PREP Member Mentoring Program

Attention all PREP Members! Are you looking for ways to enhance your skills and knowledge in the food industry? If so, we have great news for you! PREP is excited to announce our new PREP Member Mentoring program designed to allow members to work with one another and help each other on the in and outs of the food industry.The food industry can be a complex and ever-changing field, and we understand that navigating it can be challenging. That’s why we have created this program to provide you with the support you need to succeed. Whether you’re new to the industry or an experienced professional, PREP’s Member Mentoring program can help you develop new skills, gain valuable insights, and expand your network.

Hey, food truck trailblazer! Ready to spice up your journey on the road? Before you hit the streets with your culinary wizardry, let's chat about the not-so-glamorous side of the food truck scene – permits and regulations. Don't worry; we're turning the bureaucratic maze into a road trip you'll remember!

🚀 Business License Blast-off: Think of it as your backstage pass to the food truck concert. Hit up your local city or county clerk, the gatekeepers to your mobile kitchen dreams. Find out the deets, pay the fee, and voila – you're officially in the game. Just a heads up, this dance may vary by city and state, so check the local rhythm.

🌡️ Health Department Hustle: Your ticket to the VIP section of food safety. Reach out to your local health department, get those permits, and be ready for inspections. Treat your kitchen like a celebrity – always ready for the red carpet. Pro tip: You can usually find detailed information on your local health department's website or visit their office for a one-on-one chat. It's like finding the treasure map to food safety gold! And hey, remember, being nice to these folks can go a long way – they're the gatekeepers, and a friendly attitude can make the process smoother than a well-cooked sauce.

In States like Georgia Food Truck Operators are not permitted to use shared kitchens and must have a base of operations like PREP!

🚛 Truck Permits and Inspections Jazz: Your truck is the rockstar – make sure it's ready for the tour. Get the right permits, pass the inspections (like a rock band soundcheck), and you're set to hit the culinary highway. Keep in mind, the road rules might change depending on your city and state – it's like learning the local dance moves.

🅿️ Parking and Zoning Dance: Location matters! Know where you can legally park your flavor factory. Some spots are VIP, others need a golden ticket. Check local laws – it's your roadmap to the food truck hall of fame. Remember, these zoning steps might have a different beat in different cities and states.

🔥 Fire Safety Groove: Your food truck is the hottest show in town. Be the fire safety maestro – install extinguishers, handle flammable stuff like a pro, and keep the flames where they belong.

Local Legends – Mastering the Scene:

📍 City-Specific Symphony: Learn the local notes of your city's song. Regulations are the chords, and you're about to play the food truck anthem like a local rockstar. Keep in mind, these regulations might have remixes in different areas.

🤝 Build Bridges: Get cozy with the local VIPs – health inspectors, city officials, and the food truck whisperers. A little chat can smooth out any bumps in the road. It's all about keeping the food truck party going. And, here's a golden nugget – be nice to these folks. They can be your allies in this culinary adventure, and a good relationship can make the journey way smoother.

🎉 Workshop Boogie: Imagine it's a backstage pass to the food truck Oscars. Attend workshops, network, and be in the know. The local food truck community is your tribe – sync up with the regulatory rhythm.

🗣️ Network and Park Hopping: Don't forget to mingle! Head to food truck parks, strike up conversations with fellow food truck enthusiasts, and learn from their experiences. Networking is your secret sauce – share stories, swap tips, and build a community of culinary rebels who've got your back.

🌐 Statewide Connections: Research for a food truck association in your state. Associations like FTAG (Food Truck Association of Georgia) in Georgia support the food truck industry. They're your comrades in this culinary adventure, offering valuable insights, support, and a sense of community. Connect with your state's association for a stronger journey in the food truck world.

In this food truck fiesta, staying legit is your golden ticket to success. Understand the rules, make friends with the gatekeepers, and you'll be the headliner in the culinary arena. The journey might be wild, but with the right permits, your food truck is destined for greatness. Happy trucking, rockstar!

