The most memorable local eateries along the highways and back roads of America
Sign In | Register for Free!
Restaurants Recipes Forums EatingTours Merchandise FAQ Maps Insider

Sanity Check requested

Author Message
MonkeyUprising

  • Total Posts: 3
  • Joined: 6/23/2011
  • Location: DFW, TX
Sanity Check requested Thu, 06/23/11 6:28 PM (permalink)
[Helpful answer received] / [List Solutions Only]
I am new to list after very recent discovery. A lot of questions have been answered but there is one I have still not found an answer yet. EVen then the answer will vary, but here it is my story...
I ran across an 8x20 trailer (built 2010 and lightly used) outfitted with following:
3 bay wash sink + hand wash sink + water heater and necesary fresh/gray tanks.
6' Prep table
Air conditioning unit
portable electric griddle
three crock warmer
1 full pan warmer
residential vent hood
 
around 14K is asking price for this setup.
 
Everything is currently electric and there is no gas at this time. There seems to be plenty of room for expansion, but for what is inside it seems like I could easily duplicate the setup (except the plumbing setup) without having it in a trailer. Granted it would be a lot more hassle setting up and breaking down.
 
Were I to purchase this trailer, I see room for expansion as it is rather large given the current equipment. Down the road I would probably prefer to convert to gas equipment as I can afford.
 
I am currently unemployed but have a nice cushion to survive on. Because of that cushion, I don't see this as a grasping at straws effort and I can pay cash for pretty muxh everything startup related. Its kind of something I have wanted to do for awhile. Fairly soon I would liek to see some kind of positive finacial reward. :) Don't need to be a millionare, just cover the bills.
 
The folks selling the trailer had life circumstances change and are needing to get out of the business. They have offered advice and have extras that they are willing to throw in which is not necesarily a lot. Mostly just additional accessories they collected as they learned the business.... coolers, utensils, power converters, trailer hitch. Lot's of little things they probably learned the hard way. As I mentioned, they have life circumstances that they are looking to liquidate their concession business. From what I understand it has been relatively successful as a part time operation doing festivals around the state.
 
Initially, my plan is start with the typical burgers and dogs menu however, I have some other culinary ideas in mind. So initially I am looking to get some money generated and then use this as a test bed to try some new things. I am going to Culinary School and one day would like to have a restuarant but I have a lot of extra time and I am trying to weigh out the options. My wife and I would work the trailer.
 
I know this is going to be a** busting work, but I like that and also being in control of my destiny rather than someone else.
 
So... my question is: Given the above is 14Kish a fair price for the "trailer package" described above? I can provide more specfics if needed. Also what are other start up costs? Insurance, etc.?
 
There are other questions, but currently I am noodling whether this is a decent buy or not.
 
Ash
 
#1
    Buck & Vi's

    • Total Posts: 720
    • Joined: 4/19/2010
    • Location: dodging,snakes,spiders,roaches, armadillos.opposso
    Re:Sanity Check requested Thu, 06/23/11 7:10 PM (permalink)
    in m/h/o i think 14 grand is a bit much for what it has the res. hood will most likley have to be changed for one with a supression system. i got a 18 footer fully equipt, with griddle, 2 burner stove, steam table, sandwich table, reach in fridge, hood with supression, 3 bay sink, hand sink 2010 model pace midway.used very little( pics in the forum some where) for little less than that.
     
    #2
      BackAlleyBurger

      • Total Posts: 1077
      • Joined: 1/30/2011
      • Location: FAYETTEVILLE, NC
      Re:Sanity Check requested Thu, 06/23/11 8:18 PM (permalink)
      yea, i have to agree with buck on that one.....
      if you decide to get it.... i would take 10k cash in my left pocket, and another 2k in my right one.... no way i would go higher then 12 for what your getting, and that would be after a lot of squabbling over the 10k first 
       
      #3
        chefbuba

        • Total Posts: 1342
        • Joined: 6/22/2009
        • Location: Near You, WA
        Re:Sanity Check requested Thu, 06/23/11 8:43 PM (permalink)
        [This post was marked as helpful]
        This one? This is nothing but a cargo trailer with a sink. $7-8 grand max.
        You can't cook anything in it, maybe hot dogs & cold sandwiches, pannini, etc.
        If you want to cook, you need a kitchen. Along with cooking comes a proper hood with fire suppression system.
        Look around, you are in a big metro area, the right deal will come along.
        Do lots of research with your health dept before you buy anything.
        Know what they require. Dont go spend money on something you won't be able to use.
        Requirements vary greatly between festival vending and someone vending on the street.
        Is Dallas food truck friendly?
         
