The Keys To Running A Profitable Food Truck

As the mobile food industry grows, I have learned a lot through speaking with vendors across the country. One of the more common trends I have seen comes from trucks that have been around for a few years. Today’s article covers a topic for new and existing food truck owners. We delve into the realm of running a profitable food truck.

Food truck vendors a starting to take different roles in managing the day to day operations of the truck. Many of them seem to be hiring food truck managers. This gives them the ability to work behind the scenes to work on new recipes or expand their fleet, or in some cases even open brick and mortar counter parts.

For new vendors, the article should be a guide for yourself. For established vendors, it should be used as a guide for the type of people should put in charge of running a profitable food truck business.

The Keys To Running A Profitable Food Truck

Take Ownership

Taking ownership in your food truck should always be your first priority. Whether you are the owner or managing it you need to understand that the food truck and how it operates is a direct reflection of you.

You need to make sure:

Every customer is provided with top notch food and service
Staff members preform at the highest level

Not only are these points the cornerstones of taking ownership, it will put you on the path to becoming a great leader.

Lead By Example

Leading by example takes commitment. This is often difficult for owners and managers because it requires them to model the behavior and actions they wish their staff to mirror.

Make The Truck A Fun Environment

Creating an atmosphere around the truck where fun translates into happy customers and employees will ultimately will have an impact on the bottom line.

Stay Focused

Running a food truck can seem like you are a fireman meaning you feel like all you’re doing is “putting out fires.” It doesn’t have to be this way. This is where your food truck business plan comes in. It’s imperative to achieving your goals because it will provide you with the needed focus.

Learn Everyday

To run a profitable food truck, you need a great deal of specialized knowledge. Set personal goals that relate to learning. Attend conferences and seminars, speak with industry peers and read books to advance your knowledge of the fast growing mobile food industry.

Ask For Feedback

If the key to an employee’s training success is getting feedback from you, why shouldn’t the same apply to you or your food truck manager? When was the last time you asked a staff member how you were doing? When was the last time you asked a customer how your food truck could meet and exceed their expectations?

Exceed Employee Expectations

Your employees expect that they will be treated with respect and given the tools to make money. So how do you exceed expectations? Train them consistently. Someone who doesn’t know your systems won’t understand what you expect of them.

Another way to exceed your employees’ expectations is to look for employees doing thing right, not what they are doing wrong. Recognize and reward them for their achievements.

Keep Everyone Informed

By communicating with your food truck employees on a regular basis, you share with them your vision. This ensures everyone knows the business goals and how they can help you achieve them.

Feel Good About Yourself

Ever noticed that the types of people you’re drawn to and figures you admire have something in common? They are confident in who they are and their abilities. Feeling good about you is a key to leading your food truck business to profitability.

The Bottom Line

The toughest part of operating a food truck is keeping your staff happy, while making sure your truck is providing great food and service. Unlock this process by implementing these keys to running a profitable food truck, you are on track to achieving the success you desire.

Do you have any additional tips? Share your thoughts on this topic in the comment section, our food truck forum or social media. Twitter | Facebook