Consulting

The WPAFT is here for you! See our short list of topics below that we provide consulting for. For inquiries you can either send us an email to westpennfoodtrucks@gmail.com or fill out the contact form below.

MUNICIPAL NEEDS

The WPAFT can help you with your mobile vending regulations in the Southwestern PA area. We’ve worked with dozens of different trucks over the years to make sure they follow the rules and can pass Health Department inspections.

GENERAL CONSULTING

The Western PA Association of Food Trucks now offers consulting services to individuals or companies entering the Mobile Food Industry. Whether you are looking to launch a new successful food truck concept, interested in starting your town’s first commissary, or you want help increasing profitability in your current mobile vending business, we can help you reach your goals. From a 90-minute conversation to a full hands-on consulting project, don’t hesitate to contact our panel of experts and we will designate the right professional for your business needs.

Consulting works best when you have a little background on the industry.

For regulatory questions, the enforcement agencies that issue your permits are the best source of information. Always get the name and email from anyone that gives you information so you can hold them accountable. 

KEYNOTE SPEAKING

Finding, connecting with and hiring the right speaker for your next gathering is critical to setting the tone for your entire event. Reach out to us today to assist you with finding a speaker who can help motivate your audience to reach higher, accomplish more and feel happy that they took the time to attend your event. We have experience speaking on the following topics

  • Opening and Running a Successful Food Truck Business

  • Creating a brand

  • Building a food truck

  • Events & catering

  • Growing from a Food Truck to a Brick and Mortar

  • Public relations and community partnerships

  • Food and Technology

  • Public Health and Food Trucks

Permits:

Health Permits are usually County issued. Bigger cities will have their own health departments. 

  • This is a permit to serve food. The HD only cares about food safety

Business licenses/vendor permits/peddlers permits: Unless your region is unincorporated this will be City issued. Any info you receive, get names and email addresses from inspectors and clerks to refer back to them if someone gives you different information or requirements.

  • This permit is to SELL food. They don’t deal with food safety, just collecting taxes and permit fees. They’ll also be able to tell you where your truck can park and sell.

Fire Departments: A fire department sign off is necessary in some jurisdictions. They’ll be looking at fire suppression systems, gas lines and safety valves.

Consulting is typically expensive. We try to provide you with resources so you can save money and time. The trick is getting launched without having to spend a lot on information you can find for yourself. The more you work through the process, the more independent you’ll be. Once you watch the tutorials and go through the book, you’ll have a better idea of the questions you need to ask. Being prepared for a consultant (if you ultimately decide you still need one) will save you money AND a whole lot of time.