Looks Count, Part 1

It's What's On the Inside AND the Outside That Counts

When we arrive at any food truck event, we often find ourselves ooh-ing and ahh-ing over the exterior features of other food trucks. Well-wrapped trucks with splashy imagery greet us and other clients happily, inviting us to order from their windows.  One of our future goals is to also have bright, eye-catching imagery, but currently our truck is mostly plain. Plain white. We have made a few small modifications from when we originally purchased the truck, but to be honest, it's what has occurred inside the truck that has captured our moolah. A lot of it.
So, here is where I start this series. Only because I have so much advice rattling around like the loosened rivets in our truck, I can't tell you when this series will end. And if you hear our stories (filled with both hilarity and horror), you will truly be able to see a) why we have so many grey hairs, b) if owning a food truck is truly your thing, and c) how owning a food truck is not always glamorous!
So back to the whole "it's-what-inside-that-counts".  Yes, it's important to have a food truck that will draw in the crowds. That's the whole reason we do what we do! But, remember we are both driving a commercial vehicle and operating a commercial kitchen. The mechanics of both of those operations require knowledge and patience.
Thankfully, our vehicle had been decked out with beautiful, well-maintained equipment. But even that equipment requires maintenance and care! In addition, our truck has been held to different standards and requirements in each city, county, and state. Most recently, we were required to install a $2,000 fire suppression system in order to participate in an event. We really, really, really wanted to participate in this event, so we bit the bullet and installed the system.  Several weeks after that, we were told that we had to change all our outlets - something we had not been made aware of despite numerous inspections. But we concurred. 
At the very minimum, it's essential that you know the requirements for each location you plan to visit. They may have codes that you are not aware of that will prevent the operation of your truck for that day or that event. It's also essential that the equipment you do own is checked regularly, preferably before you hit the road each time! 

Part 1a -What Happens When You Don't Tie Down Your Equipment Before Driving Off