while ensuring the customers’ orders will be prepared in advance.

This means that wait times will be practically nonexistent. Customers can show up when their order has been completed, pick up their meal, and be on their merry way.

Here’s a little food for thought. If everyone is on the internet these days, then where do you think your food truck business should be?

If you guessed the internet, then congrats! You’ve already got the right mindset!

2. Using the Right QSR App

Don’t just settle for any QSR app. Make sure the one you choose fits with your catering business needs. Here are three tried-and-true QSR apps you can find on the market today!

Square for Restaurants 

This is arguably the #1 best point of sale service on the market. It has an online store integrated into it and a conversational ordering system. Better yet, its baseline service is free.

Revel Systems

Cloud-based, highly customizable, detailed reporting, and has a loyalty baseline subscription. Comes with a price.

Toast

Easy-to-use, contactless ordering and payments, always making new tools. Also has a price.

The trick is to choose a QSR app that has a highly conversational system so you can interact with your customers during the life of the sale. Customers want to know when their meal will be ready and the step-by-step process by which it is being made. If the app you’re using provides this feature, then you’re doing things right!

3. Reach More Customers With Delivery Apps

Instead of hiring people to deliver food to your customers, consider partnering with a delivery app to save money. What makes these apps convenient is their ease-of-access systems and cheap delivery options.

Here are some tried-and-true delivery apps:

  • Postmates
  • Doordash
  • UberEats
  • Grubhub

Using one of these apps gives you access to another customer base that you might not otherwise tap into, but be careful—many of them charge hefty fees. This is a decision you’ll want to do your research on before deciding if it’s worth it for your food truck business.

Don’t Wait to Transform Your Food Truck Business

There has never been a better time than now to change how your food truck business operates. Everyone has gotten used to the ease and convenience of ordering ahead online, or ordering online for delivery.

With the aid of online food ordering and delivery apps, you can flip the switch in a matter of minutes. Take your food to your customers and they’ll keep coming back for more!

Have Food Truck Questions?

Before you get online ordering and delivery set up, it helps if you already have your food truck up and running! Need help getting started on your food truck journey? Give us a call today at (800) 910-8533, or fill out a free quote request to be contacted by one of our food truck specialists.

Want more food truck advice? Check out more blog posts here!

Thinking about starting a food truck? Request a free custom quote and one of our food truck specialists will help you design the truck of your dreams.

Stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Mobile Alcohol Business http://www.customconcessions.com/a-step-by-step-guide-to-starting-a-mobile-alcohol-business/ Mon, 28 Jun 2021 06:00:00 +0000 http://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13683 Whether you’re a first-time mobile business entrepreneur, or you already have an operating food truck and would like to find ways of expanding, adding mobile alcohol services can be a great way to boost your business. The mobile alcohol business is attempting to follow in the footsteps of food truck […]

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bartender pouring orange liquid into a cocktail glass

Photo by foodiesfeed / Freepik

Whether you’re a first-time mobile business entrepreneur, or you already have an operating food truck and would like to find ways of expanding, adding mobile alcohol services can be a great way to boost your business.

The mobile alcohol business is attempting to follow in the footsteps of food truck entrepreneurs and pave their own path to solid revenue streams.

As food delivery keeps gaining popularity, so does the alcohol delivery business and mobile booze trucks.

If you want to take the next step into starting your own mobile alcohol business, keep reading! 

Different Strokes for Different Folks

Wondering what different types of mobile alcohol businesses are out there? Picture these options: a bar on wheels, a wine tasting truck, or a mobile mixology operation. 

A Bar On Wheels

A bar on wheels sounds simple enough, but there are many things you need to consider before you dive in. You need to make sure that your state regulations allow for such a thing and learn exactly what the regulations and restrictions are. 

After that, it’s time to decide whether you’ll be serving strictly beer & wine, or if you’ll be adding liquor to the mix. 

When you’ve figured out what works best for your situation, it’s time to get your permit (or possibly multiple permits). Most places have two separate permits—one for beer and wine and another for liquor. 

There may be additional permits needed for the “mobile” aspect of our business, depending on your jurisdiction. And remember, it’s against the law to operate any business without the correct permits!

