In the last decade, food trucks have entered the mainstream consumer consciousness as a delicious, nimble, and quirky alternative to standard restaurants. With the right strategy, starting a food truck business can help you grow your food brand and develop a cult following. Here are a few key suggestions for getting started. 

A Guide to Starting a Food Truck Business

1. Research the Market

Starting a food truck calls for a different approach than a brick-and-mortar restaurant, but it’s still paramount to know the market well. If there’s a particular neighborhood or route you’re eyeing for the truck, start by researching not just nearby food trucks but restaurants, too. Any establishment that serves food is a potential alternative, so you want to make sure you’re providing a unique offering and not duplicating something already available. 

2. Choose Your Truck Wisely

As fun as the DIY spirit of food entrepreneurship is, there are times when you can’t simply wing it. For instance, retrofitting an old truck may sound romantic, but is more likely to get you in trouble with the wide array of regulations that govern mobile kitchens. It’s smarter to work with a vendor that specializes in food trucks — that way, they can pre-vet the vehicles to confirm you won’t be violating municipal standards. Instead of getting distracted by those details, you’ll be able to focus on the most important aspect of your operation: the food. 

3. Harness Social Media

Successful food truck businesses value the role of social media. Since trucks are often on the move stopping in different neighborhoods, it’s useful to receive frequent updates about your location. Getting your bearing on Instagram will help you begin cultivating an audience and give your fans a way of keeping up to date with what you’re doing. Savvy businesses even like to offer giveaways for their most engaged customers. 

For help starting your food truck business, don’t hesitate to reach out to Shanghai Mobile Kitchen Solutions. Based in Brooklyn, NY, they travel to Philly, Boston, New Jersey, Maryland, and North Carolina. Family-owned and -operated, the specialists are able to outfit you with a custom food truck ideally suited to your aspirations. Their trucks are guaranteed to pass city inspections with flying colors. To begin a conversation about your specific needs, call (800) 253-4815. Learn more about the food truck vendor by visiting their website.