How to Launch a Successful Mobile Dog Food Business
The mobile food industry has gone to the dogs—literally. And that's a good thing. As pet owners increasingly seek premium, fresh food options for their furry companions, mobile dog treat businesses are carving out a lucrative niche in the food truck market. A few years ago, M&R Specialty Trailers and Trucks had the opportunity to convert a Sprinter truck for Four Legged Foodie, a dog treat business based in Atlanta that has since expanded into a brick-and-mortar location. Their journey offers valuable insights on how you can start your own mobile dog treat venture and grow it into something even [...]
How to Protect Your Food Truck from Theft
Food trucks, packed with pricey cooking gear and tech like iPads for POS systems, are sadly prime targets for thieves and vandals. Their high value draws bad actors, as seen in the infamous taco truck theft that sparked an hour-long police chase from Salinas to Monterey. This incidents plague owners nationwide. Take, for example, a Satay truck that vanished only to mysteriously reappear in Maryland. Stories like these aren’t rare across the country. Unfortunately, food trucks can be prime targets for thieves, cash-heavy operations often parked in unsecured locations with little oversight. This underscores just how critical it is to [...]
Food Truck Regular Maintenance Checklist
For food truck owners, the golden rule is maintenance, maintenance, maintenance. Sure, scouting prime vending spots, perfecting your menu, and nailing your Instagram game matter, but nothing sinks your profits faster than a truck breakdown. A dead generator, a blown tire, or a seized engine doesn’t just cost you repair bills. It costs you customers and momentum. Your food truck is your livelihood, both kitchen and wheels, so a proactive, documented maintenance plan isn’t optional. It’s essential. Let’s break down a detailed, food-truck-specific strategy to keep your rig reliable and your business thriving. Why Food Truck Maintenance Is Non-Negotiable A [...]
Women in Food Trucks: Celebrating Female Entrepreneurs
The culinary world has often been painted as a male-dominated domain, a notion famously captured in James Brown’s song, “This Is a Man’s World.” From inventing cars to harnessing electricity, men have long been credited with shaping industries. Yet, as Brown himself acknowledged, these achievements would be hollow without the contributions of women. In the restaurant industry, this truth shines brightly. Despite outdated stereotypes that once confined women to home kitchens, female chefs and owners have been shattering glass ceilings, proving their prowess in professional kitchens across the globe. Legends like Julia Child set the stage, while countless women have [...]
How to Create a Food Truck Business Workshop In Your Community
Based on our conversation with Morgan Perry of the Mid-Continent Public Library System, I'm excited to share expanded insights on organizing a successful food truck business workshop. The library's 6-week food truck business course in Kansas City provides an excellent blueprint that communities across the country can adapt to their local needs. Here's a comprehensive guide with practical examples to help you create your own impactful program. Main Steps for Setting Up Your Workshop 1. Partner with Local Resources Libraries aren't just for books anymore—they've evolved into community hubs for education and entrepreneurship. The Mid-Continent Public Library exemplifies this by [...]
Winterizing Your Food Truck: A Guide From Experience
After 20+ years in the food truck business, both building and maintaining these mobile kitchens, I've seen firsthand what winter can do to a food truck that isn't properly prepared. Here in the northern states, winter isn't just a slow season – it's a serious challenge for your equipment. I'm going to share my personal insights on how to protect your investment during those cold months. The Reality of Winter Storage Let me be straight with you: storing a food truck for winter isn't as simple as parking it and walking away. I've had customers come to me in spring [...]
How to Start a Mobile BBQ Business: A Step-by-Step Guide
Richard Willis here from M&R Specialty Trailers and Trucks. After building custom BBQ units for over two decades, I've learned a lot about what makes these businesses run profitably. Let me walk you through the process step by step with some insider knowledge on building and marketing your mobile BBQ operation. Step 1: Planning Phase (6-12 Months) Initial Planning (Months 1-3) Before you even think about buying equipment, you need a rock-solid plan. Here's what needs to happen in your first three months: Are you in a region with a strong BBQ identity (like Kansas City or Texas)? What styles [...]
Food Truck Foundations: 5 Books Every Owner Needs to Read
The food truck industry continues to evolve, with the market reaching $1.2 billion in 2024 according to the National Restaurant Association. For new entrepreneurs entering this space, knowledge and preparation are crucial differentiators between success and failure. Through careful analysis of the industry's most influential literature, we've identified the key texts that offer practical insights for aspiring food truck operators. The Food Truck Handbook: Start, Grow, and Succeed in the Mobile Food Business David Weber, founder of the NYC Food Truck Association, has created what many consider the definitive guide to mobile food entrepreneurship. His experience as both an operator [...]
Should You Accept Cash Tips on Your Food Truck?
It feels like anywhere you eat now-a-days, you find a tip jar. Historically, people would tip their server a customary 10% at a sit-down restaurant or for services like a ride in a taxi. Today, you'll find find the tip jar front and center ever where from coffee shop chains like Starbucks to Subway restaurants. Which leads us to the question... With the continued acceptance and expectation of a tip jar, why not accept tips on your food truck too? According to TripAdvisor.com's Tipping Etiquette guide for the United States, a "good tip" should be 20% of the total bill [...]
Four-Stall Bathroom Trailer Designed for Any Event
Hey everyone, Richard Willis here from M&R Specialty Trailers and Trucks. I wanted to take a moment to share something I’m really proud of: our latest build, a Four-Stall Bathroom Trailer. This is a project we’ve poured a lot of thought and care into, and I think you’re going to see why it stands out. Whether you’re planning a wedding, music festival, corporate event, or just need a high-quality portable restroom solution this trailer is designed to meet the challenge. Let me walk you through it and show you what makes it special. Thoughtful Design Meets Practical Features When we [...]