Mobile vendors and construction sites go together like peanut butter and jelly, ketchup and mustard, donuts and coffee… Well you get the idea. The pairing of lunch trucks serving construction sites have been common site for decades. This symbiotic relationship continues to be strong in 2018 and could be an overlooked opportunity for you as well.
Whether you operate in a densely populated city or a rural area serving construction sites can be a profitable part of your regular operations. If a new structure like a distribution center is being developed off-the grid in a location without nearby water, electricity or other services this could be an opportunity to bring your food to a captive audience of employees where the only alternative comes in a lunch pail. As an added bonus, assuming you’re able to find a safe parking spot and get permission there are no parking restricts or special permits needed in most cases. Of course, you will need to take into consideration the added gas expense that’s needed to drive out to a distant vending spot.
On the other side of the coin, building construction in urban areas can also work. While there will be significantly more access to food options, you can still offer a higher level of convenience than nearby restaurants. After all, workers may be able to walk just a few steps outside the job site to get to you. Add to that the fact that most workers have limited time to eat and not dressed appropriately you still have the advantage. Plus, you’ve got the distinct advantage of having the smell of your food permeate the worksite. This is basically free advertising!
The Flying Pie Guy. Built by M&R Specialty Trailers and Trucks.
How to Serve Construction Sites
If you want to operate on-site of a construction area, you will need to contact the construction company first. You can usually find the name and contact information for the business clearly posted at the job site. From there it’s simply a matter of giving the business a call and inquiring as to whether or not they would be open to having your food truck serve on the property. Depending on the business, you may be welcomed with open arms and seen as offering a fun service the employees. Alternatively, the company may turn you down due to perceived risk or liability. Either way, it’s worth a shot and there’s no harm in asking if there’s interest.
If you are welcomed on-site you’ll want to follow instructions on where to park very closely. With heavy equipment like trucks and forklifts operating nearby and building infrastructure you’ll need to be extremely thoughtful in where you park… Preferably somewhere a good distance and out of the way of the workers.
If you plan to operate inside a city, you can often park on the city street just outside the job site. Of course, you’ll still need to adhere to the cities rules for when and where you can park.
Gourmet Trucks Can Offer a Change of Pace
When you think of construction sites you probably think of the old-school lunch truck. These units were affordable and served food fast, but it wasn’t anything to write home about. You can only eat a hot dog off of a lunch truck so many days in a row before you can begin to feel like you’re in a rut. Although it’s non-traditional, a gourmet food truck can help provide a change of pace at work sites that is welcome by employees.
Diverse Options: Although often overlooked, a gourmet food truck can help provide a change of pace at work sites that is welcomed by employees. If you’re able to deliver a really high-quality burger or Asian-style tacos to a location like this… Folks really appreciate it. It’s a limited time treat that they can’t typically get.
Better Food: A soggy sandwich out of a bag might feel the gas tank so to speak, but it’s not enjoyable. As a food truck you have the opportunity to deliver much better food than is usually offered to these employees. If you are able to pair convenience with high-quality, you’ve got a winner.
Getting the Most From This Opportunity
According to U.S. News & World Report, the average construction worker makes $33,430 per year. This wage can often be increased by working overtime and getting time and a half. But even workers that are at the very top end of the pay scale aren’t rich.
Since many of these workers unfortunately live paycheck to paycheck, it can be wise to vend at these locations on paycheck. Most construction workers are paid bi-weekly on Fridays, but you can ask the company when people are typically paid. You’ll have more success vending if you’re serving to a group of workers that are flush with cash and approaching the weekend.
The other opportunity to serve construction sites is through catering. Catering events are paid for by the construction company in advance. This is the ideal for you as a business owner since you know exactly what your profit and expenses will be for the event. There’s also plenty of benefit to the company by selecting your services since employees won’t need to travel from the worksite and can quickly get back to building.
If you own a gourmet food truck, don’t overlook the opportunity to serve construction sites. Doing so can be both lucrative and fulfilling.
