Concession Trailer & Vending Cart Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Answer. The primary advantages of a welded all-steel concession trailer are extreme durability, conformance to health codes calling for smooth, easily cleanable interior surfaces, facility for interior washdown, long life and healthy resale value.

In a Supreme Products all-steel concession trailer, there is no plywood to warp and rot, no vinyl to rip, no plastic to crack, no thin aluminum skin to tear, no body rivets to pop out and no wallboard to delaminate.

The interior countertops, made of formed steel, are an integral part of the wall of the concession trailer, and are capable of supporting heavy loads, whether they be commercial foodservice equipment, or human workers taking a break!

In addition, the smooth exterior body has no corrugations or rivet heads, creating a cleaner appearance and making graphics application much easier.

Please don't get us wrong. Cargo and RV-style trailers are good low cost choices for their originally intended purposes. It's just that those originally intended purposes were never meant to include use as a commercial duty foodservice concession trailer.

Question 2. Why does a welded all-steel concession trailer cost more than a converted cargo or RV-style trailer?

Answer. As is true in most cases, you tend to get what you pay for. Steel is a more expensive material than plywood, thin aluminum skin, vinyl and plastic. In addition, a welded together formed steel unibody design requires expensive machinery and more highly skilled labor to produce than a bolted, riveted or glued design.

Question 3. Do you manufacture or sell any products other than concession trailers or vending carts?

Answer. No, we don't. Concession trailers and vending carts are the only things we manufacture, and this specialization allows us to produce some of the best concession trailers and vending carts on the market.

Question 4. Are you able fully to equip a concession trailer, including installing foodservice equipment, based on my needs?

Answer. Yes, we are. With five different sizes of concession trailers and over 200 different optional systems, features and equipment, we are able to produce a astonishing number of different types of concession trailers, suitable for many varied purposes.

Question 5. I have a specific budget. Will I need to purchase a concession trailer fully equipped from your company, or may I order a basic unit and finish it out myself?

Answer. You may order as much or as little as you want. Some customers want a fully equipped unit and have the budget to support it, others need just our basic standard model, and some have us do most of the specialized work, and complete the concession trailer themselves.

Question 6. Can you install for me foodservice equipment that I already own in the concession trailer I order from you?

Answer. No, we are only able to install the equipment that we offer and sell. The equipment we sell has been selected to work well in a concession trailer, and is priced to include installation, including trailer design and layout work, widened countertops, necessary reinforcement, required trailer modifications, electric and/or gas connections, testing and securing to the countertop or floor.

If, however, you have your own equipment, you may order the necessary countertops and power connections to make your job of installing your own equipment easier. The selection of the equipment and how the concession trailer will be designed will be your responsibility, though.

We have noticed that on more than a few occasions, customers who opted to install their own equipment in an attempt to save a few dollars have later told us they wished they had ordered the equipment from us and let us sweat the details and costs of layout and installation.

Question 7. Do you sell your parts or your option packages separately for use in other brands of concession trailers?

Answer. We only offer our parts for replacement or repair purposes in the trailers we have manufactured. We are unable to offer them or our option packages for retrofit purposes.

Question 8. What would be a good 'ballpark' price range for a typical combination gas and electric 16' grilling and frying food concession trailer that is equipped with cooking appliances, sinks, glass windows, vent hood, electrical and propane systems and other amenities?

Answer. A typical unit equipped with those amenities usually costs between $28,000 to $43,000.

Question 9. How do you recommend that I select and power the appliances in my concession trailer?

Answer. Please call and talk to one of our representatives and we can guide you in this regard. When you purchase from Supreme Products, you also purchase our expertise.

Generally, unless you plan to operate only in a fixed location with a high wattage utility power source, or are planning to operate only in the larger fairs or festivals where high wattage power sources are available, we strongly recommend that you power as much equipment as you can with LP-Gas (propane), and save the limited amount of electric power usually available to supply your lighting, commercial refrigeration and ventilation fans. By keeping your electric requirements to a minimum, you will find more locations you can operate, and you can probably power your appliances with a portable electric generator in those situations where no electricity source is available.

