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Food Truck Necessities
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items I've lived my last 5 years helping develop business opportunities. Serving the community has been my pleasure but it is HARD work. When your looking for the best items to add to the food truck and keep it lightweight these recommendations will help.
Sections
2
Inside the Truck
For the Customer
Inside the Truck
Serving starts from the inside out for your customers. You must have the right equipment.
You will need a few chopping boards in a dedicated space. This is a quality board that works you. This set has 3 boards and offer versatility
GREENER CHEF Organic Bamboo Cutting Board Set
These pans are by far the best ones I have ever purchased outside of a restaurant supply store. The different sizes help with cooking multiple parts of your menu at once. Good delivery time!
Tiger Chef Frying Pan Set - 7, 8, 10 Inch
These condiments trays are sturdy and easy to clean. The sections hold good amount and are easy to switch out if you have multiple trays.
WICHEMI Fruit, Veggie & Condiment Caddy (6 Compartment)
Your customers need see you take sanitization seriously. Ironically this will encourage them to buy more from you. So keep it clean. These gloves are durable and work better because they fit closer to the hand.
ForPro Nitrile Gloves, Black, Large, 100-Count
You may start small as I did. This is a good start but as your business grows you may need to upgrade.
CO-Z 4 ft Stainless Steel Exhaust Hood for Kitchen
This is a large bottle you can use for the cooks and customers. It's really your choice. Just be prepared to keep them clean.
New Star Foodservice 16 oz Squeeze Bottles, 6 Pack
You don't want to spare any expense on a great thermometer. You need you can rely on to give you the right temperature of your food.
Red Instant Read Digital Thermometer with Water-Resistant Feature
I've used these Food Warmers several times and this one worked for me. You will be glad you have these to Precooked food warm for the customers as you prep for more as needed.
Avantco W50CKR 12" x 20" Full Size Electric Countertop Food Warmer / Chicken Wing Warmer with (2) 1/2 Size Hotel Pans and Covers - 120V, 1,500W
Make sure you don't get the table with wheels. This is a Food Truck and you will often be mobile. Having 3 shelves offers storage and prep space. Stainless steel easy to clean and sanitize.
Stainless Steel Prep Table 36 x 18 x 34 in. BBQ Prep Table with 2 Adjustable Undershelf Heavy Duty Kitchen Utility Table
Usually fried foods don't take long to cook. You can choose from two or 3 fryers. It comes with at least 2 settings and a fryers baskets, be sure to follow the clean instructions avoid the build up and possible corrosion.
Food Truck Fryers: Shop Ventless, Countertop, & More
Paper liners are worth the investment in several ways. They work for clean up, sanitization and to go packaging.
Paper Food Tray Liners
Handle food processors get the job done quickly, easy to clean (avoid the dish washer) and portable. You don't have to worry about electricity hazards and it's lightweight.
Multi-Functional Manual Food Processor, 8 Cup
Make sure your food is staying cool enough as required. This one is good to keep your foods cool enough for serving daily for your customer but I would recommend moving items they have temperature requirement to a colder freezer. This also worked for as a prep station on top. Take advantage of every inch space you have or it will impact your mobility.
Commercial Refrigerator Undercounter Refrigerator 12.85 cu. ft. Thick Stainless Steel Refrigerated Food Prep Station
Add your cleaning sprays in the bottles and make sure you label them. You can buy your products in bulk but the bottles make it easy to reach them in between customers.
Graduated Unprinted Plastic Spray Bottles, 28-oz.
When you can find tools with a multipurpose they add more value to creating space for things. I used shelves like across the wall to grab spices and utensils quickly.
Spice Rack Organizer With 8 Hooks Wall Mounted Seasoning Shelf 304 Bathroom Kitc
For the Customer
These are items you need to have on hand as a convenience to your customer
I like to see the open sign and hours on the same sign. It just a makes sense to have it all in one area. Keep on the inside of the window to avoid it being knocked down or taken (you'd be surprised).
23 1/2" x 20 1/2" x 1 1/2" Digital "Open" Business Hours LED Sign
Squeeze bottles are a must for every Food Truck. They are used at the food prep station and a perfect way to offer your customer sauces. This helps save you dollars on condiments that most people throw away.
New Star 12 oz Clear Squeeze Bottles, Pack of 6
Buying utensils in bulk will save you money and go further to serve your customers. The are the standard size and good quality.
1000PCS Disposable Plastic Forks Silverware Set
We used one size napkin but it's your choice. For out snow cones we could've a smaller napkin and for chicken wing baskets a larger napkins but it doesn't make much of a difference.
Choice White Beverage Napkin Sample Kit - 800/Pack