This now global phenomenon is the result of a revolution led by innovative chefs and bold entrepreneurs as food trucks today represent a movement that combines quality, creativity and community, reflecting a profound change in the way we want to experience food.
In Austin, and in many parts of America, food trucks have become part of the dining panorama of American cities and towns therefore opening a food truck in the States can really be a profitable idea.
I have a couple of friends who own food trucks: one has an Italian gelato one in the suburbs of Austin and one a sandwich place downtown.
The undoubted charm of this type of activity consists in the possibility of taking part in important events and coming into contact with many people.
Owning a food truck, you can visit different places and may earn a lot of money with a little investment but you need to keep your feet on the ground and examine all aspects with the utmost attention by defining every detail and planning to reduce risks.
You certainly need to be willing to adopt a lifestyle that involves constantly moving around without having a fixed location. If you want to work and live this way, at this point you can start preparing a business plan, so as to know the costs and potential earnings.
Buying or renting a truck to carry out the activity is certainly one of the main expenses. In fact, the truck must have specific characteristics, adaptable to the needs of food preparation and the related regulations. Then you have to take into account the maintenance costs, the purchase of raw materials, taxes and duties, as well as any salaries due to collaborators who could be hired.
The proceeds depend on various factors including the area, which is why you must first visit the territory and do a study on potential customers, and the ability to offer quality products at an adequate price. Basically, customers try to save money and eat something tasty, good and special.
Participation in events of great interest does not authorize you to raise the price to the public, so you must establish an adequate pricing that is valid on all occasions and in all areas. It should not be forgotten that there are social networks. A food truck can advertise its presence and its offer through social networks, but there will also be comments and reviews from customers and a mistake can easily have repercussions.
There is no shortage of competition, especially in Austin. This is why quality and strategic placement must be given priority in the choices to be made. Earnings multiply where there is a large flow of people, but obviously you need to be able to attract them to your stand and you need to make them want to taste it, perhaps using samples and showing the food preparation.
You can choose whether you prefer an itinerant activity, often changing area, or whether you want to opt for a more fixed location in a specific place. Clearly there are many differences, starting with customer loyalty, which must be implemented with a fixed location. And renting costs for the places.
If you want to be itinerant, you can travel around the country with your own vehicle to participate in markets, fairs or events that attract people. There are many such events all over Texas.
For the latter, you will have to obtain authorizations issued by the Municipalities, subject to the bureaucratic rules provided for by the local regulations.
To open a food truck in Austin with a semi-fixed location, you will need to apply to the competent office indicating the location, days and times. In this case, there are some burdens to bear, which must however be verified at the time of starting the activity with the competent administration for the territory in which you want to operate. The procedures are generally not complex and are quick.
Food trucks may be a trend now but I think this trend will never die out because people like eating ‘on the go’ and grab a quick bite. The concept is similar to that of the food court of a mall but much better because you can enjoy being outdoors, often accompanied by music, lights and some kind of entertainment.
