ITT: Food Business Tips

I owned a food cart during my time at uni in the US back in the 00s (it's been seven years since it was 00s, wow).

Get your cleanliness certs (the name of the certification might vary depending where you are, I don't know, but where I went to uni, it was called Servsafe), plan your menu and have a go of it.
From my cart, I sold sandwiches made with my own homemade deli meats on my own homemade bread with my own homemade mayonnaise and mustards.

I sold, also, homemade cold drinks (iced coffee, iced tea and a type of lemonade) as well as plain water, sparkling mineral water and Italian sodas made with a variety of syrups, most of which were homemade.
The only things not homemade were the cheese, the ice, a handful of the syrups and the smoked salmon.

For two days each week, I made about $500 at an initial investment (for certs, licenses, spot reservation at the market and other costs) of about $2000. $500 per week × 13 weeks in the season - $2000 initial investment - $600 ingredients investment the whole summer = approximately $3900 which is over $18 per hour (6 hours at the market, from 11-5 each Saturday and Sunday plus an extra four hours of work each weekend to prep).

Not a bad deal back then. I'm sure now, with prices being as they are, you can earn considerably more per hour doing the same sorta thing.

>>8381197
Is there anyone else at your farmer's market already selling food?

If not then you have the option for "fair" type food. A small menu and decent ingredients made into something that is quick and easy to eat while standing/walking is what you want to aim form.

Think about what you want to make and your budget. Things that need refrigeration or have a hold temperature are going to take more capital and space. Plus space and transportation. Do you have a truck already?

Also the demographic and location your at is something to consider.

Have you looked into any permits needed for selling there, and if the county/township has any regulations on equipment you can have to cook or prepare foods?

Without knowing anything about you, or your passion for food, I'd recommend kettle corn. It's simple, low cost product, low cost initial investment on equipment, and it's easy to eat while on the go. Plus, who doesn't love getting kettle corn? You get a quick show and a nice snack.

>>8381237
Thanks for breaking down into numbers, thats about what I expected. Yeah I expect to get fully certified (its a requirement here).

>>8381249
>Is there anyone else at your farmer's market already selling food?
Yeah, but everyone usually picks a very specific type of food they are selling. What I am interested in selling hasn't popped up yet and is very low cost to me.

Permits are pretty easy, I just have to get more ducks in order before I go through the effort.

>>8381294
how do we know what's popped up yet?

you are the business man here

please tell us the location/market

>>8381314
no. all you need to know is its central semi-rural USA with low property costs

>>8381197
I've never done it but have known a few folk who have.

My understanding is that the hardest part of getting started is making sure you have every fucking obscure permit and license for your given city

>>8381321
Uh oh. Sooper seekret food stand idea man who doesn't want good suggestions from 300 fatties on this board. (by the way, the locals will copy you in 2 weeks anyway if it's a killer product) Good luck, Sir.