Food trailer design is the first step in the beginning of your dream. Whether you want to serve ice cream to fun folks at the park on the weekends or coffee and breakfast for busy Monday commuters, you need a good food trailer. Before you can make a profit, you need to seriously consider the design of your trailer, which is the foundation of a mobile food business.
Food trailer design: 6 factors to consider
This article will cover what you need to know about food trailer design, and here are 6 factors you need to consider.
1. Information to be determined before food trailer design
Before designing, you need to determine the following four pieces of information in order to make the layout of the design more reasonable.
Menu. You need to determine your menu as it relates to the cooking equipment you will be using.
Equipment. Determine the cooking equipment and kitchen equipment you will use based on your menu. Properly lay out these devices in the design.
Budget. Your budget matters. Larger food trailer sizes can be considered with ample budget. It turns out that after the mobile food business started, there are many owners who regret not opting for a larger space.
Laws and regulations. You need to be aware of local laws and regulations in order to design your food trailer compliant. You'll appreciate this move, making it easy for you to handle all kinds of permits.
2. Mobile kitchen layout
The layout of the mobile kitchen is the most important step in the design of a food trailer. A logical layout makes it easier for your staff to cook, serve and communicate with customers. Efficient work can reduce customer waiting time, not only improve customer experience but also increase sales.
You need to consider the following aspects when moving the kitchen layout.
Kitchen equipment: refrigerator, range hood
Cooking equipment: BBQ grills, fryers, griddles, stoves, ovens, etc.
Other equipment: ice machine, coffee machine, ice cream machine, salad cabinet, etc.
Water sink. Many cities have specific regulations on the number and size of sinks.
Aisle. The aisle width should allow the cook to easily turn, bend, and move from side to side.
Ventilation windows. There should be enough ventilation windows inside the mobile kitchen to ensure a comfortable working environment.
Sales window. The size of the sales window should be reasonable. It includes a POS system, functions such as customer purchase, food pickup and communication.
Material inventory area. Space in the inventory area should allow for at least one day of continuous sales. If the space is too small and you sell all your inventory by noon, you will lose a lot of sales opportunities.
Emergency exit. Equipment that may block access should not be placed near emergency exits.
Fire extinguishing system. The location and height of the fire extinguishing system should be reasonable to facilitate rapid fire extinguishing.
Other. You can also add shower enclosures, aft hallways, generator boxes, propane tank mounts, and more to your mobile kitchen.
3. Choose the right size food trailer
Depending on the layout of your kitchen equipment and the space you need in the aisle, you can choose the right size food trailer. On the basis of meeting the basic needs, our professional engineers suggest that the kitchen space should be as large as possible.
4. High quality material
High-quality materials determine the longevity of a food trailer. Any malfunction could result in your food trailer being parked in a repair shop.
Floor. Floors require anti-corrosion, anti-rust and fire-resistant materials. In general, we recommend the use of aluminum patterned floors. It is non-slip, rust-proof and easy to clean.
Paint. All our food trailers use professional grade resin paint car paint, which is environmentally friendly and not easy to fade.
Chassis and frame. The chassis and frame are made of galvanized high-strength steel, which is rust-proof and durable.
Workbench and lockers. Workbenches and storage cabinets are made of stainless steel, which is rust-proof and easy to clean.
5. Power Systems
According to customer requirements, we can provide power systems that meet the customer's national and regional standards.
Voltage. The voltage of general food trailers is 110V/60HZ and 220V50HZ, you can choose according to local electricity standards.
Generators. There are many different types of generators. There are gasoline generators diesel generators as well as eco-friendly biofuel generators. The power of the generator should be able to meet the kitchen appliances working at the same time. Usually the generator will be placed on the draw frame outside the mobile kitchen.
Solar power. Your food trailer can also use solar panels for energy, which is even more energy and money saving. But that's not going to be the full energy source, because when it's cloudy, you won't be able to start the ice cream machine. You can mount solar panels on the roof of your car.
6. Gas system
Most food trailers use a gas system. Gas systems are designed with safety in mind. The quality of the materials it uses must meet the standards.
Gas pipeline. The gas pipeline adopts stainless steel corrugated pipe.
Interfaces and Valves. Connections and valves are generally made of stainless steel.
In addition to the above main designs, food trailer design also includes vehicle shape design, body pattern design, generator box design, etc. Although different designers have different philosophies, the scope of food trailer design is basically the same.
The main principles of food trailer design are the rational use of mobile kitchen space and the rational layout of kitchen equipment, which is conducive to the work of employees and improves customer satisfaction.
Check out ETO DEVICE's different food trailers and find inspiration for your trailer design.
