Don’t miss out on the holiday season. Be ready for the peak season of holiday travel, seasonal events, and work parties by handling your winter and annual maintenance tasks early. Fend off most potential breakdowns with this helpful checklist built for food truck owners who want to be ready for holiday season sales.
Engine and Mechanical Systems
First, check your truck’s mileage and complete an oil change (and filter replacement), even if you’re a bit ahead of schedule. Also, conduct a brake inspection so you can easily operate around busy roads and slick highways. Finally, prepare your car for sudden temperature changes:
- Switch to snow tires (depending on your region), or check the treads of your general tires
- Check the tire pressure, especially after your first cold front
- Test the battery and have a backup
Kitchen Equipment
It’s also best to conduct large kitchen maintenance projects before the holiday season is in full swing. This includes performing your deep quarterly or semi-annual clean, inspecting the gas lines, and checking both the refrigeration and fire suppression systems. Doing this now gives your staff more time to focus on daily operations.
Electrical Systems
As the days get darker and you need more heat, you are likely to use much more electricity throughout your truck. Inspect and turn up your generator, and check the lights. You’ll need more interior lighting for your staff and exterior lighting for road safety and customer lines.
Also, use this opportunity to conduct software updates of your POS system, consider switching the service, and upload seasonal meals or discounts. Stress test the systems so you don’t have to turn away customers or waste time.
Plumbing and Water Systems
Start by cleaning out the freshwater and greywater tanks so your truck is ready for business. If you work in a cold area, check the pipes and pumps for leaks or potential weaknesses that could ice over or suffer from winter damage.
Exterior Maintenance
Get your truck ready to stave off the cold. Make sure the awning works and is ready to block out rain, sleet, and snow. You can also inspect window and door seals to eliminate drafts or potential water entry. Finally, inspect the entire exterior body for worn vehicle wraps or signage, visible rust, dents, and out-of-date messaging. Address damage and make sure all the messaging corresponds to winter deals and accurate pricing.
Safety and Compliance
Many of these checklist items are mainly designed to help with safety, not just efficiency. But it’s also a great time to handle your paperwork, including:
- OSHA-required signage and documentation
- City and state licensure
- Permits for operation, especially if you’re participating in city and county events
At the same time, replenish your first aid kits and replace old fire extinguishers—and make sure your staff knows how to find and use them.
Stock and Inventory
Forecast your likely sales and inventory needs for the season. If you have a seasonal menu or expect different buying trends, make sure your in-truck supplies match your expectations. Along with restocking low supplies, clean out your storage, remove old food goods, and organize your current stock.
Staff Preparation
Whether you have year-round staff or expect you’ll need holiday hires, prepare your team for the holiday rush. Conduct training (especially for new staff), review your manuals and food prep guides, and ask your staff about their availability. The last thing you want is to be short-staffed and unprepared after putting all this work into your truck!
Start the Peak Holiday Season Off Right
If your holiday season will go more smoothly with a new truck, Legion Food Tucks is here to help. We build fully custom trucks so food truck businesses can thrive. Reach out today and start planning for a profitable season.