Question 10. What should I know about generators?

Answer. First, high quality quiet generators are expensive, and will require regular maintenance. This includes changing the oil, servicing the air cleaner and changing the spark plug(s).

For those situations where a generator is absolutely required, we generally recommend using a 'super quiet' inverter-based portable rather than a built-in generator system. Generator noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). We would avoid any generator with a noise rating in excess of 74 dB at 7 meters.

Even the most expensive portable units will cost far less than a quality built-in system, are more easily serviced, are more easily replaced, and most importantly don't take up undercounter space inside the trailer. A portable is usually carried in the rear of the tow vehicle, although some users carry it in the concession trailer and remove it for use. By placing the portable generator 20 - 25 feet away from the trailer you can further reduce its perceived noise level.

We strongly recommend that you avoid purchasing an inexpensive 'construction site' portable generator due to the amount of noise it will make. Not only will it annoy you very quickly, but also many events will not allow you to use it because it disturbs their patrons.

We also do not recommend mounting a portable generator on either the tongue or the bumper of a trailer. Portable generators are not designed for this and can be easily damaged by subjecting them to rain and road splash. In addition, attempting to mount a portable generator in an enclosure will void its warranty, cause it to overheat, and shorten its life. If you require a generator attached to the trailer, you need a real built-in generator system, using a generator designed to be compartment mounted and protected from the elements.

Question 11. What size generator will I need?

Answer. As far as sizing a generator for your concession trailer, please call and talk to one of our representatives and we can pilot you through this.

In general, generators are sized by the number of Watts of electricity they produce, both on a continuous and on a maximum basis. In turn, electrical appliances are rated by the number of Watts they consume while running. The big 'gotcha' that most fail to consider is this: Electrical appliances containing motors, a category that includes air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, soft-serve dispensers and fans, require between 2 and 3 times their normal running wattage just to start. Because of this, a generator that is meant to power these appliances may require a rating of over twice the sum of the running wattages of those appliances. This can easily exceed the rating of normal built-in or portable quiet generators, which usually have a maximum output of 7,000 Watts.

Question 12. What if I do not have access to electricity and my electrical requirements exceed the capacity of a built-in or portable generator?

Answer. In this case, we recommend you lease a large diesel powered commercial generator set, which will be mounted either on its own separate trailer or have skids for mounting on the back of a 2 ton rated flatbed tow vehicle. These units usually produce a minimum of 60,000 Watts, which should supply just about any appliances you can install in a concession trailer. You can contact national companies such as CAT Rental and Cummins Power Rent for this type of unit.

Question 13. What are the different styles of graphics available for your concession trailers and do I need to order them from you with the trailer, or should I deal with a specialized graphic sign shop in my own area?

Answer. Graphic packages come in a myriad of styles. They range from basic colored striping, to lettering, to vector logos, to bit-mapped photographs, to full 'wrap' packages that cost thousands of dollars.

If your requirements are fairly basic, such as colored striping, lettering, or vector logos, you may want to have us do the graphics for you, although our capabilities are no greater than those offered by most local sign shops, and, frankly, we really offer no price advantage over those shops.

If, however, you have elaborate graphics in mind, such as a 'wrap', or if you need graphic design work, we would recommend you work with a specialized graphic sign shop. These shops generally have the latest technologically advanced graphic equipment, and are usually staffed by gifted, albeit expensive, graphic artists, who are capable of creating any design you can imagine. We can supply them with any trailer dimensions needed for them to work with you.

Question 14. How do I get a quotation for the type of trailer in which I am interested?

Answer. The best way is to call and speak with one of our representatives. You can tell us what you have in mind and we can make some suggestions for a trailer size and various options. In addition to the specific equipment required to produce your desired menu, almost all trailers have common elements, including an electric system, a water system, a propane system, a commercial stove hood ventilation system, refrigeration and glass windows.

You may want first to request a copy of our complete price list. You will notice that all our trailers and options are individually priced, which can help you to estimate what the type of trailer you desire will cost.

Question 15. Can you help me with health codes and health inspectors?

Answer. Of course. Supreme Products has decades of experience in working with health codes and health inspectors across the United States.

