Nothing extravagant at first just a rough idea of what you would like to sell. Now narrow that down to 3 or 4 items. I also want to add that you should be creative. Unless you have a super delicious hamburger with a sauce that will make you forget your mortgage is due tomorrow don’t sell hamburgers and fries.

Everybody and their brother are already doing it.

Serve something unique that makes people want to stop and try it. For example serve steak tips with roasted garlic and mushroom sauce plate. Don’t see many of those so people will stop just to check you out. Come up with your own combination of unique recipes.

Don’t be scared.. I know you can do it;-)

In this business more is not better. McDonalds started out with 3 items on the menu….hamburgers, fries, and shakes. That’s how they were able to call it fast food.

Now look at them 97 items and adding more every day and a long ways from fast food. You can get an order faster at red lobster than a fast food joint now days. Too many items on the menu.

In the concession food business you have to offer fast food and mean it. People stopping at your concession trailer are unforgiving. They will not give you a second chance. You have to impress them the first time or you will never see them again. Then they go tell every one they know how horrible there experience was at your place. Its not a pretty picture so get it right the first time.

Just remember people are always in a hurry but they want good service and food as well so give them both. It’s not that hard to do.

Just imagine yourself on the other side of the window standing in line; you just got off work, kids screaming in the car. Little Josh duck taping his younger sisters’ head to the armrest. You’re standing there trying to remain calm knowing you’re only 2 steps from a nervous breakdown.

Then finally you get your order and rush to the car to find that Josh is now eating what is left of a seat cushion. You reach into the bag only to find that your order is not right!

Do you think you would ever visit this establishment again? Heck no! Not without a can of gasoline and a box of matches.

Now I know that example was a little extreme but you would be surprised at the condition people are in when they order food. People are stressed and always in a hurry so take that into account and do everything you can to make their day better.

Treat them with kindness and always give them a big smile and mean it. Let them know that you are appreciative of their business. Do this and you will have a loyal customer.

Ok I got a little off course from telling you to decide on your menu. (I will do that from time to time. Just a warning.)

Ok now we need to decide how many you are going to have working in the concession stand or trailer. Keep in mind this is a small space and not a full service kitchen. It also depends on the size of your trailer. If you are going to have 1 or 2 people inside, a 6 or 7 foot wide by 12 to 14 long will do. If you have 3 to 4 on the inside it will have to be 8 foot wide by at least 16 foot long.

Don’t plan on working with anyone you cant get along with on the outside because once you get in that little space it only gets worse. In my experience the perfect set up is 3 people. One working the window and register while fixing the drinks, One cook and one preparing the orders.

Since your just starting you can manage with just yourself doing it all and as your business grows bring another person in, as you need them. Or one cooking and one taking the orders which works out good for a husband and wife team. Now on to step 3….

Go to step..  1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

Keep in mind when I mention concession trailer that the concession stand also falls into this category.

The difference is the concession trailer is mobile and can be moved from place to place to do shows, fairs, festivals, races, or just anywhere a gathering of people might be.

The concession stand is set up just like the trailer except it is usually permanent. You will usually find concession stands set up in a busy park or in a parking lot in front of shopping malls or department stores. Whichever style your interested in both have their good qualities and maybe a couple not so good. But don’t worry about the downside if you are really serious about the concession business then the good will over come the bad.

Another thing I want to add is don’t ever get in a rush.

This process will take time and if it’s rushed you will not succeed. When planning to buy or build a food concession trailer think of it as an investment and like buying a home for you and your family. You don’t go out looking for a house one morning and buy the next do you? Neither should you with a food concession trailer.

I know your excited and ready to start making the big bucks but trust me when I tell you that taking your time will pay off.

To do it right you should allow at least six months if not a year for planning and getting your concession trailer or concession stand built before making your first dollar.

Now I am sure your sitting there wondering why it’s going to take so long just to set up a food concession trailer. Here is why. If you are planning on traveling across country doing shows with your concession trailer this will not apply to you.

The very first thing or first step you need to do is get in touch with your county and city health departments and city ordnances office. These people are under staffed and never get in a hurry.

Expect this process to take from one week to 3 months.

Visit your city and county health departments in person if possible. Call first to make an appointment. Once you get an appointment sit down with him or her and explain to them what you are planning. Tell them you want to operate a food concession trailer in your state and you need to know what the codes and laws are. Also ask for a manual with all the guidelines in it pertaining to the concession business.

If you have an idea where you might like to set up mention this and make sure of any special codes or laws for this area. Then they will tell you what they need from you. Usually they ask for an outline of your trailer and all the plumbing and wiring diagrams and a business outline. Don’t panic. It’s not as hard as it sounds.

Now to step two.

Go to step..  1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10