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Food Service Equipment & Supplies/Questions Answered by Expert Jim Wixson, CFSP
| Subject | Date Asked |
| new to the business-concession trailer | 4/16/2011 |
| Q: I am a 24 year old college student and decided to buy a small concession trailer to sell coffee and ... A: Chris, Even though I have written many words on the subject, I am not qualified to be a consultant ... | |
| using propane in concession trailer | 4/2/2011 |
| Q: We have a concession trailer that we have used for several years. We have always had an electric ... A: Teresa, I don't know or any regulations that says you need hard piping. I think the best thing to ... | |
| ventilation | 3/13/2011 |
| Q: I have electric fryers, I have this guy that is doing my vent he is charging me 200.00 for a small ... A: Brenda, I went on ebay to look at used kitchen exhaust fans, and small kitchen rated upblast fans ... | |
| fryer in foodtruck | 2/14/2011 |
| Q: I am planning my foodtruck business & will probably start in April 2011. My plan is to serve lunch ... A: Evangeline, The fryer would need to be firmly secured to the food truck, so that it can not slide ... | |
| How can I avoid installing ventilation? | 2/10/2011 |
| Q: I am located in NYC, and I am trying to find a space for a commercial kitchen. I am a baker and cake ... A: Ruth, Generally, electric cooking that does not involve grease laden air does not require a hood. ... | |
| hoods | 1/30/2011 |
| Q: I have a mobile food trailer that I made from scratch that is not enclosed. I have a license in ... A: Mike, I hate to say it, but this is another call by your Fire Marshall. Codes are different all ... | |
| hoods | 1/29/2011 |
| Q: I have a mobile food trailer that I made from scratch that is not enclosed. I have a license in ... A: Mike, I do not have an idea about the code requirements in your area. The codes are whatever the ... | |
| gas venting (i.e. cheeburger-cheeburger) | 1/25/2011 |
| Q: What would a thru-the -roof gas vent detail for food service equipment under the hood look like? In ... A: John, The following web sites pdf may help you ... | |
| concessions stand | 1/18/2011 |
| Q: Jim, looking at your site I notice someone looking at starting a bussiness at race tracks. If you ... A: Milford, I wish I could help, but I am not privy to email addresses from questioners. About dot com ... | |
| commercial cookie portioning machine | 1/13/2011 |
| Q: I am interested in increasing my cookie business and have watched a lot of online videos of cookie ... A: Ryan, Dough depositers do work as advertised. I have seen these units even deposit fruit cakes. ... | |
| FOOD TRUCKS | 1/6/2011 |
| Q: I WOULD LIKE TO TALK W/U ABOUT THE BEST PIECE OF REST., EQUIPMENT TO MARKET TO THE UP-SCALE TRUCK ... A: Jeffrey, I am not an expert in this field, but I would think the way to answer your question would ... | |
| Cupcake business | 12/14/2010 |
| Q: I am not a trained baker and I am in the process of assessing the equipment that I need to buy. Can ... A: Beth, One of my previously answered questions should help you. I think it will be very important ... | |
| PANINI GRILL-EXHAUST PROBLEM | 11/27/2010 |
| Q: I recently opened a small cafe. I put in a panini grill but there is no exhaust system. The smell ... A: Heather, There is a unit made by Equipex that is a counter model ductless hood system ... | |
| Food truck sinks | 11/17/2010 |
| Q: Hi have a food truck that needs a little updating to the sinks to make it "up to code." I need a 3 ... A: Paul, Your best bet is to get with a foodservice dealer in your area that can access catalogues to ... | |
| Starting a Mobile Food Business | 10/13/2010 |
| Q: I've read a bunch of your answers to others, but I couldn't find an answer to my questions. I want ... A: Rachel, Wow, that is an action packed question, My question would be; How are you going to market ... | |
| Start-Up Issues | 9/27/2010 |
| Q: I am trying to open a simple rib and chicken carry out shop. My partner and I have found an old ... A: David, You have a simple and great idea. Done right, it should be a money making business. There ... | |
| Par baked pizza crust and frozen pizza production | 9/17/2010 |
| Q: I am looking for a complete pizza system that will take a 18" par baked pizza crust to a finished ... A: David, You might look at the pizza program business model of Hunt Brothers Pizza ... | |
| Frozen Pizza Small Production | 9/16/2010 |
| Q: I need to start a small production of frozen pizza. 1,000 to 2,000 a week. Please help with the ... A: Julio, I would contact a company like Hunt Brothers Pizza http://www.huntbrotherspizza.com/, and ... | |
| Frozen Egg Rolls | 8/28/2010 |
| Q: I have been making egg rolls as of late. There are Asian, and a few other flavors I'm working on. I ... A: Aaron, this is an area for which I have no expertise. I am good friends with a gentleman here in ... | |
| Designing concessions in new ice rink | 8/27/2010 |
| Q: I'm in the process of obtaining quotes for concession equipment for an ice rink. I need to do as ... A: Jack, Got your email response, byt had no way to contact you. Email was not included. I want to have ... | |
| Designing concessions in new ice rink | 8/26/2010 |
| Q: I'm in the process of obtaining quotes for concession equipment for an ice rink. I need to do as ... A: Jack, I agree that I wouldn't want to install a big exhaust hood either. There are ways around ... | |
| cupcake oven | 8/25/2010 |
| Q: need oven for cupcakes only. using 24 cup pans, what is the correct size? want to be able to bake ... A: Susan, You will need a full size convection oven for 18" x 26" (24 cupcake) pans. The Blodgett Mark ... | |
| RE: Feeding the Poor | 8/12/2010 |
| Q: Our church is feeding the poor & homeless two days a week. I am concerned that we may be breaking ... A: David, It is always a good idea to have your kitchen set up by the criteria of your local health ... | |
| Commercial kitchen | 8/1/2010 |
| Q: Jim, I am a personal chef and continue to have more and more catering opportnities for 100-200. I ... A: Angela, It is not necessary to have a commercial kitchen to do cooking classes or even to prepare ... | |
| Best oven to bake cupcakes | 7/23/2010 |
| Q: I am working on a business plan for a cupcake business and have read comments about convection ... A: Laura, Convection ovens can cause problems with cakes due to the forced air movement in the oven. ... | |
| Ventilation Options | 7/20/2010 |
| Q: I am in the process of planning to open a small fast food restaurant in Manhattan, NY. I am trying ... A: Michael, What is the braised beef product? The question as to hood requirements for a braising pan ... | |
| Electric Oven for Cake business | 7/14/2010 |
| Q: I am in the process of starting a commercial kitchen for my cake business in Philadelphia PA. I am ... A: Rachel, Both of these questions apply to the codes and regs in Philly. I do not know the specific ... | |
| Food service truck startup | 7/12/2010 |
| Q: I have read many of your past answers you have provided on this subject and have learned allot ... A: Brett, I have answered many questions about the mobile foodservice business, but I am not an expert ... | |
| convection oven | 6/30/2010 |
| Q: I manage the kitchen in an assisted living home in Westminster, CO. Currently we have a 36" range ... A: Zach, I don't know how they have let the gas oven pass inspection all these years. All gas ... | |
| seasoning a griddle | 6/3/2010 |
| Q: I have recently purchased a concession trailer with a new griddle and fryer. What do I need to do ... A: Lori, The best way to season your griddle is to thoroughly clean the surface, then oil the plate ... | |
| Commerical Kitchen-Toffee | 5/27/2010 |
| Q: I am searching for a space for a commercial kitchen and need clarification on codes. First, if I ... A: Heather, Check with the Fire Marshall in the city you propose to locate your business. Typically, ... | |
| turbochef- moffat convection | 5/20/2010 |
| Q: Looking at cooking seafood in parchments bags [so as it steams from its own natural moisture] what ... A: Paul, There is a considerable difference between the Turbochef and the Moffat e32. The Moffat is a ... | |
| gourmet pastrie shop vending truck | 5/14/2010 |
| Q: Where can I find a dealer (builder) for a high end pastries vending truck refrigerated deli case ect ... A: Bernard, The best way I can answer your question is to give you a bunch of homework. Below are ... | |
| vending trailer requirements | 5/11/2010 |
| Q: I would like to know requirements for vending in Florida. How many doors are needed from the ... A: Sam, There are many moving parts to your business idea. A thousand and one decisions to make, ... | |
| food in a private club | 5/6/2010 |
| Q: I live in Michigan and I wanted to open a snack bar in a private club for members only. I planned ... A: Chris, You will most certainly need to prepare the food you are going to sell in approved, health ... | |
| Ice cream sandwich truck | 5/4/2010 |
| Q: I am thinking about starting an ice cream sandwich truck with fresh baked cookies and homemade ice ... A: Michelle, This is way too complicated a question to answer in this format. You are going to need ... | |
| Street vending | 5/2/2010 |
| Q: I would like to do street vending selling cold items such as sandwiches and salads. Health ... A: TM, Foodservice dealers are retail businesses that sell foodservice equipment and supplies. Also, ... | |
| Licences | 4/30/2010 |
| Q: I've been a Chef for 12 year, currently working as so in Miami I'm looking for extra income,and I ... A: Mario, The best way I can answer your question is to give you some previous answers and some web ... | |
| Frat-house foodservice design | 4/22/2010 |
| Q: I have a reasonably sized operation, and I'd like to make some changes, I have a four ... A: John, Most of my colleagues and I use a software program called AutoCad to draft our kitchen ... | |
| Florida Commisary | 4/20/2010 |
| Q: Jim, you've also become an expert at food vending/concession trailers and trucks also!!!! Good for ... A: Roger, The purpose for a commissary is to have a permanent location that a health inspector can ... | |
| Concession stand | 4/20/2010 |
| Q: We are putting in a concession stand for our baseball program. We plan on having a popcorn machine, ... A: Fred, Other than the lighting amperage, you should be able to run refrigeration, ice machine, ... | |
| Rational Combi Ovens | 4/19/2010 |
| Q: I was wondering if someone can help me, i wanna start a CupCake business here in Qatar, in the ... A: Omar, My highest level contact at Rational is Chef Louis-Phillipe Audette who is the President of ... | |
| need commissary space ro get health permit | 4/16/2010 |
| Q: i live in ga near fulton and dekalb co i need some refferals please help A: Sylvia, All I know to be able to help you is that if you have any friends in the foodservice ... | |
| cooking food at home. | 4/16/2010 |
| Q: I have a big dream to start a restaurant business, I want people to know me, I'm an excellent cook, ... A: Rabiah, I don't think that this is possible, because you need a working commercial kitchen that is ... | |
