How To Start A Food Trailer or Food Truck Business in Austin, TX

How To Start A Food Trailer or Food Truck Business in Austin, TX

by | Nov 28, 2016 | Food Trailers, Food Truck Insurance, Food Trucks

So you’ve decided that you are going to open up a food trailer or food truck, congratulations! We have created a basic outline to help you with the necessary steps needed to open up your business. Although the outline is intended specifically for mobile food vendors in Austin, TX, the process and regulations are often similar in different cities and states. Food Truck Sales Tax.jpg

Step 1: Filing a Limited Liability Company For Your Food Trailer

It is very common for food service businesses to form an LLC. You can find out more info here.

Step 2: Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit

Before you can receive your Mobile Food Vendor Permit you will need to have a Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit. You can find out more information here.

Step 3: Join The Austin Food Trailer Chamber Google Group

This is a free and open email group that a few industry heavy hitters in Austin (Trish from Capital Kitchen, Case from Trucklandia, Phyllis from Cheesecake experience, and I) started. There are currently over 200 trailer owners in the group. You can ask questions, post answers, and tips for others or can search the archives. Send an email to be added to the group or join the Facebook Group Online.

Step 4: Buying a Food Trailer or Food Truck

Although you may be able to find good deals on Craigslist for used food trailers or food trucks, there are also many great food trailers and food truck builders in Texas. One benefit of buying a newly manufactured food trailer is that the builders are usually knowledgeable about what is required to pass a City of Austin Health and Fire Inspection. You will also have the peace of mind knowing that all of your equipment is new and not damaged or aging. Here are a few local builders to consider: Smokin Joe’s Trailers Sanchez Trailers Custom Made Trailers
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Step 5: Buying Insurance for Your Food Trailer or Food Truck

We recommend purchasing $1,000,000 worth of liability insurance and property coverage on your food trailer or food truck as soon as you purchase so that you are immediately protected from accidents or theft. With a food truck, you will also need commercial auto insurance before you drive the truck on public roads. We can help here! Get a quote for your food trailer or truck TIP: Many landlords require you to have $1,000,000 worth of general liability insurance before they will let you sell food on their property.

Step 6: Registering Your Food Trailer or Food Truck with the DMV

Before you can apply for an Application for Mobile Food Vendor Permit, you will need to register your trailer with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles here.
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Step 7: Get Your Food Managers Certification For Your Food Truck

In order to pass your health inspection, you will need your Food Managers Certification displayed inside of your food trailer. You can find out more information and testing options here. TIP: We suggest paying a bit extra to have your Food Managers Certification stay valid for 5 years because the class takes a full workday day to complete.

Step 8: Get The Application For Your Mobile Food Vendor Permit

This is the application packet that you will need to submit to the Health Department before they will inspect your food trailer or food truck and issue you a Mobile Food Vendor Permit. TIP: The Health Department has a How To Start A Mobile Food Business Guide and a resource webpage for mobile food vendors. TIP: All applications must be walked-in to 1520 Rutherford Lane, Austin, TX 78754 only on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:45am-11am. After the application is approved then a physical mobile unit inspection is scheduled. (During COVID the city has changed to by appointment only)  If you have questions call Health Department at (512) 978-0300 or visiting at (1520 Rutherford LN, NE corner of Rutherford LN @ Cameron RD, Building 1 East Entrance).

Finding A Central Prep Facility

In order to complete page 2 and 3 of the Application for Mobile Food Vendor Permit you must find a Central Prep Facility to use. Many food trailers and food trucks use their CPF strictly to dump grey water, get fresh water, and dump grease. Here are some local CPFs in Austin Capital Kitchens Just Add Chef Hudson Bend Commercial Kitchen Manon’s Shared Kitchen TIP: By using a CPF that specializes as a commercial kitchen to many different food businesses, the Sanitarian will be acquainted with the facilities, which will likely speed up the application process.

