Has Anyone Ever Used A Mobile Kitchen For A Baking Business?

Business By Sugar_Plum_Fairy Updated 14 Sep 2013 , 2:30pm by CindiM

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Sugar_Plum_Fairy Posted 24 Jun 2007 , 10:25pm
post #1 of 18

While looking around on the internet I came across this site and thought it was interesting. I've been joking with my hubby a lot about getting a mobile kitchen and these are even nicer than I could've imagined. Wonder what they go for rental-wise?

http://www.mobilekitchens.com/photogal.htm

17 replies
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JoAnnB Posted 24 Jun 2007 , 11:43pm
post #2 of 18

I have never seen them for rent, but I did consider one while working on my business plan. They would need to be configured a bit differently, to support baking and storage.

a huge investment with the trailer and a big truck.

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ladyonzlake Posted 24 Jun 2007 , 11:51pm
post #3 of 18

OMG, I too had considered this after my husband suggested it. What a great way to have a kitchen and not have to remodel our home. Not only that but then you would have a mobile kitchen to sell if you decided to get out of the business. I haven't research the cost ect. but it would be interesting!
Jacqui

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mekaclayton Posted 24 Jun 2007 , 11:54pm
post #4 of 18

All I can say is WOW! I looked at the site. This is neat! If you have somewhere to set it up at, guess it would be a lot cheaper than renting from someone in the long run. Well unless you own your space. We have 18-wheelers so the truck part wouldn't be a problem...parking it would be. We can't park outside of our garage so this trailer would get us fined. LOL But I LIKE THOSE!! Thanks for sharing...will pass this one on to the hubby too icon_biggrin.gif

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maryak Posted 25 Jun 2007 , 12:04am
post #5 of 18

Wow! I wonder if they have something like this in Australia?? The pics look really good.

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peacockplace Posted 25 Jun 2007 , 1:14am
post #6 of 18

The only problem with that is in FL is that you have to have a liscensed commisary to go back and forth to. You have to store all your goods there, so you'd still have to have some connection with a liscensed facility.

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alicegop Posted 25 Jun 2007 , 10:24am
post #7 of 18

I didn't see a price, but looks more expensive than just building my own space in my backyard.

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jewelykaye Posted 25 Jun 2007 , 1:59pm
post #8 of 18

I looked up the regulations in Texas. From what I read, I may be incorrect, you can only use a mobile unit for single serving items.

I was all excited there for a moment, a possible cheaper alternative to a building build out. Oh well...

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dydemus Posted 25 Jun 2007 , 2:04pm
post #9 of 18

Hmmm... it's an interesting option.
I remember in Washington people would use things like that for catering. One person had converted a caboose looking trailer into a catering 'van' - and those lunch trucks, things like that.

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harmonhouseofraymond Posted 25 Jun 2007 , 2:17pm
post #10 of 18

oK - This is too cool - All it needs is an internet connection so I can access CC, a small cot, a tv for my soap and I would never leave there -

Kids: Daddy where is mommy?
DH: Mommy has gone to a better place.
Kids: Heaven?
DH: umm no her mobile kitchen and she refuses to come out until the world is stuffed on sugar.
Kids: It was nice knowing her!

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Hippiemama Posted 25 Jun 2007 , 4:48pm
post #11 of 18
Quote:
Originally Posted by harmonhouseofraymond

oK - This is too cool - All it needs is an internet connection so I can access CC, a small cot, a tv for my soap and I would never leave there -

Kids: Daddy where is mommy?
DH: Mommy has gone to a better place.
Kids: Heaven?
DH: umm no her mobile kitchen and she refuses to come out until the world is stuffed on sugar.
Kids: It was nice knowing her!




Too funny! I almost spewed my tea on my computer! LOL

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tashaluna Posted 26 Jun 2007 , 1:26pm
post #12 of 18

it is a neat Idea

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EverlastingSweets Posted 30 Jun 2007 , 1:50am
post #13 of 18

they are about to change the regulations on mobile kitchens here in Harris County (houston) TX. I saw on the news that they just passed a "bill" or whatever it's called, so that now mobile units MUST have a certified food manager onsite at all times and they must be hooked up to a bathroom, no more port-a-potties. The bathroom must have it's own sole and seperate water supply and everything.

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Gretta Posted 30 Jun 2007 , 2:07am
post #14 of 18

Has anyone ever used a mobile kitchen for a baking business?

Does baking and decorating a three tier wedding cake in our 40' motor home count? icon_surprised.gif Yes, it's been done... not easily, but... lol I am not sure about the ones in the site listed but I have often wondered about those "coffee shacks" I've sometimes seen?!? I always thought they would make a great spare kitchen. I am sure it's probably been done, I mean, if they make homes in grain silos, old train cars, caves, etc. how hard would it be to convert? icon_biggrin.gif

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CreativecakesLP Posted 14 Sep 2013 , 5:07am
post #15 of 18

Wow this is exciting, I was brainstorming and was thinking about a mobile baking kitchen. I never thought that I was not a lone. This is cool, let me know if you know of any out there.

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ericapraga Posted 14 Sep 2013 , 11:23am
post #16 of 18

I looked into them briefly. The really nice ones go for around $20-30,000, the simpler ones more like $10,000. It would cost me about $15,000 to set up shop in a cute little storefront, so for me it would be sort of a wash, except I guess monthly bills might be less in the truck?

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MimiFix Posted 14 Sep 2013 , 12:08pm
post #17 of 18

Cooking fresh food in a mobile truck is different from baking in a truck. Most mobile bakery vendors prepare their products in a commercial kitchen. 

 

On the surface it seems like a fun business idea. If anyone is considering this path, a realistic business plan will help you understand all the other issues. 

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CindiM Posted 14 Sep 2013 , 2:30pm
post #18 of 18

We thought about a big rig to bake in, but decided to stay small.  I have a cupcake trailer and my commercial cupcake shop is the commissary for it.

 

In Florida, we can only sell pre-packaged/labeled product from the trailer set up, like we have it.  We sell at farmers markets and special events.  The trailer is licensed and insured.

 

We worked with the Florida department of Agriculture, when we designed it, so there were no surprises.  We don't have sinks, running water or bathroom.  But all of that can be added.  We have tables, shelves, comfortable chairs, ice, cold drinks, air conditioning, lights, big screen TV, cell phones for credit card sales, cash register, bottled water to wash our hands and a coffee maker.

 

Right after we ordered our trailer, our city set up " new rules " on truck/trailer vending.  Funny how that works!   We are not allowed to park the trailer at our shop, so we pay $35 a month storage at a trailer lot.

 

We have to have a special permit if we sell cupcakes in front of another business, so driving around like a ice cream truck is not allowed.  Our city is very strict!

 

We were in a tent for 4 years at markets in Sanibel, Englewood, Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, Florida.  The trailer is nice and our product stays clean and we don't worry about our tent blowing away in a thunderstorm, anymore!

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