The food truck industry has not remained behind in the shift from gas to electric cars. Many progressive entrepreneurs are already replacing their gas trucks with electric ones. Keep reading to discover the benefits of switching to an electric food truck.

Why Are Electric Food Trucks on the Rise?

Electric food trucks are gaining popularity mainly because they are more sustainable than gas food trucks. Like ordinary electrical vehicles, electric food trucks use electricity, which is presumably cleaner than gas.

Besides cutting pollution, entrepreneurs are adopting electric food trucks due to the potential for regulatory changes. Witty business people forecast that with the rise in sustainability, authorities might ban the use of gas generators.

3 Benefits of Electric Food Trucks

Besides sustainability and realignment with future environmental regulations, electric food trucks offer multiple benefits. Some top benefits you’d get from a good electric food truck include:

1. Reduced Operational Costs

Running a food truck business is not cheap. First, you need to invest between $50,000 to $200,000 on a customized truck. On top of that, you have to spend on equipment, licenses, marketing, insurance, utilities, and labor.

An electric food truck can help reduce some operational costs mentioned. For instance, electric food trucks use electricity, which is cheaper than gasoline. Moreover, electric food trucks need little maintenance as they have fewer mechanical components.

2. Minimal Environmental Impact

Although effective, gasoline engines are less environmentally friendly. The engine produces a lot of noise and vibration, not forgetting that they emit harmful gasses like carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides, all of which pollute the air.

Electric food trucks are a better alternative to minimizing your environmental impact. Apart from using clean energy, the electricity engines operate silently, eliminating the noise pollution associated with gas-powered engines.

3. Enjoying Electric Incentives

With an electric food truck, you qualify for numerous incentives that can help reduce your business costs. For instance, the California Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project offers up to $30,000 for electric truck purchases.

This financial assistance can substantially lower the initial investment required to run your electric food truck. It is enough to cover other essential expenses like equipment, licenses, marketing, insurance, utilities, and labor.

Make the Switch to Electric With Legion Food Trucks

When considering a transition from gas-powered trucks to electric ones, seek support from Legion Food Trucks. For the past 35 years, we have helped hundreds of chefs create top-of-the-line food trucks customized to their exact needs.

From concept to creation, we will guide you through every step of transitioning from gas-powered trucks to electric ones. As a bonus, we will assist in securing necessary permits from local public health departments. Contact us for more information on how we can help you make the switch to electric.

The post Benefits of Electric Food Trucks: Why Go Electric? appeared first on Legion Food Trucks.

Exterior Appearance

The exterior design of your food truck is the first thing that catches the eye of potential customers. A visually appealing food truck will be easy to spot, help you make a great first impression, and can influence customers’ decisions to order from your menu.

For a visually appealing and memorable exterior appearance, consider using vibrant colors, eye-catching signage, and menu displays. Other customization options to enhance appearance include a striking vehicle wrap and a striped awning.

Design and Branding

Strong food truck branding will go a long way in helping you stand out in a competitive market as well as attract and retain loyal customers. Ensure you create a well-defined, unique, and memorable brand identity that helps customers recognize and connect with your brand.

Your food truck’s interior design should reflect your brand’s personality. The seating, lighting, and sound system should be well-coordinated to create a consistent theme. Similarly, ensure all aspects of the interior design complement your overall style.

Food Truck Blueprint

A detailed blueprint will play a pivotal role in enabling you to build your food truck properly. During the design phase, be sure to create a map of the truck’s physical space. This is particularly important when it comes to the kitchen layout, electrical, and plumbing.

A food truck blueprint allows you to visualize the layout of your truck as well as the nearby outdoor spaces. That way, you can make the necessary adjustments so you can use your spaces more efficiently and optimize your setup. This ensures smooth operations and easy access for customers, effectively creating an enhanced experience.

Safety Compliances

Even as you consider your preferences and needs, ensure your design complies with the necessary local health and safety standards. This includes fire codes, ventilation, and sanitation requirements. Consider working with experts to ensure everything is done right the first time around. This will make it easier to get the permits and licenses needed to start and operate your business.

