Focus On Organization & Food Truck Operational Systems

Failing to put food truck operational systems in place is one of the biggest mistakes a mobile food vendor owner can make. Many mobile vendors don’t want to come off as some sort of corporate entity; to them, the “C” in the word “corporate” is like the Scarlet Letter. To embrace systems would be like selling out and becoming like a chain.

The Importance Of Food Truck Operational Systems

Creating operational systems for your food truck couldn’t be further from selling out. There is a reason that chain restaurants thrive: Every one of them started as an individual restaurant. Each had a great chef, a great concept, and a great location, and they developed systems that enabled them to build guest demand, hold on to key people, and make money. Otherwise it would have been impossible to open two locations, much less 200. This same processes can be used by individual food truck owners.

Immediate benefits that a food truck will realize as a result of standardized operational systems:

Reduced Management Time. Vendors will have more time to devote to building the business instead of working in it (marketing, community involvement and promotions planning are but a few of the things that can be accomplished).
Enhanced Value. When it comes time to either sell the operation or obtain financing, a new buyer or lender will see that food and beverage success is not dependent upon the owner.
Consistent Service & Food. Repeat performances by both culinary and service staff will delight your customers and bring them back.
Decrease Turnover/Increased Morale. Strong recruiting and training operational systems make for a competent and confident staff. They will know what is expected of them and are able to focus on your food truck customers.

The Bottom Line

If your food truck requires too much of your time being involved in day-to-day operations, experiences high employee turnover, or delivers inconsistent food or service, taking the time to put organization and operational systems in place is a step worth considering. Organization won’t kill the flow of creativity. Putting outstanding food truck operational systems in place gives you the freedom to be creative.

Do you have food truck operational systems in place in your truck? We’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic. You can share your ideas in the comment section below or on social media. Facebook | Twitter

By Richard Myrick|2019-02-12T07:26:54-05:00Feb 10, 2016|Business|

About the Author: Richard Myrick

Richard Myrick is an architect by degree (Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, Michigan) who began his career in real estate development and architectural planning. In September of 2010 he created Mobile Cuisine Magazine to fill an information void he found when he began researching how to start a mobile hotdog cart in Chicago. Richard found that there was no central repository of mobile street food information anywhere on the internet, and with that, the idea for MCM was born. Richard also wrote the "Running a Food Truck for Dummies" available in bookstores everywhere and Amazon. You can reach out to Richard by email at: [email protected].