How to Start a Food Truck

There are quite a few factors that go into starting a food truck. Before you get started, you’ll want to learn a little more about licenses, concepts and more. Parts Town can give you the information you need to start your very own food truck. Learn more with us, then get ready to design your mobile business.

1. Construct a Budget

So how much does it cost to start a food truck? This depends. Based on the estimates from Square, the average cost is anywhere between $70,000 to $130,000. The wide range is due to legal fees, customizations, niche, state of operation and more.

2. Research the Food Vendor Scene

You want to stand out against your competition. Do some research to find out who your competition will be as well as to learn about:

• Existing concepts


• Busy street times where you can find commuter customers


• Spaces where food trucks can park and sell their food


• The average demographic in the area you want to sell

3. Explore Concepts

While you want to have a unique food truck concept that encompasses all of your interests, you also want to keep in mind the interests of the population in your city. Once you find a concept that will merge your style with the needs of your community, you can choose a name and logo. Make sure it’s descriptive and memorable. This may be what gets customers to choose your truck over another.

4. Write a Food Truck Business Plan

In order to work out the details of your business, and create a plan to share with potential investors, you’ll want to write up a business plan for your food truck. This will show how you’ve laid out your vision and the finances that will be required. Make sure you include the following within it:

• Executive Summary: Write about your company’s goals and identity. Let the reader know what kind of foods you plan to sell and why.


• Company Description: Why do you want to start up a food truck? How will you be different from the competition?


• Market Analysis: Explain the target audience you would cater to.


• Organization and Management Plan: List out your internal structure to show the organizational system in your business.


• Service or Product Line Description: Provide details about your menu and future seasonal alterations.


• Marketing and Sales Strategies: Explain your advertising plan and marketing tactics.


• Funding Request: How much will you need for your business? Express where you plan to get funding for your truck.


• Financial Projections: Provide your financial plan and potential growth for the next five years.


• Appendix: Finally, add any additional information, such as your logo or truck blueprints, to give your investors a better image of your business.

In need of investors? Try community sponsors, crowdfunding like Kickstarter or applying for a loan.

5. Get Your Truck Licenses & Permits

Once your finances are in order, explore the variety of licenses you’ll need to start a food truck. These are specific to the state or even the city you’re in, so be sure to check with the Chamber of Commerce, Health Department and DMV in your local jurisdiction to make sure that you meet their requirements. A few licenses you’ll want to look into include:

• Business License


• Employer Identification Number


• Food Service License


• Employee Health Permit


• Mobile Food Facility Permit

• Zoning and Parking Permit

6. Invest in Your Equipment

First you’ll want to select the truck that will serve your business needs. Before you start the buying process, think about if you’d rather lease, decide if a new or used model is right for you and choose the customizations you’ll want to make on your food truck. Be sure to look into insurance for your truck as well. When it comes to interior equipment, here are some supplies to think about:

• Ranges, grills, microwaves


• Countertop food warmers


• Work tables, knives, cookware, thermometers


• Disposable take-out supplies, napkins, plastic cutlery


• Undercounter refrigeration, ice machines, prep tables


• Hand sinks, floor mats, sanitizing chemicals, trash cans

7. Advertising & Marketing

An essential part in your food truck’s success is advertising and marketing. Make sure that your customers know where you’ll be since you won’t have a permanent physical address. Here are some food truck marketing ideas to boost awareness of your business:

• Build a website to update your customers with your current location, new menu ideas and more.


• Make social media accounts for your business to post photos of food and interact with your customers.


• Create a fun logo that you place on your truck, flyers and online.


• Get featured at community events like festivals or catered parties.


• Sell merchandise like t-shirts or stickers with your logo on it online or even at your truck.