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How to open a food truck in New Jersey

POR Hispanic Entrepreneurs May 03, 2022

One of the best ways to get started in the restaurant business in America is through a food truck. If you are in the Northeast of the country, it is best that you study very well how to open a food truck in new jersey. In Hispanic Entrepreneurs We will give you a simple guide to the process.

First Steps

According to a report by Food Truck Nation, the average entrepreneur must complete at least 45 procedures with the government. It spends approximately $28.276 on permits and licenses. 

So that you do not lose sight of any detail, it is best to prepare a business plan. This will allow you to calculate the costs of everything you need. For this there are various assistance resources such as the New Jersey Small Business Development Centers. They also provide technical assistance to the SBA, Laeda and the Women's Center for Entrepreneurship.

As of 2020, there were over 1000 food trucks in New Jersey. This shows that the sector is still growing and will not slow down this pace any time soon. 

How to open a food truck in New Jersey

After having your business plan proceed to register the company. Start by looking for information on the county in which you are going to install the truck. But general state requirements include registering a business entity. 

You must be clear that the limited liability company (LLC), the corporation or a Professional Corporation must be legalized before the New Jersey Division of Taxation and Business Services (DORES).

It is not necessary for sole proprietorships and partnerships, these are formalized in the county. You then comply with tax registration at www.nj.gov/treasury/revenue/gettingregistered.shtml.

Companies with employees are required to process the federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). Do it on the website of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 

You must also register the trade name or fictitious name. LLCs, corporations and other types of entities must do so at www.njportal.com/dor/businessamendments.

While, individuals and partnerships are authorized to do so at the offices of the County Clerk. At www.nj.gov/state/archives/catcounty.html/ you can find the list.

Some areas require business licenses or other types of business licences. You should check with the City Clerk's office to see if you are required to comply with any ordinance. 

Then it handles matters related to sales tax. Enter in www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/your_over.shtml. Through this you collect the tribute at the time of the sale that you will send to the State. 

Once the registration is complete, the licensing process begins.

Truck managers are encouraged to obtain food safety certification. You can do it through https://www.servsafe.com/ServSafe-Manager. On the other hand, the New Jersey Department of Health supervises everything related to the operation of food establishments. They must be guided by a list published in https://www.nj.gov/health/forms/f-27.pdf to meet the requirements. In addition to consigning what is required by local health departments. 

For example, Atlantic County requires the truck owner to complete and submit a mobile retail food establishment application. 

parking permits

To operate the food truck in a public area, it is necessary to request permission from the municipality, agency or owner of the property. Every city, district, or municipality has zoning ordinances and use to regulate business activities. 

Most cases establish restrictions on signage and other land uses. To evaluate the location of the business, you must go to the Zoning Official and the Planning/Zoning Board that depend on the local government. 

The food truck can be stored in the overnight parking lot authorized by the municipality. It is also important to have the correct type of driver's license. They are assigned depending on the length and weight of the vehicle, they are processed in the Department of Transportation of the state. 

You will require insurance, the type will depend on the products you sell and where you do it. The general liability contract is usually contracted, which covers claims for personal injuries or accidents on the property. 

Likewise, you must have the fire protection certificate issued by the firefighters who will check the truck to identify the risk points. They advise on the security measures to be taken. 

Comply with all the requirements so that you do not run the risk of your business being fined or closed. If you have more questions, contact us for advice.