A mobile food truck offers more flexibility than a traditional restaurant, making it an appealing option for people who want to get into the food business. However, there is a great deal of misinformation surrounding food truck ownership to beware of. If you're contemplating this business model, it’s crucial to know the facts behind common myths.

Debunking Common Food Truck Misconceptions

1. You Can Park Wherever You Want

States regulate food truck operations. Not only do you have to abide by traditional food service standards, like health codes and cleanliness, but you also have to obey food truck parking laws. Check with your local municipality to see what the rules are and what permits you need.

2. You Need a Popular Location to Succeed

Food truck parking is limited. However, you can build a successful food truck business even if you aren't set up in a popular spot, such as outside of a shopping mall or entertainment center. A food truck set up near an industrial factory can do well taking lunch orders, for example.

3. You'll Save Big on Rent

An advantage of a food truck is the fact that you don't have to pay for a traditional kitchen location. However, you will have to invest in other expenses. You need a well-functioning truck with a properly equipped kitchen, and you need to gas up and maintain that truck. You also have to pay for licenses and permits, similar to a regular restaurant.

4. Working in a Food Truck Prepares You to Run One

Experience working in a food truck is helpful. However, there are many technical aspects to setting up a new mobile kitchen business that on-the-job experience won't help you with.

Figuring out how to outfit the truck and make the most of a small space when you're getting started is a big challenge. Then, you have to make sure you're meeting health, safety, and fire codes. These are issues that owners, not employees, worry about.

Shanghai Mobile Kitchen Solutions has over 25 years of experience helping new food truck owners get started. Based in Brooklyn, NY, they serve food truck owners in Philadelphia, Boston, New Jersey, Maryland, and North Carolina. Their comprehensive offering ranges from water supply management to custom kitchen installation, covering everything you need to start a mobile food truck. Visit their website or call (800) 253-4815 to learn more.