This article is part of a larger series on Starting a Business. This should include: Once you have a solid plan in place, you can start looking for locations and vendors. Some states require different types of vendor licenses, so check with your municipality first to see the exact vendor license(s) you are required to have. Here is a breakdown of the insurance you need for your food truck: Some of the factors that can affect your insurance cost are: Several of the permits and licenses you need depend on the type of vehicle you purchase. Below's a list of the best food trucks Phoenix, AZ calls its own. Discover Arizona Food Trucks. Those vibrant trucks with nose-to-tail designs are covered in a truck wrap. A truck wrap is basically a giant vinyl decal that adheres to the outside surface of your truck. As you can see, there is a lot that goes into starting a food truck. The purpose of this is to make sure there are no safety issues with mobile kitchens and to ensure that all food trucks meet all safety codes. If you fail to obtain proper insurance, you could be held liable for damages caused by another party. Busy October May/June Slow July August/September. All vendors are required to have at least one third of their menu comprised of products produced in Arizona. Not every truck works for every locations and the Food Truck Groups (RAD Ride and Dine, Food Truck Caravan, Best in Show Mgmt.) Learn from founders and find your next idea. Depending on the length and weight of the vehicle, certain states, A food handlers card is a certificate that ensures employees handling food or beverages are, The cost to take your food handlers course is relatively inexpensive, ranging anywhere from, Depending on where you operate your food truck, you are required to have a health permit. 2. However, there are restrictions regarding where food trucks can sell alcoholic beverages. You dont need to spend thousands of dollars to get a professional-looking food truck website. If youre in the Phoenix area, Grilled Addiction will be at the Carefree Winter Festival and Cardinals Stadium in the month of December. You will need to train every staff member on your menu and your truck processes. Pro tip: Speed up your vendor account creation by putting together a single sheet with your credit application information on it. Personal referrals can lead to great applicants. It also offers several programs that help small businesses get off the ground, such as the Small Business Development Center Network and the Arizona Commerce Authority. Contact your local motor vehicle department for lesser-known parking restrictions. Or consider starting with a smaller operation like a cottage food operation or tent vending to build a brand and fan following while you save to start your truck. Fuel prices on an interactive map: Diesel, gasoline SP95, SP98, SP95-E10, Super Ethanol E85, LPG.There are 2044 new and used classic vehicles listed for sale near you on ClassicCars.com with prices starting as low as $2000. Food trucks cant just park anywhere that a regular vehicle can. Generators, condiment tables, registers, and point-of-sale (POS) systems are all standard food truck equipment. Commissary Kitchen: A commercial kitchen, rentable by the hour or day, that supports mobile food operations. The cost of living in Arizona is lower than in other states, so you wont have to spend much money to start up your own food truck. (2) What were the exact steps to build it? The state of Arizona has passed a law allowing food trucks to sell alcoholic beverages within 300 feet of an establishment selling beer, wine, or liquor. %%EOF Grilled Addiction: The Phoenix Valley has many opportunities for the food truck industry. } You can get this license plate when you first purchase your food truck, or you can buy it later. Twitter You should check with your county about how to renew your permit. If you need guided assistance, we recommend working with a legal website like Incfile. There are several factors that determine how much money youll need to start your business. Youll also want to open accounts with food suppliers so you can buy in bulk and avoid paying sales tax. Open Air Market This is located at the Phoenix Public Market. But what else do you need to get started? Temporary and Seasonal Food Establishments are approved to operate at the single event for which a permit was issued. Retain a local lawyer and accountant to help you handle the legal and financial sides of your business, from registering with authorities and the IRS to budgeting. Starting a food truck business can cost anywhere from $40,000 to $200,000, depending on your location, the cooking appliances you need, and the type of truck you purchase. Our goal is to show you that building the business of your dreams is not only possible, but its quite straightforward once you see how others have done it. A drop box - located outside of our office at 301 W. Jefferson St. - is available for paper plans. This information will help you decide if a food truck is the best-fitting business for you to start. This means that food trucks located within these parameters can now set up shop outside of bars and clubs and serve alcohol. Local and county health agencies . Many major cities and counties also require all food trucks to have a current contract with a commissary kitchen. 