Think Menu First When Designing Your Mobile Kitchen

There are a number of important factors you will need to consider when buying or renting a mobile kitchen trailer. You will want to customize it to your needs. This means selecting the right type of temporary kitchen unit (mobile kitchen trailer, tent kitchen, skid kitchen, etc.), as well as the ideal size. Then, it needs to contain the necessary appliances, storage space and work areas for your kitchen staff. 

Indeed, there is a lot you will need to think about when designing your perfect mobile kitchen. One of the best tips we can offer is to focus on your menu first. This will help you determine which specific features will be best for your mobile kitchen trailer. Purchasing or renting a custom mobile kitchen trailer without knowing your menu in advance could lead to some costly mistakes. 

What is Your Menu?

The first step is to plan out your menu. Oftentimes, it pays to simplify when you have a mobile kitchen. Limit the amount of different items you are preparing and serving—at least at the beginning. Whether you are using your mobile kitchen trailer as a food truck or concession stand, for your catering business or as an expansion of your existing restaurant, you may not want to offer all the same dishes. Your restaurant may have a menu that’s 10 pages long. Your mobile kitchen trailer may be better off with only one page of meal options. 

What Do You Need to Store?

Storage is a very important part of any mobile kitchen trailer. You will have cold storage areas, including temperature-controlled refrigeration and freezer spaces. You will need storage shelves and cabinets for dry goods, as well. You may even want to have warming areas to keep pre-prepared meals ready to serve. Then, there are kitchen supplies (pots, pans, utensils, safety items, etc.) that all need to be contained in this one unit. Determining your menu in advance will help you understand what you need to store in the mobile kitchen trailer and which specific storage features should be included.

What Are You Preparing?

Next, think about your food preparation procedures. Do you need a sink for washing fruits and vegetables? Do you need a place to chop meat and other key ingredients? What work spaces and food preparations are necessary for your mobile kitchen? Again, having a set menu will help with planning and customizing your mobile kitchen trailer.

What Are You Cooking?

Of course, this is the most important priority of any mobile kitchen. Plan out your menu and know what you will be cooking in your mobile kitchen trailer. Then, you can figure out which appliances should be installed. Sure, it would be nice to have a deep fryer, but it doesn’t make sense to install one if you aren’t deep-frying anything on your menu. Select the commercial appliances you require, and get sizes that are appropriate for your menu and expected foodservice quantities. 

Who is Working in the Mobile Kitchen?

Lastly, consider your kitchen staff and the space they need to do their jobs effectively. Design your custom mobile kitchen with an efficient and effective layout that allows everyone to be as productive as possible.

These are some of the factors to consider when designing your ideal mobile kitchen trailer for rent or purchase. It all starts with planning the menu and the rest of the details can fall into place. Mobile Kitchens USA is here to help. Our team is experienced at fabricating custom mobile kitchen units for a wide variety of staffs and menus. Let us help you design the perfect temporary kitchen. Contact us today!