| Frat-house foodservice design | 4/12/2010 |
| Q: I have a reasonably sized operation, and I'd like to make some changes, I have a four ... A: John, I would get a two burner electric cook top, full size convection oven, and a 6 pan convection ... | |
| preparing food at home | 4/3/2010 |
| Q: Jim. In many of your replies I see you advising folks to prepare food at home and figured I'd drop ... A: William, You are correct. One must have a commissary that is a dedicated space that is inspectable ... | |
| Vending Truck | 4/1/2010 |
| Q: Jim- I've been thinking for a few years about starting a lunch truck business in Delaware County, ... A: Jessica, This is a big undertaking. There are many moving parts to a business like this. I am ... | |
| fans | 3/31/2010 |
| Q: what is the diffrence between an upblast fan and a downblast fan? A: Jennifer, An upblast fan is a type of exhaust fan that is mounted on a roof and is designed to blow ... | |
| Covection ovens | 3/29/2010 |
| Q: I saw a thread that you did a while back about Blogett Convection Ovens/blowing/heating uneven. I am ... A: Teresa, Regular convection ovens just aren't designed to have water in them. The electric Mark V's ... | |
| Frozen Cooked Chicken Curry | 3/25/2010 |
| Q: We are contemplating to supply Fully Cooked Chicken Curry to a nationally known food service ... A: Manny, The only solution I have would be to use a Steam'N Hold oven by AccuTemp. This steamer oven ... | |
| Covection ovens | 3/24/2010 |
| Q: I saw a thread that you did a while back about Blogett Convection Ovens/blowing/heating uneven. I am ... A: Teresa, All convection ovens have uneven baking patterns. The way cooks around the world solve this ... | |
| Tabletop fryer venting | 3/17/2010 |
| Q: I own a mobile concession in DB, Florida. I am wondering if a table top commercial fryer (small) ... A: Kristie, All fryers need to have a type 1 hood because of their propensity to catch on fire, plus ... | |
| Buying a food truck | 3/16/2010 |
| Q: I am in Europe and I would like to contact a manufacturer of food trucks. I would like to buy 5 ... A: Daniel, Best way I know to answer you is to send you some info and let you start the homework ... | |
| exhaust | 3/8/2010 |
| Q: I am confused on the type of venting needed for my oven. I have had licensed hvac contractors tell ... A: Michelle, You are certainly on the right track. Remember that the final call and approval comes ... | |
| Concession Trailer | 3/8/2010 |
| Q: I saw a question you answered on 3/28/08 regarding building a food production/concession trailer. ... A: Greg, I'm sorry, but I can not design your trailer. Each trailer is a custom creation that can take ... | |
| exhaust | 3/6/2010 |
| Q: I am confused on the type of venting needed for my oven. I have had licensed hvac contractors tell ... A: Michelle, I am almost positive that they will make you put in a Type I hood, because you are using a ... | |
| Food Service Stepvan/Trailer | 3/4/2010 |
| Q: Wixson, My name is Lamont and I am interested in starting a food service trailer/stepvan to sell ... A: Lamont, You have chosen a business that is NOT easy. Many decisions to make, and there is no one ... | |
| permit in ga | 3/1/2010 |
| Q: well i was told i needed a storage building to store all my goods from my concession stand that had ... A: Stewart, Yes, you need a storage facility and a commercial grade commissary kitchen in addition to ... | |
| Wood Fired Ovens in Concession Trailers | 2/25/2010 |
| Q: I want to put a wood fired oven in a concession trailer. I'm concerned about fire codes and ... A: Emma, I hate to rain on your parade, but I'm thinking this is highly impractical. A fire required ... | |
| turning an rv into a concession stand | 2/22/2010 |
| Q: We bought an RV and wanting to turn it into a concession stand what all do we need to do, the do ... A: Pam, This is a complicated question and you are going to have to do lots of homework to find the ... | |
| Used Garland Pizza Oven/3Phase | 2/13/2010 |
| Q: I'm looking to purchase a used electric Garland Pizza Oven. It's 3 phase. Can you please explain the ... A: Pia, Who is the electric utility that will serve your eatery? Is it Duke Power or TVA? You may want ... | |
| roller grill sanitation process | 1/29/2010 |
| Q: . Can you tell me the proper way to sanitize a commercial hot dog roller grill? A: Ed, The rollers on your roll a grill are either chrome, stainless, or Teflon. If they are Teflon, ... | |
| hood systems | 1/23/2010 |
| Q: Does the state of Florida require a hood system for use of electric grills? A: Jim, I'm not an expert on State codes, but I'm sure that all grills no matter what the fuel require ... | |
| Design & layout of a concession area | 1/22/2010 |
| Q: I am in the process of building a roller skating rink. I am looking for help with designing a ... A: Spencer, Georgia Power does serve your Skating Center, so I can indeed help you as a Georgia Power ... | |
| Design & layout of a concession area | 1/21/2010 |
| Q: I am in the process of building a roller skating rink. I am looking for help with designing a ... A: Spencer, You will really need to contact a dealer in your area to help you. Concession stands need ... | |
| Health Dept code for venting | 1/19/2010 |
| Q: I have a dilemma. The health dept is requiring me to vent a South-bend electric convection oven that ... A: Lorrie, I understand the cha-ching. That is exactly the point. I would go to the Fire Marshall and ... | |
| Starting a business from home | 1/18/2010 |
| Q: I would like to start a small business from my home. I would be making, packaging and sell to the ... A: Debra, You will need to follow USDA guidelines, and have a commissary that will be inspected by ... | |
| Health Dept code for venting | 1/18/2010 |
| Q: I have a dilemma. The health dept is requiring me to vent a South-bend electric convection oven that ... A: Lorrie, I'm so sorry for your pickle! The problem is CA. California is turning into a little ... | |
| frozen pizza production | 1/15/2010 |
| Q: Within 6 months we are selling 2000 pizzas a week and we just landed a 9 unit grocery store.I need ... A: What you need is a Doughpro unit to form a pizza skin in seconds. You'll find information on this ... | |
| Concession Trailer Color | 1/6/2010 |
| Q: I have been researching the mobile concession business for about 8 months now. I am located in ... A: Jacob, I too live in Atlanta. I'm the Cooking Products Manager for Georgia Power Company. I support ... | |
| Online Frozen Egg roll Business | 1/2/2010 |
| Q: I am in the planning of getting my Frozen Egg roll business online ordering and have done some ... A: Connie, The facility you use to manufacture product for resale needs to conform to USDA ... | |
| Propane usage for a 30000BTU oven | 12/29/2009 |
| Q: I live on an island. Propane costs are high. I am deliberating between spending the extra $1000 +/- ... A: LD, There are 90,000 BTU in a gallon of propane. Your oven has a thermostat, so once it reaches say ... | |
| correct license to obtain | 12/10/2009 |
| Q: I wanted to start a restaurant/ catering business but because of the economy I decided to put those ... A: Richard, This is a tough business. Just having a great product doesn't mean you know where to go ... | |
| Vulcan Automix 80 qt. mixer parts | 12/10/2009 |
| Q: I would like to know where I can possibly get a paddle for the 80 qt. Vulcan Automix. Thank you. ... A: Debbi, The only advice I can give you is to see who the authorized service agent in your area is. ... | |
| healthy, home cooked meals delivered | 12/9/2009 |
| Q: Wixson, My family is considering starting a meal delivery business. We would like to cook healthy ... A: Mike, Any meals for sale will require adherence to the codes and rules for any commercial ... | |
| frozen pizza | 12/2/2009 |
| Q: I plan to start production of frozen pizza's. already have good results with crust and finished ... A: Dalibor, The way to protect the integrity of the frozen pizzas and to prevent freezer burn and ice ... | |
| Food concession | 11/28/2009 |
| Q: We have a brand new food concession trailer.We were so excited to start our new business. We bought ... A: Tammy, This is a difficult business and it has many working parts, but as they say in foodservice; ... | |
| Requirments | 11/23/2009 |
| Q: So glad I found you! What are the requirement for window size of food truck? Actually, I'm in the ... A: Jeannie, First you need to determine how high off the ground the floor of the trailer is. If your ... | |
| LPG Deck Oven | 11/21/2009 |
| Q: I am an enthusiastic amateur baker and want to set up Blodgett LPG Deck in garage. I can rise 2' and ... A: Richard, I believe the code will call for a Class 1 duct to an upblast fan, because of the LP gas. ... | |
| Lincoln Impenger Pizza Oven | 11/18/2009 |
| Q: Can you wire 3 Phase pizza oven on single phase service A: Mike, Lincoln makes a number of different size ovens. You will need to check with a service company ... | |
| Air oven and Fire Suppression | 11/17/2009 |
| Q: Jim, Checking on the need for a fire suppression system (UL 300) when using an air oven cooking ... A: Steve, Which brand oven are you looking to buy? You will want to have a hood because the ... | |
| Ventilation needed for deck oven? | 11/8/2009 |
| Q: I am hoping to purchase a single electric deck baking oven for my home. I will be baking bread. ... A: Kathie, You shouldn't need an exhaust hood with an electric bake oven cooking bread. There is no ... | |
| dough balls | 11/5/2009 |
| Q: I am researching a business plan for a store that includes pizza, and I was wondering, will I do ... A: April, I am sure that you can make dough balls and save money, but you have to invest in a mixer, ... | |
| LP pizza oven | 10/31/2009 |
| Q: on trailer for selling pizza on concessions, Fairs, etc. The type of oven I need is some thing that ... A: The only oven that will cook a pizza in 32 minutes is an electric turbochef. A wood oven in a ... | |
| Gas pressure to cooking equipment | 10/22/2009 |
| Q: We've installed recently installed cooking equipment in a (new construction) hospital kitchen. As ... A: David, Are you the dealer? I love this question, because I am the Cooking Products Manager for ... | |
| commercial kitchen plumbing requirements | 9/29/2009 |
| Q: I have been trying to decipher the requirements for creating an in-home commercial kitchen in ... A: Kim, It will be important for you to go see a foodservice dealer in your area. A foodservice dealer ... | |
| ventilation hoods | 9/10/2009 |
| Q: The basement is being converted. I will use deep fryers and possiblaly a grill. I have been looking ... A: Tammy, The Fire Marshall in each jurisdiction is the ultimate authority on the requirement for ... | |
| concession trailer | 9/9/2009 |
| Q: I would like to know what type hood and ventilation is required and if i can use flexible pipe to ... A: Melody, The requirements for a hood are the responsibility of the Fire Marshall in the jurisdiction ... | |
| expanding existing business | 9/6/2009 |
| Q: I opened a boutique 11 months ago which features eclectic home decor, jewelry, art, etc. It is ... A: Annette, This is not my area of expertise, but I am fairly confident that you will need to conform ... | |
