food truck business plan

Restaurants | How To

How to Start a Food Truck Business in 9 Steps

Published May 6, 2024

WRITTEN BY: Mary King

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This article is part of a larger series on Starting a Business .

Starting A Business?

• Step 1: Research Local Food Trucks & Laws
• Step 2: Choose a Menu, Name & Logo
• Step 3: Register Your Business & Open a Bank Account
• Step 4. Raise Funds

Step 5: Get Your Food Truck

• Step 6: Get Licenses, Permits & Insurance
• Step 7: Purchase Equipment & Supplies
• Step 8: Hire & Train Staff

Step 9: Market Your Food Truck

• Pros & Cons

Bottom Line

There has never been a better time to start a food truck business; in fact, the number of food trucks grew by almost 10% from 2022 to 2023 1 . If you’re looking for a money-making business idea, a food truck is a great one. Successful food trucks can bring in more than $500,000 per year, with startup costs from $40,000–$200,000.

Starting a food truck typically takes three to 12 months and requires the nine steps below. Download our checklist to help you stay on track.

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Starting a Food Truck Checklist

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Step 1: research local food trucks & laws.

When starting your food truck business, it’s essential to make sure you are filling a hole in the market, supplying a demand, and operating within the law. So, you should evaluate the food truck scene in your area and research local food truck laws and regulations. This information will help you decide if a food truck is the best-fitting business for you to start .

When evaluating your local food truck scene, make sure you do the following:

• Evaluate existing trucks: Note popular cuisines and price points, serving hours, and popular selling locations. This will help you develop a truck that fits your market.
• Research local food truck laws: Some areas have generous food truck regulations, while others are so restrictive that it seems they don’t want trucks at all. Call your local health department and county or city clerk’s office to find out what permits you need and what parking restrictions to comply with.
• Check the availability of commercial kitchens: In most locations, food trucks are required to contract with a commercial kitchen to prepare and store food.
• Look for food truck parks: Truck parks indicate that an area welcomes trucks and helps potential customers locate you.

Introduce yourself to truck owners and ask them about their biggest operational challenges. You‘ll find that most are eager to share their knowledge with an up-and-coming food trucker. One of the best aspects of food truck communities is the camaraderie and support of other truck operators.

Step 2: Choose a Menu, Name & Logo

Food trucks are known for their clever remixes and personal flair. The most successful food truck concepts reflect their owner’s interests and personal experiences. Consider the popular Las Vegas truck Buldogis , which serves Korean-inflected gourmet hot dogs that reflect the owners’ American and Korean backgrounds. Start with your menu, and your name and logo should naturally follow.

• Read our menu development guide for tips on creating your food truck menu.
• Our restaurant name generator will help you find a unique food truck name.
• Read our guide to business logos for details on crafting your food truck logo.

Step 3: Register Your Business & Open a Bank Account

When starting a food truck, you’ll need to create a business entity and register with your state. For most food truck operations, a limited liability company (LLC) makes the most sense. It protects your personal assets in the event of a lawsuit or business bankruptcy and shows vendors, insurers, and permitting agencies that your business is legitimate.

Filing fees vary from state to state, but forming an LLC isn’t necessarily expensive. Costs range from $40 to $500, and you can find the forms you need on your state’s business office website.

Filing LLC paperwork can be tedious and a little complicated. If you need guided assistance, we recommend working with a legal website like Incfile or one of our other recommended online legal services .

Open a Business Bank Account

You’ll need to separate your personal finances from your business finances by opening a business bank account . This account will hold funds invested in your food truck and be used to pay permitting, licensing, and vendor fees. When your truck is up and running, your credit card deposits will run to this account, and you will pay employees and suppliers from it. You can inquire about business banking options at the bank that handles your personal banking.

See our list of the best small business checking accounts for more business banking options.

Step 4. Raise Funds for Your Food Truck

Starting a food truck business can cost anywhere from $40,000 to $200,000, depending on your location, the cooking appliances you need, and the type of truck you purchase. The tables below give you a rough estimate of the itemized costs involved in starting a food truck business. Click the tabs to view one-time and recurring food truck costs.

Food Truck Business Estimated Startup Costs

The first step to raising the funds you need to start a food truck is writing a business plan.

