SWG PROPERTY: Food Trucks Are Opening Shop With A Sense of Optimism
Spring is in the air, bringing Canadians welcome respite from home-bound living. As the days get longer and warmer, municipalities and businesses are ramping up for food truck season.
Mobile eateries are opening their shutters as the weather warms. New ventures are starting up in the country’s major urban centres, like Richmond, B.C. Food truck businesses showcase the diverse and often fused culinary traditions of Canadian food cart operators and their families. (1)
Applying for Their Place on the Food Court
To prepare for the summer season (May through September), harbours and markets are inviting local food truck and food cart operators to apply for designated vendor sites. These districts typically look for a range of operators and styles of food to tantalize consumers as they browse market vendors and enjoy local music and performers. Food truck operators must apply to reserve their spot. Rules vary between cities, districts, and events. Typically, applicants must be ready to submit the weight of their truck, the type of food they offer, and proof of insurance and operating permits.
In Greater Victoria, for example, a food truck operator applying for a spot on the harbour for the summer is required to have a certificate of $2 million liability insurance, an operating permit, a certificate of inspection if using propane, and a COVID-19 safety management plan. (2) Many venues provide regular and marine plug power, water hookups and hose attachments, and regular security patrol of the area.
Remaining Optimistic in Uncertain Times
Restrictions will depend on how many Canadians can get vaccinated. While the ongoing pandemic has brought losses and new restrictions, local tourism operators remain optimistic that more locals will come out as vaccinations are distributed. Many hope that the public, tired of being cooped up indoors, will come out in droves to explore the city.
Owning a mobile eatery certainly has its advantages in uncertain times. Food truck owners have the agency to take their business to where there are more customers, rather than relying on a brick-and-mortar location. And while traditional restaurant spaces have to worry about the restrictions around dine-in services, food trucks have less responsibility for social distancing measures compared to a restaurant.
Food truck vendors also have some flexibility when it comes to reducing overhead. Depending on the size and weight of the food trucks, vendors have the option of sharing one spot between two operators to save on costs.
An Opportunity for Brokers
The street vendor industry is steadily growing, with an average annual industry growth rate of 0.2% from 2015 to 2020, according to IBISWorld. (3) Now is the time for brokers to approach new potential clients and check up on old ones. South Western Group offers specialized property insurance for food trucks, protecting the vehicle that drives all their operations.
SWG PROPERTY: Food Trucks Insurance
Food Truck/Hot Dog Cart/Chip Truck insurance offers a competitive policy for both mobile and stationary food providers, including hot dog carts, chip wagons, and gourmet food trucks.
Coverage Highlights:
Property:
● Coverage includes the unit and contents, seasonal & year-round operations
● Risks with deep frying must have an automatic fire suppression system
● Bodily injury and property damage
● Tenant’s Legal Liability
● Non-owned automobile available
● $1,000,000 & $2,000,000 standard limits
● $5,000,000 available on request
Visit the SWG product page for more information.
Content is current as of the date of broadcast and is subject to change without notice.
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