Dating back hundreds of years, Charleston, South Carolina is home to a rich history, bustling tourism, and a prominent culinary scene. From the French Quarter to the Battery promenade, there is plenty to do and see in the vibrant city. If you want to start a food truck business, Charleston, SC is a great place to go. Cities with larger populations and tourist appeal tend to draw bigger lines at food trucks.
Whether you have been in the food industry for a while or you are just starting out, you can fulfill your dream of running a successful food truck in Charleston. Start by picking the right food truck for your business from the countless food trucks for sale in Charleston. Keep reading to learn more about new and used food trucks available in South Carolina.
How to Start a Food Truck in Charleston, SC
Your food truck in Charleston, South Carolina will need to meet a variety of standards and requirements from the city of Charleston. Mobile food vendors are highly regulated in the city, including routine inspections and city permits. Carefully review all rules and ordinances related to food trucks in Charleston before you park your truck and start serving food.
To start a food truck in Charleston, you will also need to have your business in order. Create a robust business plan, including your budget, menu, and marketing to provide a roadmap for your business. Then, start purchasing the food truck, equipment, and ingredients you will need to serve great food to the people of Charleston.
Food Trucks for Sale in Charleston
When it comes to food trucks for sale in Charleston, you have a few options to choose from. You can purchase a brand new or custom food truck, a used food truck, or a food trailer. Each option offers pros and cons to consider, and the best choice will depend on the needs of your business.
New food trucks and custom models are considerably more expensive than used trucks. If you invest in a new food truck, though, you do not have to worry about maintenance or repair for quite a while. You can start your business faster without having to wait for your truck to be up to code, and you can outfit your truck with the best equipment for your menu.
Related: Food trucks for sale in Columbia, SC
Used Food Trucks for Sale in Charleston, SC
New food trucks can set you back a lot of money, so many people look for used food trucks for sale in Charleston. You can find a variety of used food trucks available by owner on craigslist, Used Vending, Roaming Hunger, and similar sites. Checking your local online listings will ensure you can see the food truck in person before making a purchase.
Used Concession Trailers for Sale in South Carolina
If a new or used food truck is outside of your budget, consider purchasing a used concession trailer. Used concession trailers for sale in South Carolina are smaller than food trucks and they have to be towed by another vehicle. However, food trailers are very flexible and can be set up in many different locations. If your dream is to own a food truck, you can start with a food trailer and invest your profits into a food truck later on.
Are there a lot of food trucks in Charleston?
Charleston is home to a lot of food trucks that can typically be found near business complexes, apartments, and tourist destinations. In Charleston, it is common for food trucks to offer a more general menu instead of specific niche items. Food trucks are often used in place of a cafeteria at the office or a snack bar. Menu items like burgers and sandwiches, pizza, barbecue, and other finger foods tend to be very popular in the city.
Popular Food Trucks in Charleston
If you want to run a successful food truck in Charleston, you have to keep up with the local competition. Spend time analyzing and learning from the best to improve your own business and draw in new customers. With so many food trucks to choose from in Charleston, you want to stand out from the crowd.
Popular Charleston food trucks include Dashi, Happy Thai, Root Note, Alicia’s Northside Bar and Grill, Lola’s Lumpia and Filipino Cuisine, Cooking Carolina Pit Barbecue, and Bearded Dogs.