Write a Food Truck Business Plan

Like any other business, your food truck will need a well-prepared business plan if you want it to succeed. Your business plan puts your concept on paper so potential investors and loan officers can see that your food truck is a good investment. Having a food truck business plan gives you a better understanding of how long it will take for your food truck to turn a profit and what funds you need to sustain your business until that point.

Read our guide to writing a business plan for step-by-step instructions.

Food Truck Funding Options

Most people don’t have immediate access to the capital required to start a food truck, so financing your food truck business will be an essential step. Most lenders require a business plan before issuing a loan, so be sure to have your thorough plan ready, along with the amount you need and your credit history.

Here are some financing options available for aspiring food truck owners:

• Equipment loan/financing program: Some truck sellers or equipment financiers will loan to you to purchase the truck.
• Rollover for business startups (ROBS): If you have more than $50,000 in a retirement account, you can set up a ROBS , which will allow you to use the funds in your retirement account to fund your business without paying early withdrawal penalties.
• Business credit cards: If you are good at paying off debt, a business credit card may be a good option.
• Personal loan: This is a good option if you have a good credit score and need less than $50,000.
• Microloan from Small Business Administration (SBA): Microloans are considerably smaller in size than conventional business loans but may be sufficient to cover food truck startup costs. Check out SBA’s Microloan Program for loans of less than $50,000.
• Find investors: Whether it’s a friend or family member, finding investors for your food truck business requires strategy. Prepare your concept and a solid business plan to help convince investors to fund your venture.

Not all funding comes from banks and big investors. If you have an active fanbase of friends and family who support your food truck concept, crowdfunding can provide some or all of your opening budget. Your business plan will give you a great jumping-off point to create a compelling crowdfunding page. A bonus of crowdfunding for a food truck is that you’ll already have a fanbase excited to see your truck come to life.

For a detailed look at crowdfunding, see our guide on how to crowdfund a small business .

Several of the permits and licenses you need depend on the type of vehicle you purchase. So this step typically happens before– simultaneously with– the next step; getting your permits. You can buy, build, or lease a food truck. Food trucks can cost anywhere from $3,250 for a secondhand trailer to as much as $300,000 for a new, custom-built truck, although $5,000–$125,000 is the general range.

Regardless of your budget, you should invest in the best quality truck you can afford. Investing in a quality food truck from the beginning minimizes your risk of incurring repair expenses down the road, and protects you and your staff from dangerous cooking or vehicle-related accidents.

Expand the sections below to explore your options for getting a food truck.

Buy a Food Truck

You have several options for purchasing a food truck. You can purchase a used truck from an individual seller in person or online. By purchasing a used truck, you can typically get a fully outfitted truck for around $50,000, although you will have to repaint the outside and possibly renovate the inside to match your business.

A few good directory sites to find used food trucks are:

• Commercial Truck Trader
• Used Vending
• Road Stoves
• Miami Trailer & Equipment Company

You can also purchase a new food truck directly from a manufacturer like Ibarras. Prices for its standard trucks start at around $18,000. Major car manufacturers like Ford, Nissan, and Mercedes-Benz also supply food truck-compatible vehicles; you’ll need to contact a local dealer for pricing and options. When buying new from a major manufacturer, you should expect prices starting at $40,000, plus equipment.

Build a Food Truck

Custom-built food trucks can set your food truck apart from the competition if you have the budget for one. Companies like Prestige Food Trucks, Cruising Kitchens, and Northwest Mobile Kitchens specialize in custom food trucks built to your exact specifications. New custom food trucks will cost around $100,000 to $200,000. The benefit, of course, is that everything is new, built for purpose, and usually under warranty. You don’t need to worry about how previous owners cared for the truck or if a professional installed the gas lines.

Lease a Food Truck

If you’re only operating seasonally or your funds are limited, you should explore leasing a food truck. Brands like Mobi Munch, RoadStoves, and Ibarras lease trucks month-to-month. If there are truck agents in your area, leasing is an attractive option because leases tend to come with lots of included services. RoadStoves customers, for example, get overnight truck parking, a health permit, and access to a commissary kitchen included in their truck lease. It is common for food truck leases to run from $3,000 to $4,500 per month.

The downside to leasing is that the truck won’t be customized to your needs. You’ll also need to get creative with magnetic decals to customize the truck with your logo and menu. When your lease term is up, you may also have to pause your business until you find another truck.

