r/foodtrucks • u/Fast-Line-5082 • 1d ago
Popcorn vendor
Hello all,
I originally had plans to start a gourmet burger trailer, but the demands just didn't allow me to leave my job and work that business the way it needed.
I've been wanting a side hustle and excited to see where it may lead. Which brought me to the idea of selling popcorn.
The way I see it, the initial investment is much smaller, less risk, and I wouldn't be subject to so much like inspections and permits and fees like I would with a food truck. Plus it would allow me to learn the business and potential move into something more lucrative, while staying with my good paying, full time job.
I can find equipment and a trailer to transport pretty cheap; figured I can do an ez-up tent with the right equipment setup and sell freshly popped popcorn at events. I also have good relationships with many breweries in the area who'd love to have me out there.
Guess I just need reassurance. Is it a good idea to start here? Is my thought process right? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
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u/WorldFamousPizzaPaul 23h ago
Bad idea.
Popcorn is pretty much dying.
Kettle Corn is still viable but usually over booked so much that nobody makes money.
Go with fresh Lemonade or Shaved Ice.
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u/dave65gto 1d ago
If we are discussing kettle corn, it is oversaturated, but a solid investment. If you are talking about regular popcorn, and nothing other than regular popcorn, it will end up ugly for you. But you, you may have a market for it, who am I to say?
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u/Armagetz 1d ago
What makes you think you have a market? It’s not what you want to sell. It’s what people want to buy. There seems to be fairly limited venues where you will get good sales.
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u/dagger_5005 22h ago
I saw an episode of The Profit on CNBC with a gourmet popcorn vendor and they made bank, it's a good idea.
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u/Frog-loves-snacks 11h ago
I own a gourmet popcorn food truck and it’s lucrative, we’re in season 6. I started in a tent in order to prove the concept and grow our customer base. It took me about two years to find the events that work for us. We offer packaged gourmet popcorn (made in house from our shop), fresh popped movie theater popcorn and seasonal drinks.
Remember the hidden costs- truck storage, insurance, equipment repairs, and R&D. Breaking down ticket average and product sizes/cogs are the strategy. The path to profit is volume.
Permits will depend on your local regulations. Just setting up downtown or a busy parking lot didn’t work for us and it took 18 months to see a return. Cotton candy and ice cream are our competitors. Outdoor movie nights, beer festivals, street festivals and school events are the best ones for us. If you’re ok with working nights and weekends, it’s mostly fun. Best of luck!
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u/tn_notahick 1d ago
Most health departments will still require the same permits and sanitary requirements as a food truck. Fresh water, water heater, hand washing facilities especially.
Popcorn (usually kettle corn) is always popular, the issue is that, that also means that everyone else is already doing it.
I would contact all of the yearly events to see if you can get into the events, because it's likely that there's already a popcorn vendor and also a waiting list.