The number one rule we emphasize it that you should work WITH your local health inspector. The overwhelming majority of health inspectors are reasonable individuals, trying to enforce the health codes as they are written, and who in most cases are responsible for a whole lot more than just issuing a compliance sticker to someone they've never met before at 10 minutes prior to closing time on a Friday afternoon.

There are thousands of different health codes across the United States. Some are state wide codes, some are county wide codes, and some are city wide codes. The thing to remember is that even state wide codes are enforced on the county or city level. So, even in the same state, you will encounter different interpretations and levels of enforcement for the same code.

Moreover, most jurisdictions differentiate between mobile, or temporary, operations, and semi-permanent operations on a fixed site. In general, mobile or temporary operations are subject to less stringent rules than are semi-permanent operations, which in many cases must comply with the same requirements as permanent restaurants do, including public restrooms, ADA access and a host of other regulations.

If you operate in several locations, remember that many jurisdictions will honor a health permit issued by another jurisdiction provided you are attending a temporary event.

That said, almost all codes will require at least the following: 3-compartment sink, handwash sink, fresh water storage, gray water storage, water heater, screened serving openings and smooth, durable, easily cleanable, light colored interior surfaces. Cooking operations will require a commercial stove hood ventilation system and at least a manual fire extinguisher.

Based upon where you plan to operate your unit, we will make recommendations on the items required in order for you to meet your applicable health codes. This will give you a good starting point prior to meeting with your local health inspector to determine if anything else might be required.

Question 16. Why do you require that I take your completed full-sized plans and specifications for my concession trailer to my local health inspector for pre-approval prior to your beginning construction?

Answer. With the thousands of health codes across the United States, combined with periodic rule changes and different local interpretations and levels of enforcement, it is vital that your local health inspector examine and pre-approve the plans and specifications we provide before construction begins. It is only through this method that you can ensure that nothing is overlooked and that you will be in compliance. Failure to get pre-approval is asking for trouble and we strongly recommend that you do not proceed without it, regardless of which manufacturer you ultimately purchase your concession trailer from.

Question 17. When do you prepare and furnish a full-sized, drawn to scale, CAD blueprint for my specific concession trailer along with a detailed Schedule of the Mechanical Specifications for me to examine and take to my health department?

Answer. We prepare detailed blueprints and schedules for your specific concession trailer after you place an order.

Prior to your ordering, we are able to furnish, along with your detailed quotation, a letter-sized sample blueprint layout based on a similar concession trailer that we have manufactured in the past. It will be different from the trailer you have requested, but it will give you a good idea of how your trailer will lay out.

Question 18. What do you require for me to place an order for a concession trailer?

Answer. First, we will furnish you an initial detailed quotation for you to review. If any changes are required, we will revise the quotation to your liking. After you are satisfied, you may submit a deposit equal to 30% of the total price and we will begin preparing the detailed blueprints and schedules for you.

Question 19. How long does it take to receive a custom-built Supreme Products concession trailer from the time I place an order?

Answer. Our lead times vary with the time of the year. After February 15, orders for our customized trailers begin to back up and delivery times can exceed 100 days. Since no two trailers are ever exactly alike, we can't begin construction until an order is placed, hence the longer lead times in the spring and summer. We would urge you place your order early in the year to avoid missing key events. In any case, we are honored to have had so many customers over the years who were 'willing to wait to get a Supreme'.

Question 20. Do you keep any concession trailers in stock for immediate sale?

Answer. No, we don't. We always have trailers going through production for prospects to look at, but those trailers are spoken for and not for sale. Since no two trailers are ever exactly alike, it would be difficult to stock a trailer that would meet everyone's needs.

Question 21. How do you ship your concession trailers and how much does it cost?

Answer. We use a reputable insured nationwide delivery company that delivers anywhere in the contiguous United States. Charges can vary, but generally do not exceed $1.35/mile, one-way.

Question 22. What size vehicle do I need to pull one of your concession trailers?

Answer. For our Models CF10, CF14 and CF16, we recommend a minimum 1/2-ton rated truck or van with a V-8 engine.