Technological Integrations

When designing your custom food truck, don’t overlook the role technology plays in helping you succeed. Today, food truck owners are embracing technology to enhance operations and improve customer experience. Smart food truck technology to invest in includes food safety systems, point-of-sale (POS) systems, digital menu displays, online food ordering, and advanced kitchen equipment.

Create a Personalized Food Truck With Legion Food Trucks

Customizing your food truck can put you ahead of your competition. At Legion Food Trucks, we build top-of-the-line food trucks designed to enable you to prepare menu items quickly and efficiently. If you’re looking for a truck that will meet your unique needs, our food truck customization services will help transform your culinary dreams into reality and make this venture a success for you. Contact us for more information on how we can help you design the perfect custom food truck.

The post Designing Your Dream: The Essentials of Custom Food Trucks appeared first on Legion Food Trucks.

What Is a Custom Food Truck?

A custom food truck is designed for your specific business and brand requirements. The truck’s cooking stations, storage, cashier, and serving areas are designed to maximize efficiency. When designing your new food truck, you can pay special attention to choosing layouts to support your operations and color schemes to match your brand. Custom food trucks are one-of-a-kind, designed to help you stand out and run your business successfully. 

For example, if you sell seafood, you will need a freezer and a large refrigeration unit. If you serve up fried foods and burgers, you will need friers and a large enough griddle. Trying to outfit an ice cream truck with a deep frier will likely interfere with usable square footage and require some modifications. Investing in a custom food truck designed specifically to accommodate your needs just makes more sense.

What Are the Benefits of Building a Food Truck?

During food truck customization, manufacturers design the interior layout to streamline navigation and maximize the use of space. This design saves time and improves operational efficiency. Other top benefits of custom-building a food truck include:

• Enhanced brand identity
• Increased competitiveness
• Improved flexibility
• More chances of passing health inspection
• Higher cost savings

What Is a Pre-owned Food Truck?

A pre-owned food truck is one that has been previously operated by another business. These trucks come equipped with almost all essential features, such as cooking equipment, storage compartments, and serving areas.

Given their used state, many pre-owned food trucks’ prices are below the $50,000 – $200,000 you’d spend on a new truck.

Pitfalls To Avoid When Buying a Pre-owned Food Truck

While buying a pre-owned food truck can save you some bucks, it does come with one major downside: wear and tear. At times, you can end up buying a truck that has worn out to the point that it would be expensive to fix.

For this reason, before purchasing, inspect the cooking equipment, refrigeration units, plumbing system, electrical wiring, paint, and overall structure for signs of wear and tear. Avoid trucks with glaring signs of degradation. Other things to avoid when buying a pre-owned food truck include:

• Outdated equipment
• Incomplete documentation
• Expired warranties
• Unresolved legal liabilities
• Faulty generators
• Ill-designed interior layout

Get a Custom Food Truck From Legion Food Truck

While both custom-made and pre-owned food trucks have advantages, personalized trucks tend to be a better investment. When custom-building a food truck, your provider will tailor the design, layout, and equipment to your specific business needs.

When looking to custom-build your food truck or trailer, look no further than Legion Food Trucks. We’ll make you a food truck that meets your exact operational needs so you can optimize sales, brand recognition, and productivity. Contact us for more information on how we can help your food truck business succeed. 

The post Building a Custom Food Truck or Pre-Owned: The Best Choice for Your Business appeared first on Legion Food Trucks.

California Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Program

The HVIP program was introduced in 2009 by the California Air Resources Board to fuel the shift to eco-conscious commercial vehicles. Subject to the HVIP initiative, you can secure as much as $240,000 to fund the transition from gas-powered trucks to cleaner and more sustainable options. 