Step 6: Get Licenses, Permits & Insurance

Food trucks need at least three types of licenses and permits: general business licenses, food service licenses, and vehicle licenses. Depending on your location, most food truck licenses and permits will cost between $100 to $500 each. Your total permit and license fees can range from $1,500 to $20,000, depending on your location and the type of food you cook.

A mobile food vending permit is one of the licenses your truck needs. (Image from NYC Dept. of Health)

To ensure your food truck is fully licensed and permitted, you’ll need to contact:

• Your local health department: The health department issues licenses for your truck, prep kitchen, and managers. If your location also requires food handler’s permits for your staff, the health department will handle that.
• Your local fire department: The fire department inspects your cooking equipment and the truck’s electrical and fire suppression systems to ensure they operate safely.
• State, county, and city clerk’s offices: These offices issue general business licenses, tax licenses, and other foundational documents for running your business.

Food Truck Insurance

Like any small business, food trucks need general liability insurance. Since food trucks operate as mobile businesses, serve food to the public, and may have employees, you’ll have additional insurance needs like commercial auto coverage and worker’s comp. Contact an insurance provider for a comprehensive quote.

For more details, read our expert-written guides to food truck insurance costs and coverage plus a ranking of the best food truck insurance companies .

Step 7: Purchase Equipment & Supplies

Even if your truck is fully outfitted with cooking and refrigeration equipment, you’ll still need some extra tools. Generators, condiment tables, registers, and point-of-sale (POS) systems are all standard food truck equipment. Increasingly food truck owners are adding rooftop solar panels to offset fuel costs. You’ll also want to open accounts with food suppliers so you can buy in bulk and avoid paying sales tax.

Food truck equipment and supplies you’ll want to budget for include:

• Truck wrap and exterior decor: Those vibrant trucks with nose-to-tail designs are covered in a “truck wrap.” The cost of installing a truck wrap ranges from $2,500 to $5,000 (including design). If you are short on funds, local sign shops can print smaller vinyl decals or magnets.
• Cooking and serving equipment: You’ll likely need small equipment like a food processor, baking sheets, and Cambro containers to store your prepped food and transport it from your prep kitchen to your truck. If you offer catering, you’ll also want a couple of sturdy collapsible tables and chafing dishes to keep your food warm outdoors. You’ll be able to find most small equipment at a local restaurant supply or kitchen store.
• Generator: You’ll need a generator to run your cooking and electrical equipment when your truck is parked.
• Ingredients: You’ll need the ingredients to make your signature dishes before you can cook and serve food. If your food truck is even a little bit busy, you’ll want to open accounts with wholesale suppliers. This gives you a price break on food and beverage supplies and saves driving time, as most distributors will deliver directly to your commercial kitchen space.
• POS and payment equipment: Most customers prefer to pay with cards or apps, so you’ll need a way to process payments on the go. Our top-ranked food truck point-of-sale (POS) systems can operate via Wi-Fi or cellular networks, and many are free to use.

More than half of the food trucks I know use some type of Square POS. Square operates on iPads and smartphones, and you can download the Square POS and start taking payments in a couple of hours. For more information, visit Square .

Step 8: Hire & Train Staff

Food truck owners do a lot of work themselves, but you’ll still likely hire some hourly employees. The staff you hire should fill in skills you lack or areas you cannot pay attention to. For example, if you are an expert grill cook, it makes more sense to hire a cashier than a cook. But if you have a welcoming personality and are great at add-on sales, you’ll be stronger in a customer-facing role and should hire cooks. If you get a lot of catering inquiries, it might make sense to hire an event salesperson to send estimates and wrangle catering contracts.

Expand the sections below to view common food truck employees:

Window Attendant

(Image by Kampus Production from Pexels)

Your window attendant takes orders at the truck window, interacts with customers, and processes payments. Someone with a friendly personality and cash-handling experience is good in this position. Window attendants are typically hourly, minimum wage positions and may earn tips.

If you are struggling to find staff, a window attendant can be replaced by a self-service kiosk . If you are short-staffed, this is one of the simplest solutions.

(Image from RODNAE Productions, Pexels)

A truck cook cooks and serves dishes on the truck itself. Depending on the number of cooktops you have and your menu style, you may need two cooks in the truck all the time. Truck cooks tend to be hourly employees who earn at least minimum wage; however, you should definitely pay more if your truck cook is experienced. They are frequently included in on-truck tip pools.

