Looking to start a Street Food Business?

I wrote this a few month into setting up The Van Waffle Company. I didn't have a blog then but I have a blog now 😁 As I say every time I hand over a waffle - enjoy!

This is for those of you, who like me, have searched the internet for someone to tell them exactly what to do when it comes to starting a mobile catering business. I mean, exactly what to do, because I have no idea. I have no background in catering and have arrived here after a throw away comment in a pub. I’m not sorry to be here but I am on a rollercoaster of unprecedented anxiety over coffee machines and jubilant excitement about food packaging. It’s exhausting. I won’t claim to give you any of the right answers but perhaps my experience may help you on your journey. I don’t want to put you off, as you will soon discover, I sway dramatically between thinking it’s all brilliant and wanting to pack it all in right now.

I have discovered that I like a list of tips. Those websites that say 10 tips to making the best latte art, that kind of thing. So I am going to start with a list of tips that I have gleaned in the very short time that I have been a caterer.

1. If someone offers you the opportunity to try out your idea before you commit to it then take them up on it. By setting it all up and selling to customers you will not only decide very quickly whether it is something you want to carry on doing, it will also allow you to iron out any creases and figure out exactly how you would like your own trailer to be set up.

2. Really put some time into researching where you are going to buy your supplies from and don’t forget that finding something cheap online is often offset by huge postage costs.

3. Enjoy a spreadsheet. I have loads of them. Price comparisons, weekly sales, shopping lists. It gives you control and it is very satisfying.

4. Social media is great but at the start you will have very few followers and who cares. In my case I know that I am basically telling my friends and family about my fabulous waffles but the more you do it the better you get at it and the quicker you can put up good content. Pinch other peoples ideas because constantly coming up with your own is ridiculously time consuming. Templates are a game changer.

5. Setting up a business on your own can be very lonely. I was really looking forward to pottering around the house doing businessy things, thinking business thoughts and making important business decisions. But, it is really hard. Take every opportunity to get out. See it as marketing. Just make sure when you go out that at some point you will tell someone about the business you are building. Local business networking groups are much more fun than you might think.

6. Give yourself a working day. Mine is 8-5 but you may want to work more or less but in that time, work. It will give you routine and it will also give you time off. I still search things up as I’m watching telly in the evening but that’s because I find it fun.

7. Write lists! Get a planner! A notebook! Whatever works for you. I use Notes and Reminder on my Iphone because I gain a lot of pleasure from ticking things off and them disappearing. Lists will bring some order and focus. They are brilliant.

8. Be brave. Making yourself do something that has been your nemesis forever. I have always hated answering the phone, since I was very young. In fact I hate making phone calls full stop. But I have to do it and when I do I am so pleased with myself and let’s face it, if I didn’t then it would be tricky to explain my waffles to the lady taking a booking at the village hall. Just do it, you will be fine.

9. Talk to people. You will be surprised by how many people can offer up useful information. Maybe their brother is a barista who can explain why tapping your steamed milk 4 times instead of 3 will create the perfect love heart. Or perhaps your neighbour has the perfect tool for removing the stubborn layers of ugly paint on your trailer. For some of you this goes back to being brave but it really does pay dividends.

10. Finally, keep reminding yourself of your dream. You can get bogged down in legalities, insurance, practicalities, other peoples opinions, loads of things that can make you want to throw in the towel. When it all gets to me I get a big sheet of paper and I do a for and against mindmap. What I always find is that the 'against' side is full of surmountable problems. The 'for' side is full of joy and fun.

None of it is rocket science. I just want to make lovely waffles!