        #4
          stubby77

          • Total Posts: 483
          • Joined: 1/8/2010
          • Location: Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts
          Re:Sanity Check requested Thu, 06/23/11 9:01 PM (permalink)
          If that listing Chef posted is the one, be aware the crock pots they've got in there look to be the same 3-crock consumer-grade ones BJ's was selling last year for about $50, and it's only 50/50 odds whether they will be approved by your health department (they are not NSF).
           
          #5
            MonkeyUprising

            • Total Posts: 3
            • Joined: 6/23/2011
            • Location: DFW, TX
            Re:Sanity Check requested Thu, 06/23/11 10:27 PM (permalink)
            [This post was marked as helpful]
            Yep the one Chef found is the trailer in question. I feel like you folks have confirmed my nagging doubt that there is not a lot here for the price. I very much appreciate the input and I'll keep looking around.
             
            DFW area is getting much more food truck friendly than it used to be. Fort Worth is has 4-5 semi permanent trucks currently open Mon-Fri. Dallas I beleive is a little more restrictive but it seems both of the major cities are loosening their regulations to some degree.
            Thanks again folks. I really do appreciate the honest opinions and expertise.
             
            Ash
             
            #6
              BackAlleyBurger

              • Total Posts: 1077
              • Joined: 1/30/2011
              • Location: FAYETTEVILLE, NC
              Re:Sanity Check requested Fri, 06/24/11 4:20 PM (permalink)
              yea, after seeing it, i would adjust my numbers to 7k, with 2k in the other pocket
               
              it looks like a good starting point though, just not worth what they are asking...
               
              again, i say big boats and food trucks are akin to each other.... seem like stick a graphic on the side, fill it half way with the cheapest items, and ask a premium for it, lol......
               
              but like i said..... looks like a good starting point if the guy is willing to listen to reason on the price
               
              #7
                MonkeyUprising

                • Total Posts: 3
                • Joined: 6/23/2011
                • Location: DFW, TX
                Re:Sanity Check requested Fri, 06/24/11 5:57 PM (permalink)
                 As mentioned previously, I appreciate all the helpful responses. I have not been a member long but wanted to ask ChefBubu and/or BackAlleyBurger if you would be willing to discuss this trailer offline briefly and help educate me a little more. Email is fine and if I am not going to get my feelings hurt by an answer of "no". This is just one of those opportunities that appeared from nowhere so I get anxious at times.
                 
                Ash
                 
                #8
                  BackAlleyBurger

                  • Total Posts: 1077
                  • Joined: 1/30/2011
                  • Location: FAYETTEVILLE, NC
                  Re:Sanity Check requested Fri, 06/24/11 8:09 PM (permalink)
                  sure thing, i will pm you my number....
                   
                  #9
                    Online Bookmarks Sharing: Share/Bookmark

                    Jump to:

                    Current active users

                    There are 0 members and 1 guests.

                    Icon Legend and Permission

                    • New Messages
                    • No New Messages
                    • Hot Topic w/ New Messages
                    • Hot Topic w/o New Messages
                    • Locked w/ New Messages
                    • Locked w/o New Messages
                    • Read Message
                    • Post New Thread
                    • Reply to message
                    • Post New Poll
                    • Submit Vote
                    • Post reward post
                    • Delete my own posts
                    • Delete my own threads
                    • Rate post

                    2000-2012 ASPPlayground.NET Forum Version 3.9
                    What is Roadfood?  |   Privacy Policy  |   Contact Roadfood.com   Copyright 2011 - Roadfood.com