(Image by Mikhail Nilov, Pexels)

If your truck is busy, you may need a hand with off-truck prep cooking. Hiring a prep cook to work in your commercial kitchen while your truck is on the road can significantly reduce your turnaround time between events. Prep cooks are usually part-time staff who earn at least minimum wage. Depending on your local labor laws, prep cooks may or may not be included in tip pools.

Catering Salesperson

(Image from Harvest Kitchen)

You don’t want to miss the chance to book private catering events. These can be a massive boost to your truck’s bottom line. A catering salesperson responds to all private event inquiries and works directly with your clients to create a menu, execute an event contract, collect deposits, and hire rental equipment. Catering salespeople typically earn a small hourly base pay or salary, plus a 3% to 10% commission on their booked events. They are typically not tipped, though their commission fee may appear as a service charge on the final invoice.

Catering Servers

(Image from cater-waiters.com)

Large events sometimes request tray-passed food or to have some foods served at individual tables. Event coordinators may hire this staff themselves, but it can help to have some staff of your own to call in. Having your own catering servers can give you an edge in landing bigger (and higher budget!) events. You may pay catering servers a flat hourly wage (usually higher than minimum wage) or minimum wage plus tips.

Training Food Truck Staff

Once you’ve hired your truck staff, set aside time to train them. Depending on your team’s experience level, you’ll need to allow two days to two weeks to get your team up to speed. Prepare itemized copies of your menu with ingredient lists and common allergens, along with what items can and cannot be modified. For example, if your housemade chili is cooked with bulgur wheat, it cannot be made gluten-free.

All of your truckers should know how to use fire safety equipment on your truck. You’ll also want to train your team on the policies and procedures at your commercial kitchen. If there are strict operating hours, designated storage areas, or designated parking areas, you’ll want to cover that explicitly, so your team reflects well on your brand.

If your truck collects tips, you may also run a tip pool to distribute tips to your staff. For tips on managing a tip pool, see our guide to restaurant tip pooling laws and tipping out . A tip pool based on hours is a popular way to distribute food truck tips.

Once you have your truck, permits, and staff, the final step in starting your food truck business is marketing your truck. A good food truck marketing strategy involves a combination of online and traditional marketing strategies, including social media marketing, vending at local events, building a website, and joining advocacy groups.

You can take a deep dive by reading our guide to food truck marketing . Expand the accordions below for a quick overview.

Food Truck Social Media Marketing

Instagram and Facebook are great ways to connect with your local community and help potential customers find your business. Plus, Instagram and TikTok are ideal places to show off pictures of your tasty food. For maximum impact, post regularly, and be sure to use any local hashtags to help your business get discovered. Don’t just stick to food photos; part of the appeal of food trucks is their personal story and the camaraderie of their team. Let users see your personality and passion.

Post your locations and hours so that customers can easily find you. If you accept orders online or over the phone, include that information in your social media bio. You can also use stickers and buttons on your Facebook or Instagram accounts to add shoppable links to your online ordering site.

Create a Website

A website is essential for a food truck. It shows potential customers who you are, what kind of food you sell, and how to find your truck. Your website is also a great place to post your event calendar or a contact form for catering orders. Our guide on how to make a business website will walk you through the process.

Participate in Festivals & Local Events

Festivals are a great way to get customers and gain insight from fellow food truck owners. Especially in the spring and summer months, tons of towns and cities have outdoor events, from fairs to farmers’ markets. Participating in these events is a great way to spread awareness about your business while also getting extra sales.

Try to book as many events as you can. You’ll have a captive audience to market your business and are guaranteed to make sales. If you participate in several events, fairs, or festivals, create an event calendar that you can hand out to customers so that they know where to find you next.

Join a Street Vending Advocacy Group

Many cities with a vibrant food truck community also have advocacy groups. Joining one will put you in contact with other like-minded business owners who can help you troubleshoot problems and send you business if their truck is not available for an event. The added benefit of joining an advocacy group is, of course, advocacy. These groups work together to encourage local regulations that are food truck-friendly, which can’t help but boost everyone’s business.

The National Food Truck Association is an excellent place to start. It currently hosts local chapters in California, Texas, and many other locations

With your truck purchased, supplied, permitted, staffed, and marketed, all you need to do now is make your first sale. With this guide as your foundation, you’re well on your way to starting a successful food truck. So go out there and have a great service.

