When it comes to the fast-food business, things are on the move. Long-gone are the days when merely the money in your savings could afford you the opportunity to launch your own restaurant.

Nowadays, retail leases and shopping centre conditions are making it harder and harder for aspiring entrepreneurs to get into the food game. It’s precisely why the food truck movement is gaining traction, both at home and abroad.

“The food truck movement is huge,” Nathan’s Famous Australian franchise development manager Miki Kanamaru says.

“In states like Victoria, food trucks are becoming a growing phenomenon and other states are following suit.  They are becoming an essential part of weddings, festivals and special events, and Food Truck Parks – which are literally outdoor food courts with precincts specifically for food trucks are popping up everywhere in every state.”

But it isn’t exactly a new premise, particularly for heritage brand Nathan’s Famous. The iconic New York hot dog business was born on the boardwalks of Coney Island more than 100 years ago.

From one small mobile cart, to a network of over almost 300 outlets across the globe, Nathan’s Famous has survived and thrived through it all.

Nathan’s Famous Australia

Here in Australia, the fast food icon is going back to its roots, launching mobile business units including food trucks and food trailers.

“The awesome thing about it is that anyone can operate a food truck,” Kanamaru says.

“You only need a friendly personality, be practically hands-on and proactive. It’s a fast food restaurant on wheels.”

But mobility isn’t the only advantage of the Nathan’s Famous mobile business model. Kanamaru reveals that the format was re-introduced to combat the growing disparity between franchisees and finance options.

“Getting into a food business can be tricky. If you want to own a restaurant, you often end up having to pay high rents, be stuck in one location and work so hard to get a return on your $400,000+ investment,” she says.

“Restaurants require more staff and therefore more people to manage and pay wages. So, to make things easier for the aspiring franchisees, we’ve created a business concept that makes all those things a non-issue.”

Nathan’s Famous mobile business benefits

The Nathan’s famous mobile business concept means franchisees aren’t stuck in one location paying high rents or subject to changes in the retail precinct.  They are free to move to where the customers are, trade when and where they want within their exclusive territory, offering the full freedom and flexibility of being your own boss.

“You’re not a slave to a landlord and you’re not having to hire loads of staff to run your business either. It only needs one to three people (including yourself) depending on volume,” she says.

The heritage hot dog chain isn’t messing around. Kanamaru reveals that you’re likely to see a Nathan’s Famous mobile business in your neighbourhood, sooner rather than later.

“At Nathan’s Famous, we’re spearheading the growth of the food truck phenomena and offering potential franchisees an awesome opportunity to own their own food truck all over Australia,” she says.

“We’re rolling out opportunities as we speak. But getting in early means that you can secure your ideal territory so you need to be quick.”

If you want to join the food truck movement with an experienced operator, check out Nathan’s Famous’ available opportunities here or get in contact at miki@nathansfamous.com.au via email and 0416 208 071 via phone.