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Walkabout Media

The rise of the food truck industry has been responsible for transforming ordinary individuals into new entrepreneurs all across the country.

Today’s food truck owners come from backgrounds that range from corporate executives to the unemployed. In other words, you don’t necessarily have to be a professional chef to own a gourmet food truck. You just have to have desire and motivation.

Read more

The rise of the food truck industry has been responsible for transforming ordinary individuals into new entrepreneurs all across the country.

Today’s food truck owners come from backgrounds that range from corporate executives to the unemployed. In other words, you don’t necessarily have to be a professional chef to own a gourmet food truck. You just have to have desire and motivation.

Does watching your favorite food truck show on TV get you pumped up to start your own business? Can’t stop thinking about owning your own food truck? Well, here are some words of encouragement. The opportunity to start your own mobile food business… along with your chances of success has never been better. But the problem is that sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin. After all, starting a successful business isn’t something that you can do overnight.

An Industry With An Amazing Future

The most encouraging news is that industry experts have estimated that food truck revenues will reach an enormous $2.7 billion in the next few years. There is huge room for growth and prosperity in the mobile food industry. You’ve probably noticed there are more and more food trucks popping up on the streets. It’s not just coincidence that you’re seeing more of these mobile businesses around. Numerous food truck success stories are fueling this movement. Profits can be made curbside, but food trucks are also expanding their client base through catering and special events. Make no mistake. There are major opportunities for food truck owners. The only thing you need to do is take action and build your future career.

Video and MP3 Versions Included

In addition to all the video modules offered in this course, an MP3 audio version of the entire course will be made available for all students. This means you can take the training with you whether you're exercising, commuting or just on the go. Just load the file onto your favorite MP3 player and you're set.

What You'll Learn

This course will lead you through the important action steps you need to get into the mobile food industry. Many questions will be answered including:

  • Where to begin?
  • How to plan your menu?
  • What to include in a business plan?
  • How to get funding?
  • Where to get the best ingredients?
  • How to market your food truck?
  • When and how to hire employees?
  • And more.

If you want to start your own food truck, this is the course you need to enroll in. Get a head start with Street Food University. The rise of the gourmet food truck industry is the golden opportunity that has motivated individuals everywhere to finally leave their jobs for a career they can be proud of.

About The Instructor

Our primary goal is to help current and future food truck entrepreneurs through education, promotion and awareness of the mobile food industry.

We explore methods to help food truck entrepreneurs market and grow their businesses and then share our findings with the public. The food truck industry is growing rapidly and we aim to stay on top of all new trends. We've developed online resources, videos and publications to deliver industry information efficiently.

We offer additional food truck business resources through our online and social media channels:

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn what it takes to start a gourmet food truck
  • How to avoid potential set-backs

Syllabus

Welcome to Street Food University
Welcome to Street Food University! Get ready to learn how to get started in the exciting and profitable gourmet food truck industry. There are a total of 16 video modules you can watch at your convenience. Feel free to watch as many as you like in one sitting and log in anytime to view them at a future date.
Read more

This is where you can download the complete MP3 audio course for the Street Food University. Take the learning with you while you're exercising, commuting or just on the go! Simply load the audio file into your favorite MP3 player and you're set!

Thank you for being part of Street Food University! Here are some valuable resources where you can continue your research in the food truck industry.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides insights into menu planning, ingredient sourcing, and marketing strategies, which are essential for attracting and retaining customers in the competitive food truck industry
Explores the legal requirements for operating a food truck, which helps entrepreneurs avoid costly fines and potential business closures due to non-compliance
Includes an MP3 audio version of the entire course, which allows learners to study while commuting, exercising, or performing other activities
Discusses the importance of a business plan and what lenders look for, which is crucial for securing funding to start a food truck business
Covers the option of buying a new or used food truck, which helps learners make informed decisions about a significant capital investment
Explores the prospect of hiring employees, which is helpful for entrepreneurs who may be new to managing staff and delegating tasks

