Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"?

Re:Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"? (Vic Cardenas)

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 13:03:20 GMT

Hi, Dominic. Message me through facebook - ComoLomoPeruvianFoodTruck . The way I see it, there's one very serious problem with doing a food truck here in SLC that I'm experiencing first hand. If you want to talk about it, message me there. I don't come on here all that often, it's easier there. Good luck! What kind of food are you doing? Indian?

Re:Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"? (IndySpice)

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 22:44:29 GMT

Hi Vic, my name is Dominic, I live in Sandy and am also jumping into the mobile game. I've only JUST started, so am even more inexperienced than you, but I also intend to "network" with other vendors in the area, in hopes of eventually creating a solid coalition amongst SLC vendors. I like to do my homework, so I'm not jumping in blindly, and want to do this the smartest way I can.

I grew up working in restaurants, here and in Los Angeles (my dad owned his own, I had no choice ;)) so I do have some practical experience and a realistic approach. I'm also an avid cook, and we are looking to bring our enthinc food to the streets of SLC as you are with yours (no worries, we're doing something very different than Peruvian).

I'm new to this site so can't pm yet, but you can contact me through pm if you'd like to get together, see if we can help each other out in any way.

In either case, big thanks for sharing your story here so the rest of us can learn (and celebrate, and commiserate). Congrats on your progress, your grand opening and wishing you continued success.

Re:Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"? (Vic Cardenas)

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:28:25 GMT

Yeah, I'm on twitter @comolomo. That's kind of an odd first post. : /

Re:Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"? (Elbow Licker)

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 02:58:20 GMT

Have you tried using Twitter to generate customers and give out your schedule and places. oh...and menu for the day.

Re:Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"? (Buck & Vi's)

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 09:12:01 GMT

yea but bubba you are intimidating as hell with mocha beside ya..who could say no to that ...............

Re:Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"? (CCinNJ)

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 11:06:32 GMT

Consul Urtilla is an impressive leader in the community...a business owner that really got it done...and he is young ( my age so young it will be).

http://www.wtcut.com/2009...norary-consul-to-peru/

"and bring awareness to the cultures, cuisines, traditions, tourism and lifestyles of the people and communities he represents"

"Through this, he has developed great relationships with several key decision makers, governmental officials and business owners."

Re:Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"? (Vic Cardenas)

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 01:31:57 GMT

Oh, what I meant by "they're having a meeting tuesday", I was referring to the consulate, not the city council meeting. I think the city council meeting on may 1st is public too, but I need to find info on it.
I have talked with that downtownslc organization before. They gave me a good lead on a contact in SLC.

I'll bring my wife to that consulate meeting , I'm assuming I need to. Mi espanol esta muy mal. Although, I can understand peruvians very well when they talk. Solo yo hablo como mierda!

Re:Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"? (CCinNJ)

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 01:05:26 GMT

Congratulations!!! Jackpot!

You will be the reason for the ordinance to pass. Meet with the board and/or attend the meeting (if it is open). Contact the same media that ran the building story and any other media that will want to run the very very positive story...before the vote. Hit the ground running.

Then you will have 4 days...with at least 3 having the potential to be the perfect customer base.

You can do it!!! I know you can!!

Re:Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"? (Dr of BBQ)

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 00:52:11 GMT

OMG be there with your brightest smile and bells on!

Shake everyone's hand and be the friendliest guy in the house. But be humble above all else be humble. I assume your wife is going along? She can be a big help.
Good luck
jack

Re:Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"? (Vic Cardenas)

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 00:12:25 GMT

Thanks CC, I owe you one. The consul called me back. He was enthusiastic about the food and concept. Unfortunately, there really is no parking lot, which I need. There is on-street parking, but I have to wait for this anticipated ordinance change to come through and then I can bag a meter in front. He was telling me the days they have about a million peruvians walking through there and wants me there for it. He thinks I'll do well. He also told me about a meeting they're having tuesday with all the peruvian restaurant owners in utah and wants me to come.

