How to choose a commissary for your food truck

Before we explain how let’s look at what is a commissary and why you need to find the right one. A commissary is a commercial kitchen facility where food business owners can prepare, store, and maintain their mobile kitchens. 

You can’t prep a whole day’s food in your truck, you need an open and professional kitchen set up to clean, restock, and maintain equipment. Think of prep stations of any big restaurant before service begins, now detach it from the actual restaurant and that will give you an idea of a commissary’s role. 

Look for a space that is accessible and close to your food truck’s route or location. Proximity to vending locations will save you time and transportation costs and make life easier in case you need to restock in the middle of your shift. 

Also do take into account whether the commissary’s operating hours match your business schedule. For example, if your truck operates at night, then work backward to understand how much prep and transportation time will be needed to start serving on time. Ensure that the commissary is clean and available for the shift you need and there are no overlaps with other businesses.

You might also need to store your equipment, supplies, ingredients and prepped items. Consider storage facilities that can match your menu and needs while also helping you manage your inventory effectively and reduce waste. 

While a commissary closer to your vending points is great, you also need to balance costs with space. Try to find a commercial kitchen facility that offers enough room to help your staff move quickly and efficiently. Keep in mind that the layout of the kitchen works for your menu-specific food prep and has all the equipment to handle your needs. For example, if you have desserts on your menu, then choosing a commissary that has enough ovens and refrigerators is critical.  

It would also be useful to select a place that has room to grow. As your business expands, you might need to add more food trucks or expand the menu; make sure the commissary you are considering can support your growth. 

Finally, security! Do take stock of the commercial kitchen’s security features. You will be storing your equipment and supplies there and you need to have the peace of mind to know they will not be tampered with. You also need to look at the various safety features in the kitchen to make sure your staff is taken care of. 

Every food business, including food trucks, is subject to various health and safety regulations, make sure your commissary meets local health department and food safety requirements. Opt for a reputable commissary that has a proven track record of following all regulations and do check their permits and processes.