Online Recipes

1. Sight Test. Most prospective customers will give you and your food cart (or even your larger mobile food concession trailer) the critical eye test before they buy. If they do not like your appearance or your mobile food concession’s appearance, chances are they will surely keep on walking.

2. The Sense of Smell Test. It has been said that the aroma from certain foods acts like an aphrodisiac to the senses. The seductive smell of sauteed caramelized onions can overcome the strongest resistance barriers. Add to that the enticing scent of fresh brewed coffee and warm pretzels drifting through the air and the magic spell is artfully cast. Depending on your market area, you might add certain spices to the hot plate to liven up the assortment of aromas even more. If they were not hungry before, the hodge podge of pleasing aromas will draw them in like robots in a trance.

3. The Sense of Taste Test. Never cut corners on your food products. Always serve up the best quality. If you have to, raise the price before you cut the quality. If you are selling hot dogs, use all beef hot dogs and sausages, such as Sabretts, Hebrew National, Vienna Beef or Nathans depending on where you operate your concession. Your product cost will be a little higher, but your chances of success will also be greater. You want your customer to enjoy the food you sell and to enjoy the experience of stopping and eating at your stand. In order to survive in this business you must build a following, a repeat business as well as a referral business. Remember this rule. It is of paramount importance. Never skimp on quality. Buy the best quality products even if you have to raise your prices.

4. Speech Test. Know what to say when a potential customer walks up to your stand. Be helpful and offer suggestions. And make sure you know how to upsell. Always ask if they would like the special combo meal. Just like you might hear at Burger King.

5. The Sense of Hearing Test. Listen closely to what the customer is saying. He or she may be offering you buying clues and opportunities for upsells. For example if the lady says she has a train to catch, ask her if she wants a soft pretzel to eat on the way home. Make it more appealing by telling her you have insulated bags that keep the pretzels warm and fresh for hours.

6. The Sense of Feelings Test. Always smile and be friendly. Do not bring your problems to work. Leave them at home. If you are good at what you do, you will start seeing the same faces over and over again. Your customers will come up to you and talk to you as a friend. In time you will remember their names and what their favorite items are. Your ultimate goal is to make every single person that buys from you, to feel good about you, your products and your service. Once you accomplish that you are well on your way to success.

7. Common Sense Test. Smile, be happy, and be courteous. Watch how fast your new and repeat customer base grows. Watch how fast your profits add up. And as crazy as it sounds, the best test of your overall success or failure is how fast your tip jar adds up! This is a great indicator of how well you are doing your job. A sign of how much people like you and your product. And the more they like you the more successful you will be.

8. Sense of No Touch. Always use your tongs and foil wrap papers when handling food products. Never touch the food. If the Health Department sees the violation, you will probably get a citation.