The discount value depends on various factors, including the type of vehicle and its intended use. In addition to the direct monetary benefits, which reduce overall food truck costs, the EV incentive offers the following benefits:

• Reduced carbon footprint
• Enhanced compliance with environmental regulations
• Improved brand image
• Reduced noise pollution

How To Participate in the California EV Incentive Program

Participating in the HVIP program is uncomplicated as long as you are a California business buying zero-emission trucks. Once you meet the eligibility criteria, you can go through the application process using the following procedure.

1. Find an Approved Dealer

The HVIP incentive is offered through motor vehicle dealers approved by the California Air Resources Board. You can find the complete list of these approved dealerships near you through the official HVIP website.

2. Purchase an Electric Food Truck

After identifying an authorized HVIP dealership, purchase a new, zero-emission vehicle listed on the HVIP-eligible vehicle list. The qualifying vehicles are mostly battery-electric trucks from leading manufacturers like Battle Motors and Freightliner.

3. Sign Terms and Conditions

Upon purchasing, sign the HVIP program’s terms and conditions. These terms outline several aspects, including your obligations, penalties, and recourse. Before signing, review these terms and proceed only if you are comfortable.

California EV Incentive FAQs

1. What types of vehicles qualify for the California EV incentive program?

The HVIP program covers vehicles that produce minimal or zero tailpipe emissions. These include electric trucks, refuse vehicles, buses, vans, and tractors. 

2. What is the Disadvantaged Communities (DAC) incentive?

The DAC is an incentive that offers extra support for clean transportation projects domiciled within select disadvantaged communities.

3. How much money is available?

Depending on the type of vehicle, you can get a voucher worth $20,000 to $240,000.

Take Advantage of California’s EV Incentive With Legion Food Trucks

At Legion Food Trucks, we understand the HVIP incentive program inside out. As such, we’ll guide you through the application process, from verifying eligibility to liaising with HVIP-approved dealerships. Contact us for more information on how we can help you take advantage of California’s EV incentive program.

The post Guide to California’s EV Incentive Program for Food Trucks appeared first on Legion Food Trucks.

Why a Commissary Is Needed

A food truck commissary is a commercial kitchen where food truck owners can prepare and store the food they make. Depending on your location, it may be required to have one before you can even apply to operate a food truck. These regulations keep food truck owners from preparing food at home where sanitary conditions can’t be regulated.

Types of Commissaries

There are several types of commissaries, and picking the right one for your business will make it an asset (rather than a hindrance). Four of the most common types of sharable kitchens include:

Shared Space Commercial Kitchens

These kitchens are the most popular choice for new food truck owners. Choosing this option means you’ll rent space alongside other food truck owners at a lower price point. You’ll be surrounded by experienced professionals, which makes the environment feel supportive and fun. The downside of shared space is multiple chefs in the kitchen, and you won’t always get to choose your time slot.

Private Commercial Kitchens

Renting a private food truck commissary gives you plenty of freedom to cook and prep food whenever you’d like. Although you get the space to yourself, you’ll be paying much more for it. This type of commissary is certainly the most expensive option.

Renting a Restaurant’s Kitchen  

Some restaurants rent out their kitchens for food truck owners during their off hours. This provides the perks of a private commissary at the price point of a shared space. If you opt for this choice, make sure the restaurant provides parking for your food truck.

Nontraditional Commissaries

Many out-of-the-box options are available if you take the time to think about it. Schools, churches, and even retirement homes have commercial kitchens that can be rented out. Ask around your local community to see if anyone is interested.

Get Financing for Your Food Truck Commissary

One of the biggest reasons food truck owners are hesitant to use a commissary is the extra cost. Food truck financing helps make renting a commissary space more affordable, especially when you’re just starting. We offer financing solutions to help your dreams of opening a food truck come true. Contact the pros at Legion Food Trucks to start building your brand today!

The post Are Food Trucks Required To Use a Commissary? appeared first on Legion Food Trucks.