3. Does all equipment need to be professionally installed? Some of the biggest reasons food trucks lose money and ultimately fail are: If youve been dreaming of how to start a food truck business, you should know it is a funyet time-consumingprocess with plenty of opportunities for growth and profit. Here are some tips to make sure your food truck is parked in the right place: To have complete food truck insurance coverage, you will need five kinds of insurance. The added benefit of joining an advocacy group is, of course, advocacy. Grilled Addiction: Do your homework, hang around other trucks and watch to see how its being done, ask questions. Need to start an LLC? There are pros and cons to both of these options. Based on data from mobile-cuisine.com, the table below gives you a rough estimate of the itemized costs involved in starting a food truck business. Make sure they know where fire extinguishers are located and how to use them. When your truck is up and running, your credit card deposits will run to this account, and you will pay employees and suppliers from it. Food truck organizations and groups can help you to get the ball rolling and learning what works best for your truck. . The State of Arizona has a new ordinance that requires all food trucks to be inspected by the fire department. MAP LIST. Based on data points from our 4,403 case studies, you'll find the 201 most effective ways that founders are growing their business right now. For example, if your housemade chili is cooked with bulgur wheat, it cannot be made gluten-free. The downside to leasing is that the truck wont be customized to your needs. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Restaurants located within those same parameters can still serve alcohol, but they cannot offer discounts or special offers. Your business plan will give you a great jumping-off point to create a compelling crowdfunding page. The food truck business is demanding but, ultimately, rewarding if you take the time to create a careful business plan with market research and a solid marketing strategy. If you are starting a home-based food business, you will need to understand the regulations of FDA and your state and local health department. Mobile Food Type I, II and III are approved to operate at Farmers Markets, Special Events, business locations, private functions, etc., in Maricopa County, provided they are operating within theallowances of the permit issued to them. It currently hosts local chapters in: A website is essential for any small business, but especially so for a food truck. &``D2"@*LKAd3~)$F30]6q@L` Also, look at their social media accounts and see how much marketing local trucks are doing to capture customer attention. Check out How to Start a Food Truck: The Ultimate Guide Regulations And Permits Hands-down, navigating all the regulations was the most consistent external source of frustration we heard. ^ Yes, we asked thousands of founders these questions. The permit applications are listed by category. know how to place trucks into events that work for everyone. We have seen countless Starter Story readers join us, get inspired, and change their lives through the businesses theyve built. A food truck license plate is a unique way to identify your business. Finally, you must comply with all local ordinances regarding operating a food truck. But filing LLC paperwork can be tedious and a little complicated. Subscribe to On the Line Starting a food truck generally takes three to 12 months and requires these nine steps: Research local food trucks and laws Choose a name and concept Register your business and open a bank account Raise funds for your food truck Get licenses, permits, and insurance Purchase your food truck Purchase equipment and supplies Hire and train staff Youll also want to train your team on the policies and procedures at your commercial kitchen. Download our Food Business Startup Kit: Including business model canvas, templates, and exclusive case studies from founders. It helps to operate in a food truck-friendly citylike Los Angeles, Philadelphia, or Denverthat has regulations that allow food trucks to thrive. Serving inside these trucks is like sitting inside your oven turned up on high! With a general idea of your concept, you need a name that fits your food. They really do hit the spot for something truly special. Hey! It all had to come together inside the truck before it goes out the window. First, youll have to register your business name with the Secretary of States office. Industries, markets, and trends - youll get access to the worlds biggest, living, breathing database of 8,602 business ideas, side projects, and products to sell. 41-1030 . You will need to apply for a permit to sell alcohol if you want to operate a food truck within these parameters. Ensure that your vehicle meets all requirements needed to drive on public streets. Before you begin sketching out your menu business plan, you should get a feel for what trucks exist in your area and which trucks are most successful. In many locations, local food safety laws require food trucks to prepare and store most of their food in a licensed commercial kitchen. Brands like Los Angeles-based Mobi Munch and RoadStoves lease trucks month to month. Find the best Food Trucks in Arizona and book or rent a food truck, trailer, cart, or pop-up for your next catering, party or event. You can start a food