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Reviews summary

Practical guide to starting a food truck

According to learners, this course provides a practical and comprehensive overview of how to start a food truck business. Many found the content to be packed with valuable information, covering key areas like business planning, funding, permits, and marketing. Students appreciated the easy-to-understand format and felt it offered a solid foundation for anyone considering this career path, whether leaving a corporate job or starting fresh. Some specifically praised the inclusion of the audio version for learning on the go.
Audio format allows for flexible learning.
"Having the audio version was a huge plus, I could listen while commuting."
"Great to have the MP3s for review on the go."
"The audio download makes it convenient to revisit lessons."
Offers a solid starting point for novices.
"Perfect for someone just starting to think about a food truck."
"It gives you a solid foundation before diving deeper into specifics."
"As a complete beginner, this course was incredibly helpful."
Content is presented clearly and simply.
"The instructor explains everything in a very clear and simple way."
"Easy to follow along, even for someone with no business background."
"The modules are well-organized and easy to digest."
Packed with useful information for aspiring owners.
"This course was full of valuable information that I couldn't find elsewhere."
"So much great content! Highly recommend for anyone serious about a food truck."
"I gained a lot of insight into the realities of running a mobile food business."
Covers key aspects of the food truck industry.
"It really covers everything you need to consider, from planning to marketing."
"A great overview of the industry and what it takes to succeed."
"The course covers essential topics like business plans, funding, and operations."
Provides actionable steps for starting the business.
"This course was very helpful in understanding the practical steps needed to launch a food truck."
"It gives a really good step-by-step guide on how to start."
"I found the information on permits and funding particularly actionable."
Some topics could benefit from deeper dives.
"While good, I wish some sections like financing or regulations went into more detail."
"It provides a great overview, but I feel I need more in-depth resources for specific areas."
"Some of the practical challenges felt slightly glossed over."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Start Your Own Food Truck - Leave the Corporate World Behind with these activities:
Review "Food Truck Business: Start-Up Guide"
Gain a deeper understanding of the food truck business landscape and best practices.
View Alter Ego: A Novel on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the book, taking notes on key concepts.
  • Summarize the main points of each chapter.
  • Identify areas where you need more information.
Review "Running a Food Truck For Dummies"
Gain a deeper understanding of the food truck business landscape and best practices.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the book, taking notes on key concepts.
  • Summarize the main points of each chapter.
  • Identify areas where you need more information.
Develop a Sample Food Truck Menu
Solidify your understanding of menu planning by creating a sample menu for your hypothetical food truck.
Show steps
  • Research popular food truck menu items.
  • Define your food truck's niche and target audience.
  • Create a menu with appetizers, entrees, and desserts.
  • Determine pricing for each menu item.
  • Get feedback on your menu from others.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Marketing Plan Presentation
Reinforce your knowledge of food truck marketing strategies by creating a presentation outlining your marketing plan.
Show steps
  • Research effective food truck marketing strategies.
  • Identify your target market and marketing channels.
  • Develop a marketing budget and timeline.
  • Create a presentation outlining your marketing plan.
  • Practice your presentation.
Attend a Food Truck Event
Gain insights into the food truck industry by attending a local food truck event and observing operations.
Show steps
  • Find a local food truck event.
  • Attend the event and observe the food trucks.
  • Talk to food truck owners and customers.
  • Take notes on what you learn.
Design a Food Truck Layout
Apply your understanding of food truck operations by designing a functional and efficient food truck layout.
Show steps
  • Research different food truck layouts.
  • Determine the equipment you need for your menu.
  • Create a layout that maximizes space and efficiency.
  • Consider safety and accessibility requirements.
  • Get feedback on your layout from others.
Compile a List of Food Truck Resources
Deepen your understanding of the food truck industry by compiling a list of useful resources.
Show steps
  • Search online for food truck resources.
  • Categorize the resources by topic.
  • Write a brief description of each resource.
  • Share your list with others.