| hot dog vending | 9/4/2009 |
| Q: Jim - thank you for taking the time to respond to me. I have met several vendors at fairs that are ... A: John, I'm not sure that I can answer your question, because what you need is a complete business ... | |
| Fixed Crepe Stall | 8/31/2009 |
| Q: Texas in a high traffic retail center by Rice University. Rather than a cart, I am considering a ... A: Lindsey, This sounds like a really great idea. Obviously you will need to follow the dictates of the ... | |
| hood for electric single convection oven | 8/19/2009 |
| Q: Which 2 locales in Atlanta did you say require a hood over these ovens? thanks,Rick A: The City of Atlanta and the City of Decatur are the two jurisdictions that, I believe, require type ... | |
| Hood for convection oven | 8/18/2009 |
| Q: I work for a private school. I have a single convection oven (electric) in our kitchen right now. ... A: Omega, The Fire Marshall in each jurisdiction is the ultimate authority on the requirement for ... | |
| Moffat E32 Convection oven compliance with health codes | 8/11/2009 |
| Q: I want to open a small business in Santa Clara County, ca. The building I've chosen is an ... A: Ann, The Moffat E32 electric convection is health code compliant in that it has the National ... | |
| vent hood | 8/1/2009 |
| Q: I have a vent hood system, it works to well it sucks out all the a/c in the building. I thought they ... A: Andy - Exhaust hood systems are designed to exhaust 100 cfm (cubic feet per minute) of air for each ... | |
| difference of gas broiler versus infrared ceramic salamander broiler | 7/20/2009 |
| Q: I want to get a broiler for my small kitchen and would like to know which broiler is actually ... A: Steve - There are plenty of ceramic broilers out there. Jade, Imperial, Southbend, Garland, etc. Get ... | |
| difference of gas broiler versus infrared ceramic salamander broiler | 7/19/2009 |
| Q: I want to get a broiler for my small kitchen and would like to know which broiler is actually ... A: Steve, They are both gas broilers. The ceramic broiler produces infrared heat and is much faster in ... | |
| Brewpub Design | 7/17/2009 |
| Q: I am in the preliminary stages of designing a brewpub. It will basically be a casual high quality ... A: Kevin, The basic rule of thumb for space allocation is front of the house dining area 50%, back of ... | |
| catering kitchen | 7/17/2009 |
| Q: I have designed many residential kitchens, and now must plan a kitchen in a business space that ... A: Nancy, Such is the way of Government. They are not so good at being available. A catering kitchen ... | |
| cupcakes | 7/11/2009 |
| Q: I want to start an out of home cupcake business, as a research i am finding that there is a lot work ... A: Manny, Starting a business will require a lot of research. You will definately need the help of a ... | |
| Convection oven hood | 7/8/2009 |
| Q: I currently have 2 very small bakeries in Northern CA that use the double stacked Moffat e32 ... A: Andrea, My guess is that the health inspector doesn't know how little heat to space electric ovens ... | |
| Food Truck Business | 7/7/2009 |
| Q: My husband and I want to start a food truck business in SC. However, he is confined to a wheelchair ... A: Renata, Certainly all things are possible, but this would present many logistical issues the first ... | |
| onboard small generator | 7/1/2009 |
| Q: small onboard generators. I've seen the outer side panel onboard generators on the Wells Cargo ... A: Luis - I don't know why you couldn't run a generator while going down the road? You'll have to check ... | |
| food truck locations | 6/29/2009 |
| Q: I have been operating with my food truck for about 6 months with event concessions. It is necessary ... A: Michelle - I wish I could help you, but the only answer I could give you would be to find a location ... | |
| Home-Based Catering Business Start Up | 6/15/2009 |
| Q: Jim, I am a working mom and planning on starting culinary school for a 2 yr degree in the culinary ... A: Kristen- There are a million questions that need to be answered about developing a catering business ... | |
| Converting an RV to food truck | 6/11/2009 |
| Q: I have been given a nice older RV. A few friends have noted a large nightlife area with no food ... A: Mister Mike - I have attached all of the previous answers that I have given others with your line of ... | |
| Ice for Catering | 6/5/2009 |
| Q: I am the food coordinator the day of my friends wedding. Two question that I am having difficulty ... A: Renee - This is nowhere near my expertise, but I would think that 8 oz. of ice per person should be ... | |
| set up requirements State of Florida | 6/2/2009 |
| Q: Just wondering what the recipe is for a street vender snow cone machine. I know I have no ... A: Michael - Contact the health department in Lakeland, and see what their requirements are. Food codes ... | |
| Truck conversion to Food Service Truck | 5/26/2009 |
| Q: I am looking to purchase an old ice cream truck or the like and convert it into a food service ... A: Jared - The only way I know to answer your question is to send you a copy of all the other questions ... | |
| pizza ovens | 5/26/2009 |
| Q: I am having trouble trying to figure out what style of pizza oven would be best for me. When I had a ... A: Marc - The best oven to own would be electric. It would be much cheaper to operate than a propane ... | |
| pizza ovens | 5/24/2009 |
| Q: I am having trouble trying to figure out what style of pizza oven would be best for me. When I had a ... A: Marc - Because of the circumstances that you want to have a mobile trailer business, you will need ... | |
| cajun food on the run | 5/11/2009 |
| Q: I am orginally from new orleans and now live in az but what i have come to realize is that noone ... A: Stacy - I don't know of any companies that rent out mobile food trucks. All I know about mobile ... | |
| Work stations for high school culinary classroom | 5/5/2009 |
| Q: I am outfitting a new culinary classroom at a continuation high school (I am not the end user). My ... A: Pal - A company by the name of Metal Masters makes work tables that should work for your needs. An ... | |
| Mobile vending | 5/5/2009 |
| Q: Wixson, I am looking to open a mobile pushcart italian ice business in Orlando, Florida. Can u give ... A: Pamela - I'm sorry, but this question is way out of my area of expertise. I know equipment layout ... | |
| Baseball concession | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: I'm laying out a concession stand for our baseball league. I wanted to install the counter 6' from ... A: John - Ideally, the counter should be straight behind the window, and immediately adjacent to the ... | |
| Small Farmer's Market | 4/21/2009 |
| Q: We are setting up a small food establishment within a farmer's market in Philadelphia. Venting to ... A: All I could only find three used hoods that might work. Two of them appear to be 24" wide, you could ... | |
| Wedding preperation equipment needed | 4/20/2009 |
| Q: First, let me say 'thanks' for all the help you provide on these boards. I've been reading through ... A: Alisa - I would take up a collection and have it catered. In the end, it will be much cheaper, and ... | |
| Small Farmer's Market | 4/14/2009 |
| Q: We are setting up a small food establishment within a farmer's market in Philadelphia. Venting to ... A: Iman - The ventless hood units by Wells, BKI, and Giles is a great idea. These units have fire ... | |
| Cupcake oven | 3/30/2009 |
| Q: I am opening a cupcake shop where I will only be baking and selling cupcakes. Could you recommend a ... A: Jenine - A full size convection Oven is what most people use. Generally an electric bakes a more ... | |
| Bangkok Kitchen Equipment | 3/23/2009 |
| Q: Jim, Hello, I am living in Bangkok, Thailand, and am currently running a kitchen at a university ... A: Ryan - I am not familiar with foodservice equipment distribution outside of the US. There are many ... | |
| Food truck | 3/16/2009 |
| Q: I WAS JUST WONDERING HOW CAN I STARTED A BUSINESS.. MY BOYFRIEND AND I HAD AN IDEA, OF SELLING SOME ... A: Carol - The only way I know how to answer your question is to copy to you the answers I have given ... | |
| mobile food establishment | 2/23/2009 |
| Q: I'm planning on heading to Florida to start a mobile food concession and a couple questions came up ... A: Cathy - My guess is that you could get a sponsor like a grocery store to let you use their kitchen ... | |
| sink size | 2/17/2009 |
| Q: what size sinks do i need for a mobile food service trailer i dont have much room A: Eric - Health Department codes require a minimum of 3 sink bowls. The size of the bowls need to be ... | |
| Convection Oven ventilation | 2/14/2009 |
| Q: I'm opening a small cafe in New York City and hoping to do some baking. I'd like to use an electric ... A: Rish - It is the call of the Fire Marshall in the jurisdiction of the City your business is located. ... | |
| installing hoods | 2/8/2009 |
| Q: i have a deli shop on the first floor of a 6 story building i want to install char brioler and ... A: David - I don't know what part of the country you live in, but don't be confused by electric. It is ... | |
| gourmet cookie compnay | 2/3/2009 |
| Q: My wife and I are considering starting a handmade-to-order, gourmet cookie company... we have a ... A: Gary - One of the inherant issues with convection ovens is the uneven browning, hence turning pans. ... | |
| steam jacketed kettles | 1/13/2009 |
| Q: t d b table-top kettle does not heat right can you help. I work for captain D i think it's the ... A: I'm sorry that none of these answers has fixed the problem, but sometimes you need to call in the ... | |
| food vending at music festivals | 1/13/2009 |
| Q: For many years I have wanted to try my hand at the food service industry - I have been a waitress ... A: Anjil - This is a big undertaking. I'm sure that you could make some money at this; however, After ... | |
| FOOD TRUCK | 1/12/2009 |
| Q: I WAS WONDERING IF YOU HAD ANY IDEAS OR COMMENTS AS TO WHERE I CAN FIND USED FOOD TRUCKS AND WHAT MY ... A: Malerie - Here is all kinds of information I have written to others about. There should be plenty in ... | |
| food-based business | 1/10/2009 |
| Q: I would like to start a business selling vegan, allergen-free (free of gluten, dairy, egg, nuts, ... A: Stella - You can do this from your home, but you need to conform to USDA (United Stated Department ... | |
| steam jacketed kettles | 1/8/2009 |
| Q: t d b table-top kettle does not heat right can you help. I work for captain D i think it's the ... A: The kettle has probably lost its vacuum. When it is room temperature, and you look at the gauge, ... | |
| about license for food service | 12/18/2008 |
| Q: want to know what licenses i need to sell food in hillsboughro county ruskin florida.im giong to ... A: August - I am not an expert on business codes and licensing. I do know that you will need a business ... | |
| ventless hoods | 12/18/2008 |
