Mobile food trucks are an increasingly common sight throughout the world. They give you the freedom to provide customers with savory food without the expense of running a brick-and-mortar restaurant. If you’ve been thinking about starting a food truck business, you likely have a lot of questions. Here, Brooklyn, NY-based Shanghai Mobile Kitchen Solutions, which has been providing products for carts and trucks since 1979, answers four common queries.

4 FAQ About Operating a Mobile Food Truck

Should I Lease or Buy a Truck?

While purchasing a brand-new truck can be more expensive up front, this choice gives you complete freedom with the purchase and allows you to ensure you select the right vehicle for you. If saving money is a priority, however, there are plenty of companies that will lease a truck. Just review the rental terms carefully so you know who is responsible for the repairs and other issues that may crop up, like a breakdown.

What Should I Consider When Planning a Menu?

Food trucks have the capacity to support a variety of menus, whether your focus is on traditional American food or Mediterranean fare. However, there are some crucial considerations to keep in mind. In particular, you’ll need a permit from the local Health Department, and you have to prove the kitchen is capable of creating the items on the menu before they will give you one.

Can I Outsource Some of the Cooking?

Plenty of business owners hire other commercial kitchens to support them in the cooking because space is at a premium in a food truck and can limit the menu. Before hiring someone, inspect their kitchen yourself and make sure their licenses are up to date.

I’m Having My Truck Custom Built. How Can I Prepare?

If you’re having a food truck created for you from scratch, vet companies carefully before selecting one. Pay attention to the quality of their customer service, compare prices, call references, and ask to see a portfolio of their previous work. Also, request they adhere to a tight timeline, and include penalties in the contract if they go over the deadline and affect opening day for your business.

Ready to furnish your mobile food truck with kitchenware and get cooking? Shanghai Mobile Kitchen Solutions will help. They have everything you need to run a truck or a cart and will even custom-design a vehicle for you. To learn more about their services, call (800) 253-4815 or visit them online today.