Working for yourself
Is a noble dream as the right business can provide not only steady employment but also financial security. One of the better businesses to start would be a food truck operation. Everyone needs to eat and this is a great opportunity to meet that need.
However, there is some confusion about the classification of food trucks. Some people are worried that a food truck would be classified as a commercial kitchen. If it were, they would be afraid of having to meet stricter regulations and pay higher fees.
To know all the facts of what a food truck is classified as, just keep reading. Our article holds the information you want to know about.
What is a commercial kitchen?
This is a dedicated space in a brick-and-mortar building that is designed to prepare and serve food on a commercial basis. Plus, they are equipped with industrial-grade equipment and appliances that are built to handle large quantities of food.
Inside these kitchens, you will find a non-porous floor, good ventilation, as well as separate sinks for preparing food, washing hands, and doing the dishes. Included in the classification of a commercial kitchen, these units have to meet safety and food quality standards and regulations.
These mandatory rules are similar to the ones that food trucks have to meet in order to remain in business. But rules and standards do not always make any kitchen a commercial kitchen.
Are food trucks considered commercial kitchens?
This can be a bit of a murky issue as each state has its own rules, regulations, and classifications. It is best to check with the appropriate state agency where you want to start a food truck business and see what your state requires.
Some states have laws about driver’s licenses and permits that other states do not. While some states may classify food trucks as commercial kitchens, it seems that not all states do.
Generally, food trucks are not considered commercial kitchens even though they have similar requirements they share.
Food truck requirements
Like commercial kitchens foo trucks must have specific equipment and cooking areas that meet both health and fire codes.
#1. Equipment requirements
The equipment food trucks are required to have are refrigerators, freezers, grills, fryers, and ovens, a hand washing sink, a three-compartment sink, and a separate sink for food prep. Plus, they must also have adequate ventilation and lighting.
#2. Food prep and storage
These two areas are to be designed to prevent spoilage, bacteria, and other food issues. The food truck must have a food prep area and proper food storage equipment that stores food at the correct temperatures.
Also, the food needs to be stored in containers that can be sealed, easily cleaned, as well as leakproof, and durable.
#3. Safety regulations
Check with your state to see what safety and health regulations your food truck must meet. Be prepared to endure inspections and these inspections check if you are meeting health and fire regulations.
You need to practice proper food handling techniques as well as make sure you apply for and pay for the proper permits. Don’t be surprised if you need food preparation and handling training as well as required to keep a detailed log of your operation.
The pros and cons of owning a food truck
#1. Pros:
- No trailer means no towing and that keeps you extremely mobile
- One vehicle is needed cutting your purchase expense
- The truck will fit almost all roads and available parking spaces
- Cleaning the interior and exterior is easier due to its smaller size
- Can park in a variety of allowable city locations
- Flexible interior space allows for menu experimentation and changes
- The food truck has a high resale value
#2. Cons:
- Engine and other vehicle problems can shut you down till they are fixed
- Higher upfront costs, you are looking at investing up to $200,000
- Maintenance and upgrades can affect your bottom line
- Paperwork- licensing, zoning, health, signage, and more permits are needed
- Limited space limits the number of staff and menu items
- Depreciation cuts your truck’s value
- Limited space for generators, fuel tanks & air conditioning, etc.
The food truck’s hidden expenses
While a food truck is not considered a commercial kitchen, it also has some similarities with that version of a kitchen. You will find that there are plenty of hidden costs in the overall operation of the food truck.
The first hidden cost will be a business license. In most cities, you will be required to have one and while they are generally costing under $100 it is still an expense that may have to be renewed every year.
Another hidden cost will be your sales tax permit. Check with your local tax office to see the requirements and the fee. Then if you are hiring employees, you will need to apply for and get an employer identification number.
An important hidden cost that you may not have factored in will be gas and oil. If you drive to your location every day, you will have to replace oil and filters from time to time as well as regularly fill the gas tank.
These two expenses, not to mention coolant and possibly DEF expenses, can eat away at your profit if you are not careful. Also, watch out for any traffic and parking tickets you may receive when you violate a traffic law. They can get expensive if they pile up.
Some additional words
While a food truck is not considered a commercial kitchen, it shares a lot of similar activities and expenses. These are important considerations to look at before you buy your food truck.
If this information has not discouraged you from owning a food truck, then contact our company. We have the experience in the food truck industry you need to tap into.
One call is all it takes to make an appointment to sit down with one of our food truck experts. We can help make the initial process easier to endure.