So, cross your fingers for this ordinance change! Hopefully it will be done May 1st. I really need it!

Re:Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"? (CCinNJ)

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:24:06 GMT

I hope everything works out...

Lunch at Como Lomo! What am I gonna have? Everything looks so good! Lol

Re:Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"? (Vic Cardenas)

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:58:11 GMT

Wow, nice find CC. I will be talking to them. Thanks!

Re:Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"? (CCinNJ)

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:52:10 GMT

Here's a story and a possible contact that might be excited to hear a Peruvian food truck is opening...

http://www.downtownslc.or...-new-life-sl-trib-0221

Re:Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"? (daddywoofdawg)

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 05:26:58 GMT

Go to the local ACE hardware,grocery store,etc,talk to the owner manager tell them how THEY can benefit from you parking there,bringing the lunch crowd into the parking lot.and how they might as well go into there business.Talk to the construction companies about parking there during lunch for there employees.Make it a benefit for them to have you.A free lunch,big deal.Make me more money,let's talk!

Re:Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"? (Vic Cardenas)

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:47:32 GMT

"The good news is that there are food trucks in the area. So...people know the drill."

Well, not really. There really aren't too many trucks here. That's why I'm getting into it. I see a market that hasn't been proliferated yet and has demand.

"Try to get to know those other trucks in the most united manner. They may have a lead on a spot or spots that they do not need...and you might want."

Yeah, I've trying my best to make friends with other truck operators. Honestly Mofood is the only other truck operator that'll really talk to me in SLC (and he's at the same step as me, not open). I did have one truck operator that was helpful but went out of business, so I feel like I don't want to bother anymore. Most of the other few trucks here seem to be really standoffish when asked questions. It's a shame because I'll be sharing the same commissary with most of the local trucks, and they know it.

I'd like to build a food truck court here when this ordinance passes in SLC. But I don't feel like I have any that would really be interested. Maybe a few more will pop up soon and we can build a "culture" here? I think it'd be a big hit. I've been scoping parking lots here that would work great.

Re:Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"? (CCinNJ)

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:27:00 GMT

The positive part of that is you get to just work your day without ohhh tomorrow and the next day. There might be things you want or need to tweak...because things are always fluid.

Once the rubber hits the road you have connections. Customers... they will want to follow you. They can be the biggest asset to develop the other days.

The good news is that there are food trucks in the area. So...people know the drill.

Try to get to know those other trucks in the most united manner. They may have a lead on a spot or spots that they do not need...and you might want.

Re:Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"? (Vic Cardenas)

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:09:29 GMT

Thanks Chef: Your words are encouraging. I'll try my best to tell everyone I can.
Thanks CC: That tuesday spot is at a big office complex, but only 2 hours limit under current ordinance(that should be changing soon!) So, hopefully I'll get a fat lunch rush everytime.

Re:Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"? (CCinNJ)

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:57:34 GMT

I don't think you have to become a Mormon...unless you want to become a Mormon. There are rules...I think. Lol

Where is the Tuesday spot?

I really think you are gonna do great! You may start with Tuesday...and being out there...bang bang bang.

Re:Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"? (chefbuba)

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:44:01 GMT

Something will pop.....tell everyone you come into contact with, the guy at the gas station, at the liquor store when you pop in for a pack of smokes or some beer, the hardware store, bring it up every time you talk to someone....
I had 2 spots in the works for a stationary place, then I went into the place I'm at now for a coke, struck up a conversation with the guy behind the counter, he ended up being the owner......asked him if he was interested in having a food truck parked in his parking lot, he said well yes I am!
It's not easy, I'm not a salesman but I had 3 spots within a month in a brand new town where I don't know anyone.

Re:Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"? (Vic Cardenas)

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:49:14 GMT

CCinNJ

People who know people who know people turn a cold call into a warm or hot call. Also an outgoing call into an incoming call.

