Hi ladies!
A partner and I are considering opening up a new business of a traveling lunch truck/dessert truck. Not an ice cream truck. I have no idea how to even start. of course purchase a truck but as far as permits, license, health dept, etc I have heard it is an easy business and seems like a great way to make my own hours and make some extra cash while the kids are at school. Do you know anyone who does it, does your husband work with anyone who knows where we can start or have his own business? Do we need an attorney? an accountant? I have never owned my own biz so am kind of lost. I know this is a long shot but it is a start. Thanks so much for your help!
Contact your local small business association (SBA) office. They can help you with all of these questions.
Make sure you know what you are getting into?.. Have you ever worked in one of these trucks?
Here in Austin the food is not always allowed to actually be cooked or baked in the truck, sometimes, It must be made in an approved kitchen and then heated in the trucks.. It depends on the type of food it is.
Also the trucks are not allowed to park just anywhere they pay rent to be on private property.. And potty facilities (port o potties have to be on the property).. So find out how all of that works..
These trucks are becoming very popular, but it is my understanding they are a lot of work with a lot of rules.. Make sure you do a business plan so you have a realistic look at the amount of work and how much your sales will need to be to make a profit.
It sounds like an exciting time make sure you find out as much information as possible.
Yes you will need an attorney and an accountant. You will need to form a business and register with the IRS and the state.
As far as permits, etc. - a good place to start would be your city's health dept.
I would suggest you contact the health department first - the department that does the inspections of local restaurants - I believe they also regulate food trucks.
Then, are their food trucks in your area already? If so, see if you can talk to the other truck owners and get their advice on starting up a truck. Find out if there are territories, normal routes, etc.
Who will your customers be? Scout out locations - find out where the people are who will be your customers. Then go talk to them - what kind of food do they want for lunch? Then bring back samples - you don't need a truck to do the surveys and sample giving.
If you are entering into a business partnership you should have an attorney draw up partnership papers - it will protect both you and your partner and cover things like, buy outs, indemnity, etc.
An accountant can help you set up the business financials, you could maintain them, and have the accountant audit you annually before tax time. Consider if you are drawing a salary, should you incorporate, or LLC. You want to keep a separate company bank account and not co-mingle company funds with your personal bank accounts.
there are a ton of resources out there - do an internet search for "how to start a business". I found -
http://www.sba.gov/content/follow-these-steps-starting-bu...
and "how to run a food truck"
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/220060
do a ton of research and homework *before* you buy a truck.
Good Luck
God Bless
Vol State offers free classes about small business. They have great information and people available to answer any of your questions!
Good luck!