Pros & Cons of Starting a Food Truck

Still on the fence about starting a food truck? Like any other business venture, the food truck industry offers advantages and disadvantages. Read through this list of food truck pros and cons to help you make your final decision.

Starting a Food Truck Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There is much to know about starting a food truck. These are the most common questions I hear from prospective food truck owners. Expand each question section for a detailed answer.

How much does a food truck cost?

Starting a food truck typically costs between $40,000 and $200,000. The cost varies based on whether you purchase or lease a truck, the truck type, the necessary equipment, and the cost of permits in your location.

How profitable is a food truck?

Successful food trucks can be very profitable, bringing in around $500,000 in annual sales, and sometimes as much as $50,000 per month. Hitting figures like that requires a targeted menu, excellent marketing, and a full-time commitment to managing your costs and overhead.

Having a highly profitable food truck may also involve expanding your truck operation to include private catering, online ordering , and other revenue streams like selling a shelf-stable signature sauce or retail merchandise. It helps to operate in a food truck-friendly city—like Los Angeles, Philadelphia, or Denver—that has regulations that allow food trucks to thrive.

Is owning a food truck hard?

Owning a food truck takes a lot of work, but can be very rewarding. The days can be long; food prep can start in your commissary kitchen several hours before service, and your day doesn’t finish until the truck is parked, the food unloaded, the greywater drained, and all surfaces scrubbed and sanitized. You’ll interact with excited food fans, but you’ll also be responsible for scheduling staff, processing payroll, and dealing with parking tickets. Marketing is important and all on your shoulders, as are less creative things like paying your sales taxes.

If that sounds manageable to you, then owning a food truck won’t feel hard. But if that description sounds overwhelming, you might want to bulk up your restaurant management or general business skills before taking the step to food truck ownership.

How can I start a food truck with no money?

If you want to start a food truck with no money, crowdfunding is your best bet. You can also consider starting with a smaller operation, like a cottage food operation or tent vending, to build a brand and fan following while you save to start your truck.

Why do food trucks fail?

Many food trucks fail within their first three years of operation due to a lack of funds. Difficulties can include unexciting concepts, tough regulations, poor supply choices, truck breakdowns, poor marketing, and more. Some of the biggest reasons food trucks lose money and ultimately fail are:

• Local regulations designed to protect traditional restaurants
• Poor operating and financial planning
• Unforeseen vehicle repair expenses
• Underestimating the daily number of hours needed
• Ineffective marketing

Not all food truck closures are failures, though. Many food trucks close when they become so popular the owners are able to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant or catering company. So in a way, some food trucks fail through success.

If you’ve been dreaming of how to start a food truck business, you should know it is a fun—yet time-consuming—process with plenty of opportunities for growth and profit. The food truck business is demanding but, ultimately, rewarding if you take the time to create a careful business plan with market research and a solid marketing strategy. Ensuring you have plenty of startup capital and the right equipment is the best way to encourage success.

• https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/number-of-businesses/food-trucks-united-states/

About the Author

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Mary King is an expert restaurant and small business contributor at Fit Small Business. With more than a decade of small business experience, Mary has worked with some of the best restaurants in the world, and some of the most forward-thinking hospitality programs in the country. Mary’s firsthand operational experience ranges from independent food trucks to the grand scale of Michelin-starred restaurants, from small trades-based businesses to cutting-edge co-working spaces.

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Food Truck Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Food Truck Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your food truck business plan.

We have helped over 100,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their food trucks.

Food Truck Business Plan Example & Template

Below is a template to help you create each section of your food truck business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Zesty Zane’s Food Truck is a new food truck located in Portland owned by local critically acclaimed chef, Zane Benedict. The menu will consist of popular food options that consist of burgers, sandwiches, gyros, and tacos uniquely made with the creativity and uniqueness that Chef Zane can offer. Chef Zane’s eclectic style and consistency make him a favorite among Portland foodies and his food truck will garner a loyal following amongst young professionals and college students.

Zesty Zane’s Food Truck will be located in the immensely popular food truck pod known as Cartopia. Chef Zane will receive lots of exposure by being a part of this community as there are plenty of neighboring food trucks, bars, nightlife, and entertainment options nearby. With the popular location of Cartopia and an impressive Instagram social media following, Zesty Zane’s Food Truck is destined to become a local go-to dining destination for anyone craving delicious, interesting fare at an affordable price.

