How It Works: Food Trailer Operating Modes

Get to know operating modes of mobile food trailers and how to adapt the trailer to your needs.

Before you start making burgers or serving lemonade at a city fair, you should know one thing: not every trailer is going to be suitable in every type of business. It may sound obvious, but that is exactly where a lot of people tend to make mistakes. Before you choose equipment, think about which mode would you like to work in.

1. A permanent food service location

This is the simplest model– you choose a place, park your trailer, and operate on a daily basis. The most common season is from spring to autumn, but many people run their business this way all year long, especially in big cities.

Pros: regular customers, recurring revenue, it is also easier to plan deliveries and logistics.

Cons: the need to obtain approval for a specific location, and often higher fees for leasing the space.

What to pay attention to:

Focus on a larger work space, a solid ventilation system and good insulation (if you plan to work during winter). You will also need an extra storage or a pantry- in a permanent location, you will not be able to restock your essential products daily.

2. Event mode food trailer location

Fairs, concerts, sports matches, outdoor events – here, the most important thing is mobility. You work irregularly, but often in a very profitable way.

Pros: high profits in a short time, low fixed costs, and a favorable atmosphere.

Cons: seasonal fluctuations and dependence on the weather and the event calendar

What to pay attention to:

Choose a lighter trailer, easy to transport with efficient power supply and fast installation. On such events you should pay attention to the speed- the faster you are ready to start, the more profit you can make. It is also worth it to invest in an attractive look for your trailer- it is attractive for potential customers before they even before they can smell your delicious food!

3. Mixed mode

This is the most popular option among our customers. During the week, you work in a permanent location, and on weekends, you focus on events.

Pros: revenue stability plus occasional cash injections

Cons: more logistics, longer distances, and increased workload

How to choose the right option for you:

Find the golden mean- a trailer that is light enough to move but also with a lot of storage and equipment for working in a permanent way. Systems of fast cleaning and easy access to the equipment are extremly important to easily move the trailer.

What else should you pay attention to when buying a trailer?

Power supply – check whether you need gas, electric or both of the installations

Materials– solid construction is the most important thing if you don't want your trailer to damage in a rain.

Interior layout – do not rely on a catalog photo. Remember to adjust the conditions inside to your own needs. It is important to work in a comfortable way- your work place should be functional and convenient.

There isn't such thing as a perfect trailer. There is only the one, which suits your business in a convenient way.

That is way before you buy a trailer- think about how you would like to work and then pick tne essential equipment.

If you have some questions- please text me- I will gladly help you!

Thank you for the attention,

Patryk Bodnar