Lecture: Launching a Food Truck Business - Gats Deli
Introduction
Sean Gats and his fiancée bought a food truck named Gats Deli.
Purchased for $33,000 in April.
Sean handles the operations, while his fiancée handles finances and the menu.
Motivation and Background
Limited food options in 3 Points, Arizona, especially for sandwiches and delis.
Sean has a decade of experience in restaurants, delis, and Italian eateries.
Inspired by lack of decent deli options in Tucson area.
Preparations and Legalities
Registered LLC and insured.
Obtained permits from health department and sales tax permit.
Serve Safe certified.
Pending fire certification required for Type 3 food trucks (automatic fire suppression system).
Purchasing Challenges
Difficulties finding a reputable seller on Facebook Marketplace.
Issues with no titles, fake titles, fake VINs, and scams.
Advice to be cautious on Facebook Marketplace when buying vehicles.
Modifications and Upgrades
Cleaning: Had to extensively clean the food truck.
Flooring: Replaced linoleum with aluminum diamond plate.
Slicer: Added a decent slicer and splash guard at handwashing station.
Cabinets: Coated exposed wood with white enamel.
Freezer: Replaced residential freezer with NSF-approved chest freezer.
Screen Door: Added a spring for automatic closing.
Equipment: Two 40 lb fryers, four-burner range and oven (clean condition), 36-inch griddle, two-pan steam table, sandwich prep fridge, three-bay sink, and full stand-up refrigerator.