The Difference Between a Food Truck vs. Food Trailer

Simply put, a food truck is a mobile restaurant that’s also a drivable vehicle. A food trailer is when your restaurant is on a moveable trailer that must be towed. The primary difference between food trucks and food trailers is mobility. A food truck has an internal driver’s cabin and shares the same structure as its engine. A food trailer can have all the same space and equipment, but it’s towed by another vehicle. Food trailers also typically have a wider range in sizes, from being much larger than your average food truck to much smaller. 

Food Truck: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Extra mobility
• No hitching and unhitching
• Takes up less space when parked
• Easy to relax in the driver’s cabin with comfy chairs

With a food truck, you can get going without stopping to hitch or unhitch, and you can transition smoothly from the driver’s cabin to the restaurant and service area. This means you can more easily relax in the cabin, or get started as soon as you park. There’s also the added benefit of extra mobility. 

Cons

• When the truck breaks down, so does your business
• You can’t split up to get supplies

If your food truck breaks down, your restaurant is stuck, too. You can’t pick up supplies or change spots to account for changes in customer volume. Another downside is that if you run out of supplies during a rush, you might have to leave the area to get more, missing out on sales. 

Food Trailer Pros and Cons

Pros

• Can separate the truck and trailer
• Can swap out towing trucks
• Greater selection of sizes and designs
• Can make supply runs while the trailer stays

A food trailer keeps your business safe and unaffected in the event of a breakdown. You can swap out the towing vehicles any time, and call a friend or service team if your normal truck has an issue. You can also park the trailer for your lunch rush and operate the truck separately. If you run low on supplies, one person can make a supply run with the truck while the other keeps selling in the trailer.

Cons

• Slower to hitch and unhitch
• May take up more space, or two vehicles of curbside length
• Can’t relax in the driver’s chairs

With a food trailer, it takes more setup and teardown. You need to hitch and unhitch every time you use your truck, which can slow down operations and potentially take away from sales. You also need to maintain a separate vehicle capable of towing your trailer, and you may be limited to parking spaces that can accommodate both the truck and the trailer.

Build Your Food Truck or Trailer

Both food trucks and trailers have unique benefits. Whichever one you choose, Legion Food Trucks can help bring it to life. We offer custom designs and builds so you can get started living your dream as a mobile restaurant owner. From initial planning to truck/trailer construction and marketing, we’ll walk you through the entire process of building a successful mobile food business from scratch. Contact us to get started!

The post Food Truck vs. Food Trailer: Pros and Cons appeared first on Legion Food Trucks.

Permits and Licenses

Before starting your food truck, you’ll need to pay for the necessary permits and licenses. 

These will be similar to the requirements for normal restaurants, but with a few additional categories. Here is a list of all permits and licenses needed when starting a food truck: 

• Business license
• Mobile food facility permit
• Driver’s license
• Health department permit
• Food handlers permit
• Seller’s permit
• Commissary letter of agreement
• Parking permits
• Standard operating procedures
• Fire certificates
• Temporary event license
• Any other permit licenses by state

Exact permits and license fees will vary depending on your location, but you should plan on allocating a significant amount of your startup budget to cover these costs. 

Kitchen Equipment

The kitchen equipment needed for a food truck depends on the types of food for sale, but here are the main essentials to consider:

• Fryers
• Ovens
• Grills
• Refrigerators
• Pans 
• Pots
• Cutlery

This equipment may cost anywhere between $3000 and $10,000, depending on the quality and manufacturer. Some new food truck owners splurge on top quality appliances right away, while others choose more affordable items and make necessary upgrades as they scale their business. Another popular option to lower initial equipment costs is to lease appliances.

Startup Inventory

Besides the major equipment for your food truck, you should also include ingredients in your startup budget. This expense will depend entirely on your menu, so be sure to do the research and get a general idea of typical supply costs for the items you’re going to serve. 

Safety Equipment

Be sure to include safety equipment in your startup budget. This may include fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and a ventilation system for your food truck. 

To be extra cautious, look into installing an automatic fire suppression system, which automatically releases fire-extinguishing chemicals in the event of a fire. In some areas, these systems are actually required for food trucks — but even if this doesn’t apply to you, it’s worth installing one to stay safe. 

