Which Mobile Food Business Is Right for You?

Food Truck

What Is a Food Truck?

A food truck is the combination of a motor vehicle and a kitchen. Food trucks are typically 16 feet long and 7 feet wide but can range in size from 10-26 feet long. This versatile vehicle is designed for street parking to serve pedestrians that may be passing by. Food is prepared and cooked in the vehicle and sold to individual customers from the window on the side of the truck.

Pros

Here are some benefits of choosing a food truck for your business over a food trailer or food cart:

• Kitchen does not need to be towed, making it extremely mobile and easy to take from one location to the next more lucrative location
• Single unit means you don’t need a separate transport vehicle
• Vehicle size easily fits down most city streets and in most parking spaces, providing a simple driving experience
• Compact size means fewer appliances to clean than a standard kitchen
• Mobility makes it perfect for stop-and-go services and provides access to spots all across town
• Versatility of the space allows for a flexible menu and menu experimentation
• Since food trucks are extremely popular, they have excellent resale value

Cons

Depending on your business model, there may be some downsides to choosing a food truck instead of a food trailer or food cart:

• Automotive troubles mean your whole business stops until the issue is fixed
• Highest upfront cost compared to other mobile food vehicles
• Maintenance and upgrades can prove to be expensive if needed
• A lot of paperwork, licensing, and permits are required, including zoning permits, health permits, signage permits, alarm permits, etc.
• Limited kitchen space means a limited menu and staff
• Only available in a limited number of size options
• Built-in power generator can take up precious kitchen space
• The more miles put on the truck, the more it depreciates in value

https://www.webstaurantstore.com/blog/3356/mobile-kitchens-compared.html