Hello Food truck enthusiasts!

Today I have a great article about starting up your food truck for success. Which highly depends on which how your money is moving. I recommend doing as much research as possible on which POS companies are best for you.

I might be bias because I’ve been with Square for over 11 years now. But, they’ve been amazing. Never an issue, never a problem, I’ve never had to call the support line for any kind of help, I get in my truck, login to my square app, and it’s ready to go.

Here are some things I love about Square. Their timely payments, freedom to take loans out to help improve your business at no upfront costs and no credit pull, and how versatile the system is.

I get paid on time, never any delays. I can get my money instantly also (at a cost). I’ve had to take out loans with them before and they’ve helped my business grow and improve because of them. Especially when I was buying a house and I couldn’t have anything else on my credit at the time. I use a lot of their different apps they offer—from marketing to scheduling to payroll. I love it and I believe there’s nobody else doing it as easily as Square right now.

So, I’ve taken the time to write up, step-by-step, on how to get started with Square!


​How to Set Up Square POS for Your Food Truck

Setting up a Point of Sale (POS) system is a crucial step for running a successful food truck. Square POS is a popular choice due to its ease of use, affordability, and comprehensive features. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started.

1. Why Choose Square POS?

Square POS offers several advantages for food truck operators:

- Mobility: Ideal for mobile businesses like food trucks.
- Ease of Use: User-friendly interface.
- Affordability: No monthly fees, only transaction fees.
- Comprehensive Features: Inventory management, sales tracking, and customer insights.

2. Equipment You’ll Need

Before you start setting up, ensure you have the following:
-
-Mobile Device: Smartphone or tablet (iOS or Android).
-Square Reader: For accepting credit card payments.
-Cash Drawer: If you plan to accept cash payments.
-Receipt Printer: Optional, for printing receipts.

3. Setting Up Your Square Account

1. Sign Up for Square, Go to [Square's website](https://squareup.com) and create an account.

2. Verify Your Identity: Provide necessary information for identity verification.

3. Link Your Bank Account: This allows you to receive deposits from your sales.

4. Installing the Square POS App

1. Download the App: Install the Square POS app from the App Store or Google Play Store.

2. Log In: Use your Square account credentials to log in.

5. Setting Up Your Menu

1. Add Items: In the app, go to “Items” and start adding your menu items. Include the name, price, and a description.
2. Categorize Items: Organize items into categories (e.g., beverages, entrees, desserts) for easy navigation.
3. Set Modifiers: If you offer customization (e.g., toppings, sauces), set up modifiers to enhance customer choices.

6. Configuring Payment Options

1. Connect Your Square Reader: Follow the instructions in the app to connect your Square Reader via Bluetooth.

2. Enable Payment Types: Decide which payment methods you’ll accept (credit cards, cash, mobile payments).

3. Set Up Taxes: Configure sales tax settings according to your local tax regulations.

7. Customizing Receipts

1. Personalize Receipts: Add your food truck’s name, logo, and contact information to your digital and printed receipts.

2. Add Custom Messages: Include thank you notes or promotional messages.

8. Training Your Staff

Ensure your team is comfortable with the Square POS system:

- Basic Operations: Teach them how to take orders, process payments, and handle refunds.
- Troubleshooting: Show them how to reconnect the Square Reader and handle common issues.

9. Testing Your System

Before hitting the road, test the entire system:

- Mock Transactions:Run through a few test transactions to ensure everything is functioning properly.

- Internet Connection: Verify that your mobile device maintains a stable internet connection (consider a backup hotspot).

10. Using Square Analytics

1. Monitor Sales: Use Square’s analytics to track sales in real-time.
2. Inventory Management: Keep an eye on stock levels and set up alerts for low inventory.
3. Customer Insights: Analyze customer data to understand preferences and tailor your menu.

Conclusion

Setting up Square POS for your food truck is a straightforward process that can significantly streamline your operations and improve customer satisfaction. With Square POS, you’ll have a powerful tool to manage sales, track inventory, and gain valuable insights, helping your food truck thrive in a competitive market.

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Happy serving!

Hello Food Truck Blog enthusiasts! Today’s blog is a very popular topic and I guess….mysterious…. Well; I’m here to answer your questions and list step by step on how to get your food truck up and running!