Truck Operational Costs

Like any vehicle, food trucks have normal operational costs like gas and auto insurance. Be sure to also include maintenance costs in your budget to keep the truck and kitchen running smoothly long-term. 

Acquiring a Food Truck

Now for the most critical part of any food truck business — the truck itself. Depending on your setup and budget, you’ll likely be choosing between a full truck, trailer, or van. From there, you’ll need to convert the vehicle into a mobile kitchen, implement cooking and safety equipment, and customize it to fit your brand. You can do this yourself, or have it all done for you with our team at Legion.  

Get a Custom Food Truck from Legion

While there are a few startup costs to consider, starting a food truck is still a fantastic business opportunity. If you’re ready to take the first step, our team at Legion Food Trucks can provide a built-for-you food truck customized to your exact specifications. You choose the truck, design and concept — we’ll bring it to life. 

To learn more about how we can help, contact us today. In the meantime, feel free to learn more about starting your own food truck with our comprehensive startup guide, Getting Started in the Food Truck Business.

The post 5 Food Truck Startup Costs To Plan For appeared first on Legion Food Trucks.

1. Choose the Right Truck for Your Cuisine

Since food trucks vary in size and storage options, you want to choose one that fits the cuisine you plan to market and sell. For example, you do not want to get a food truck full of freezers and minimal space when making pizzas. 

2. Make a List of All Needed Supplies

Before you can start selling your dishes out of your truck, you need it stocked with the essential supplies, or your ingredients will be rendered useless. Make a list of all the items you need, including the amount of counter space, dry storage, and freezer storage required for your products. 

• Cabinets
• Freezers
• Refrigerators
• Griddles
• Ranges/Stoves
• Broilers
• Fryers
• Knives and utensils
• Chopping boards
• Generator
• Sinks
• Thermometers
• Menu Boards
• Disposable cutlery and boxes

These are just a few of the supplies needed for food trucks regularly. You can find these supplies through wholesale companies and big box stores like Sam’s Club or Costco. 

3. Improve Technology for Purchases

With most of your market being tech-savvy and utilizing it for dining experiences, you must ensure you have the latest payment options available to reach the largest market. While you can offer cash and card, other options like paying through various apps on their phones will allow your food truck to be all-inclusive. 

Having an app or website for your food truck where customers can place online orders is a great way to beat long lines and help maximize your business. The biggest downfalls to food trucks were once the long lines, but technology has allowed guests to place orders ahead of time and have them ready when they get to the location to pick them up. 

4. Build Your Food Truck on Social Media

The best marketing for any food truck is social media and generating a large following. You can post pictures of your menu items to get customers excited and a schedule of where you will be located so they can find their favorite dishes. 

• Facebook 
• Instagram
• Twitter
• TikTok
• Snapchat

These social media platforms are some of the most popular for businesses, allowing them to reach customers of all backgrounds. These platforms make it easy to share videos and posts from one to the other so that you aren’t losing time making individual posts for each platform. They are also free to join, allowing you to take advantage of as much free marketing as you’d like. 

Is a Food Truck In Your Future?

If you are ready to work on your food truck but need additional resources, we are here to help at Legion Food Trucks. We can help you build the best food truck for your needs;  contact us today for more information. 

The post Food Truck Building Tips appeared first on Legion Food Trucks.

If you’re looking to learn how to build a food truck, you are in the right place. This post will provide you with everything you need to know about starting your food truck business.

Check the Licenses and Regulations Required To Operate Your Food Truck

Starting a food truck business is similar to launching a new restaurant, and this means that it is subject to various health and safety regulations. Below are some of the permits you will need when opening your food truck business:
•    Parking permit
•    Proximity restrictions
•    Staffing regulations
•    Emission guidelines

You are also required to comply with the Food Standards Agency rules and regulations. The agency provides key guidelines related to labeling, sampling, traceability and hygiene standards.

