Frequently Asked Questions
Guideline to Vending Truck Businesses
Our mobile culinary experts offer advice, tips and tricks to building a successful mobile catering business or design the perfect Kitchens on Wheels® vehicle. Please submit your questions to our experts through our questionnaire. We will answer your questions here on our advice page. Submit your questions, now!
Can you tell me what kind of power requirements are needed for my mobile catering van? We sells smoothies, specialty coffee drinks, and cold snacks.
| Excellent question and a very important one for your type of business. Blenders have high wattage requirements, and generators are rated by the amount of power (wattage) they produce. To determine the power needs of your restaurant truck, you will need to know the wattage or amperes or amps (A) needs of all of your appliances. It is especially important to know which appliances will be run simultaneously, as you do not want your power shutting down in the middle of your food prep and sales! Now, Watts (W) = Amps (A) x Volts with most household style appliances running at 120 volts. If your appliance is measured in amps, multiply the amperage by 240 (Amps x 240 = Watts) to determine the wattage requirements. Then add up the total wattage. Generators are rated in kilowatts (kW), and each kW is equal to 1000 W. So, you'll look for a generator with a minimum or 1 kW of potential power generated for every 1000 W. If you are not sure how to add up all this math, then call the Kitchens on Wheels staff--that's why we're here! |
I love the Kitchens on Wheels® vending trucks! I am new to the business and need help on which design I should choose. How do I decide which Bistro catering truck to buy?
| Well, you're already starting out on the right foot by deciding to buy one of the Kitchens on Wheels®' Bistro catering vehicles! Now, which to choose? :) First of all, we'll want to know what kind of business you have. If you want a taco truck, your needs will be different from a submarine/deli sandwiches vending truck. And full scale mobile kitchen trucks for onsite catering have some specific requirements. We recommend compact designs for the former two such as the Bistro Bus® or our smaller Bistro Trailers®. Large kitchens require sufficient food prep area for maximum efficiency, so our larger trailers or a Bistro Box® design is in order. For any mobile vending vehicle, you'll want to consider footprint sizes and mobility. Most fair or carnival concessions will use trailers, while true mobile vehicles will probably want the cab/engine compartments included within the vehicle. After you've decided on the footprint and mobility needs, you'll want to visit our vending truck design guidelines to complete your restaurant truck and get started on business. Feel free to call us for assistance! Good luck! |
I recently saw one of the Bistro Buses®, and loved the design! How much do they cost for setting up a small taco truck business? Also, I already own an older vehicle and would like to used some of the appliances I already have. Can I do this?
| Thank you! We love to hear positive feedback about our Bistro line of restaurant trucks! Every Bistro Bus® is designed to your specifications from floor plan and layout to equipment and appliances needed therefore the prices vary. Now, it sounds like you already have a successful taco truck business, so you have a good idea of what additional equipment you need. I would suggest you call us. |