| Q: installed a Giles ventless hood in a deli type area that grills and has fryers (deli is in a high ... A: Todd - The first rule is that you can not use these ventless hoods with gas fired appliances, only ... | |
| starting selling frozen foods to major chain of stores | 12/11/2008 |
| Q: at first just 10 stores maybe 2400 pieces per month what do i need size of building,cooking my own ... A: This really isn't my expertise, but I am assuming that you are talking about pizza? Anyway, what ... | |
| Square Footage | 12/1/2008 |
| Q: I am designing a private dining club for a school project. There will be a main dining area for 40, ... A: Stacy - The rule of thumb is front of the house 15 ft2 per person. Back of the house which includes ... | |
| convection oven phases | 11/27/2008 |
| Q: I bought a used elec. convection oven in expectations of opening a restaurant. We were never able to ... A: Sam - The information you have given me doesn't tell me whether the oven is single or three phase. ... | |
| Foodservice Design Guidelines | 11/19/2008 |
| Q: Jim, I was hoping you may have some general guidelines as far as sizing for facilities and what kind ... A: Joshua - Yes there are many rules of thumb for foodservice facilities, but more importantly I would ... | |
| Opening internet cafe/restaurant | 11/14/2008 |
| Q: I am trying to open an internet cafe/ restaurant in Holly Hill, SC. I will serve cafe products and ... A: Laquisha - There is a foodservice dealer in Columbia that would be able to help you with plan ... | |
| mobile food truck/trailer | 11/6/2008 |
| Q: Where do I go to find the rules and regulations for the State of Florida? A: I hope all this info helps. These are past answers to mobile food truck/trailer answers. The health ... | |
| LPG | 11/4/2008 |
| Q: I want to start a pizzeria. If I use a deck oven, will it be cost efficient to use LP Gas or ... A: Zenon - You are correct, P54.50 x 2.28 = P124.26 x .15 = P18.64 per heavy hour. The 30,000 btu on ... | |
| LPG | 10/31/2008 |
| Q: I want to start a pizzeria. If I use a deck oven, will it be cost efficient to use LP Gas or ... A: Zenon - Given your electric rates in the Philippines with the surcharges, it may well be that LP is ... | |
| Nursing home kitchen size in Mi | 10/27/2008 |
| Q: Saw your two answers for 50 & 100 residents. How about cooking equipment for 200 and a tray make up ... A: John - If I owned a nursing home of 200 residents, I would have a cooking line that would consist of ... | |
| Commercial Ranges and CO levels | 10/24/2008 |
| Q: We have commercial ranges in all of our fire stations. Recently high carbon monoxide levels in 2 ... A: Mark - This is inherently the problem of gas appliances whether they be residential or commercial. ... | |
| vending...? | 10/20/2008 |
| Q: . I just happened upon your q & a... My husband and I are considering starting a food vending ... A: Sherri - Read some of my past answers to questions about mobile vending and I think you will get ... | |
| Egg Casserole | 10/16/2008 |
| Q: I need to cook 10 2" pans of scrambled egg mix with peppers & onions and have ready in the morning ... A: Wade - Yes you can cook eggs in the c-vap I don't happen to know the cooking times or temps, you ... | |
| food bussines with truck | 10/14/2008 |
| Q: Do you know where I can buy that kind truck? A: Dilek - Here is some information I have supplied to others. You answered this question on 08/07/08 ... | |
| RV Burrito Stand | 10/6/2008 |
| Q: My wife and I were thinking of opening a burrito stand using an old RV, and serving out the window. ... A: Kris - I would keep the product warm at 140F and try to cook only that amount that you anticipate ... | |
| cookie oven | 10/3/2008 |
| Q: is there already on the market a small convection cookie oven that will cook, for the most part, ... A: Robin - Yes there are many different brands for sale. One of the really good lines is Cadco at the ... | |
| Baked Potato Preparation | 9/30/2008 |
| Q: For a fundraiser, I am planning a baked potato bar. My question is: 24 hours prior to our ... A: Christina - What I would do is wash the potatoes, wrap them in foil, and then put them back in the ... | |
| Griddle | 9/30/2008 |
| Q: I am in proceess of purchasing a small Ice cream and coffee shop. I would like to offer egg ... A: Matt - This is the call of the Fire Marshall that has jurisdiction in the city your ice cream shop ... | |
| Commercial Pizza Dough Ball suppliers in or near Georgia | 9/30/2008 |
| Q: I am have a difficult time finding a pizza dough ball supplier for my restaurant in the Metro ... A: Marsha - I am not aware of any vendor selling fresh dough balls, but I think you have several ... | |
| commissaries | 9/29/2008 |
| Q: i live in SW Florida. no commissaries. if i start my own,do you know the minimum standards for such ... A: Paul - I have gone back and found many of the previous answers I have given others to explain what ... | |
| renting my lunch truck | 9/26/2008 |
| Q: I own a lunch truck -three sided, two hot and one cold with a built in coffe pot. Unfortunately I ... A: Alex - I'm sorry, but this is way out of my expertise level. I'm sure that you could find a boiler ... | |
| Commisary | 9/21/2008 |
| Q: I understand that in Florida with a mobile vending license I must have a primary and or secondary ... A: Laura - There are many regulations as there need to be. The last thing you want is for somebody to ... | |
| "flooder" dealer/business? | 9/19/2008 |
| Q: I was reading over your "gut truck" answers and came across the phrase "flooder dealer" several ... A: Leelannee - I'm so sorry to lead you on a wild goose chase. I had sent responses to previous ... | |
| start-up pancake house and restaurant | 9/19/2008 |
| Q: The location is Bethany Beach, DE. I have a five store strip and a 3,300 sq. ft. restaurant is ... A: Ernest - My only concern is the previous failures in the same location. I always ask why they ... | |
| propane hose and vent hood | 9/16/2008 |
| Q: I bought a 40lbs commercial deep fryer with twin baskets and with no hose. I need to know what kind ... A: Luis - You need to let a used foodservice dealer in the area you live put your fryer together with a ... | |
| Market | 9/11/2008 |
| Q: I have a couple questons you may be able to answer for me.. The business is a market/deli, no raw ... A: Irvin - I am not a code expert and it is important to understand that all code officials interpret ... | |
| Electric convection oven & self evaporation of refrigerated displays | 9/10/2008 |
| Q: Jim: I was so delighted to finally find someone who has a answer to all my questions. I read your ... A: Maria - Here are two sites. The second one is very descriptive of what UL 197 covers. One of the ... | |
| Electric convection oven & self evaporation of refrigerated displays | 9/9/2008 |
| Q: Jim: I was so delighted to finally find someone who has a answer to all my questions. I read your ... A: Maria - California is the most eco-centric state in the union, and they have some very over the top ... | |
| fundraising at an agricultural fair | 9/8/2008 |
| Q: our town has a large agricultural fair (50,000 people attend) my boy scout troop is looking for a ... A: Jan - Tough question. I liked your milkshakes idea. They have great appeal. Hope you weren't making ... | |
| single vs 3 phase | 9/5/2008 |
| Q: Can you tell me what is the difference between single and 3 phase convection ovens. Is one better ... A: Melody - The difference between single phase and three phase is that single phase is higher ... | |
| Vent hood | 9/3/2008 |
| Q: I'm opening up a small coffee roastery here in Savannah and the fire marshall has requested that I ... A: James - What will the exhaust hood be ventilating? What type of equipment are you installing? I ... | |
| Ventilation? | 8/24/2008 |
| Q: I am opening a coffee / sandwich shop in College Park, MD. There will not be a need for cooking at ... A: Chris - Generally an electric convection oven does not require a class 1 ventilation system; ... | |
| Food Processing Trailer? | 8/20/2008 |
| Q: Hey Jim, enjoying your info-site! We are in the food processing business, and looking for a mobile ... A: Malcolm - Your different needs are easily achievable if you select the appropriate vendor that can ... | |
| How to size unit for facility | 8/19/2008 |
| Q: My customer is a 99 bed elder care facility they currently have a Cleveland Classic Series two ... A: Joel - Boilerbased gas fired pressureless steamers are so yesterday. They require tremendous amounts ... | |
| what exactly does a kitchen prep area mean? | 8/19/2008 |
| Q: i am starting a new bus making choc lollipops and favors, all i need is a microwave and hand wash ... A: Melody - The board of health wants you to demonstrate safe food handling techniques. A prep area ... | |
| mobile coffee van | 8/17/2008 |
| Q: My husband and I are looking into starting a mobile coffee van in Oregon. A few questions we have ... A: Aubrey - Might be kind of tough outfitting a VW bus with all of the things the regs will require. ... | |
| Commercial gas range | 8/16/2008 |
| Q: Is it ok to install a commercial gas range in a residential home even if i do not install a ... A: Valdis - Gas volume and gas pressure are important to performance of the appliance. I'll presume ... | |
| building conssecion stand | 8/10/2008 |
| Q: wareI'm trying to find out what kind of appliances I should buy for our trailer. And were is a good ... A: Sam - Below is lots of information that will get you started. Contact a foodservice dealer where you ... | |
| Small Certified Kitchen Layout | 8/8/2008 |
| Q: I am in need of finding someone in the Hershey Pa area that has expertise in the design/layout of a ... A: Mike - You might want to contact a dealer near you. Try these folks: Chef's Choice Foodservice ... | |
| Venting requirements for residential kitchen | 8/6/2008 |
| Q: Jim, I am building a home and am intending to use commercial rated appliances in the kitchen. Do I ... A: Dan - This question is outside my expertise. The Fire Marshall in the town where your hose is ... | |
| mobile food truck | 7/28/2008 |
| Q: i just wanted your thoughts and advice on the following: a local ice and propane company on a busy ... A: Steve - Sorry for taking so long to answer your question. I thought that I had answered it. I ... | |
| Purchasing a used taco/food truck | 7/25/2008 |
| Q: My boyfriend and I are looking into starting a mobile food business and have been searching ... A: Marie - I am not in the loop on trailers or trucks for sale, so I can't help you on questions to ... | |
| equip for certain food | 7/23/2008 |
| Q: want to get a concession trailer. i'm in washington wanting to serve idaho/oregon as well. how big ... A: Jim - I am not an expert on food trucks, but I seem to get hundreds of questions from people like ... | |
| facilities and lay out | 7/15/2008 |
| Q: What are the significance of physical layout, menu, & method of service in foodservice facilities? A: Catherine - Whole books have been written on this subject. I'm not sure that I can give you a ... | |
| considering a build out | 7/13/2008 |