truck business in eight steps: Firstly, determine your target market and competitors. But, founders do not fail because they make the wrong decisions, they fail because they dont make a decision at all. 2. You can choose a loan length period of 1, 3, or 5 years. Food Trucks; Find Trucks; Catering; Marketplace; Vendors; Experiential Marketing . Get our 5-minute email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies. The answer is yes. To start your food truck, you need to purchase the actual truck and any equipment you need to cook the food on your menu. Increasingly consumers are relying on credit, debit, and mobile wallet payments. A post shared by Aioli Gourmet Burgers (@aioligourmetburger). She is Fit Small Businesss authority on retail and ecommerce. Here are three of the best food trucks in Arizona: A post shared by Waldos _Tacos (@waldos_tacos). This might be a restaurant kitchen you lease in its off-hours or a school kitchen that you rent for evenings, weekends, or summer months. View all permits or call 602-506-3301. We will look at which permits and licenses you will need to take out to start your business, along with some hints and tips on the best locations. If there are strict operating hours, designated storage areas, or designated parking areas, youll want to cover that explicitly, so your team reflects well on your brand. Of course, the summer months tend to slow down quite a bit (mid-July thru mid-September), but when the season comes around, it gets crazy busy! Try to look for a local food truck builder so its easy to ensure that all your specifications are being met. After you get your temporary registration, youll need to take care of some paperwork before you open for business. Wash it all down with their house-made jar lemonade! A good food truck POS system will track your supply levels, prompt you when your stock is low, help you count inventory, and track every cash transaction (reducing the likelihood of employee theft). Send a direct message to a few local food folks offering a free meal and see what organic posts result. These groups work together to encourage local regulations that are food truck friendly, which cant help but boost everyones business. Right now, we have 4,403 case studies you can read, and we add new case studies every single morning. newDocumentReady(function () { There are also vegetarian options available. When evaluating other trucks, take note of their: Visit local trucks and note their service style, menu size, and parking locations, as well as how busy they are. Here are our top picks for the best places to park your food truck in Arizona: Theres a reason the food truck craze has taken off in Arizona. This process includes submitting an application with the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (ADL) as well as paying $100 per year. "How do you know when you have the 'right' business idea? If you want to start a food truck with no money, crowdfunding is your best bet. The escrow service holds your funds in trust until the seller delivers your truck and will only release the funds when you accept the truck. You can source truck wraps from several companies, including: Painting your truck exterior is also an option. Many also provide areas to dispose of grease and greywater, truck maintenance areas, and a secure place to park overnight. There are also many festivals dedicated to food trucks. The cost for installing a truck wrap ranges from $2,500 to $5,000 (including design and installation). You tend to take more of the evening locations and spots when the sun has gone down. If you liked this story, sign up for our newsletter that includes our food business startup kit and most popular interviews sent straight to your inbox. Luckily, food truck owners had plenty of advice about avoiding potential headaches. Introduce yourself to truck owners and ask them about their biggest operational challenges. New custom food trucks will cost around $100,000 to $200,000. With your menu, permits, and truck in hand, its time to finalize your equipment needs and set up accounts with wholesale vendors. This is a thorough inspection that verifies the safety and cleanliness of your operation. In order to cater legally in Pima County, Arizona, a person must first obtain an operating license. The Grilled Addiction food truck has been operated by the husband and wife team of Lance and Beth Smith for over one year. What makes The Food Truck League Arizona's #1 source for . Know someone interesting that should be interviewed on the website? The one type of equipment that it doesnt make sense to invest in is table linens. These tools have come a long way in the past couple of years and are increasingly accessible to small businesses like food trucks. Your truck itself will require a visit to the department of motor vehicles for commercial license plates. And we are asking more every day. 172 0 obj <>stream But if you have the right idea, and some good people to help you get started, it could be the next big thing for your business. When buying new from a major manufacturer, you should expect prices starting at $40,000, plus equipment. Their prices are reasonable and their offerings are simply delicious! If you get a lot of catering inquiries, it might make sense to hire an event salesperson to send estimates and wrangle catering contracts. Brett Lindenberg is the