Products Served

The following are the products to be offered by Zesty Zane’s Food Truck:

• Sandwiches & paninis
• Assorted non-alcoholic beverages

Customer Focus

Zesty Zane’s Food Truck will target customers in Portland who live, work, or socialize near Cartopia. This area is frequented by numerous young professionals, college students, and the late-night crowd who regularly eat at food trucks. Anyone seeking trendy dining options are the target customers of Zesty Zane’s Food Truck.

Management Team

Chef Zane has worked in the culinary industry for over ten years and is accustomed to the long, demanding hours of operating a kitchen. He attended culinary school in San Francisco and returned home to Portland to be a part of the world-renowned food scene that Portland has built for itself. After working under three award-winning chefs, Chef Zane is ready to venture out on his own and start his own business as a food truck.

Chef Zane Benedict will be the food truck owner and operator of his food truck. He will operate the food truck Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 am until 1:00 am. Chef Zane will also employ two part-time cooks to assist him during peak hours of operation.

Success Factors

The following success factors will set Zesty Zane’s Food Truck apart from the competition:

• Exceptional cuisine made fresh with locally sourced ingredients.
• An eclectic menu that is unlike any other in the Portland food scene.
• Convenient location: Zesty Zane’s Food Truck will be located in a highly-trafficked food truck pod that is frequented by college students, young professionals, and night-life regulars.
• Delicious food at a good price. Zesty Zane’s food items will be cheaper than other food truck dishes without sacrificing quality.

Financial Highlights

Zesty Zane’s Food Truck is seeking $40,000 in debt financing to open its food truck. The funding will be dedicated for the purchase of the food truck, cooking supplies and equipment, working capital, three months worth of payroll expenses and opening inventory. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Purchase of food truck – $20,000
• Food truck kitchen supplies and equipment – $10,000
• Opening inventory – $2,000
• Working capital (to include 3 months of overhead expenses) – $3,000
• Marketing (website design and management) – $5,000

The following graph outlines the pro forma financial projections for Zesty Zane’s Food Truck:

Company Overview

Who is zesty zane’s food truck.

Zesty Zane’s Food Truck is a startup food truck business located in Portland, Oregon. The menu offerings are eclectic, made-to-order, bistro-type dishes served fresh and fast in the entertainment district of Portland. The ingredients are locally-sourced from independent food growers and artisans in and around the Portland region. The dishes are incorporated with an ingenious twist to commonly known popular food menu items. The menu options are simple dishes commonly seen at food trucks, but Chef Zane adds his own spin to the typical fare – sandwiches, gyros, burgers, and tacos all made his way unlike any other food establishment.

Zesty Zane’s Food Truck is owned and operated by Zane Benedict, a local Chef classically trained in culinary school and under the most prestigious chefs in Portland. Chef Zane is known for his creativity, consistency, and quickness in the kitchen and his dishes receive multiple positive reviews in the restaurants Zane has been employed. Chef Zane specializes in fine French, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisine with a creative twist not typically found in other restaurant establishments.

Zesty Zane’s Food Truck History

After graduating from culinary school in 2008, Chef Zane Benedict worked as a sous chef in three different restaurants in Portland. All of the chefs Zane worked under were award-winning, locally-acclaimed chefs that frequently trained their apprentices to prepare dishes up to their expectation and standards.

Chef Zane learned a great deal from these chefs and garnered a reputation himself for his creativity and consistency. Now that Zane feels he has learned as much as he can from the senior chefs, he would like to venture out on his own and start his own business. Due to the large amount of capital required to open a full-scale restaurant, Chef Zane decided a food truck business was the most cost-effective option for his operation.

Since incorporation, Zesty Zane’s Food Truck has achieved the following milestones:

• Developed the food truck’s branding image, social media, and website.
• Has a soft hold on a used food truck that recently went out of business.
• Developed and finalized the menu of the dishes Chef Zane will serve.
• Obtained a food permit license to be able to prepare and sell food and drinks in Portland County.
• Obtained a sales and use tax permit for use in Portland County.

Zesty Zane’s Food Truck Products

The following are the types of menu items Zesty Zane’s Food Truck will produce:

Food Truck Industry Analysis

Food truck vendors will continue to perform well over the next five years, benefiting from consumers with deeper pockets who are able to spend on pricier gourmet food options. Revenues are expected to increase to $1.4 billion during this time period.

