Each month, Insure My Food shines the spotlight on a featured client doing big things in the mobile food industry. For August, we introduce Wok Sticks. An Asian Fusion food truck based in Gilbert, Arizona that grew out of a brick and mortar location. Are you a current client interested in contributing to our blog? Send an email and let us know!
Tell us a little about your truck and how you began…
We’ve had a successful South Chandler, AZ brick and mortar restaurant, Otaku Sushi, in operation for 6 years. We wanted to find a way to do special events, private parties and catering events more effectively and efficiently. We focus primarily on the central and east valley, but don’t be surprised to see us at great events anywhere in the state! Or, at least as far as we can drive without getting distracted by something sparkly 🙂
How did you first go about finding spaces and events to sell around? Any tips for first timers?
We started by looking at events we had attended, going through each one and considering whether or not we would have eaten at a food truck if it were an option. If we said “yes” we added to our potential list.
Describe one of the major successes or memorable moments you’ve had since opening your truck.
The first time we rolled up to an event and made a dish for a customer’s order. It was a great feeling to see something we had put so much time and effort into come to fruition. That and its always amazing to have people pay us to have this much fun! It’s a mind blowing experience to be able to do what you love. #micdrop
What is the greatest piece of advice you’ve either been given or can give to people looking to start in this industry?
Pick the food you want to do, and don’t suck at it. Customers will respect and search out good food. You want to be memorable and not by leaving a funny taste in their mouth.
What are some challenges you have as a food truck owner in your area?
Having to remember to put everything you need in the truck before you leave. The second time (or third).
Networking within your territory can sometimes be a challenge – what are some of the best ways you’ve found to connect with people in your area?
Definitely talk to everyone. Get to know other truck operators and talk to local businesses. You’ll be surprised at the interest people have in your truck when you are passionate about what you are doing!
Let’s talk about social media presence – where can we find you online?
Everywhere. At least, everywhere that customers can be found! We have Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and an upcoming mobile app launch. #stalkthewok and keep up with the latest fun from your new favorite party on wheels!
You’ve dreamed of starting your own food truck for years. Now, your dream is finally coming true. You have a business plan, a catchy name picked out, and great tasting options any foodie would die for. You are quickly learning that everything is more expensive than you anticipated, and costs are adding up. Now, you’re faced with yet another cost – food truck insurance.
Let’s face it, nobody likes to spend money. However, food truck insurance is a necessary cost for any mobile food vendor. Even if your truck is going to stay parked in your garage for the next several months while you prepare for your opening day, you still need coverage in case the truck is damaged before it hits the streets. While the cost may seem pricey, you are actually getting a big bang for your buck!
General liability insurance covers both bodily injury and property damage to others. This includes your products (food), your premise (slip and fall), personal injury / advertising injury (libel and slander), and property damage to others. The best part is that it also covers the legal fees to defend such claims, even if it’s determined that you were not at fault! Here is an example of each area of coverage:
Products:
Someone with a food allergy gets sick and blames your business for not disclosing the ingredients properly. Or the best know example, the coffee is too hot!
Premise:
You owe an extra duty of care to guest of your business to keep them safe. If they trip over an uneven surface, or a chair you provide breaks and causes injury you can be found liable.
Personal Injury:
If you unintentionally infringe on a trade mark of another business, that company may sue you for damages.
Property Damage:
If your kitchen causes a fire and the fire was to spread to neighboring property, the policy will cover those damages you are found to be negligent for. It’s important to note general liability does not cover property damages to others while being towed, that coverage comes from the auto policy. It is also subject to a limit of 100K for property that is owed by your landlord.
At Insure My Food Trailer, we represent many different insurance carriers and can shop the best fit for your business for cost and coverage options without any sales pressure.
The Disadvantages for Food Trailers that Don’t Have Workers Comp Insurance
Unlimited liability for negligent injury to employees
Unpredictable accident-related expenses
More difficult to attract and retain qualified employees
Unable to do business with some entities that require statutory workers’ comp
Texas employers who do not carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage are required to report their non-coverage status and work-related injuries and occupational diseases to the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI-DWC). Employers that fail to meet the below requirements commit an administrative violation and may be subject to administrative penalties:
Must file an annual notice with TDI
display notices of no coverage in the personnel office and throughout the workplace
give a written statement of no coverage to each new employee.
