Food Truck Business and its Legal Factors: You’ve purchased the truck, developed the recipes, obtained the supplies, formed the company, and passed an inspection—now it’s time to launch your food truck.
It’s all about location, location, location in this case, as it is in most eateries. Food trucks are movable, but that doesn’t mean you can park wherever and start serving.
From getting licenses to understanding how garbage collection works, here are four legal considerations to bear in mind while choosing a place for your food truck.
1. Parking regulations and locations
Most towns and counties have zoning restrictions that limit the location of food trucks. So, even if you believe you’ve located the perfect place, such as a park or a college campus, you might not be able to park there. Begin investigating prime truck parking possibilities and check in with the county clerk for a complete list of where you may and cannot park. This will differ based on where you are in the city and whether you are operating on public or private land.
Once you’ve determined the city you’ll be visiting, you’ll need to ask and answer the following questions:
How long am I going to be parked? You may be required to pay a meter or follow the two-hour street parking notice restrictions.
Am I parked near the curb? Although it may not appear to be significant, several cities have food truck rules requiring food to be served from the sidewalk side of the street rather than the street side.
Are there any prohibitions on proximity? If your food truck’s menu is extremely similar to that of other local eateries, the region may have a proximity limit on how close a food truck may park by firms offering rival goods.
Where can I park for the night? Most food trucks must park in a commissary every night.
Are there any lesser-known parking regulations I should be aware of? Explore all of the parking laws for the sites where you’re interested in parking, from stop-and-wait limitations to double-parking.
2. Health regulations governing garbage and restrooms
Food truck owners can’t just throw their garbage in someone else’s dumpster or use another restaurant’s restroom whenever they want. Food truck operators must adhere to health and safety regulations that encompass everything from food preparation and storage to water access.
3. Licenses and permits
What permits do you need for your food truck, and how do you get them in your city? Do extensive research to discover exactly what you need, like, a business license, health permit, mobile food facility permit, food handler certificate, and food safety certification are just a few of the paperwork you may be required to get. These may differ based on the city or county in which you do business, and some counties may even demand separate permissions.
4. Business insurance
Finally, you’ll need business insurance for your food truck. This should include not just the vehicle, but also workers’ compensation for your employees in the event of an accident, commercial property insurance, and general liability insurance.
Once you’ve nailed down all of the specifics, pull into a parking spot and start cooking—your food truck is now officially open for business!
Want to get started with this business idea, contact our experts at Corproots, who will readily help you with the registration of your company. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s make this work!