The food truck industry is growing rapidly and with that growth comes an ever-evolving set of legal guidelines, which are often unique by locality or region. As part of the food industry, food trucks are mobile restaurants, easily accessible in a variety of locations. Just like brick and mortar restaurants, food trucks have stringent legal and health guidelines which need to followed with care.
While these guidelines vary from place to place, you’ll need to know the rules before your food truck becomes fully operational and makes it’s first sale. The team at Sizemore Ultimate Food Trucks shares these tips to help you adhere to legal guidelines and remain completely compliant.
Step One – Obtain All the Required Permits and Licenses for Your Food Truck Business
The number of permits and licenses needed varies from state to state, so you will need to check with state authorities in the location you will be operating your food truck. Permits may include, but not be limited to, a food handling permit, a seller permit, and a health department permit. A health inspection will also be required prior to opening your business of handling, preparing, and selling food. On top of permits and inspections, you will likely need a minimum of two licenses, a business license and a vehicle license, plus a driver’s license. You’ll also need an Employee Identification Number if you plan to hire any employees.
Step Two – Adhering to Health Code Regulations
Just like at a physical restaurant location, you will need ensure all food products are stored properly and that is where the health inspector comes in. He or she will verify the freshness of your food products, ensure food items are being held at the proper temperature, confirm the cleanliness of prep areas, and make sure any employees are wearing gloves during food handling. Many states also have health code regulations regarding trash removal and the availability of restrooms for your customers.
Step 3 – Legal Parking
While your customers will be able to access your truck and your culinary delights wherever you are, you need to be sure your truck is always parked legally. Food truck owners must follow parking rules and regulations for the locality in which they operate. Checking your city or county’s zoning ordinances will provide the needed information regarding where you can park your food truck. In addition, most localities require food trucks to park and serve customers safely from the sidewalk side of the vehicle.
Step 4 – Getting the Insurance Your Business Needs
As a business owner, you will want to insure your investment, in this case your food truck. In most cases, a business insurance policy will cover accidents, as well as worker’s compensation, and property damage. Be sure you purchase an adequate amount business insurance so in the event of an accident or other damage, you can recoup your losses and get your food truck business back on track quickly. Insurance costs varies with the size of your food truck as well as the amount of equipment within.
Adhering to Legal Guidelines for Your Custom Food Truck
At Sizemore Ultimate Food Trucks, you find the experts who know how to create the custom food truck you want to get your business started successfully. Adhering to your locality’s legal and health guidelines is simply part of the package of getting your business going. Food truck rules and regulations are continually being updates, and Sizemore Ultimate Food Trucks can help you design your custom food truck ready to hit the road, as well as point you in the right direction to understanding the latest guidelines and adhere to them.