Summer Tips for Food Trucks
Summer is in our way. If you are a food truck owner, you are aware that this means that the hot weather is coming and that can seriously compromise many things of your business if not taken good care. While summer is a good thing for these mobile restaurants with the number of customers you may have, you also need to pay attention to certain things, so your food truck will succeed. Here are some summer tips for food trucks that you’d better known.
Find a good shade
One of the main problems with summer (if there is one), is that the weather will rise up to 130 °F. So, it is probably sure that your food truck will get hot as well. Just imagine yourself working in a tiny kitchen under the sun with no protection at all. It is definitely the receipt for disaster.
In that case, it is better for you to park in a shady area. In this way you can protect yourself and your food from ruining. Also, you can consider installing an awning if you cannot find a good shade.
Do not over use the heat-producing appliances
There are certain appliances, like the oven or refrigerator that you for sure need when working with food. However, if there are some things that can be turned off or use them little, change to them. Even you can consider tailoring your menu to fit these standards, like avoiding using a grill, oven and fryer all at once. By doing this, you can cut down operating costs and your kitchen will not be as hot as it can get in the summer.
Hydrate yourself
A good way to protect you and your employees from the summer heat is by staying hydrated. In an intense summer like in Chicago, you know how intense the heat can get. So, you are responsible for your worker’s health and safety.
For that matter, make sure that they drink plenty of water the whole day. Or, remind them to stay hydrated from time to time. In this way, they will work the best and give their 100 % to their job.
Pick the right dress
You can ask your employees to wear lighter clothes during summer, so they will know how to choose breathable fabrics. Otherwise, if your food truck business has a uniform, you can customize it into a summer-friendly attire. This is how you can help them do a better job. Another thing you can consider is to buy mesh cooling towels for anyone who needs it.
Use a fan
While we know this can consume some energy from your food truck, you also need to think about yours and your employee’s comfort.
If you want them to perform at their best, you can consider getting portable fans or solar-powered fans. Another way to keep the breeze going is by opening the doors, windows or skylights.
Upgrade your food truck
Summer can be a great season for a food truck business due to the increase in the number of clients. So, it is better if you are sure that everything is working the way it is supposed to work. You can consider taking your truck into a Food Truck for Sale in Chicago company. They will know how to fix the things and keep your food truck operating for a long time. Never think of it as a waste of money, rather think of it as a good investment for the future.
Upgrade your Storage Containers
Yes, your storage containers are important to keep your food safe during a difficult weather like summer in Chicago. So, it might be better for you to consider upgrading them to avoid any kind of problem in the long run. Let’s imagine this: if you have porous containers like cardboard and styrofoam, it won’t let your food get cool when the humidity gets up. And this promotes mold growth. So, it can ruin your food and your whole day of work also gets wasted for this.
You cannot let yourself lose money for that. Then, it is better for you to start considering using metal or polycarbonate storage containers. Your food and business will very much appreciate it. Remember this and your budget will be saved from future problems.
Keep the Fridge working
During summer (and in general, during all year, but especially this hot weather) you will find that the refrigerator is your best friend’s business. When you buy a truck to a Food Trucks for Sale Chicago, always make sure that it has a working fridge. If it does not or does not work well, a disaster can happen. Your food can get bad, and you can lose a lot of your business’ day. Then, always have contact with a certified mechanic and plan an inspection and maintenance plan periodically. It will be the best for you and your truck.
Take care of your employee’s health
One of the things that keep the business running are your employees. You, along with them, are the ones that sustain your Food Truck business. For that matter, it is always important for you and them to stay as healthy as you can during work and more. If work is hard by itself, when the summer is here, the environment and weather might be a little harsh on everybody. Some people might suffer from a heatstroke. And this is definitely bad for you and for them.
Of course, you don’t want any incident to happen while working, so always know what are the symptoms of a heatstroke (red, hot and dry skin, lack of sweating, cramps, dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, confusion, seizures, unconsciousness). In case you notice one of your workers exhibits these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
