Oct 4th 2021
Create Your 420 Inspired Food Truck in 8 Steps
A 420 inspired food truck is a stoner's dream come true! In this article we are going to explore how you can cultivate the ultimate desired dream business in just 8 steps.
Food trucks are becoming increasingly popular amongst urban areas, they are the number one growing part of the food service industry. According to Entrepreneur, the food truck business was worth $650 million in the year of 2012.
In the wake of the global pandemic, the food truck business boomed into a $1.24 billion industry according to Small Biz Genius! These researchers expect to see major national brands rake in $24 billion in sales according to Forbes.
So why not hop on the money making bus and create your 420 inspired food truck in 8 steps:
1.Find Your Target Market
It is imperative to figure out your target market because you want to know who you are marketing to. This way you can sculpt your business plan around the target audience’s desires.
2.Choose Your Concept and Your Food Truck Name
Once you nail down your target market, figure out what sells the most to them while honoring your dream at the same time. Does your target audience just love fusion dishes, healthy and organic food, or are they in a hurry and will only want quick, gourmet sandwiches to go? Here are a few different options to consider:
Gourmet Sandwiches-
A gourmet sandwich is delicious and can be made quickly for those who have little time during the lunch rush. Some folks just want a fat joint and a gourmet sandwich during their lunch hour, I mean, who doesn’t?! This option of cuisine is also cost effective! You can never go wrong in the with sandwiches!
Fusion Cuisine-
This exploratory side of the food art form is increasingly becoming popular. From hipster ramen joints to sushi burritos, these kinds of fusions are in demand! While it may be tempting to venture in food that is not rooted in your heritage, I encourage you to tread lightly in this exploration process and be conscious of not appropriating cultures that you don’t belong to inherently.
Healthy and Organic Foods-
From raw food, gourmet salads and delux smoothies; healthy and organic food is on the rise! There is a booming industry marketing towards people focusing on nourishing their bodies for better physical and emotional health, especially amongst stoners! This may be a great pathway towards success if this appeals to your target audience!
Once you figure out your food truck concept, the name for your business will follow and you can begin the creation process!
3.Build Your Food Truck Business Plan
A good business plan is key to your success! Not only will it give you a proper plan on how to operate but it will also be the key to getting your business financed. Without a proper business plan, you won’t stand a chance to get a loan that will get your business up and running!
Here are a few key points that should be included in your business plan:
●Business Description
●Market Analysis
●Organization and Management
●Product Line
●Marketing Plan
●Funding Request and Proposal
●Financial Projections
4.Get the Proper Licenses and Registrations For Your New Business
Every region of the United States varies in what permits, licenses and registrations are required to open up a food truck. Whether they are parking permits, food handling permits, business insurance, workers compensation and so on, you will need to make sure that you have everything that you need before you open! These all can range from $100- $500 according to Fit Small Business. To learn more about what you will need, look into the guidelines for your individual state and county/parish/township.
5.Get Your Business Financed
Starting a food truck business can cost everywhere from $40,000 to $200,000, depending on your region and your business plan. This is why it is critical to have a well thought out business plan so you can present this to the company that you are inquiring about a loan from. You can find a breakdown of the costs here.
There are other options than going to your bank for a traditional business loan. You can also:
●Get a personal loan
●Take out a business credit card
●Crowdfund
●Get a microloan from the Small Business Administration (SBA)
6.Design Your Menu
Now it’s time to start getting to the fun parts of building your 420 inspired food truck! Designing your menu is probably the most important component of the creative process! Designing a menu that will market well to your target audience in conjunction to honoring your inner little stoner heart may take some time. I encourage you to get all of your stoner needs at Atomic Blaze and light one up for inspiration during this creative process.
7.Build Your Dream 420 Inspired Food Truck
Did you light a fat blunt up and get that menu of delicious stoner treats created? Good! Now it’s time to build your dream 420 inspired food truck! Here’s what to do:
●Buy a food truck
●Insure your food truck
●Purchase your mini-commercial kitchen and install it into your food truck
●Outfit that food truck to be as beautiful as your favorite Blue Dream bud
8.Market, Market, Market!
Marketing is always shapeshifting in reliance on technological advancements. It’s no new news that marketing has become more accessible for the average small business owner. With social media and easily navigable self-building website platforms readily available at our fingertips! Marketing is the key to bringing in your target audience to your 420 inspired food truck!
The global pandemic has pushed many industries into collapse, but both the food truck and marijuana industry are thriving! So why not invest into two industries that are aimed for success, while simultaneously building a dream business by creating your 420 inspired food truck!
This article was originally written by Samm Bones. More of her work can be found here.