For our Models CX20 and CX24, we recommend a 1-ton rated truck or van.

In all cases, if you use a truck or van rated at greater than 1-ton, (or even a lower rated vehicle modified with stiffer 'overload' or 'helper' springs), it must be equipped with an air-ride hitch receiver due to the excessively stiff suspensions on those vehicles, which combined with highway speeds and rough roads will shock damage any towed trailer and its contents.

Question 23. Do you have dealers who stock and represent your concession trailers?

Answer. No, we don't. All our sales are factory direct. Your dealings are directly with our factory personnel, with no middlemen to confuse things or to collect a markup.

Question 24. What if, in the future, I need servicing on the foodservice equipment and appliances in my concession trailer?

Answer. We only use quality branded equipment from companies with nationwide networks of authorized servicepersons. Local or regional service is usually just a phone call away.

Question 25. Do you provide financing for your units?

Answer. No, we don't. In most cases, to receive a favorable interest rate, we recommend contacting a commercial bank with whom you already have a relationship and letting them know you will require a 'commercial vehicle loan'. Since our trailers are titleable, the bank can place its lien on the title to cover its security interest.

If lease financing is attractive to you and you are willing to pay a moderately higher interest rate than that available from a commercial bank, we can refer you to companies that will lease finance concession trailers and vending carts.

Question 26. Do you accept credit cards?

Answer. No, we don't. Credit card companies charge processing fees up to several percentage points on the purchase price, which would only add to the price you'd pay for a concession trailer.

Question 27. Will I need to pay state sales tax on my concession trailer?

Answer. If we ship a concession trailer outside the State of Texas, we do not collect any sales tax on the transaction, neither for Texas nor for your home state. In that case, you would be responsible for paying the sales tax to your home state when you registered the trailer.

If a customer either picks up their trailer at our plant in Texas, or is a Texas resident, we will collect 8.25% Texas Sales Tax. Most other states will allow at least a partial credit for this tax when the trailer is registered in their state. It is important to check first, though.

The important thing to remember is that if the trailer is shipped to you to a location outside of Texas, we will not charge you Texas sales tax.

Question 28. Do you sell used concession trailers?

Answer. No, we only sell new concession trailers.

We do, however, as a free service to our original customers who are selling their Supreme Products concession trailer, offer to put individuals who are looking to purchase a used Supreme Products trailer in contact with them.

We also, at no charge, list the trailer they would like to sell on a special page of our web site. Please visit Used Supreme Products Concession Trailers for more information.

Remember, Supreme Products is neither selling nor acting as a broker for these used units, so please contact their respective owners directly for terms and pricing information.

Question 29. Do you export your concession trailers to customers outside of North America?

Answer. With the exception of shipments to Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, we do not ship to customers outside of North America.

Question 30. I am considering entering the food concession business at fairs, festivals and other special events, and really have no idea where to start. Can you recommend some books or resources that would be helpful?

Answer. We certainly can.

Probably the best book (and one of the few) we've seen about getting started in the fair/festival/special event food concession business is Barb Fitzgerald's "Food Booth, The Entrepreneur's Complete Guide to the Food Concession Business".

Ms. Fitzgerald, herself an accomplished concessionaire, covers a myriad of subjects and discloses in detail much of the 'insider' information surrounding the fair/festival/special events food concession business.

Please visit her website if you are interested in purchasing a copy of her excellent book.
Food Booth, The Entrepreneur's Complete Guide to the Food Concession Business

Trade Associations are also an invaluable resource for those involved in the fair/festival/special event food concession industry. One of the best is the National Independent Concessionaires Association (N.I.C.A.). Supreme Products has been a member of this Association for many years.

N.I.C.A. publishes a monthly newsletter and offers many industry benefits to its members.

Please visit the N.I.C.A. website if you are interested in becoming a member.
National Independent Concessionaires Association


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	Supreme Products Inc. 605 East Loop 340 P.O. Box 154308 Waco, Texas 76715-4308 USA phone: 254/ 799-4941 FAX: 254/ 799-4943 hours of operation 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM C.S.T. Monday - Friday