City of Austin Restroom Facility Agreement

In order to complete page 5 of the Application for Mobile Food Vendor Permit, you will need permission to use a restroom within 150 feet from the location of your food trailer.
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Passing Your Fire Inspection

AAA Fire & Safety Equipment Longhorn Fire and Safety Ace Fire Equipment Please refer to the Application for Mobile Food Vendor Permit for more details about the fire inspection. We suggest calling the Austin Fire Department at (512) 974-0160 if you have any questions regarding the safety of your food trailer because the requirements listed in the packet are not exhaustive.

Step 9: Finding a Location for Your Food Trailer

Congratulations on passing your inspection! Finding the right location for your food trailer will be one of the most important decisions you will make. Make sure that you understand the rules and regulations regarding certain neighborhoods. This map shows areas of the City of Austin that have adopted additional ordinances. Ordinances may affect your hours of operation or proximity to certain structures. Find out more info here: Mobile Food Establishments Codes TIP: Don’t be shy about asking other food trailer owners questions about their food park. They will often be happy to share advice with you and give you the “inside scoop” about their location! Or join the Austin Food Trailer Chamber and ask around there (It’s free!) Send us an email to add you to the Google group.

Helpful Links

Propane Delivery Companies: Absolute Propane Garnett’s Propane Grey Water and Grease Removal Companies: Texas Disposal To have grey water removed from your trailer OR portable restroom servicing Diesel Green Fuels To recycle used cooking oil Kitchen Towel/Laundry Delivery Companies: Admiral Linen Linen Service Food Parks in Austin: Austin Food Park Mueller Trailer Eats The Picnic The Thicket The University Co-Op

Insure My Food was designed by an insurance agency that gets food trailers and food trucks

We understand the challenges and needs of your business and are committed to supporting the mobile food community. Not only do we offer food trailer and food truck insurance in almost every state, we insure many types of mobile food vendors including concession trailers, food carts, pop-up vendors, street vendors, food stands, and catering trailers.
Contact Us for a free, no obligation quote or if you have any further questions.  From our small business to yours, we’re here to help you succeed!
Featured Client – Raw Chef Renee

Featured Client – Raw Chef Renee

by | Nov 3, 2016 | Featured Business, Featured Client, Food Trailers

Raw Chef Renee

Each month, Insure My Food shines the spotlight on a featured client doing big things in the mobile food industry.  For November, we introduce Raw Chef Renee based in Katy, Texas but also ships throughout the entire state!  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…

I discovered the raw lifestyle in 2007 (searching for a way to provide healthy meals for myself and my family) through Alissa Cohen and fell in love with the food. It was my kids who suggested that I photograph my meals that I made for them, which led me to try different raw vegan recipes. I developed a passion for making raw food through Alissa Cohen. I began teaching classes through her certified program in 2010.

 

I was a flight attendant for Continental (United) Airlines for 20 years at that time. Starting as a Personal Chef helped me to develop a love for making meals for others. My early menus consisted of meals I made for my family. Soon, I began working my gourmet raw business through Tru Meals in Houston, TX. When Tru Meals closed, I was still interested in continuing my professional business. At that point, my Darling Hubby saw an article on food trucks and the idea to have a completely raw, vegan, living food trailer was born! After 6 months of juggling both careers, I prayerfully decided to work my certified food trailer full time because it became something I really loved to do. I stay mostly in the Katy area (close to home), but I do move around the city and do events in Houston.

How did you first go about finding spaces and events to sell around? Any tips for first timers?

Finding a good spot is a challenge for food trucks! Most places want to charge you a space rental fee, but there ARE places that will let you park for free….you just have to search them out. I started by asking myself what part of town I’d like to be in. Then, visit businesses (taking samples of my food and showing them the menu is always a good thing!) and ask permission to park there. You will hear “No’s” before you hear “Yes'”, but don’t give up! 🙂

Describe one of the major successes or memorable moments you’ve had since opening your trailer.