Career center

Learners who complete Start Your Own Food Truck - Leave the Corporate World Behind will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Food Truck Owner
A food truck owner manages and operates all aspects of a mobile food business, from menu creation and food preparation to marketing and customer service. This course helps aspiring food truck owners understand the initial steps to take in the mobile food industry. The syllabus includes modules covering the basics of starting a gourmet food truck business, preparing the food truck for daily operation, and running the food truck like a real business. Through this course, prospective owners will learn how to plan a menu, find the best ingredients, and market their food truck to attract customers, skills that are foundational to success as a food truck owner.
Mobile Food Vendor
A mobile food vendor operates a small-scale food business that offers prepared food and beverages from a cart, kiosk, or other portable setup. This course provides essential insights into starting and running a successful mobile food business. The course will lead you through the important action steps you need to get into the mobile food industry. It instructs learners on how to create a business plan, secure funding, and source high-quality ingredients, which are all essential for maximizing profits as a mobile food vendor.
Catering Manager
A catering manager oversees the planning, preparation, and execution of food service for events, parties, and corporate functions. This course provides valuable knowledge for expanding catering services to include mobile food options. The course covers menu planning, sourcing ingredients, and marketing strategies, all relevant to catering services. Furthermore, you will learn how to manage daily operations, including hiring employees and overseeing food preparation, all of which can be applied to catering management.
Restaurant Manager
A restaurant manager oversees the daily operations of a restaurant, including managing staff, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maintaining quality standards. This course helps restaurant managers explore the possibility of launching a food truck as an extension of their existing business. The syllabus covers topics, such as menu development, ingredient sourcing, and marketing, which can improve the restaurant manager's existing skill set. Learning how to create a business plan, secure funding, and manage operations further enhances the manager's ability to expand their existing business.
Small Business Consultant
A small business consultant provides advice and guidance to small business owners on various aspects of business management, such as finance, marketing, and operations. This course equips consultants with specialized knowledge in the mobile food industry. From this course, consultants will gain insights into the unique challenges and opportunities of starting and running a food truck, including developing business plans, securing funding, and effective marketing strategies. This specialized knowledge makes the consultant a more valuable asset to clients in the food truck industry.
Food and Beverage Director
A food and beverage director oversees all food and beverage operations within a larger organization, such as a hotel or resort. This course may assist food and beverage directors in expanding their services to include mobile food options for special events or on-site dining. The course provides guidance on menu planning, ingredient sourcing, and operational logistics specific to food trucks. Understanding the unique aspects of the mobile food industry may allow the director to diversify operations and offerings.
Event Planner
An event planner coordinates and manages all aspects of events, including venue selection, catering, and entertainment. This course equips event planners with knowledge about incorporating food trucks into events as a unique and appealing catering option. The course emphasizes the practical aspects of operating a food truck, from menu planning to marketing, enabling event planners to better coordinate with food truck vendors. You will also learn how to plan a menu, find the best ingredients, and learn how to market, all which can be applied to your profession.
Menu Developer
A menu developer creates and tests new menu items for restaurants and other food service establishments. This course provides a focused understanding of menu planning specifically for food trucks. It may give the knowledge and skills needed to create innovative and appealing menus that cater to the unique constraints and opportunities of the mobile food industry. By studying this course, you will be armed with what you need to create meals people line up for.
Mobile Marketing Specialist
Mobile marketing specialists implement marketing campaigns targeted toward mobile users, often leveraging strategies like location-based advertising and mobile apps. This course introduces marketing strategies specific to the food truck industry, which can be applied to mobile marketing campaigns. You may find the marketing modules in the syllabus particularly useful. It prepares you to effectively target potential customers through mobile channels and increase brand visibility and engagement for food truck businesses.
Business Development Manager
A business development manager identifies and pursues new business opportunities to drive growth and revenue for a company. This course may provide you with insights into the food truck industry, a rapidly growing sector with significant business potential. This knowledge is valuable for identifying potential partnerships, expansion opportunities, or new markets for related products or services. The syllabus will give you the knowledge you need to take your company to the next level.
Culinary Instructor
A culinary instructor teaches culinary skills and techniques to students in cooking schools, vocational programs, or community classes. This course may offer a unique perspective on the food truck industry, allowing instructors to diversify their curriculum and provide students with real-world insights. The course’s comprehensive overview of starting and running a food truck may give the culinary instructor specialized knowledge to share with aspiring food entrepreneurs.
Food Critic
A food critic reviews restaurants and food products, providing opinions and recommendations to the public through publications, blogs, or other media outlets. This course may provide a deeper understanding of the business aspects of the food truck industry. It may help provide insights into the challenges and opportunities that food truck owners face. It also may help food critics evaluate food trucks not only on the quality of food but also on the business acumen of the owners.
Franchise Consultant
A franchise consultant advises individuals or companies on the process of buying or selling a franchise, providing guidance on franchise agreements, market analysis, and financial planning. This course may assist consultants by providing essential insights into the food truck industry, a unique and growing franchise market. The course is essential for identifying potential franchise opportunities within the mobile food sector.
Market Research Analyst
A market research analyst studies market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. This course may provide valuable insights into the food truck industry, a rapidly growing segment of the food service market. With the information in this course, the analyst may better assess the market size, competitive landscape, and consumer preferences related to mobile food businesses. This is especially true as the syllabus covers the basics of starting a gourmet food truck.
Social Media Manager
A social media manager is responsible for developing and implementing a company's social media strategy to increase brand awareness and engagement. This course may provide a deeper understanding of marketing strategies specific to the food truck industry, which is essential for effective social media campaigns. Pay special attention to the marketing module in the syllabus. The strategies outlined will improve your ability to attract customers to food trucks by way of technology.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Start Your Own Food Truck - Leave the Corporate World Behind.
Offers a user-friendly introduction to the food truck business, covering the basics of planning, launching, and managing a mobile food operation. It provides practical advice on menu development, marketing, and customer service. It good starting point for individuals with limited business experience. This book is less detailed than other options, making it a good choice for those who want a quick overview of the industry.
Provides a comprehensive overview of starting and running a food truck business. It covers essential topics such as business planning, menu development, truck acquisition, and marketing. It valuable resource for anyone looking to enter the food truck industry, offering practical advice and real-world examples. This book adds breadth to the course by providing detailed guidance on all aspects of food truck ownership.

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