**Disclaimer** This is for food trucks applying for The City of Houston (not Harris County). Stay tuned for more details on how to apply with the county.

The City of Houston is by far the most annoying to get permitted in Houston. Every food truck owner will agree. So, I’ve made it easy for you! Enjoy!

How to Get a Food Truck Permitted in Houston: A Step-by-Step Guide

Starting a food truck business in Houston is an exciting venture, but it requires navigating through various regulatory steps to ensure your operation is compliant with local laws and health codes. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step process to help you obtain the necessary permits and licenses to get your food truck rolling in Houston.

Step 1: Business Plan and Research

Before diving into the permitting process, create a comprehensive business plan. Research the Houston food truck market, identify your target audience, and define your unique selling proposition. A solid business plan will guide your decisions and help you understand the financial and operational aspects of running a food truck.

Step 2: Business Entity and Name Registration

1. **Choose a Business Structure**: Decide whether your food truck will operate as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation. Each structure has different legal and tax implications. You can find more information on business structures on the [U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) website](https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-business-structure).
2. **Register Your Business Name**: File a “Doing Business As” (DBA) name if your business name is different from your personal name. You can register your DBA with the [Harris County Clerk’s Office](https://www.cclerk.hctx.net/).

Step 3: Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Apply for an EIN from the [IRS](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online) if your business has employees or operates as a corporation or partnership. This number is necessary for tax purposes and opening a business bank account.

Step 4: Apply for a Sales Tax Permit

Register for a Sales Tax Permit with the [Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts](https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/permit/). This permit allows you to collect sales tax on the food and beverages you sell.

Step 5: Food Manager Certification

At least one person in your food truck must have a Certified Food Manager certification. You can obtain this certification by completing an accredited food manager training course and passing the exam. Approved courses can be found on the [Texas Department of State Health Services website](https://www.dshs.texas.gov/food-managers/).

Step 6: Mobile Food Unit (MFU) Plan Review and Permits

1. **Submit Plans for Approval**: Before building or purchasing your food truck, submit detailed plans to the [Houston Health Department](https://www.houstonhealth.org) for approval. Your plans should include a layout of the truck, equipment specifications, and menu items.
2. **Construction and Equipment Requirements**: Ensure your food truck meets all the construction and equipment standards set by the health department. This includes having appropriate refrigeration, handwashing stations, and cooking equipment.

Step 7: Health Permit Application

1. **Submit the Health Permit Application**: Complete the [Health Permit Application](https://www.houstonhealth.org/services/health-permits/mobile-food-units) with the Houston Health Department. You’ll need to provide details about your food truck, menu, and food preparation processes.
2. **Vehicle Inspection**: Schedule an inspection of your food truck with the health department. Your truck will be inspected for compliance with health and safety regulations, including sanitation, food storage, and equipment standards.
3. **Fire Inspection**: In addition to the health inspection, your food truck will need to pass a fire inspection conducted by the [Houston Fire Department](https://www.houstontx.gov/fire/). This inspection ensures your truck meets fire safety codes.

Step 8: Commissary Agreement

Houston requires food trucks to operate from an approved commissary—a commercial kitchen where you can store and prepare food. You’ll need to sign a commissary agreement and provide proof of this agreement to the health department. More information can be found on the [Houston Health Department's Commissary Information page](https://www.houstonhealth.org/services/health-permits/commissaries).

Step 9: Vehicle Permits and Inspections

1. **Vehicle Registration**: Register your food truck with the [Texas Department of Motor Vehicles](https://www.txdmv.gov/). Ensure your vehicle has the necessary insurance coverage.
2. **City of Houston Mobile Food Vendor Medallion**: Apply for a Mobile Food Vendor Medallion from the [Houston Administration and Regulatory Affairs Department](https://www.houstontx.gov/ara/regaffairs/). This medallion must be displayed on your food truck at all times.

Step 10: Adhere to Zoning and Parking Regulations

Familiarize yourself with Houston’s zoning and parking regulations for food trucks. Certain areas may have restrictions on where food trucks can operate, and you’ll need to comply with these rules to avoid fines and penalties. Details can be found on the [City of Houston's Planning and Development Department website](https://www.houstontx.gov/planning/).