Since opening my food trailer, a major success for me is when I see my regular customers come back each week!!! I love it when people stand outside of my window and talk about how much they love my food!!! People really open up to me about the struggles they have to live a healthier lifestyle and it warms my heart to be able to share my passion with them. 🙂 I also love doing Demos for groups and teaching classes!

What is the greatest piece of advice you’ve either been given or can give to people looking to start in this industry?

I read the greatest piece of advise from the Bible at Matthew 6:22 where it encourages me to “Keep a focused (or simple) eye”. With that in mind, I pay more attention to my family and spiritual needs while keeping my business in the proper place in my life. I do certain things on certain days for the business which helps me to maintain and balance all of my responsibilities.

 

Another valuable piece of advise I was given came from my mentor, Alissa Cohen. She told me to “Circle my wagons” which means to have people around you who encourage you, build you up and want to see you succeed. Running a food truck business is hard work and sometimes, when business is slow, you can get very discouraged. So, positivity energy keeps me going and helps me to weather the storm when times are hard!!!!

What are some challenges you have as a food truck owner in your area?

Weather is definitely a challenge for me because people don’t seem to come out when the weather is bad, or I am not able to bring the trailer out to serve in rainy or cold weather. I have set up an online order system for those days, which includes delivery, pickup, or shipping (within Texas) options, so that helps!

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?

My regular customers allow me to text them when I’m in the area. Also I post my schedule on my website: www.RawVeganChefRenee.com.

 

I have also found that connecting with vegan meet-up groups or vegan social media groups helps to spread the word!

Let’s talk about social media presence – where can we find you online?

I have my own website, and we are on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

 

I enjoy taking photos and video testimonies from customers at my trailer and posting them. People love seeing their photo and will share it on their social media page or invite friends to look at it on my pages. Word of mouth or page to page referrals work very well!!!

Why You Need Mobile Food Insurance

Why You Need Mobile Food Insurance

by | Sep 6, 2016 | Insurance 101, Food Trailers, Food Truck Insurance

Coffee Jon

As a mobile food vendor, your day likely begins before dawn as you carefully procure ingredients, prep food, hand letter your menu board and ensure everything is ready to go before greeting your first customer. Your schedule is far from a traditional 40-hour work week and you know a thing or two about what it means to dedicate your life to the culinary arts.

There is nothing quite like owning your own business; the sweat equity you’ve poured into your creative pursuits is priceless. A satisfied smile from a happy customer makes it all worth it, and when a line forms and someone takes the time to tell you how much they enjoy the day’s special, you know the heart you’ve put into your work has translated beautifully.

With a long list of to-do’s and responsibilities, it can be hard to find the time to research the best options available to insure your mobile business. Thankfully, we “get” the mobile food industry! We know how full your schedule can be, as well as the unique nature of your office on the go. Often, your desk is your food prep area and your computer is your smartphone…we get it!

Why insure your business?

Yeti - Storefront and Employees

Not only is a level of insurance often necessary to do business (such as the general liability required by most commissaries, landlords and many events), it is a critical step in protecting your food business investment. Things like collision, theft, vandalism, extreme weather and more have a way of making an unwelcome appearance at the worst of times; we tailor your Insure My Food coverage to work well with your needs and your budget. In fact, we even offer a no liability deductible!

We streamline the process!

man working at laptop

Instead of wasting time on tedious applications or trying to explain how your workflow is structured, we are trained to make the process smooth and headache free! We know and work with food vendors in a range of areas, including concession trailers, food carts, pop-up vendors, hot dog carts, street vendors, food stands and catering trailers.

As the leading mobile food vendor insurance company, we insure in nearly every state and take pride in supporting this community all over the country.  We promise working with us is affordable and easy!

Request a quote online or call us at (800) 985-7859.

Get More Catering Gigs with a better website!

Get More Catering Gigs with a better website!

by | Feb 19, 2014 | Mobile Food Business, Food Trailers, Food Trucks, Mobile Food

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Get More Catering Gigs with a better website!

