Modern food trucks are a far cry from the convenience carts of decades past. Today, they are known for their impressive menu items, bold branding, and, of course, delicious meals. Before you start a food truck business, take a look at these five insider tips.

How to Start a Food Truck Business

1. Check Regulations

Before you get started, take a look at the licenses, regulations, permits, and certificates you’ll need to receive in your business area. These requirements will vary by jurisdiction, so it’s your responsibility to do the research on both the city and state level.

2. Buy a Truck

You can’t start a food truck business without a vehicle that meets your needs. Start by deciding what you absolutely need. For instance, if you’re going to prepare all your food off-site, you may be able to justify purchasing a smaller truck. Research your equipment and power needs ahead of time, and consider buying used to keep your startup costs down.

3. Talk to Other Business Owners

As you build your menu and begin to understand your market, reach out to other professionals in your industry. They’ll be able to provide key insight to help your business thrive—and to help you prepare for any bumps along the road.

4. Build Your Menu

This is the most important part of starting a food truck business. The industry is packed with great food truck concepts in a variety of niches, so take some time to decide what makes your selection unique. It’s normal for your menu to evolve during your first year, so consider practicing your dishes ahead of time with smaller focus groups before your opening day.

5. Plan Your Marketing

People will talk about incredible food, but they’ll remember your business even better with great marketing. Consider working with a public relations team to iron out your branding and marketing strategy. For instance, you’ll want to create at least one social media profile so fans can find and follow you.

Whether you want to start a food truck business or improve your food cart design, your business will benefit from a truck that meets your changing needs. Since 1979, Shanghai Mobile Kitchen Solutions in Brooklyn, NY, has proudly offered custom kitchens and mobile food trucks, providing business owners with stylish, efficient mobile facilities. To learn more about their stainless steel kitchenware and custom fabrication, call (800) 253-4815, or visit them online to view their portfolio of past work.