| Q: I am in Big Bear Lake, California and am considering building out a small specialty bakery in a ... A: Trish - In most of the country, electric convection ovens don't need an exhaust hood as long as you ... | |
| mobil food vendor | 6/26/2008 |
| Q: Jim, I want to start a mobil vending business. Going to fairs, festivals and such in Texas. The ... A: Don - Read some of my past responses to others and it will give you most of your answers. Plus, you ... | |
| griddle/hood | 6/26/2008 |
| Q: I am building a mobile food unit in NC. It is a 29' RV that I have gutted. I am primarily going to ... A: Peter - You need a hood to positively vent the by products of combustion. Primarily, you will have ... | |
| Pizza Crusts | 6/24/2008 |
| Q: I have a 32 lane bowling center in Va. I currently use Sysco as my vendor. I am struggling to find a ... A: Kevin - My favorite product of the frozen par baked variety is Hunt Brothers Pizza. They have a ... | |
| Adding Food Equipment To A Coffeehouse | 6/24/2008 |
| Q: Jim, We started a Brazilian Coffeehouse in MD. I would like to add some food items common in a ... A: Roddie - I would recommend you look into buying a medium sized Combi oven such as Cadco. ... | |
| starting catering business | 6/23/2008 |
| Q: I would like to know what would be the best way to start catering and get your business out there? A: LaTonya - This is way out of my expertise. I think the key to any business is to gage the market ... | |
| catering kitchen | 6/20/2008 |
| Q: Jim, good afternoon! I'm working on starting my own small-scale tea catering business in Monterey, ... A: Darya - If I were in your shoes, I would contact restaurants in your area that are Dinner operations ... | |
| propane gas | 6/16/2008 |
| Q: i we have a pitco fryer model 35c with natural gas and want to convert to propane gas. can you ... A: Ray - You need to call a foodservice repair service agency in your area. Copy and paste this link ... | |
| concession trailer | 6/12/2008 |
| Q: I have a food concession trailer for a tex-mex stand.North Carolina requires you to operate out of a ... A: Danielle - They don't want you to just have some land that is zoned for restaurants, they want you ... | |
| portable hot water sink | 6/11/2008 |
| Q: our dept of agriculture says we need a portable sink. Is there something we can purchase that is ... A: Jamie Bullock - I would think that you can find a small used stainless steel pot sink at a used ... | |
| commercial kitchen | 6/2/2008 |
| Q: I would like to open a small commercial kitchen in a 12x12 building in my back yard...what would be ... A: Paulette - I think the first thing you will have to do is to make sure that there are no ordnances ... | |
| Off site food preparation and catering | 5/24/2008 |
| Q: I am interested in opening a off site kitchen, with no public seating and access, strictly for ... A: I have no idea what the codes in New York are, but I would have to think that if you get a business ... | |
| ice cream commissary | 5/14/2008 |
| Q: I bought an ice cream cart and am going thru the process of the paperwork and the board of health ... A: Theresa - These laws are in place for the right reasons. The Board of Health in each of these States ... | |
| ice cream store | 5/6/2008 |
| Q: We are wanting to open an ice cream store--we only want to serve ice cream cones,sundaes, shake and ... A: Sue - The best thing you could do is to go with a franchise concept. That way you get the full deal ... | |
| Cooking in an open area | 5/3/2008 |
| Q: Do you have to have a trailer to cook and sell food at fairs or festivals? I recently saw a family ... A: Kathy - You don't need to have a trailer to sell food unless you are in an area where the city codes ... | |
| baking dog treats | 4/28/2008 |
| Q: I am baking dog treats in a regular oven. Ingredients are wheat flour, peanut butter, applesauce, ... A: Mary - I'd try ebay and look for convection ovens, full size, electric. I don't know any used ... | |
| baking dog treats | 4/27/2008 |
| Q: I am baking dog treats in a regular oven. Ingredients are wheat flour, peanut butter, applesauce, ... A: Mary - A convection oven would definitely improve cooking times. The moving air in the oven assists ... | |
| Getting started with my mobile food trailer. | 4/26/2008 |
| Q: My question is I have been working in the food industury for about 20 years, and I need to know what ... A: Darlene - I wish you luck in your business and the only way I know of answering your question is to ... | |
| electrical needs | 4/19/2008 |
| Q: We just bought a building and are in the process of upgrading the electrical service and want to be ... A: Ed - My suggestion is that you would set up the space with 120-208v/3 phase, 400 amp service. Most ... | |
| stainless steel electric turkey fryer | 4/14/2008 |
| Q: The question I have is we are on a tight budget, and are looking for alternatives to getting around ... A: Don - No way. A fryer is a fryer, and whether it is gas or electric it has to be under a qualified ... | |
| restaurant electic demands | 4/10/2008 |
| Q: power needs for : . 10' hood..fans/intake exhaust lights 30 qt hobart table top mixer ... A: William - I'm not sure how you want to use this information? The dealer you are purchasing the ... | |
| food truck commisary | 4/10/2008 |
| Q: I live in Florida, and in reading the guidelines for licensing a MFDV they require a commisary. They ... A: Elizabethe - They want the vendor to have a permanent location that is in operating in the ... | |
| conncession truck alterations | 4/8/2008 |
| Q: we are looking into the concession business and into purchasing a used concession truck/trailer. My ... A: Robin - I am guessing that it would be much easier to start from scratch on your concession trailer. ... | |
| business expansion/prepared foods | 4/3/2008 |
| Q: located outside Philly,PA. Expanding current upscale farm market primarily to increase prepared ... A: Bonnie It looks like Penn Fixture is the biggest dealer in Philly is Singer Equipment ... | |
| Hoods | 3/26/2008 |
| Q: I am involved with the opening of a business in Canon City, CO. It will be located in a 100 year old ... A: Susan - I think what they are talking about is a Type 2 Hood which is a condensate canopy for ... | |
| Food cart plans | 3/26/2008 |
| Q: do u know of anyplace to get plans and layout ideas? i'm in oregon and wanna sell pasta, my ... A: Pablo - I don't know of any plans for trailer remodels. My guess is that they don't exist. But, I am ... | |
| Packaging and Improving Shelf Life | 3/25/2008 |
| Q: I have a small fresh baked Natural Organic cookie business. I would like to take the cookie to ... A: Lillian - I would recommend that you look into a combi oven to cook your cookies and cupcakes. You ... | |
| Packaging and Improving Shelf Life | 3/25/2008 |
| Q: I have a small fresh baked Natural Organic cookie business. I would like to take the cookie to ... A: I wish I could Lillian, but I have no experience with packaging equipment. You might have better ... | |
| exhaust hood for convection ovens | 3/17/2008 |
| Q: I want to install stacked hobart gas convection ovens in my AZ cafe, but have limited hood space. ... A: Jana - Absolutely. Gas equipment always has to be vented with a Type 1 exhaust hood with fire ... | |
| Concession business | 3/9/2008 |
| Q: I'm interested in starting and purchasing a concession trailer to operate in SW Florida. My question ... A: Wade - The best way to answer your question is to have you call the folks from Russell Trailers that ... | |
| Opening my own business | 3/3/2008 |
| Q: I have been cooking for families for over a year out of my home and I have a silent investor ... A: Stephanie - First of all, what City and state do you plan to open up in? What kind of food will you ... | |
| vent hood | 3/2/2008 |
| Q: Do you need a vent hood system for counter-top electric fryers (3)? ANSWER: Paul - You must put an ... A: Paul - There is really no way around an exhaust hood over a fryer. This is an NFPA 96 issue ... | |
| seasoning a new american range grill | 3/1/2008 |
| Q: oh I think my subject says it all. I am a new cook to cafe cooking. A: Kathy - Below is how I answered this question for another questioner back in 2006. Dealers of ... | |
| Eco Foodstuffs | 2/27/2008 |
| Q: I am a trend analyst in London and i am researching into how the future of gadgets and technology ... A: Rebecca - Great question. I think I have much to say about Eco friendly food preparation. I am one ... | |
| Common Voltage Supply | 2/25/2008 |
| Q: Is 3 phase 208V or 3 phase 240V commonly available in the commercial food service industry (e.g., ... A: Sheila - Almost every commercial facility has 208 or 240V single phase service. Other than rural ... | |
| Brands of convection oven | 2/25/2008 |
| Q: I am in philadelphia, pa.I am currently baking in a small gas range. I mostly bake cookies, bars, ... A: Michael - Range ovens are awful!!! They are only good for a single pan at a time and temperatures ... | |
| Russell Concession Trailers | 2/12/2008 |
| Q: Have you had any experience with Russell Concession trailers? I am looking to start a new ... A: David - I wasn't sure if you got all the answers from me and others, you needed to move forward on ... | |
| Russell Concession Trailers | 2/10/2008 |
| Q: Have you had any experience with Russell Concession trailers? I am looking to start a new ... A: David - I have had limited experience physically setting up mobile foodservice operations. I did ... | |
| Russell Concession Trailers | 2/10/2008 |
| Q: Have you had any experience with Russell Concession trailers? I am looking to start a new ... A: David - I got a chuckle out of the "famous thousands of words" comment. I too live in Atlanta, and ... | |
| Convection oven for Cookie Shop | 2/9/2008 |
| Q: I'm planning to open my own bakery in a few years and i'm currently working on my business plan and ... A: Michelle - In my opinion, the cost of utilities to run your ovens is the smallest of all of your ... | |
| Type I Hood | 1/30/2008 |
| Q: Jim, I need to install a type I hood, about 48" long, in my cafe. Can you recommend a source for ... A: Bill - You might call Bargreen Ellington in Seattle and see if they can help you. I am sure that ... | |
| cleaning a gas griddle | 1/29/2008 |
| Q: We changed from a commercial electric griddle to a gas griddle. What is the best way to clean? The ... A: Georgianne - First I have to ask why you felt compelled to change your electric griddle to a gas ... | |
| How to find a publication for concession equip. | 1/24/2008 |
| Q: I am looking for a publication to advertise the Ribbon Potato Cutters that I have been manufacturing ... A: Carol - You might want to start by going to http://www.iaapa.org/membership/benefits/ which is ... | |
| Over the stove microwave shelf | 1/22/2008 |
| Q: I found a microwave oven shelf bracket, which you hang on the wall and put your microwave on. Can ... A: Kelly - Putting a microwave over a stove in a commercial situation would not be a good idea. There ... | |
| commissaries | 1/21/2008 |
| Q: HOW do you find a food-service commissary?? Live in SW Florida. The lady at the state office ... A: Mary - You generally have to create your own commissary or find another viable foodservice business ... | |
