Posted by Barbara on April 10, 19100 at 07:27:50 :
In Reply to: Re: catering truck posted by Carl on April 10, 19100 at 03:29:20 :
: : I am in the Tampa area and I am tring to start a construction site catering service. Does any one know where any trucks are and can any one give me any tips on starting/maintaining the business ?
: : thanks finjowil
: I can give you lots of tips... what do you know about "the business" now??? How is your accounting background? Foodservice product knowledge? how about food protection and sanitation background?? Know anything about quantitative analysis of business??? What about marketing? Who is your competition? What is your product? What is your competitive strategy, (lower price, better selection, better food?)
: Have you prepared a income proforma statement?
: Generally when someone asks such a general question it means they dont know what they dont know or they dont know what questions to ask specifically because they have no clue or they are casually thinking about the field and won't take enough time to pose questions that will get them the answers they need....
: So, dont take offense to my bluntness here... I think I speak for the rest of the professionals here by saying we would love to advise you if you are serious....
: As you can see, I have already written a longer response than the inquiry you posed.... So, give us some more information, or be more specific with your questions......
: As far as a catering truck, there are many manufacturers... I would not purchase a new truck since there are several out there from those who failed to do there homework and did not make it... so you may check on ebay.com and see what used ones are available there or check with the Tampa area restaurant supply companies in your yellow pages..
: I wish you the best of luck in your business venture..
: Carl
I know that there are quite a few places in Orlando doing this and I am sure you could find some used trucks there. Carl has given you a lot of good advice. Also think if you are going to be the one doing the work or hiring someone to drive, make sure you are aware of the long hours involved in all weather and the diverse people that you are going to be dealing with. I have been there and between fixing the food, delivering it, cleaning up, buying supplies and getting ready for the next day I was up at dawn and still going at 9 or 10 at night (of course, I was also taking care of house and children). You have to be ready for all kinds of comments, no matter how nice a job you do there are the belly achers that really wear away at you especially if you have to hear it every day. You also have to be a good shopper and really watch your prices and find the best deal. I did well money wise but the long hours and the FL heat and the gripers finally got to me, not that catering is without the down sides also, but I have a little more control of who I am dealing with,lol. Good Luck Barbara