Once you’ve got your permitting out of the way, you’ll also need the right equipment to make this happen.

Mobile Wine Tasting

Staring a mobile wine tasting business adds an extra twist to the mobile bar idea mentioned above. You can’t just serve the wine—you need to learn a little bit more about it. Wine tasters expect the people running the operation to know their stuff! If you’re not so inclined, you’ll need to hire a sommelier who can help you out in that arena.

One of the biggest keys to a mobile wine tasting business is the right clientele. Consider seeking out the right festivals where customers would enjoy this type of service, or finding private events, like corporate parties, weddings, etc.

The Mobile Mixologist

Mixology has taken to the forefront in both bars and at special events. If you’re interested and can tap into a certain clientele, you can really make some cash with this type of business. 

But you might be wondering, why hire a mixologist when a bartender serves the same purpose? Well, there actually is a difference. Mixologists have a bit more expertise, and have often studied the history of mixed drinks. They treat it more as an art form, with special attention to techniques and ingredients. 

With this type of operation, you could consider spicing things up with a 1920s theme. Take your vehicle to events around your state, or book private, in-home parties for people who love mixology and its sophistication.

The Basics of a Mobile Alcohol Business

These are just the basics of starting your mobile alcohol business. Once you’ve honed these skills, you’ll start to recognize ways to fine-tune your approach.

After that, odds are with hard work, dedication, and passion, whatever avenue you choose to take will pay off, and your business should flourish. All it takes is knowing these simple steps, a little cash, and some entrepreneurial guts. 

Click here to contact us to help you get started and on your way.

Want more food truck advice? Check out more blog posts here!

Thinking about starting a food truck? Request a free custom quote and one of our food truck specialists will help you design the truck of your dreams.

Stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

The post A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Mobile Alcohol Business appeared first on Custom Concessions.

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How to Find the Best Insurance for Your Food Truck http://www.customconcessions.com/how-to-find-the-best-insurance-for-your-food-truck/ Mon, 21 Jun 2021 06:00:00 +0000 http://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13689 Did you know that there are around 25,000 food trucks in the US? The food truck industry has been growing quickly over the past few years, with demand for quick, convenient, and tasty food higher than ever! If you have a food truck, you could be driving a gold mine. But, if […]

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person working on a computer in a coffee shop

Photo by Startup Stock Photos from Pexels

Did you know that there are around 25,000 food trucks in the US?

The food truck industry has been growing quickly over the past few years, with demand for quick, convenient, and tasty food higher than ever! If you have a food truck, you could be driving a gold mine.

But, if something happens to your truck, your whole business could fall apart. This is where insurance for food trucks comes in, and you need to make sure you get the right plan for your business.

Find out everything you need to know in our guide.

Look for the Full Food Truck Insurance Package

There are different types of insurance you need to cover your mobile food truck. Here’s what you need:

  • Commercial auto liability
  • General liability
  • Business personal property
  • Workers compensation 
  • Unemployment insurance
  • Umbrella liability

If you can, look for a business insurance company that covers the whole package. This is much easier than setting up plans with various insurers and will make it simpler if you ever have to make a claim. Make sure the insurance company knows you’re a food truck so they can match you with the right plan.

Additional Insured Certificates

If you’re planning on taking your food truck to events, you’ll need to have an additional insured policy. Most places will ask to see your papers for this if you’re serving on their grounds. It basically makes sure that they’re covered if there are any accidents on their property.

Try and find an insurer who doesn’t charge for additional insured certificates. You may need to get a new one for each event you go to, which could end up costing you a lot! 

Know Which Questions to Ask

If you want to get the right insurance policy for your food truck business, you need to know which questions to ask. Here are just a few that can help you:

  • Am I covered if I get into a car accident?
  • Is my insurance suitable for mobile businesses?
  • Is coverage for food poisoning claims included?
  • What happens if my truck is vandalized or stolen?
  • Do any items that I tow need different insurance coverage?

By asking these questions, you’ll help your insurers understand what kind of policy you’re looking for and make sure you get exactly what you need. 

Check Out Reviews

Once you’ve found a company who provides the right type of insurance for your food truck, it’s time to do some research into them. One of the best ways to do this is by checking out online reviews. Simply search the name of the insurer in Google along with reviews and see what you can find!