If you do not carry workers comp insurance, your employee retains the right to sue you. In addition, you are not allowed exercise common law defenses of
The assumption of risk of the job
The contributing negligence from the employee
Or coworker’s negligence contributing to the injury.
You are still required, however, to report all known occupational disease and any work-related injuries that result in more than one day of lost time.
Mobile food vendors have their challenges most every day. Running a kitchen on wheels makes every owner aptly skilled with plumbing, electrical and all types of construction and repair. Sometimes contractors can be engaged and it is wise in certain circumstances, yet food cart and truck owners are DIY people by nature. However, when it comes to insurance, where do you turn?
Most owners turn to their personal insurance broker who may or may not be skilled enough to know the ins and outs of insuring a mobile food unit. That’s why I recommend working with companies who specialize in food truck and cart insurance. Insure My Food works hard to make insurance easy and affordable for the industry. Simple application forms, the ability to pay with a credit card and quick turnaround on certificates puts them in a position to be a good member of the mobile food community. Standard forms for property, auto and liability insurance weren’t sufficient or designed for food trucks that operate as a mobile business which could create gaps in coverage. Insure My Food understands these gaps and work to inform the customer so that you’re covered.
Insurance is key to operating a successful mobile food business. Getting catering jobs or working with corporate clients will require proof of insurance and certificates. Some companies just can’t do that quickly. Insure My Food Trailer can. As a sponsor of the ROAM Mobile Food Conference for 2014, Insure My Food has committed to partnering with the ever growing and ever evolving street food industry. If you’re looking for a new policy or would just like to make sure you’re covered at the right price, drop them a line. You can find more details about Insure My Food at InsureMyFood.com.
Come on down to San Antonio, TX, November 8-9, 2014 for the ROAM Mobile Food Conference to learn more about opening a mobile food business whether it be a food truck or cart. There will be something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced owner. Register Now.
Paprocki Insurance Agency Inc. Earns BBB Accreditation
Paprocki Insurance Agency announced its recent accreditation by BBB Serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin. As a BBB Accredited Business, Paprocki Insurance Agency is dedicated to promoting trust in the marketplace.
“We are pleased to be a BBB Accredited Business because we value building trust with our customers,” said Joel Paprocki. “Our BBB Accreditation gives our customers confidence in our commitment to maintaining high ethical standards of conduct.”
BBB Accredited Businesses must adhere to BBB’s “Standards of Trust,” a comprehensive set of policies, procedures and best practices representing trustworthiness in the marketplace. The standards call for building trust, embodying integrity, advertising honestly and telling the truth, being transparent, honoring promises, being responsive and safeguarding privacy.
About:
Paprocki Insurance Agency offers the full spectrum of insurance products. Offerings include: auto, home, life, health, and commercial, as well as insurance for “toys” – boats, motorcycles, and RVs. We also offer niche products for food trailer, food truck, and mobile food vendors.
Most important, we stand firmly behind all our policies. We aim to provide 24/7 claims service to help you every step of the way.
Joel Paprocki, CIC, CRM, CPCU is founder of Insure My Food. Joel has over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry. He is passionate about helping food entrepreneurs navigate insurance and risk management with confidence. He holds all three top industry designations: Certified Insurance Counselor, Certified Risk Manager, and Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter. He has served over 5,000 clients in the food industry, including restaurants, food truck, cateriers, If you are looking for a reliable, experienced, and specialized insurance partner, please contact us.
Joel Paprocki, CIC, CRM, CPCU is founder of Insure My Food. Joel has over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry. He is passionate about helping food entrepreneurs navigate insurance and risk management with confidence. He holds all three top industry designations: Certified Insurance Counselor, Certified Risk Manager, and Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter. He has served over 5,000 clients in the food industry, including restaurants, food truck, cateriers, If you are looking for a reliable, experienced, and specialized insurance partner, please contact us.