Street food trader
Street food traders run their own businesses, serving customers food and drinks from a stall or van.
Working Hours
41–43
hours per week
Day-to-day tasks
In your day-to-day tasks you may:
- stock up on food ingredients and drinks
- drive your mobile unit to a venue and setting up
- check the temperature of fridges and food
- handle raw food safely
- prepare and cook food to a high standard
- serve customers and build up repeat business
- wash up and keep your work area clean, tidy and safe
- keep track of finances and promote your business
Skills needed
- customer service skills
- the ability to work well with others
- maths skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to sell products and services
- knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Entry requirements
You'll need a Street Trading Licence unless you operate only at events on private land.
The Nationwide Caterers Association has information about setting up and offers advice about driving licences and regulations for towing catering vehicles.
How to get into this role
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
Career progression
With experience, you could build up and manage a number of pitches.
You could base your business in permanent or larger premises and employ staff.
Extra training in cooking and cuisine could help you to improve or widen the range of products you offer.