Food Truck industry operators are expected to continue to experience growth, as generally positive economic conditions and momentum from the gourmet food movement propel growth.

Consumers nowadays demand higher-quality food, a wider variety of styles and tastes, better presentation and, most importantly, more healthy menu options. Therefore, operators that include healthy options on their menus will be best situated for success over the next five years. Vendors that continue to offer unique food options will also be in a strong position by carving out a niche and developing a loyal customer base.

The food truck industry will also benefit from an increase in the urban population, which is expected to comprise the majority of the US population in five years. The food truck industry benefits from agglomeration because it relies on high foot traffic. Additionally, urban dwellers are also more likely to purchase meals rather than cooking at home due to their above-average incomes and limited spare time.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Zesty Zane’s Food Truck will target the population of Portland that frequently dines in the entertainment district. There is a large food truck area of Portland known as Cartopia, where Chef Zane will set up his business. This area is home to numerous dining establishments, nightlife, bars, clubs, and food trucks. The target market of this area are usually young professionals and college students who have disposable income.

The precise demographics for Portland, Oregon are:

Customer Segmentation

Zesty Zane’s Food Truck will primarily target the following customer profile:

• Local residents of Portland who partake in late-night activities such as socializing with friends or bar-hopping
• Business professionals that work and reside in the Portland Cartopia area – law offices, hospitals, clinics, insurance agencies, retail, and schools
• College students who are in search of fast, cheap, and trendy eats

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Zesty Zane’s Food Truck will be competing with other food trucks in the Portland community. A profile of each competitor is below.

Potato Champion

Potato Champion is a local favorite of Portland foodies that is also located in Cartopia. Started in 2008, Potato Champion quickly established itself as a fan favorite for late night food. Potato Champion serves a limited menu of hand cut, twice fried Belgian style fries, a variety of dipping sauces, and their own version of the Canadian classic Poutine, as well as other fry related dishes. They pride themselves in using the highest quality ingredients and focus on an inventive menu that combines tastes from all over the world with one of the most popular foods found on the globe, the french fry.

Potato Champion is open for lunch, dinner, and late-night. They are available for catering and delivery through Postmates. Followers of Potato Champion are also able to purchase swag from their store that includes music, bags, pins, and hoodies.

Started by John Eads in 2009, Pyro Pizza was built out of a 8’x16’ food cart that he custom-built with a cast iron wood fire oven. Aside from wood fired pizza, John also makes his own sodas using all real ingredients and natural cane sugar. John’s belief is that good ingredients make good food. His crew makes many components in-house and sources regional flour, pepperoni, sausage, blue cheese, soda ingredients, and seasonal produce all from Portland businesses and farms. In 2015, Pyro’s expanded to a new sandwich cart, Pyro’s Wicked Wiches – a scratch-made sandwich, soup, chips and cookie food cart.

Pyro’s serves an assortment of wood fire pizzas made from scratch. Their choices are margherita, marinara, arugula and mushroom, pepperoni, quattro formaggi, fennel sausage, veggie bianca, breadsticks, salads, and sodas.

Chicken and Guns

Chicken and Guns is another local favorite among Portland foodies. Also found in Cartopia, Chicken and Guns serves up Latin American chicken, wings, tacos, salad, soup, and their “guns” are crispy seasoned potatoes. The chicken is served by the quarter, half, or whole bird. Another item they are acclaimed for is their peruvian aji sauce, habanero carrot sauce and chimichurri sauce. They have been named the best fried chicken in Portland by the PDX Eater.

Chicken and Guns is open everyday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm for takeout and delivery options. With a large Instagram and social media following, there is always destined to be a line at the Chicken and Guns food truck.

Competitive Advantage

Zesty Zane’s Food Truck offers several advantages over its competition. Those advantages are:

Food Truck Marketing Plan

Zesty Zane’s Food Truck will offer a unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Delicious food made fresh with locally sourced ingredients using exquisite techniques.
• Located in the ultra-hip food truck area known as Cartopia.
• Great food at a great price. The menu offerings of Zesty Zane’s Food Truck will be accessible to customers of all walks of life.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Zesty Zane’s Food Truck are as follows:

Social Media

Zesty Zane’s Food Truck’s main source of marketing will be through social media, primarily their Instagram page. Chef Zane has become adept at taking appealing photographs of his dishes. He will post pictures of his menu and add details on the location and hours of operation. His food truck account already has over 3,000 followers and he posts daily “Coming Soon” teaser photos.