Step 11: Start Your Food Truck Business

Once you’ve obtained all the necessary permits and passed the required inspections, you’re ready to hit the road! Promote your food truck through social media, local events, and partnerships with other businesses to build a loyal customer base.

Conclusion

Starting a food truck in Houston involves multiple steps, from business planning to obtaining the necessary permits and certifications. While the process may seem daunting, each step is essential for ensuring your food truck operates legally and safely. By following this guide and staying organized, you can navigate the permitting process and bring your culinary vision to life on the streets of Houston.

Good luck, and happy cooking!

Hello everybody! Firstly, thank you all for taking the time to read these post and giving me your feedback through email mostly. I won’t take much time on that because we have a special article tonight! It’s all the things people ask me when they are ready to buy a truck/trailer…..”How much money do I need??”

Well, there’s a lot of variables. Do you want a trailer? Do you want a truck? How nice do you want it? Do you need it to pass City of Houston permitting?

These are only the few questions you should be asking yourself and there’s plenty of more!

Firstly, you want to decide if you need a trailer or a truck. If I’m giving you some advice, just get a trailer. They are cheaper, more comfortable to drive, and if your truck breaks down, you can just haul it with another truck. This can save you a lot of time and money rather than having your food truck broken down for a week or so.

If you want a trailer, you can get one, all in for about a starting price of 30k. That includes the trailer, buildout, fire suppression system, equipment, etc.

It might be a smaller sized trailer, maybe 12’-14’ but trust me, smaller is better when you are starting out. You don’t want to spend all your money up front, because of course there’s more expenses!

Now, if you want a truck, and it’s on the smaller size, 40k will be your base and this might include all your equipment, fire suppression system, etc.

Now, all the nitty-gritty details you don’t think about….

You need a generator-1K-10K
You need a wrap-3K-6K
You need utensils, pans, warmers, bowls, tools, gas can, spare tire, etc-$500-2K
You need product-This really varies depending on the event/cost of your food
You need permits-$1K-2K
Miscellaneous-1K

I would personally not cheap out on the generator. I’ve had my Honda Eu7000is for over 10 years now and it still works perfect. So, investing in a quality generator can last a life time. Also, I’d recommend getting a quiet inverter generator!

Wraps can vary, depending on quality, maybe he’s your buddy and he’ll give you the ‘Buddy discount’, or maybe you want to go all out and your builder will ‘Help you out’ and throw the wrap in on your trailer/truck payments (what a nice guy). Anywho, you’ll need to get an exact quote for your size truck/trailer.

Utensils can really cost a lot. Try your best to get as much as you can from places that sell things cheaper—like Amazon. Not everything you buy needs to be from restaurant depot or any other stores you may go too. I’ve found a lot of stuff online that’s a lot cheaper.

If you are like me and like to be prepared….i always have a spare tire, gas can, and some tools. This is something you may want to have. Not necessary to run a food truck but I like to have it.

PRODUCT….people don’t think or maybe just don’t care but product is an upfront cost and if you don’t sell it….bye bye to your upfront investment. Make sure to buy more of the stuff that’ll last like fries and less of the stuff that can spoil quickly, like meats. Until you really figure out how much product will last you, less is more when you are starting out.

Permits, if you are starting out in the City of Houston or Harris county, I believe the cheapest one is $1,200 and the most expensive is $2,000. That is for all year long or if you are somewhere else, I’d check up on your city’s permitting costs or maybe you just wanna ride dirty for the first few months….up to you!

There’s always something that comes up in a food truck, so having a budget for miscellaneous things will definitely benefit you. Maybe you hit a curb and your leaf spring broke, or you need another propane tank, or whatever it is, food trucks always require MORE. So, budget in some things that you might need.

In conclusion, I’ve touched on some key parts of opening up your food truck/trailer business. With everything I’ve listed, for a trailer, a budget of 36K-50K will do. For a truck, a budget of 46K-60K will do.

Remember, these are all estimates! I don’t know how cheap you can get something, I know tons of people and I can get a trailer built for 15K and I know a guy who actually can give me the ‘Buddy discount’ because I take all my trucks and trailers to him. So, you might be able to get your rig under these numbers…great! Make it happen and anytime you are saving money, I’m happy for you!

Leave me a comment below on how much you spent on your food truck? Or maybe, how much do you have to spend on your food truck dream!