When building your food truck and selecting a particular design, it is vital to consider some of the licenses and permits required in your state, province or city. Take some of your designs to the local authorities for further review before you start building the food truck.

Factors To Consider Before Designing the Food Truck

Designing your food truck requires you to determine the best layout that maximizes space. Therefore, it is essential to consider what will be on the menu, the staff and equipment required and the source of funding.

You’ll need to have a clear plan on the number of staff you need to have an exact number of the customer service team and chefs you need. You are likely to have high turnovers rates and regularly have to train staff.

Understanding the source of funding for your food truck is a key step in building a food truck. Some of the options you have include getting a loan from a credit institution or banks, seeking private investors, crowdfunding campaigns and seeking assistance from the state in the form of low-interest loans or grants.

Selecting the Right Truck

The size of a food truck ranges between 10 feet to 50 feet, and it has a significant effect on the number of staff and the size of your kitchen. A big food truck might appear appealing, but it comes with parking difficulties, high cost on fuel and considerable staffing requirements.

A small food truck might be less costly to run, but it means that you have to deal with a small space for movement and equipment. The size of the food truck that you select will depend on your business goals, size of equipment and the number of staff you hire. You also need to check the appearance and find a truck that matches your brand’s identity. 

The Layout of Your Food Truck

The interior design and layout of your food truck has a key impact on the customers and the staff. You need to have a kitchen customized based on your menu, and focused on maintaining high levels of safety and efficiency.

How Legion Food Trucks Can Help Build Your Food Truck

This guide can help you if you’re wondering how to build a food truck. However, if you’re looking for some professional help, Legion Food Trucks can assist in concept creation and customizing a state-of-the-art food truck based on your business goals. 

Our specialists work with your specifications to turn your dream into reality. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment.

The post How To Build a Food Truck appeared first on Legion Food Trucks.

If you’re unfamiliar with the concept of a mini food truck, this blog post will tell you everything you need to know before getting started.

What is a mini food truck?

While all food trucks have an average width of 7 feet, mini food trucks can be as small as 10 to 26 feet long. They are designed to be compact, lightweight, and easy to maneuver. Due to their size and limited kitchen space, mini food trucks often serve a limited menu with items that are simple and easy to prepare, such as coffee, sandwiches, or desserts.

Mini food trucks are popular for their convenience, flexibility, and lower purchase price. They are usually preferred by entrepreneurs who are getting to know the business or want to test a new concept before expanding with a larger vehicle.

Why should you start a mini food truck business?

Mini food trucks are growing in popularity, but owners need to consider their needs and goals before deciding what type of vehicle is best for their business. Here are some reasons why you may want to use a mini food truck. 

Lower Upfront Costs

Full-sized food trucks can cost up to $150,000 for a brand new, top-of-the-line vehicle. Mini food trucks are generally cheaper and require less capital. In addition, mini food trucks also have fewer overhead costs, meaning more profit for first-time owners or those who prefer to avoid financing their new business with a loan. 

Flexible

Another reason to start a mini food truck business is because of the flexibility it provides. Mini food trucks can move from one place to another. If one location does not work well for your business, you can easily move to another and see whether you will thrive there. However, remember to keep all your documents, licenses, and permits on hand before parking your truck anywhere. 

Attracts More Customers

Due to their quality and cost-effective products, food trucks are among the latest trends among consumers. Thus, investing in a mini food truck business not only attracts and enables you to interact with your target audience, but also provides a healthier and safer substitute for street food. As more and more consumers become conscious about their health, more of them opt for food trucks and sit-down restaurants.

Start Your Mini Food Truck Business with Legion Food Trucks

Legion Food Trucks provides food trucks of different types and sizes, ranging from mini food trucks to large trucks to custom ones. All our food trucks are of high quality and are guaranteed to pass health inspection checks. Are you looking to start a restaurant business with minimal investment and don’t know where to start? Legion Food Trucks is here to help. Contact us or visit our website for expert help. 

The post What Is a Mini Food Truck and Why You Should Start One? appeared first on Legion Food Trucks.