5 Mistakes to Avoid When Designing Your Mobile Kitchen Trailer
If you are looking to fabricate a fully custom mobile kitchen trailer for your catering service or mobile foodservice business, there are some common mistakes you will want to avoid. This is true even if you are just customizing and renting a trailer for a short lease period. It is very important to take your time and get it right before you get the trailer and realize it doesn’t suit your needs.
Here are 5 design mistakes to avoid according to the mobile kitchen trailer experts at Mobile Kitchens USA:
1. Lacking a Plan
You are running a mobile food business and it will benefit you to have a plan before you even start designing your ideal mobile kitchen trailer. Figure out your menu, projected daily food service quantities, size of kitchen staff and other key issues. Prioritize what your most important requirements, and then make a list of other items you might like to have if there is enough space and budget. This will make a significant difference in customizing a mobile commercial kitchen unit that meets all your needs.
2. Too Complex of a Menu
One of the biggest mistakes we see from catering companies or mobile food service providers is having a menu that is way too complicated. It is a good idea to simplify and come up with dishes that you know will work in a mobile environment. Think about ingredients and storage. Understand the food prep and cooking process (including which appliances and supplies will be needed to make these dishes). Don’t forget your customers, as well. Will your meals be easy to serve and consume in different locations where you may be setting up shop?
3. Wrong Size
It’s natural to select a smaller-sized trailer to save on your budget. However, going too small could backfire. It may not leave enough room for the appliances and features you require. The space may not be efficient or safe for your kitchen staff. At the same time, you may want to avoid any temptation of choosing a larger trailer than you really need. Some customers at Mobile Kitchens USA want the “best of the best” and automatically pick the biggest option. Too large of a mobile kitchen trailer could hinder mobility and may simply not be practical for your particular foodservice business. It all goes back to #1 above. Have a plan to start with and it will help you select the size and type of mobile kitchen unit that will be right for you.
4. Wrong Appliances
Plan out your menu and your foodservice quantities before deciding which appliances and other features should be inside the mobile kitchen trailer. Don’t install a big deep fryer if you aren’t serving any fried foods. Select an oven, stove and other appliances that will offer the desired cooking functionality and sizes. This is how you design the perfect mobile kitchen.
5. Neglecting Other Features
Lastly, the ideal mobile kitchen for your business may need to have other features beyond just the appliances. Here are a few items you may want to add to your mobile kitchen trailer wish list:
• Work Tables
• Dry Storage Shelving & Cabinets
• Cold Storage Refrigerator & Freezer
• Heat Lamps
• Heating and/or Air Conditioning
• External Service Windows, Ramps and Deck
• External Water Tank
• Hot Water Heater
• Dishwashing & Hand Washing Sinks
• Drying Racks
• Safety Features & Equipment
If you plan carefully and focus on what you really need most, you can design and fabricate the best possible mobile kitchen trailer within your budget. There may be some sacrifices and compromises you have to make along the way, and that’s okay. Just remember how you will be using the unit and how it can benefit your business for many years to come.
If you are interested in purchasing or renting a custom mobile kitchen trailer, contact Mobile Kitchens USA.