How do I get started doing Lunch Wagons in Edmonton?!
How do I get started doing Lunch Wagons in Edmonton?
I am looking for information on how to be employed with a Lunch Wagon or how to get started owning one. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Answers:
I don't know any of the special laws governing this in Edmonton, but I would suggest that you ask someone in the city offices about permits and such. You also probably need to talk with the local Health Department and ask about inspection of premises where food is prepared so that you will know what requirements (are you preparing food on the lunch wagon or preparing it at home and selling it out of the lunch wagon - big difference.) I have never done this, however, my daughter and I thought about doing it in Austin, Texas because we knew someone who had a "Taco Wagon" who was going to industrial areas (factory areas) and making a killing on coffee breaks and lunch. They were subject to city regulations and permits (had to get a Peddler's permit I believe, which was for a year at a time and was inexpensive. They also had to be inspected by the Health Department and have a license to do business that was approved by the city or perhaps the state. Sounds like a lot of paperwork, but all of it was just something that you had to fill out forms on a yearly basis and it really was not that complicated. The main thing is to have a good product (tasty) and to have an attractive cart, lunch wagon, trailer or whatever which makes people want to buy from you because it looks good and clean and attractive, and also to give you repeat business because it is good. Another good aspect of this is to find out what sites might be available to you to visit during the noon time to sell your wares. Talk with managers (sometimes HR personnel are good resources) and see if they would let you visit their parking lot to sell to their employees. Try finding some places where lots of people work and another company is not already running a lunch wagon there. It would be easier to start out without a lot of competition. Then as you get better known you could branch out and compete for business if that is what you wish. There is nothing like running your own business. Much better than punching a clock and working for others. If your time is your own, you enjoy what you do and you make a decent living at it, you can go home at night, enjoy your family, pay your bills and live without so much stress that it damages your life by making you grumpy, grouchy, and subject to shortening your life from stress. I hope this works for you. I have some friends (more than one) who have dealt with the Small Business Development service and they have helped them write a business plan and get started in their business with grants. The government wants us to succeed (more taxes?) and there are ways that they help small businesses get off the ground.
Again, good luck on your venture. I hope it works well for you.
Kathy
Do you know someone who has work with or owned a Lunch Wagon? I would start there. See if you can find someone who has done it or knows the rules and regulations. Good Luck
Apply for a vender's license, And buy yourself if you can afford it a roach couch