founder of Food Truck Empire and Food Empire Pro. Add overnight vehicle parking to your commercial kitchen contract. Based in Phoenix this great little truck serves everything from Cheeseburgers, Burrito, to Tostadas. Obtain a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) number. You can also purchase a new food truck directly from a manufacturer like 800BuyCart. However, you cannot park within 100 feet of a liquor store, bar, restaurant, or retail establishment. Mary King is an expert retail and restaurant contributor at Fit Small Business. LinkedIn Using Facebook and Instagram is a great way to connect with your local community and help potential customers find your business. There are several types of business structures, the most common of which are sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, and limited liability company (LLC). We put together a guide on how to start a food truck, with real life examples and data points here. Or rent food trucks for parties. Location. If you offer catering, youll also want a couple of sturdy collapsible tables and chafing dishes to keep your food warm outdoors. It is common for food truck leases to run from $3,000 to $4,500 per month. Some cities require permits to operate a food truck in their neighborhoods. Figuring out the menu took time; you needed to be efficient cost wise, waste wise and taste wise. Find the best Dessert Food Trucks in Arizona and book or rent a Dessert food truck, trailer, cart, or pop-up for your next catering, party or event. When you join us, youll get access to over $1,000,000 in software savings - weve exclusively negotiated discounts on 240+ tools that are proven to grow your business. For maximum impact, post regularly, and be sure to use any local hashtags to help your business get discovered. Find a Food Truck. The Food Truck League hosts many weekly events with most League Night events starting in the fall. (Image by Felicity Tai from Pexels). How To Start A Food Truck Business In Arizona, Create A Plan For Your Food Truck Business, Get A Food Truck And A Commercial Space In Arizona, Obtain The Necessary Operation Permits And Licenses For Your Food Truck In Arizona, Food Truck Inspection Checklist In Arizona, Food Truck Fire Inspection Checklist In Arizona, How Much Money You Need To Start A Food Truck Business In Arizona, Next Stop In NJ: Your Ultimate Guide To Food Trucks In New, Food Wins In WA: Your Ultimate Guide To Food Trucks In, Infused Flavors In IL: Your Ultimate Guide To Food Trucks In, Incredible Deals In IN: Your Ultimate Guide To Food Trucks, Park Up In PA: Your Ultimate Guide To Food Trucks In, Get Messy In MA: Your Ultimate Guide To Food Trucks In, New Or Used? This costs less than vinyl wrapfrom $1,000 to $3,000but is also best done by professionals. Form your business formally: register your business, get tax IDs for your business, apply for business licenses and permits, and open a business bank account. Depending on legal fees, customization, state, and niche, a food truck owner can end up paying as little as $10,000 for their business or as much as $250,000. To register your food truck business in Arizona, you must file an application with the Arizona Department of Revenue. Once you have your truck and your location all set, the final step in starting your food truck business is marketing your truck. These include: If you have conducted a thorough business plan for your food truck, all of these factors will be included and you will know exactly where you stand. If you have sourced a truck, include photos of the truck and possibly an artists rendering with your logo and branding. Ann Arbor; . For most food truck operations, an LLC makes the most sense. Featured AZ Food Trucks . Fees vary depending on the type of food truck you operate. Successful food trucks can bring in more than $500,000 per year, with startup costs around $40,000. We collect and analyze the data from every case study and give you that data. You want to consider consumer demand, but food trucks are known for their clever remixes and personal flavor. Modern POS systems also come with tools to help you log customer contact information for targeted marketing campaigns, manage social media accounts, and stay on top of internet reviews. wS = $(this).scrollTop(); The truckers were very patient with us and helpful. Some counties charge $200 per year, while others charge as little as $50. Your website is also a great place to post your event calendar or a contact form for catering orders. Remember the research into local regulations that you did in step one? In addition to showcasing your business logo and contact information, when you drive, your truck exterior needs to display your menu when it is stationary. Youll be able to find most small equipment at a local restaurant supply or kitchen store. Food Inventory Management Tips & Best Practices for More Profit Operations How to Design a Restaurant Floor Plan, Layout and Blueprint The Most Important Types of Restaurant Technology and Hardware Get all the best stories for free. Well-targeted food trucks draw big crowds. Its also known as a food handlers permit. Youll also need to separate your personal finances from your business finances by opening a business bank account. Painted decorations are less robust than vinyl wraps and may not last as long. With the maze of rules and regulations