| Doyon PIZ 6 | 1/20/2008 |
| Q: this oven seems perfect for my store. But, we cook pan style pizzas.Doyon has a wire rack option ... A: Clive - You really need to call Doyon and ask them specific questions that would relate to your ... | |
| Food Service | 1/12/2008 |
| Q: How long are sauces (mayo, mustard, etc) supposed to stay out on front line as well as in walk-in ... A: Jenni - I would not reuse any of the sauces that have actually been put on the front line. You ... | |
| Ice cream stand/ trailer | 1/10/2008 |
| Q: I have been wanting to get a food concession stand trailer to put at first monday trade day in ... A: Saray - Check out my responses below to Sherry. You will want to contact a local foodservice dealer ... | |
| starting my own food service vending | 1/8/2008 |
| Q: i'm interested in starting my own mobile food service bussiness.however i really would like to know ... A: TP - Read some of my previous responses and you should find most of the answers you need. You ... | |
| Par Baked Pizza Mfgrs. In Southern Calif. | 1/7/2008 |
| Q: Hey Jim, Got a question for you! I am looking for a par baked pizza manufacturer in Southern ... A: JD - Sourcing food products is not my specialty. I might suggest that you use a dough press like ... | |
| pizza oven | 1/3/2008 |
| Q: I am currently shopping ovens and have a small footprint to work with. The oven I found for the size ... A: Mark - I don't think you will have any problems with the Doyon oven. Cooking times are almost ... | |
| essential equipments for hot dog sandwich making | 12/28/2007 |
| Q: I would like to ask about the essential equipment that must be present in a sandwich making ... A: Ahmed - Hot dogs are easy to prepare and serve. You can either steam, grill , or broil hot dogs. The ... | |
| concessions | 12/26/2007 |
| Q: I am opening a children's Indoor play center. I am going to have simple concession items to serve ... A: Leslie - I am not an expert in business licensing. My best guess is that you call the business ... | |
| concession food sale | 12/20/2007 |
| Q: At a state fair, what would be a normal day, take Selling hot dogs plus sausages, sandwiches cans of ... A: Paul - This is almost an impossible question, but I'll take a wild stab at it. If you assume that a ... | |
| cost breakdown of mobil food truck | 12/19/2007 |
| Q: I read your articles, thank you. Do you or do you have a site that can give me a sample breakdown ... A: Steve - I am not the expert on the subject of running a mobile foodservice business. You might want ... | |
| Fryer For Mobile Food Truck | 12/17/2007 |
| Q: I would like to know the best type of fryer and hood system I would need for my mobile food truck. ... A: Donna - If this is going to be a mobile truck where you won't have access to high voltage electric ... | |
| Gas range not performing well? | 12/13/2007 |
| Q: We've recently done an upgrade in the kitchen and I convinced the household to switch from decades ... A: Gary - There could be many things going on here. The 17000 btu burner should be getting as hot as ... | |
| Want to start my own food based business | 12/12/2007 |
| Q: My goal is to help people learn to cook for themselves in their home. I would help them shop if ... A: Mary - I don't believe you need any permits based on what you have said. If you are producing meals ... | |
| Grilled Cheese stand | 12/4/2007 |
| Q: Jim, I am trying to open a grilled cheese stand in Greenville, NC. I will have my stand downtown in ... A: Evan - I'm sorry, but this is way outside the scope of what I am able to answer in this forum. This ... | |
| Nursing Home Kitchen Size | 11/29/2007 |
| Q: I am doing a project on food service and was wondering how big of a kitchen (in square feet) I would ... A: Tiy - This is just like a question that Laura just asked, so below is my answer to her. Based on ... | |
| Opening a Food Truck | 11/29/2007 |
| Q: I want to open a food truck in New York city. What licenses and permits do i need, where can i find ... A: Michael - This is not my specialty, but I have written many words on the subject. I am sending you ... | |
| Kitchen equipment | 11/26/2007 |
| Q: I was wondering if you could help me with a school assigment? I need to create a foodservice ... A: Laura The rule of thumb is that you appropriate 50% of the space to the front of the house, and 50% ... | |
| kitchen size | 11/23/2007 |
| Q: for a school assignment I need to design my own french cuisine restaurant that will serve 300 ... A: Courtney - The rule of thumb is that you appropriate 50% of the space to the front of the house, and ... | |
| Financial Picture/Business Model | 11/15/2007 |
| Q: Jim, Do you have any templates for a mobile food service business model? I would love to see ... A: Jason - I have answered hundreds of questions on mobile or stationary concession operations. I am ... | |
| foodservice dealer help | 11/7/2007 |
| Q: Jim- I am a personal chef who is in the process of designing a mobile kitchen trailer. It will be ... A: Scott - The biggest and most in-depth dealer in the Kansas City area is Qualserv ... | |
| average income | 11/6/2007 |
| Q: .i am curious what average of income can be expected in the food service truck business in an area ... A: George - This is really not my expertise. I have answered many questions about concessions ... | |
| demonstration kitchen | 10/31/2007 |
| Q: Jim, I am looking for information on vendors particularly for a mirror to mount over a mobile ... A: Bob - Here is what you want and are looking for ... | |
| Opening a cafe | 10/12/2007 |
| Q: Just This Cafe I live in the northeast part of Columbus, OH. I'd like to open a cafe that offers ... A: Rina - First let me say that you will need the help of a good foodservice dealer sales/engineer in ... | |
| Personal Chef/Catering | 10/8/2007 |
| Q: I have any opportunity to expand my personal chef business, and before I go exposing myself to any ... A: Steve - The absolute answer to your question is that you need to contact the health department in ... | |
| Starting a vending cart business on a college campus | 9/26/2007 |
| Q: I am a student at the University of Dayton in Ohio. Two classmates and I had the idea of starting a ... A: Katia - I hate to do a pre-answered Q&A dump, but I have written many words on this subject that you ... | |
| Looking to start a concession trailer | 9/24/2007 |
| Q: My Husband and are are hoping that you can give us some answers to our questions that will help us ... A: Amy - Like I have answered for others...I have written many thousands of words on this subject, and ... | |
| concession stand business | 9/22/2007 |
| Q: My husband and I are brain-storming ideas for a business. We were attending a Labor Day festival and ... A: Mary - As I have answered this question with others...I have written many thousands of words on this ... | |
| Food Service | 9/20/2007 |
| Q: I would like to sell middle eastern lunch sandwiches from some type of trailer. I would be leaving ... A: Lisa - I have written thousands of words on this subject, so I thought the best thing to do would be ... | |
| ventilation & alternative ovens | 9/14/2007 |
| Q: I am a chef in Toronto, Canada who is planning on opening a cupcake shop. I am pretty sure that I ... A: Sergio - You will need to check with the Fire Marshall in the township where you are locating your ... | |
| Trucks or Trailers | 9/2/2007 |
| Q: What is best to use when you're going to be in a fixed location? I'm planning on just doing hot ... A: Roy - I found a dealer that is near to the area you are wanting to set up a trailer in. It is ... | |
| Frites in the streets... | 9/1/2007 |
| Q: Jim, My brother and I are exploring the possibility of taking our award-winning Pommes Frites ... A: There are a couple of ways to do what you want to do. You can blanche fries in 300F oil and then ... | |
| Trucks or Trailers | 9/1/2007 |
| Q: What is best to use when you're going to be in a fixed location? I'm planning on just doing hot ... A: Roy - As much as I'd like to help you plan your trailer, it is just impossible over this format. You ... | |
| hot dog vending | 8/27/2007 |
| Q: What is your opinion of the many start up tutorials offered on line. Is there any information ... A: Deborah - I've never read any start up tutorials. Most of getting started is common sense and gut ... | |
| concession vending | 8/26/2007 |
| Q: We recently moved into a townhouse adjacent to a large soccer complex. We have for 8 months ... A: Sounds like a great opportunity, especially if you have the permission of the recreation ... | |
| Ventless hoods for cooking that meet UL | 8/24/2007 |
| Q: Wonder if you could give me the names of any company that makes ventless hoods for cooking that meet ... A: Kevin - This is an easy one. Giles makes several different sizes of ventless hoods. One will be just ... | |
| Crepe concession stand business | 8/23/2007 |
| Q: Would having a crepe concession stand business that travels throughout the state of Florida in fairs ... A: Jason - I'm afraid that I fall into the un-sophisticated groups that really don't understand crepes. ... | |
| Food Service Designer | 8/22/2007 |
| Q: I currently work at a Restaurant Equipment Dealership in the estimating/sales dept. I am interested ... A: Michelle - There is no easy answer for how you go from dealer support in the estimating department ... | |
| Off Site commercial kitchen and then some... | 8/22/2007 |
| Q: Oh my gosh where do I start? I have a retail kitchenware store in Roslyn, Washington. I want to ... A: Kevi - The way it needs to be done is that the foods need to be prepared and blast frozen at the ... | |
| Off Site commercial kitchen and then some... | 8/22/2007 |
| Q: Oh my gosh where do I start? I have a retail kitchenware store in Roslyn, Washington. I want to ... A: Kevi - If you are selling the product to the public directly, then you are a catering operation. You ... | |
| convection oven | 8/21/2007 |
| Q: I am researching the cost of putting together a small bakeshop in northern Virginia. I will be using ... A: Stephanie - This is a question for the Fire Marshall in the incorporated township where you are ... | |
| Kitchen Design Layout | 8/16/2007 |
| Q: I am currently completing my business plan for an Asian restaurant concept in Chicago (Approximately ... A: Mike - The best thing you can do is contact the Senior Sales Engineer of Edward Don Company there in ... | |
| frozen pizza | 8/10/2007 |
| Q: For a small concession with limited area for production, what would be a good source of information ... A: Tim - Here is how I answered another questioners question about pizza operations. The Hunt Brothers ... | |
| a food concession stand | 8/10/2007 |
| Q: where there were 2 stores in my area there are 5 furniture stores. i have a busy walk by street, i ... A: Frank - 11 x 15 should be enough space. You will want to spend some time with a foodservice design ... | |
| Conversion | 7/31/2007 |
| Q: I have read most of the questions that have been asked of you. I did not see anything having to do ... A: Melodie - This is not my area of expertise, but what I would do is contact a couple of RV ... | |