Sweeten the pot if your people really know people.

I'm getting discouraged. It seems that nobody here knows anybody. I haven't gotten a single bite from my ad. Maybe I need to become a mormon????? :(

Re:Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"? (CCinNJ)

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 19:11:10 GMT

People who know people who know people turn a cold call into a warm or hot call. Also an outgoing call into an incoming call.

Sweeten the pot if your people really know people.

Re:Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"? (Vic Cardenas)

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 18:59:55 GMT

Good idea CC!

Re:Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"? (CCinNJ)

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 18:07:07 GMT

Talk to peeps like DJs....

http://www.punchbowl.com/...lake-city/c-mobile-djs

They usually know everyone...and everything going on in town. Caterers know as well. But...they might become competition sooner or later. The less they know the better until you are set.

Re:Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"? (Dr of BBQ)

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:54:29 GMT

Yes that's a good idea, and if the KSL is well read may bring you some regular business at the same time.

Re:Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"? (Vic Cardenas)

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:27:35 GMT

Good advice. I listed an ad in my local KSL equivalent (nobody really uses CL here). I did one once before and didn't get any hits. I'm doing it now but offering free lunch if someone gets me a good lead. http://www.ksl.com/index....;ad=20033776&cat=5

Re:Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"? (Dr of BBQ)

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:19:43 GMT

Vic Cardenas
Any advice on finding a spot, period? I've got one on tuesdays but that's it. I need more!

Vic,
I assume your already doing this but I will mention it just in case,every time your in your car on any kind of trip even if your just going to the store for a loaf of bread keep looking. Write an add for CL and post it. Check with local realtors and offer some kind of a $$$$ reward for finding a really good spot. I offered to do lunch for 3 open houses and had a bunch of real estate type people looking for me before I found this spot. And keep talking to your customers about the fact that your looking for another location. Drop by your bank and talk to anyone there and explain what your looking for and before you leave give them two business cards one with a free lunch written on the back and another for them to keep to contact you. If I think of anything else I'll post it for you.
good luck
jack

Re:Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"? (lornaschinske)

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:53:48 GMT

Vic Cardenas

lornaschinske

We pay $0. Thought we were going to pay $25 to plug the AC unit in but the outlet was dead and they are afraid to mess with the breaker box. So we will be buying a small generator.

Is this a friend or family member? Why $0?

We pay nothing for our spot. We don't know anyone here in Roswell. David just asks if he can set up for free. This spot is MUCH, MUCH better than sitting out on Main Street. Traffic is slower which gives the drivers time to look at what's going on around them. On Main, when the light goes from red To green, it's like they dropped the flag to start the race! You do not pull out in front of these people. They are terrible drivers... must have something to do with the cellphones stuck to their ears. Even the cops run stop signs as a matter of course.... with a cell phone stuck to their ear.

Re:Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"? (Vic Cardenas)

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:14:13 GMT

Any advice on finding a spot, period? I've got one on tuesdays but that's it. I need more!

Re:Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"? (CCinNJ)

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:25:21 GMT

If she is anything like me...we are making refreshments when anyone is fixing anything.

I will say do you need any help? Oh noooooooo. Hell no. Hell no.

Ok good. Hurry it up huh. Lol

Re:Food truckers and trailer (ers?): How much are you paying for a "spot"? (Dr of BBQ)

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:04:27 GMT

Vic,
you may be 100% correct and I hope you are. Even if your wrong the most important promotion you can do is keep your name in front of the public daily. I can't give you a how to on that it has to fit your personality and business practice. But if you make me think -Peruvian and I liked it the 1st time I had it I'll be back soon, and maybe today if the thought is strong enough.

A good example is watching the food network as some chef is making tacos. Before he is done your hungry and by the time he is done you have to have Mexican food good or bad it has to be Mexican food.

LMAO at this maybe your wife just wants you to stop working on the SV and go to work? LOL Just kidding.