There should be plenty of customers discussing the company. Make sure that their feedback is mainly positive and see if there are other food truck users who are happy with their coverage. If there aren’t any reviews, this could be a red flag, unless they are a small/local insurance company who might not have a ton of exposure on the internet.

Find the Best Food Truck Insurance

Finding insurance for food trucks isn’t as hard as it was just a few decades ago. With their rising popularity, you should be able to find a good plan easily!

For more food truck tips, check out the rest of our blog. If you don’t have your food truck yet, we can help you put together a custom vehicle that suits your business perfectly. 

Want more food truck advice? Check out more blog posts here!

Thinking about starting a food truck? Request a free custom quote and one of our food truck specialists will help you design the truck of your dreams.

Stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

The post How to Find the Best Insurance for Your Food Truck appeared first on Custom Concessions.

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4 Valuable Summer Season Preparation Tips for Your Food Truck Company http://www.customconcessions.com/4-valuable-summer-season-preparation-tips-for-your-food-truck-company/ Mon, 14 Jun 2021 06:00:00 +0000 https://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13790 The summer season is potentially the most profitable time of year for a food truck company. There are more outdoor events, and people naturally spend more time outside in the hot and sunny weather. However, if you are unprepared, you could miss out on huge business opportunities. Fortunately, you can […]

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white food truck parked on city street

Photo by Rachel Claire from Pexels

The summer season is potentially the most profitable time of year for a food truck company. There are more outdoor events, and people naturally spend more time outside in the hot and sunny weather.

However, if you are unprepared, you could miss out on huge business opportunities. Fortunately, you can take several key steps to ensure you work efficiently and maximize your profits.

Read on for 4 essential summer season food truck tips and tricks.

Prepare for the Season

Because the weather is more favorable, you could be attending events and posting up at outdoor locations every day during summertime. It’s important to look after your health by keeping your air conditioning unit in good mint. 

Also, you can’t afford for fridges or ice makers to stop working in the heat. Food could go off more quickly, in which case you might have to leave a busy location early. You don’t want to miss out on those potential sales! It’s important to check these appliances before and after every use.

Cleanliness is vital for a food truck business. While it’s crucial for your appearance, it’s even more important for food safety. Use a food truck cleaning list to ensure you don’t miss any areas, and give your truck a deep clean before the busy season. 

By keeping a regular maintenance routine, you can make sure your truck is ready for the whole season.

Look Out for Events

There are endless opportunities to attend music concerts, sporting events, outdoor cinemas, and other popular events in the summertime.

Try to free up some time each week to go onto Facebook groups, local authority websites, and even check on shop noticeboards. Form relationships with other business owners who can keep you in the loop about local events.

If you can find an opportunity your competitors don’t know about, you could make a healthy profit and boost your reputation within the local community.

Seasonal Menu for your Food Truck Company 

Choosing a menu isn’t quite as simple as offering what you think customers might like in warmer weather. You also need to consider current popular trends! And you might want to keep in mind that summer is also diet season for some people. 

Look online to see what’s popular. You may find a new juice drink or a popular type of Mediterranean salad that is all the rage.

You can install new equipment for different foods and beverages before it’s time to meet your hungry customers. This can give you an edge over your competition. 

Connect With Customers

An important step when connecting with the modern-day customer is to advertise on social media. Regularly take high-quality photographs of your food and post them on multiple platforms.

Many businesses think this is enough, but the best food trucks take it further. Post questions about what people want to eat to get engagement. If you offer healthy meals, explain why it is good for the customer.

The more detailed information you provide, the more likely a customer will choose your food truck for their needs.

Don’t Get Beat by the Summer Heat

Don’t let summer go by without taking advantage of the benefits it holds for your food truck company. 

Want to expand your food truck fleet or open your first truck? Contact us for a free quote on your custom truck!

Want more food truck advice? Check out more blog posts here!

Thinking about starting a food truck? Request a free custom quote and one of our food truck specialists will help you design the truck of your dreams.

Stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

The post 4 Valuable Summer Season Preparation Tips for Your Food Truck Company appeared first on Custom Concessions.

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