| starting a concessions business | 7/23/2007 |
| Q: I want to start a concessions business, I have a new world class skate park in my town and the city ... A: Chris - This is a difficult question to answer, because there are too many unknowns to properly ... | |
| modify a concession trailer | 7/19/2007 |
| Q: I am in the process of purchasing a concession trailer,that was used for selling ... A: Don - You really are going to need the skills of a foodservice dealer sales engineer that can layout ... | |
| Food Service Trailer | 7/19/2007 |
| Q: I bought a 8x16 trailer that is equiped with a grey water tank, HWH and double sink. I now know ... A: Tony - First, your health department controls the enforcement of codes and operational inspection. I ... | |
| concession trailer business | 7/18/2007 |
| Q: I am getting ready to start a mobile vending trailer business. I live in Florida and am primarily ... A: Doug - A commissary can be any permanent location where the zoning allows a commercial business. ... | |
| follow-up to pizza equipment | 7/11/2007 |
| Q: I am interested in a conveyor oven. Thanks for the info re: screens. I live in Southern ... A: dbordier - I would buy my pizza dough frozen, then I would slack in the refrigerator, proof as ... | |
| Custom made ice cream cakes | 7/11/2007 |
| Q: I am considering taking orders off a well-designed web site for homemade ice cream cakes and ... A: JoAnn - The health department that has jurisdiction over the restaurant will inspect the facility ... | |
| follow-up to pizza equipment | 7/8/2007 |
| Q: I am interested in a conveyor oven. Thanks for the info re: screens. I live in Southern ... A: Dbordier - Many small pizza operations use a Lincoln model #1301 that will cook approximately (10) ... | |
| food production for sale | 7/7/2007 |
| Q: I read in one of your answers that "you can make food items for sale where ever you want so as long ... A: Lois - Each State does have its own Health Department and their own interpretation of the food ... | |
| Pizza equipment | 7/5/2007 |
| Q: Please tell me what a proofer is. Also, which type of pizza pan works best for the various types ... A: Dbordier - The kind of pan you use with conveyor pizza ovens is what they call a pizza screen which ... | |
| Kitchen layout | 6/30/2007 |
| Q: Can you direct me to a foodservice dealer in my area that can help with kitchen layout, exhaust ... A: Denny - The Ford Hotel Supply folks are exactly who you are looking for. ... | |
| catering kitchen | 6/12/2007 |
| Q: I have to design a permanent catering kitchen as a part of a multi-use facility. The facility will ... A: Peter - You should get a professional dealer designer to help you design the layout for you. I think ... | |
| fresh squeezed juices | 6/1/2007 |
| Q: I would like to sell fresh squeezed strawberry lemonade, carrot, pineapple juices and a few other ... A: Margaret - The answer is yes. Any time you sell a food product (anything that is ingested) you need ... | |
| name for my business | 6/1/2007 |
| Q: i have read, and learned from your info, thanks. my cousin and i are starting a food truck and we ... A: Stacy - You caught spell check messing up my great words. It auto corrected the word foodservice and ... | |
| Even more vending questions for you! | 5/24/2007 |
| Q: I have read all of your many responses to questions regarding the mobile vending business and found ... A: Doug - You really need to contact a foodservice pro in your area. Someone like Jill Rothkopf, ... | |
| concession sink unit | 5/19/2007 |
| Q: My wife and grown kids are setting up a food sales unit for a local farmer's market weekly event. ... A: Doug - Seems to me that I would design a drag behind the truck trailer unit. You really need the ... | |
| food truck start up | 5/16/2007 |
| Q: I want to open a food truck service, but besides knowing how to cook im "lost in the sauce" i have ... A: J - I have written thousands of words on this subject and the best way to answer your question is to ... | |
| soccer field concessions | 5/15/2007 |
| Q: Our non-profit soccer club is building a building for our 6 field complex in Florida. We are in ... A: Patti - This should be really easy. You should contact a foodservice dealer in your town to help you ... | |
| locations... | 5/10/2007 |
| Q: i live in california and am exploring options of starting a food business (we specialize in ... A: Crystal - This is not really in my area of expertise. You will need to go to your local business ... | |
| Outfitting a kitchen for a pancake restaurant | 4/30/2007 |
| Q: Jim, I am an American living in Bangkok, Thailand. We are in the beginning stages of opening a ... A: Nelson - This is one of those questions that I know the answers to, but would take me 400 pages to ... | |
| Ice Cream Truck Business - Atlanta, GA area | 4/29/2007 |
| Q: I have a friend who would like to start a ice cream truck business in the Cobb County area of ... A: This is not my area of expertise. I am sure you need a business license, and you will need a health ... | |
| Ice cream truck equiptment | 4/26/2007 |
| Q: Where would i find an affordable ice cream freezer in orange county NY to set up in my pick up truck ... A: Ralph - The best thing to do is to contact a restaurant dealer in your area and look at Kelvinator ... | |
| Where to go? | 4/24/2007 |
| Q: I owned a restaurant in Georgia and want to participate in some events in Atlanta. My thought was to ... A: The best way to store condiments is in rubbermaid containers stored in a refrigerator. You can buy a ... | |
| Kitchen Rental | 4/24/2007 |
| Q: I am trying to start up a cake baking business. The state of Florida says that I cannot bake ... A: Michael - There are many white tablecloth restaurants that don't open for business until 4pm each ... | |
| Where to go? | 4/21/2007 |
| Q: I owned a restaurant in Georgia and want to participate in some events in Atlanta. My thought was to ... A: Pamela - That is the best way to go. Put the pickle in one of those small zip lock bags, separate of ... | |
| Starting a Foodservice Equipment & Supplies Business | 4/15/2007 |
| Q: How do I get started, buying from the Big Guys at wholesale. For example: cambro, ... A: Steve - This may not be an avenue for you, because you would have to improve on the existing online ... | |
| Ice Cream Truck | 4/7/2007 |
| Q: Do you know where to purchase a serving window with a serving counter for a mini bus I am converting ... A: john - The only window companies that I know are ... | |
| insurance for food concession trailer | 3/31/2007 |
| Q: We are investigating approximate costs for a full kitchen food concession trailer in Florida in ... A: John - I know a lot about operations and ideas for products, but I couldn't hazard a guess about the ... | |
| Licencing, codes, plain old how to get started | 3/26/2007 |
| Q: I a retiring soon and plan to move to Columbus, Georgia. I want to operate a food service trailer ... A: Carolyn - I have written thousands of words on this subject and the best way to answer your question ... | |
| mobile food units | 3/19/2007 |
| Q: I noticed that you suggested preparing some of the meats/cheeses at home under sanitary conditions; ... A: Maxine - Anytime you sell food to the public, you need a foodhandlers permit that can be obtained ... | |
| exhaust system for concession fryers | 12/31/2006 |
| Q: Jim, read your answer for exhaust for grill. Have a 7x16 concession trailer and have a corn dog ... A: Jessi - I would install a hood capable of getting grease extraction through the filters. You can ... | |
| Mobile Unit setup | 12/17/2006 |
| Q: YOU are awesome and so is this forum. I will be setting up in Deschutes County, Oregon. I have ... A: Katrina - You really should put in an inexpensive exhaust hood. You should be able to find a used ... | |
| Mobile Unit setup | 12/16/2006 |
| Q: I intend to open a taco truck...i was wondering if there is any kind of griddle or grilling method ... A: Katrina - To my knowledge, you don't need a hood in a mobile truck other than to control the ... | |
| Food Service-Vending Business Viability | 12/13/2006 |
| Q: Jim: I have read with interest some of your responses to questions regarding the food service ... A: Mike - The foodservice business can be extremely profitable if you have a unique food product, a ... | |
| "Gut" Truck | 12/10/2006 |
| Q: I am a proud Army wife. I am looking for a business that I can take with me when we move. My ... A: Sherry - Here is an example of what your great American husband is talking about. Go to this link: ... | |
| Food Truck Costs | 11/16/2006 |
| Q: I am currently writing a business plan for a food truck and the hardest part I have found is finding ... A: Hank - I found this free business plan on the internet for a coffee shop and what you are planning ... | |
| Pizza OVen | 11/16/2006 |
| Q: We are a golf course with snack bar and outdoor grill. We have recently acquired a propane Lincoln ... A: Val - I am pretty big on electric conveyor ovens for many reasons. First they are easier to ... | |
| food trailer | 11/14/2006 |
| Q: I WANT TO MAKE MY CAMPER INTO A TRAILER TO SELL FOOD ,WHAT WOULD I NEED TO PUT IN IT AS FAR AS WHAT ... A: Tammy - This is a tough business with more ways to lose money than to make money. You really need to ... | |
| Breakfast on the food truck | 11/7/2006 |
| Q: Just a note about breakfast... I work at the Post Office. We have to be at work between 6:30 and ... A: Laura - The foodservice business is very demanding and requires a great deal of passion. Long hours ... | |
| Catering | 11/2/2006 |
| Q: My friend and I are starting a catering business in Indiana. To cater small to medium events ... A: Vonda - The following equipment items would easily handle the cooking needs for up to 50 people. 1ea ... | |
| Electric stock pot burner | 10/31/2006 |
| Q: I'm producing stock and also using the meat. What I do is remove all bones and then shred the meat ... A: Jesus - You do need to boil the hens because you need to shred the meat for tacos. The boiled meat ... | |
| Cooking and equipment | 10/14/2006 |
| Q: I am opening an internet cafe. Interested in cooking rice,beans, chicken and beef. Unable to get ... A: Howard - There are several things you can do to cook food without the ventilation requirement. Most ... | |
| griddles | 8/30/2006 |
| Q: How do I season the griddle on my stove, stainless steel A: Karl - The griddle plate is probably made of mild steel, but if it is stainless steel, the seasoning ... | |
| concession cooking | 8/27/2006 |
| Q: I am converting a new 7 x 16 enclosed trailer for use as a concession trailer; I have considerable ... A: Charles - A concession trailer to my understanding is not covered by building codes. However, it is ... | |
| pizza ovens | 8/21/2006 |
| Q: We are in your backyard; the Atlanta Ga area!Hi Jim, We are planning to open a small interactive ... A: Great Terry - Call Dave Schwefler of the Hansen Group at 404-660-7588. He is the manufacturers rep ... | |
| pizza ovens | 8/21/2006 |
| Q: We are planning to open a small interactive toy store. We plan to offer birthday parties, aiming for ... A: Terry - Lincoln Impingers are taylor made for your kind of business. I would recommend starting out ... | |
