03/01/11 So Your Thinking Of Opening A Port Chester Food Truck Business

The True Cost Of A Port Chester Food Truck Business

The phenomenon known as a food truck -- which has spawned a reality show and countless creative menu items -- is well on its way to going mainstream.

Low startup costs, a slew of success stories, and the opportunity to meet the people who enjoy your food may appeal to someone searching for a new business opportunity.

Before you drive a truck down Westchester Avenue in Port Chester, make sure what you’re envisioning matches the reality of actually operating a food truck.

Here are some reality checks:

Startup costs are only the beginning

Compared to opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant, the cost of owning a food truck is a fraction of the cost. Opening a traditional restaurant will set you back $125,000 to $550,000 according to an industry survey by RestaurantOwner.com. Depending on where you live, the cost of purchasing and fixing up a mobile restaurant could be as low as $10,000 and as high as $80,000, reported food Port Chester truck owners.

Permits

The initial startup cost may be lower, but food trucks come with their own expenses. In addition to getting a truck, insurance, employees and food, you will need a health department vending permit.

Gas Prices

There are also costs that are harder to predict, such as gas prices. Right now, gas prices are rising and will continue to climb, according to industry experts. Former Shell Oil President John Hofmeister predicted that increased worldwide demand and lack of production could cause gas prices in the United States to reach $5 per gallon by 2012, reported The New York Times. Do you really want to drive a diesel fuel guzzler if that happens?

Turf Wars

Location is one of the most important factors in the food truck biz. As food trucks become more popular, the competition for plum spots will get even fiercer on the rough and tumble streets of Port Chester. Look out for parking tickets as well. Parking fines in Port Chester, a hot spot for trucks, can add up quickly.

Weather Conditions

Few people are willing to stand in the rain or in freezing temperatures for hot dog. port Chester is not an area with temperate weather all year round, be prepared for unexpected storms and cold spells to take a chunk out of your profits.

Storage Space

Even if you’re cooking your food on-site, you will need space to prepare your ingredients and store whatever isn’t sold. Your home kitchen might not be equipped to meet your business needs so be prepared to rent kitchen space and possibly extra storage facilities.

And you may have to rent a place to park your truck.

Serving food straight from your truck to hungry Port Chester customers can be rewarding, but only if you know what you’re getting into.

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