Social Media is the darling of web marketing currently, and even more so with Food Trailers and Food Trucks that are on a shoestring budget.

But I think there is a case to be made that your website (yes, the old fashion website!) is equally as important to your marketing than social media.

Here are the reasons…

1) SEO (Search engine optimization)

If you have a website people can search for you on google.

Even if someone types your company name and your Facebook or Twitter pages pull up, that isn’t enough!

What you want is for your page to pull up when someone searches Asian food truck catering, or food trucks your zip code or part of town.

A website that has pages with catering info, food served, location, chef bio, etc., will be indexed by google and in turn more attention from people who are searching for your exact services.

Tip:

Don’t pay someone to do SEO when starting off, just google best practices. If you exhaust those efforts, then look to hire an expert.

2) Photos, photos and more photos!

With a website you can tell a story about your food with photos. Customers can’t taste or smell your food online, but having mouthwatering photos is the next best thing.

Tip:

Use a professional, not your iPhone! Barter for services if you need to, it’s well worth the investment!

3) Create personality, build your brand and design your own style!

With a static Twitter or Facebook interface, there is very little you can do to add your own personal touch to the design or layout. However, on a website you can have a section about the chef, or add links to menus and photos.

Tip:

Use a website builder where you can control the content, so you can tweak the page and keep cost low. Most site builders nowadays will offer a Responsive Web Design, which adapts your website to desktop or phone viewing.

Tip:

Need a graphic designer for your website? try Fiverr.com for low-cost options to outsource the work.

How To Insure Your Mobile Food Vendor Trailer

How To Insure Your Mobile Food Vendor Trailer

by | Jan 25, 2014 | Insurance 101, Food Trailers, Food Truck Insurance, Food Trucks

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How to insure your mobile food vendor trailer

What is Property Coverage for your food trailer?

Property coverage for your trailer protects against damage or loss to your trailer and the attached equipment or built in equipment.

Why Property Coverage for your trailer?

The most common types of losses covered are

  • Theft or Vandalism
  • Collision damage
  • Wind and Hail
  • Fire
  • Lighting

Common mistakes:

The most insurance policies only cover your property at the main location, unless you have a special type of property policy called an inland marine policy. An inland marine policy is designed to cover property that moves.

Not insuring the full value of your trailer. You must insure to value to make sure the insurance company will fully reimburse you if a claim occurs.

Including coverage for items not attached to the trailer. These items should be covered under a separate coverage for contents.

Endorsing your personal auto policy with the trailer. At best these policies do not cover your contents in the trailer and at worst exclude coverage because of the business use of the trailer

General Liability Insurance 101 for Mobile Food Vendors

General Liability Insurance 101 for Mobile Food Vendors

by | Jan 3, 2014 | Food Trucks, Food Trailers, Food Truck Insurance

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What is General Liability Insurance?

General Liability protects your mobile food vending business from lawsuits of bodily injury or property damage from a third party. Note though, this coverage does not cover employees.

Why have General Liability Insurance?

First, having general liability allows you to enter into contracts with event organizers, landlords, or commissary kitchens that require you to have coverage.

General liability insurance provides claims and legal expense protection from the below types of claims:

  • Food borne illness
  • Chipping a tooth from biting into something that should not be in the food
  • Slip and fall. For example, a customer trips over an extension cord you left out or burns themselves on your generator
  • Advertising injury, like if someone sues you over your marketing

Common mistakes:

Having a premise only policy. This means the policy doesn’t follow you when you move locations.

A policy that charges fees for each certificate they provide you.  If you’re moving around, eventually you will need to add additional insureds to your policy.  Find an agency that does not charge you for COI’s.  Learn more about COI’s and why they’re important.

Policies with deductibles. Since the insurance company pays the legal fees to defend, having no deductible allows you to pass the claim and legal expense onto the insurance company If a claim should occur.