🔍 Words of Wisdom

"When it comes to navigating the food truck permitting process, my top suggestion would be to stay organized and proactive. Keep track of all the necessary paperwork, deadlines, and requirements. Reach out to local authorities and experts for guidance and advice. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and double-check regulations to ensure compliance. Being prepared and proactive will help streamline the permitting process and set you up for success in your food truck journey."
"Julia Sheppard"

*And here's a pro-tip for the road: Instead of wrestling with permits, consider setting up shop in a commercial kitchen like PREP Kitchens. They've got the playbook to guide you through the licensing maze, so you can focus on what you do best – getting those pots and pans sizzling! *

Hey, food truck trailblazer! Ready to spice up your journey on the road? Before you hit the streets with your culinary wizardry, let's chat about 

PREP, an Atlanta-based, national leader in building and operating commercial kitchen campuses for culinary entrepreneurs, proudly announces the grand opening of PREP ATL South.  Located at 1990 Perkerson Road SW, Atlanta, Georgia,  PREP is unveiling a innovative commercial kitchen hub on 6.91 acres by adapting and re-using a 32,000 sf (circa 1960) shopping center in the Sylvan Hills neighborhood.  

Over the past 9 months, PREP has transformed 1990 Perkerson Road into a state-of-the-art, permit-ready, culinary hub for Atlanta’s culinary small business community.  This project will feature 72 private kitchen spaces, cold and dry storage, controlled access, customized parking areas, dock high and ground level delivery, community co-working / programming areas and green space for its Member-producers.  PREP ATL South will be home to 60 mobile food operators, making it the largest food truck commissary in the Southeastern US.  Additionally, PREP ATL South will be home to a mix of local and regional catering operations, movie-set caterers, prepared meal producers, restaurant operators, test kitchens and specialty food producers.  

In a gesture that underscores PREP Kitchen's commitment to the local community, this expansion brings forth over 250 job opportunities across various positions, contributing to the economic growth and vitality of the region.  Doug Marranci, the passionate co-founder of PREP Kitchen, expresses his excitement about the expansion, stating, "We are thrilled to bring PREP to South Atlanta and provide a home for food production and community collaboration. Our goal is to empower local businesses with top-notch, permit-ready kitchen facilities and related services."

The impact is being felt industry-wide.  "The Prep Atlanta team is an essential partner of the Food Truck Association of Georgia (FTAG). Simply put, the investments made by Prep Atlanta over the last several years, has allowed for significant growth in the Georgia Food Truck industry. Without Prep...the food truck scene would look a lot different today"  said Tony Harrison, President of FTAG.

Mitch Jaffe, co-founder of PREP, underlines the pivotal role the South Atlanta location plays in supporting local entrepreneurs, stating, "Our South Atlanta location is not just a kitchen space; it's a launchpad for culinary dreams. We are committed to providing a low-risk alternative that propels the success of food businesses and fosters a sense of community among our members."

Julia Sheppard, who heads up PREP’s sales team in Atlanta stated: “PREP South is going to be a game changer for dozens of small business owners, who until now haven't been able to find affordable operating space that meets health department requirements. I speak with dozens of people a week who are struggling to navigate the waters of food safety licensing and the myriad of other laws and requirements for launching a food business, in addition to the typically high entry costs of this industry-- I'm beyond excited that we get to level the playing field for these people.

The grand opening event promises to be a feast for the senses, showcasing the facility's amenities and offering a firsthand experience of the benefits of PREP Kitchen's dedicated kitchen spaces.

PREP South Grand opening: 02/26/24, 11AM- 1PM

Location: 1990 Perkerson Rd SW, Atlanta , 30310

🔍 About PREP

PREP was founded 2014 by entrepreneurs Mitchel Jaffe, Doug Marranci, and Romildo Marranci.  This milestone marks the inauguration of the 5th PREP Kitchen location in the metro area and PREP’s first campus inside City of Atlanta limits.  PREP additionally operates in Austin, Texas and projects in various stages of development in Dallas, Houston, Tampa, Greenville, Phoenix and San Antonio. 

PREP Kitchen, known for pioneering dedicated kitchen facilities, has grown into the Southeast's foremost hub for culinary entrepreneurs. Since opening its doors in 2014, it has evolved into a thriving community, accelerating over 900 food producers, caterers, restaurateurs, consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies, food trucks, meal kit companies, bakers, and artisans. This dynamic community works tirelessly, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in shared and private workspaces, creating a heartbeat of innovation within the heart of Atlanta.