Opening a food cart requires some preliminary planning and research. You will need to select a location for your cart, obtain the necessary permits, and purchase or lease the appropriate equipment. You will also need to develop a menu and determine your pricing. We've put together a brief overview of what you'll need to do to get started.
Select a location for your cart. You'll need to find a spot that gets good foot traffic and is approved for food carts by the local authorities.
Obtain the necessary permits. Each municipality has different rules and regulations regarding food carts, so you'll need to check with your local business licensing office to find out what permits you'll need to obtain.
Purchase or lease the appropriate equipment. Your food cart will need to be properly equipped with everything from shelves and refrigeration units to cooking appliances and serving ware.
Develop a menu. Your menu should be reflective of the type of cuisine you'll be serving and the pricing should be in line with what similar restaurants charge.
Determine your pricing. You'll need to set prices for your items that are both competitive and profitable.
