If you’re a bit of a foodie and you love cooking for others, then street vending might be right up your alley. You might not fancy opening up a full on restaurant or catering company, but street food vending means that you can see and serve your customers directly in a relaxed and fun environment.
What Do You Need?
First, you need to decide what you’re going to serve. Street food vendors lend themselves to hot food, and it needs to be something you’re really good at. It also needs to be something different. No one’s going to book you for a festival if you’re selling the same burgers as the next van.
Once you’ve decided what you’re serving, you’ll need to form a company; either a sole trader or a limited company. Then you’ll need to register with your local authority as a food business. Environmental Health will then give you a Food Hygiene Rating. You should also have public liability insurance, and if you’re using gas, a gas safe certificate or if you’re using electricity, then you’ll need a PAT Test certificate. Festivals might also ask for Risk Assessment, Method Statement and more.
Then you’ll need the equipment and supplies!
What Sort of a Set Up is Best?
It’s entirely up to you which set up might be best for you, your financial situation and the type of food you’re serving. A gazebo is the cheapest option, requires no insurance and won’t breakdown on the way there (though your actual transport might!). However, it is much harder to make it stand out as an awesome place to buy burritos when it’s just a plain white marquee.
A food van is compact and easy. Simply roll up and open up and you’re ready to go. Food vans are easily customisable and also great advertising for when you’re travelling. However, there is the fact that they are liable to break down, as well as the fact that the cab will take up space on your pitch.
A trailer has the best of both worlds. Easily customisable but without the hassle or stress that breaking down might bring, a trailer still doesn’t have quite the same iconic status that a van has.
When it comes to kitchen supplies, there are a variety of different companies like Fridgeland who stock professional equipment.
Now the only thing you need to do is get some festival bookings!