| Upfitting a Catering Kitchen | 8/14/2006 |
| Q: After 2 years of operating from our home (http://thebodysculptress.com/meals.htm) , we need to move ... A: Angela - Thanks for your question. I hope that this is your lucky day. I believe I have a solution ... | |
| concession food | 8/13/2006 |
| Q: I currently built a trailer that is fully equipt for almost any type of concession. I need to know ... A: John - Here is how I have answered your question for others in the past. You've already answered ... | |
| equipment | 8/13/2006 |
| Q: Hey this is cool! and from the results you are being well recieved. Very good. I do have a ... A: Robert - Is this the Robert Hinson formally of Duke Power? Anyway, this is too deep for both of us. ... | |
| electrical equipment | 8/2/2006 |
| Q: I am opening a catering company and i have a space but i do not want to put in a hood, is there any ... A: Munther - There is almost no equipment that can cook any quantity of food that is 110 volt. ... | |
| Last advice | 7/25/2006 |
| Q: Jim, I came across this site by accident, and I liked the advice you gave. It was succinct and did ... A: Bill - Thanks for the kind words. I certainly agree that the consultant route is the preferred ... | |
| food truck | 7/23/2006 |
| Q: my dream is to purchase a food truck and go through neighborhoods and sell hot breakfasts, etc. How ... A: Abbei - This is almost impossible to answer. Although it could be lucretive, where to find funding ... | |
| start up costs | 7/13/2006 |
| Q: We are considering a food service business on the main street in Silverton, Colo. Very limited ... A: John - You should be able to set up a small concession operation for less than $15k. $8-9k on the ... | |
| pizza ovens | 6/28/2006 |
| Q: i recently aquired a 5 level pizza / bakers oven that does not have brick or stone. i want to cook ... A: Matt - If I were opening a pizza business, I would buy a conveyorized pizza oven. Deck ovens are so ... | |
| Hot Dog Stand | 6/25/2006 |
| Q: I don't know if you have any words of wisdom on this one, but they are considering adding ... A: The way I would do fresh squezed lemonade would be to wash the lemons, so that they are clean of all ... | |
| Hot Dog Stand | 6/24/2006 |
| Q: My daughter is operating a hot dog stand for the summer. She has been keeping the hot dogs in ... A: Any refrigerator is just fine as long as it will go down to and hold 34 degrees. The freezer should ... | |
| food Trailer | 6/24/2006 |
| Q: We are hoping to start a food trailer. but what do we need to start? can we buy a food trailer, food ... A: Jess - You reall need to establish a business case for your business, and that is too difficult to ... | |
| Kitchen plans | 6/21/2006 |
| Q: Where can I find sample kitchen plans. We have a small kitchen that is 11 x 17. We have separate ... A: Mary - There is really no place to find example kitchen layouts, becouse there are so many room ... | |
| I have homrmade fresh,healthy food | 6/5/2006 |
| Q: I have a bakery & cafe store.Everything are homemade,fresh,wealthy:whole wheat bread ,scorns, ... A: Hellen - Why don't you start off simple and focus on your best product. If sy pies are your best ... | |
| Concession cart | 5/29/2006 |
| Q: I am located in S. California. I have researched this topic. I am modeling my cart on the existing ... A: This 8.000 watt white gas generator should work just fine: ... | |
| Food Truck Business | 5/16/2006 |
| Q: I would like to open a Food Truck Business. 1. What are my primary steps? 2. Can i rent the food ... A: You will need to call a foodservice dealer in the town where you live to help you plan this idea. It ... | |
| Ventilation for a new Cafe | 5/10/2006 |
| Q: Jim, I am moving into a prime location here in Seattle this summer to open a small cafe focusing ... A: Eric - There are several things that you can do. First, an exhaust hood is required any time you ... | |
| Food Cart: Return on Investment | 5/8/2006 |
| Q: I have a fun idea to bring some additional income to my family through the use of a food truck. I ... A: Bernie - I think I will answer your question by giving you some of my past anwers that you can get ... | |
| Concession Trailer Ventilation | 4/21/2006 |
| Q: I have recently bought a concession trailer. I am wondering what kind of ventilation system I need ... A: Peggy - You are right. You need some kind of hood to direct the grease laden air to the outside of ... | |
| seasoning gridlle | 4/4/2006 |
| Q: how do i season a gridle A: Larry - With the griddle plate at below 100 degrees F, thoroughly clean the griddle plate with a ... | |
| kitchen size & layout | 3/31/2006 |
| Q: We're planning a new kitchen & are concerned about size. In general, what is the size of space ... A: The general rule is 15 square feet per person, so you will need about 1500 square feet. ... | |
| sausage/hot dog stand | 3/15/2006 |
| Q: I'm thinking of starting up a sausage/hot dog stand. I've worked a cotton candy stand before, but I ... A: Erin - Yes, $5000 seems to be way too much for a hot dog stand. You would expect to pay $11 - $20 ... | |
| electric restaurant equipment | 3/9/2006 |
| Q: I am opening a cafe that, as of now, has no kitchen equipment at all. Without the huge expense of a ... A: Neil - Depending on the part of the country you will be opening this cafe', you need to check with ... | |
| gas griddle seasoning | 2/13/2006 |
| Q: what is the best way to season a new gas griddle? A: The best way to season a gas or electric griddle is to First clean the plate of all grime or ... | |
| range burner | 1/7/2006 |
| Q: What are the differences between open vs sealed burners on a range/cooktop? A: Gas Commercial and Residential Appliances: On gas cooking equipment an open burner allows the flame ... | |
| Customer Service | 12/9/2005 |
| Q: Wixson, I was wondering if you could give me a couple of tips about "how to have great customer ... A: Jenna - I'm not exactly sure what you are asking. Are you asking how a business gives great customer ... | |
| Choice of cooking appliance | 10/14/2005 |
| Q: I have a small retail store with a mostly 10 to 14 yr. old customer. Already sell some microwavable ... A: Scott - There are three pieces of equipment you will want to look at For french fries, onion rings, ... | |
| starting home orange juice company | 10/2/2005 |
| Q: I want to start a small buisness selling orange juice. I want to buy oranges and squeeze them. I ... A: Andy You can buy a commercial orange squeezer http://www.orangeman.biz/ Be sure to wash the ... | |
| Food Service Equipment Design & Engineering | 9/28/2005 |
| Q: I'd greatly appreciate knowing what are the major challenges facing today's food service equipment ... A: Barbara - Great question. I assume you are talking about the design of the equipment itself, as ... | |
| Outfitting small catering kitchen | 9/12/2005 |
| Q: Jim I'm looking at the possibility of installing a small kitchen in my basement in which I can cater ... A: Mandy - It is possible for you to do what you want to do. There are health codes that you will need ... | |
| Food Truck | 7/4/2005 |
| Q: I read that you think that selling food ( hot dogs & brats)at a race track should be sold in a open ... A: Tawanna - Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner, but I was on vacation last week. I assume you have ... | |
| Freezing/packaging/distribution | 1/4/2005 |
| Q: I live in the Los Angeles area and my husband and I cater as a 2nd career. My husband makes a ... A: Aleta - Even though this is really an area outside my expertice, I may have just the right solution ... | |
| opening a restaurant | 11/4/2004 |
| Q: Wixson: Thank you for spending your valuable time to read my email. My family is trying to open a ... A: Michi - Love Asheville. I'd like to be able to help you and your family personally, but it is too ... | |
| Methods of sevice | 9/3/2004 |
| Q: I have a school assignment to do and i was wondering if you could answer one question for me. What ... A: Sarah - I'd love to be able to answer your question, but I will need a little more information about ... | |
| food concessions | 5/15/2004 |
| Q: I'm intrested in traveling across the country and doing food concessions at many different fairs and ... A: Edward - I don't think there is any way to get around needing to have a health permit in each state ... | |
| Concession trailer | 4/18/2004 |
| Q: I need some help on purchasing a concession trailer and starting a business. My husband's company ... A: Diane - What part of the country (City, State) do you live? Are you and your husband crafty with ... | |
| Pizza Oven - Propane, Electric Phase I or 3 | 4/15/2004 |
| Q: I am in the process of opening a small (765 pizza/mo) pizzeria in northern New Mexico. I have ... A: Lori - That is correct. You pay for kilowatt hour and demand energy consumption and not amps, so 1 ... | |
| Pizza Oven - Propane, Electric Phase I or 3 | 4/13/2004 |
| Q: I am in the process of opening a small (765 pizza/mo) pizzeria in northern New Mexico. I have ... A: Lori - You should easily be able to use an electric 208 or 240 volt, single phase Lincoln Impinger ... | |
| Concession stand | 10/20/2003 |
| Q: There is going to be a race track open in a town near where I live. I was thinking about getting a ... A: Dave - Hot Dog and Italian Sausage trailers or kiosks seem to be very profitable for many, but is ... | |
| Refrigeration plant specifications | 8/9/2003 |
| Q: I remember, when "involved" with certain aspects of processing or production of Frozen Foods by ... A: What are you trying to figure out? Refrigeration is measuresd in tons (12000 btu = 1 ton) You could ... | |
| sanitizing glassware | 7/30/2003 |
| Q: Can you tell me what the water temperature is suppose to be in the sanitize rinse water when ... A: Annie - The house hot water is supposed to be >110F better if 120F in the wash tank with detergent. ... | |
| Twice Baked Potatoes | 5/6/2002 |
| Q: Jim, I own and operate a small but very popular deli in my town. Everyone drives in to get my ... A: Matt - Twice baked potatoes would be a very good signature item, because they take alot of labor to ... | |
| I am thinking about opening a little coney shop | 3/13/2002 |
| Q: I live in a small town in Oklahoma where the choices of eating out are slim. I found a previous ... A: Clay - I am an ex-Oky. I grew up in Okla. City and left in 1971. I still have several good friends ... | |
| Foodservice Equipment | 1/24/2002 |
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Food Service Equipment & Supplies
Answers by Expert:
Jim Wixson, CFSP
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I can answer any questions about food production process, alternate food process methods, new technologies, layout and design, energy choice issues, ventilation, health codes, productivity, profitability, and labor staffing issues.
Experience
32 years in the food equipment business. Familiar with all phases of the commercial restaurant business, specializing in appropriate equipment selection. Cutting edge in production techniques.
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