Thinking of Operating a Food Truck in O'ahu (Honolulu, Waialua: for sale, apartment)

[Hodad]

Hey all,
Talk story time

So my deal, I've been a Professional Chef for 15 years, as in the actual Executive Chef position, not just a glorified line cook. I also have experience in all areas of the restaurant industry from being a General Manager to server and bartender.

I have a somewhat significant sum of money, ~$100k+ and am looking at buying a food truck in LA for $30k - $40k and shipping it over, as there doesn't seem to be much of a selection of food trucks for sale in Oahu. I would also ship my 2009 Chevy Silverado over as well as I would need my truck for my business as well.

I am aware of shipping costs, excise tax, licensing procedures for my vehicles, safety inspections, getting my HI drivers license, TB testing, peddlers permits, business licensing, business insurance, cost of living, cost of food, the housing situation, and the traffic.

I am paying $1000 a month for a studio apartment now in Minneapolis, so rent isn't too out of line with what I already pay, and the traffic in and around Honolulu has never bothered my too much as it is about the same here in Minneapolis.

I was considering living in or near Waialua as rents seem to be reasonable and there is a shared use / incubator kitchen there with reasonable rental rates and seems to be a nice central location on Oahu.

It seems to me that there is a good food truck scene already in Oahu and that it is well supported buy the community with events such as Eat The Streets.

I guess I'm just wondering what I am overlooking and general comments.

Mahalo

[hotzcatz]

Lots of food trucks on Oahu. Folks usually like the two scoop kine, what will you be serving?

[honobob]

Short ribs and two scoops risotto?

[Hodad]

Haha, you guys are great!! I actually that about doing a plate lunch with short ribs! I'm still thinking on the menu, but there will for sure be 2 scoops of rice and macaroni salad on plates! I've eaten my fair share of Loco Moco and other fine Spam infused Hawaiian delicacies!

The menu will be inspired by street food from across the world, so I'll be making Loco Moco, Bahn Mi, Ramen, Tacos, Burgers, Sweet Potato Fries, Pho, Bombay Burgers, Yum Yum Rice Bowl and the such based on whats available, fresh and in demand. I might even make Tator Tot Hotdish every once in a while :0

[hothulamaui]

the only thing that comes to mind for me is where would you park the food truck at night? you may have to end up having to pay to not only keep it safe but because there is no room where you live or regulations don't allow it. good luck sounds like a great idea.

I would also consider getting a truck that isn't the top end of the line, functional of course. I would find one that you could customize the paint job. make it unique, bright with great graphics. take a look at the other vendors @ eat streets to see the trucks they use and figure out how you stand apart. you can always get a second bigger better truck if you need to branch out.

the best ear to listen to would be one of the vendors that has been around awhile. you might even find one that wants to sell his truck. here is the page for the eat the street guys and a link with some vendors.
Street Grindz Blog | Street Grindz | Where Your Eatz Meet The Streetz
Oahu's food trucks roll out great local grinds | Full Page

[roadfamily6now]

I'll come visit ya!

[Hodad]

Originally Posted by hothulamaui

the only thing that comes to mind for me is where would you park the food truck at night? you may have to end up having to pay to not only keep it safe but because there is no room where you live or regulations don't allow it. good luck sounds like a great idea.

I would also consider getting a truck that isn't the top end of the line, functional of course. I would find one that you could customize the paint job. make it unique, bright with great graphics. take a look at the other vendors @ eat streets to see the trucks they use and figure out how you stand apart. you can always get a second bigger better truck if you need to branch out.

the best ear to listen to would be one of the vendors that has been around awhile. you might even find one that wants to sell his truck. here is the page for the eat the street guys and a link with some vendors.
Street Grindz Blog | Street Grindz | Where Your Eatz Meet The Streetz
Oahu's food trucks roll out great local grinds | Full Page

I have given some thought to parking; one could only assume that if I'm renting a studio or one bedroom apartment that the landlord wouldn't be to excited to have a large, brightly painted food truck parked outside of their building. Looking through craigslist I was able to find a few posts that rented out space for heavy equipment over-night parking which would be my best bet I think.

Also, as far as food trucks go, $20k - $40k does get you a basic truck that will pass health code / food inspections and that is about 20 years old with a newer kitchen. Top of the line trucks are $100k - $200k.

One idea I had for for painting the truck or getting a graphics wrap was to talk with Hormel as they are a local company here and see if they would want to use part of my truck as a rolling billboard advertising SPAM. I already have plans of having SPAM on the menu, so a little advertising revenue from Hormel would be a nice little benefit

I have been following Street Grindz for a bit now, and will be trying to get in touch with them as the time becomes right. I also found The Association of Lunch Wagons and Vendors based out of Honolulu on FB and they look like they're willing to advise and consult as well.

[Hodad]

Originally Posted by roadfamily6now

I'll come visit ya!

All the way form Anchorage? You'd be my favorite customer

[eureka1]

Waialua is hardly a "central location". Are you planning to rent a space on the North Shore?

[lost_traveler1]

Originally Posted by Hodad

Hey all,
Talk story time

So my deal, I've been a Professional Chef for 15 years, as in the actual Executive Chef position, not just a glorified line cook. I also have experience in all areas of the restaurant industry from being a General Manager to server and bartender.

I have a somewhat significant sum of money, ~$100k+ and am looking at buying a food truck in LA for $30k - $40k and shipping it over, as there doesn't seem to be much of a selection of food trucks for sale in Oahu. I would also ship my 2009 Chevy Silverado over as well as I would need my truck for my business as well.

I am aware of shipping costs, excise tax, licensing procedures for my vehicles, safety inspections, getting my HI drivers license, TB testing, peddlers permits, business licensing, business insurance, cost of living, cost of food, the housing situation, and the traffic.

I am paying $1000 a month for a studio apartment now in Minneapolis, so rent isn't too out of line with what I already pay, and the traffic in and around Honolulu has never bothered my too much as it is about the same here in Minneapolis.

I was considering living in or near Waialua as rents seem to be reasonable and there is a shared use / incubator kitchen there with reasonable rental rates and seems to be a nice central location on Oahu.

It seems to me that there is a good food truck scene already in Oahu and that it is well supported buy the community with events such as Eat The Streets.

I guess I'm just wondering what I am overlooking and general comments.

Mahalo

Assumption is the mother of all screw-ups" - Eugene Lewis Fordsworthe

1st:
Rethink this assumption.

2nd:
Why not just work as an Ex Chef at a hotel in waikiki, Ko Olina, or any other hotel in on the neighbor islands?