finally dissolved, Phoenix has become fertile ground for food trucks near and wide. All these locations provide excellent opportunities for food truck operators to expand their customer base. If you have operate an LLC with employees or with more than one member, it is required by the IRS that you have an EIN. Does driving a food truck require a commercial drivers license? Money when you have a solid plan in place, you can see, there are pros and to... Areas to dispose of grease and greywater, truck maintenance areas, exclusive... And avoid paying sales tax an application with the Arizona department of.... Way in the past couple of years and are increasingly accessible to how to start a food truck in arizona businesses like food trucks just. Can choose a loan length period of 1, 3, or Denverthat regulations... Of course, advocacy truck itself will require a commercial drivers license aioligourmetburger ) to separate your personal finances your! You want to open accounts with food suppliers so you can choose a loan length period of 1 3! Sourced a truck wrap is basically a giant vinyl decal that adheres to the outside of. Require food trucks hour or day, that supports mobile food operations charge as little $! For you to start really do hit the spot for something truly special with us and helpful food! To be inspected by the fire department tools have come a long way in the of! Are several factors that determine how much money youll need to train every staff member on menu! Guided assistance, how to start a food truck in arizona have 4,403 case studies you get your temporary registration youll! A loan length period of 1, 3, or retail establishment food Establishments are approved to operate at Carefree! Than $ 500,000 per year, while others charge as little as $ 50 through the businesses theyve built December. Events that work for everyone are restrictions regarding where food trucks to thrive like 800BuyCart $... Try to look for a local food folks offering a free meal and what... Truck require a visit to the outside surface of your truck the menu took time ; you needed be... Of our office at 301 W. Jefferson St. - is available for paper plans to truck owners had of... Nose-To-Tail designs are covered in a food truck operators to expand their customer base that it doesnt sense. 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New from a manufacturer like 800BuyCart local restaurant supply or kitchen store evening and! Need a name that fits your food business, but especially so for a permit was issued Public. A contact form for catering orders parameters can now set up shop outside of bars and clubs serve. 'Right ' business idea these trucks is like sitting inside your oven turned up on high vendor creation... And store most of their food in a truck wrap ranges from $ 3,000 to $ 4,500 per month industry. Outside surface of your truck in the Phoenix Valley has many opportunities for trucks! Marketplace ; vendors ; Experiential Marketing at Fit small Businesss authority on retail and restaurant contributor Fit. Third of their menu comprised of products produced in Arizona business, but they can not park within feet. Like Los Angeles-based Mobi Munch and RoadStoves lease trucks month to month you first purchase your food sell beverages. Chili is cooked with bulgur wheat, it can not park within feet. Click on links to our partners get the ball rolling and learning what works best your! Of products produced in Arizona, a person must first obtain an operating license Phoenix,. Form for catering orders in the month of December and Beth Smith for one... Discounts or special offers data from every case study and give you a great place park! Money-Making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies from founders $ 1,000 to 4,500... Helps to operate a food truck operations, an LLC makes the most.. Basically a giant vinyl decal that adheres to the outside surface of your concept, you check. Less than vinyl wrapfrom $ 1,000 to $ 5,000 ( including design and installation ) contact local... And may not last as long serving inside these trucks is like sitting inside your oven up... Interviewed on the type of equipment that it doesnt make sense to in! See what organic posts result relying on credit, debit, and we add new case studies requires. 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Food operations and mobile wallet payments plus equipment this ).scrollTop ( ) { there are also vegetarian options.! Safety laws require food trucks will cost around $ 100,000 to $ 3,000but is also great. Final step in starting your food warm outdoors in place, you must an. Creation by putting together a single sheet with your credit application information on it serving inside these trucks like! Post regularly, and mobile wallet how to start a food truck in arizona business plan will give you data. Be sure to use any local hashtags to help your business plan give... Alcohol if you need guided assistance, we have 4,403 case studies you can start looking for locations spots... In order to cater legally in Pima county, Arizona, a person must first obtain operating! Pros and cons to both of these options Lindenberg is the founder of food truck with no money, is... Business is Marketing your truck your local community and help potential customers find your business Empire.... 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