Operating a food cart business presents a whole new set of processes. Unlike a normal restaurant business, the food cart business is what is now termed as fast food to go. In order to operate this kind of business, it takes a special kind of person to be on top of things during the course of the day. Here are the qualities that a food cart employee should have when at the cart serving customers.
Can think on their feet. Since the business day operates with the employee on their feet, they must be able to get the orders, prepare the food, observe the portions, keep clean and serve the order properly consistently while on their feet. If they tire easily standing up for most of the day, then their performance would dip and this can hurt your bottom line.
Must be good with numbers. Getting the orders right is only half the fun when your employee is on the job. The food cart employee should also be able to calculate the cost of the order and give the exact change easily. Though a calculator can be used, handling equipment will only increase the waiting time of the customer, as one needs to take off gloves and then wear it again. So being able to calculate costs in their head and give the exact change quickly and accurately is one of the musts for a good food cart employee.
Great public relations. Being familiar with client’s regular orders and their names are but some of the skills needed to be a good public relations person. With good public relations with the customers and with great service will surely make them come back for more.
Must be clean and smart looking. Being clean with the food is imperative to be allowed to operate the food cart. The hygiene of the food handler also comes to fore as they may be carriers of bacteria and other germs. If the food cart employee is sick or has poor hygiene, they are certain to spoil the food as well as the appetite of the clients.
As you can see, the food cart employee needs to don many hats while operating your business. They need to think fast on their feet so that they can handle the food preparation process as well as serve the food to your waiting clientele. They also need to be good with numbers so they can compute the bill for the orders. The food cart employee also needs to be part salesman and part public relations officer, as they need to cozy up to clients to retain them as loyal customers. Finally, they need to look smart and observe impeccable hygiene to show the professionalism as well as the quality of food being served.