06/26/2026
Mom here...transparent post warning...let's get real for a second....this is not our normal content, but I feel compelled to share. We are in no way complaining, just stating facts.
We were excited to hear about the changes coming for mobile food units in the state of Texas. The state will be taking over all permits starting July 1st. Currently we pay:
$300 annually for the city permit for the trailer
$300 annually for the commissary we are required to have
$200 for the state permit that allows us to operate in the county (example: Montalba Fireworks Show)
That is $800 in permits before we buy a lemon. We were told the new permit process wouldn't exceed $500.
That is not what is happening.
We will now be required to pay $1018 annually with an inspection fee of $500. That is almost double what we pay now. ☹️ This is not including the event fees that we pay to be in festivals, etc which is usually around $250. If there is not an event fee, we always donate back.
We set our prices in 2023 to include sales tax so we can't forget about the 8.25% that we pay out of the $6.00-$7.00 drink to the comptroller and the almost 3% we pay for credit card fees. We DID get a reprieve this year with business personal property taxes so the $888 in bpp we paid last year has gone away. Hallelujah!
We have not increased our prices despite everything going up - cups, lemons (almost 20%!), sugar, straws...ALL of it has increased in the last 4 years.
Why are sharing this vulnerable information?
We chose to do things the right way...permits, inspections, food handler certificates, etc. There is legislation that was passed where children’s lemonade stands do not have to be permitted, but we are not pouring country time and have just always wanted to do it the right way. All these fees, increases, and costs come directly out of what they make. My mom heart feels for the girls who work SO hard then watch their hard earned money go to so many expenses and taxes (hello real world!) Add in community and peer opinions/criticisms, they push hard for what they do have. In conclusion, with all these changes, it is causing us to rethink our "business plan." We are NOT quitting and we are not giving up. We will also NOT increase our prices. We just need to rethink our whole plan - maybe park at different places, do more events besides just parking in front of Killion’s, private birthday parties, etc. Add products maybe? This is where you come in! We need your help brainstorming ideas. You have been so faithful and supportive and we want your input. What ideas do you have? Where should we go? What should we carry?And really, a HUGE heartfelt thank you for your support and kindness over these years. It means more than you will ever know.🍋🫶
