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Workforce Training

Food Truck Operations

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Find out how to operate a food truck safely and legally, and become a part of the hottest dining trend around.

The course includes business essentials, such a creating a business plan, securing a loan, budgeting and costing, as well as instruction on licenses and permits, health and safety concerns, taxes and more.

At the end of the course, you will take the ServSafe® Manager certification exam, which is mandatory for food truck operators.

Financial assistance available

Workforce Development offers financial assistance for many workforce training programs through the Propel program and other resources. Email [email protected] for more information.

Financial Resources and Student Support

Food Truck Business Courses

How to Start a Food Truck Business

  • Course ID: SEF-3001B3
  • Overview
  • Course Outline
  • Requirements
  • Intended Audience
  • More Details
Are you interested in starting a food truck business? This course will show you how to be a part of the hottest dining trend around! You'll find out what's required to operate a mobile food unit safely and legally - licenses and permits; zoning laws; federal, state, and local regulations; health and safety concerns; taxes; and more. The course also includes business essentials such as creating a business plan, securing a business loan, budgeting, and costing. At the end of the course you'll take the ServSafe Manager Certification Exam, which is mandatory for food truck operators.

Course Objectives

learn the requirements for starting a food truck business. At the conclusion of the course students will have the knowledge of federal, state and local regulations, zoning, licenses, and permits needed. Students will also gain the knowledge of the major components needed to construct a business plan as well. Food truck owners are required to have a certification in Serv Safe, and at the end of this course all students are required to take and pass the Serv Safe exam.


Outline of instruction

Wake County Environmental Services-
Teacher Intro and Student Intro (Why did you sign up for this course?)
Speaking the Same Language ,
Role of Wake County Environmental Services
NC Rules and NC Food Code
Top Ten Most Common Mistakes
What is a Commissary and Commissary Requirements (Wake Co. Video)
Basic Construction
Water and Sewer Tanks
Why an LP Gas Inspection? (Philly Explosion 2 videos)
Where can I operate (Local and Statewide)
Wake County Food Truck Application Process

Tour a Food Truck and Q&A with owners
Tips for Menu Design
The Yellow Submarine (Individual Exercise/Class Discussion)
Required Food Truck Equipment
Equipment Installation (Wake Co. Video)
New Build Versus Used
Water Heaters and Generators
Supplemental Cook Rooms
Wake County Food Truck Application Process
Design a Food Truck and Menu (Groups Activity and Class Presentation)
Questions and Answers

Zoning & City Requirements
Introduction to City of Raleigh guidelines to operating a food truck, both on private property and the public right of way. Understanding who
you need to contact within the municipality. What permits, agreements or licenses may be required for the home base of the food truck business
and the municipalities the food truck will be operating in.
How to determine if a property is eligible to allow the operation of a food truck. Understanding how specific Zoning districts could impact
this .Understanding the difference between sole proprietorships, corporations, limited liability companies and general partnerships.
Understanding the purpose, need and process to secure a N.C. Sales and Use Certificate. Understanding Insurance requirements and
additional insured endorsements. Preparing a successful submittal package and sketch plan of the property you wish to operate on.

Business Plan, Loans, Marketing, etc.-
Ways to Start Your Business, Pros & Cons of Starting Your Own Business, Pros & Cons of Franchising, Developing a Business Plan,
Capitalizing/Financing types of Legal Entities. Which legal structures is best for you, Business Insurance, Business Licenses & Permits, Accounting
Basics & Business, Marketing & Advertising . Guest Speakers related to the Food Truck Industry

ServSafe Certification-
Providing Safe Food, Forms of Contamination, The Safe Food Handler, The Flow of Food An Introduction , Purchasing, Receiving, Storage,
The Flow of Food (Preparation), The Flow of Food (Holding, Serving), Food Safety Management, Safe Facilities and Pest Management, Cleaning
and Sanitizing. Final Exam is given on last day of class.


Contact Hours

33

CEUs

No

Industry Standard, State or National Certification

ServSafe Certification

CE or CU Articulation

No

Prerequisites

None

Text and Supplies Needed

Books will be provided to the students for use only.

Clinical Site/Special Facilities

None

Requirements for Successful Completion

90% attendance"Class participation and successful completion of ServSafe Certification Exam by obtaining 75% or higher grade as per the National Restaurant Association."

Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements

N/A

Intended Audience

Food Truck Owners & Operators, Restaurants, Small Business, Chefs,

Specific Industry or Business Support Needs

Food Truck Entrepreneur's and Cooks, Chefs etc.

Wake County Need for Industry Positions

Food Truck Industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the country right now . Wake County is considered the top 3 Foodie Town with the top food trucks in the country.
According to IBISWorld industry research, food trucks generate $857 million in annual revenue and employ nearly 15,000 people. The industry has grown by around 10 percent annually over the last five years and is expected to generate $2.7 billion by 2017.Overall employment of cooks is projected to grow 4 percent from 2014 to 2026.

Industry or Job Titles Related to training Outcomes for Employment

Related Courses

CUL-3340B3


Course Contact Information

Sameer Pawa
919-866-6158
[email protected]

Current Opportunities
Details Section Date(s) Location Price Seats  
312155 08/12/25 - 09/16/25 Public Safety Education Campus 320.00 9 Register

If you would like to be notified when additional sections become available, please use Wake Tech's Notify Me service.

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