Zesty Zane’s Food Truck will be parked in the immensely popular food truck hub known as Cartopia of Portland. There are dozens of food trucks located in this pod and there is always a crowd of people. Cartopia hosts bands, art shows, shopping events, and other social gatherings to enhance the entertainment vibe of the pod. By being part of Cartopia, Zesty Zane’s Food Truck will receive lots of exposure and traffic.

SEO Website Marketing

Zesty Zane’s Food Truck plans to invest funds into maintaining a strong SEO presence on search engines like Google and Bing. When a person types in “local food truck” or “top food trucks in Portland”, Zesty Zane’s Food Truck will appear in the top three choices. Zesty Zane’s will also invest in their website also to ensure that it is user friendly, always up to date, and displays professional photographs of its menu items and location.

Third Party Delivery Sites

Zesty Zane’s Food Truck will maintain a presence on sites like GrubHub, Uber Eats, Doordash, and Postmates so that people looking for local food with the option of delivery will see Zesty Zane’s listed.

The pricing of Zesty Zane’s Food Truck will be moderate and on par with other food trucks so customers feel they receive value when purchasing their menu items.

Operations Plan

The operations plan for Zesty Zane’s Food Truck is relatively simple as its overhead and cost is small. The functional roles for its employees are as follows:

Operation Functions:

• Chef Zane will run the food truck operation. He will be in charge of inventory, menu creation, food truck marketing, customer service, and bookkeeping. Chef Zane will work every day that he chooses to open the food truck. Chef Zane plans on operating the food truck Tuesday through Sunday 11:00 am to 1:00 am.
• Two part-time cooks that will alternate helping Chef Zane during the hours of operation. As business picks up, there will be two cooks at the same time assisting Chef Zane during peak hours.

Milestones:

Zesty Zane’s Food Truck aims to open in the next 3 months. The following are the milestones needed in order to obtain this goal.

4/15/202X – Purchase food truck

5/1/202X – Finalize menu

5/15/202X – Social media and advertising campaign begins

6/1/202X – Finish cleaning up the food truck and prepare it for operation

6/10/202X – Purchase food and drink inventory, stock truck, and park it at Cartopia

6/11/202X – Grand Opening of Zesty Zane’s Food Truck

Zesty Zane’s Food Truck will be owned and operated by Chef Zane Benedict.

Chef Zane Benedict, Food Truck Owner

Chef Zane Benedict is a Portland native who attended culinary school in San Francisco and returned to Portland to become a part of the world-renowned food scene Portland is uniquely known for. Zane was trained under three different chefs at fine dining establishments in downtown Portland and was awarded Best Sous Chef of Portland in 2017. Chef Zane has won two local culinary competitions, placed runner-up in a statewide competition, and participated in a cooking competition show on the Food Network.

Chef Zane has received numerous awards for his creativity and consistency of his food while being able to prepare dishes in a short amount of time. His ability to prepare food under pressure allows him the unique skill of serving numerous customers without having them undergo long wait times. This will keep customers happy and coming back for more.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Zesty Zane’s Food Truck will come from the menu items being offered daily.

The cost drivers will be the ingredients and products needed to make the menu items (oil, bread, meat, chicken, produce, drinks) as well as the cooking materials (pots, pans, bowls, plates, utensils, etc.). Other cost drivers will be the overhead expenses of payroll for the part-time employees and propane for the food truck.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

• Food Truck Marketing (website design and management) – $5,000

Key Assumptions

The following table outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the business loan.

Initial Number of Customers Per Day: 50

Average Menu Item Cost: $9.00

Average Order per Customer: $15.00

Annual Cost for Maintenance of Truck: $10,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, food truck business plan faqs, what is a food truck business plan.

A food truck business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your food truck business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can  easily complete your food truck business plan using our Food Truck Business Plan Template here .

What Are the Main Types of Food Truck Companies?

There are a variety of types of food trucks, each specializing in a specific type of cuisine or food item. There are food trucks that sell burgers, cookies, ice cream, tacos, pizza, sandwiches, salads and more.  

What Are the Main Sources of Revenues and Expenses for a Food Truck Business?

The primary source of revenue for food truck businesses is its food and beverage sales. 

The key expenses for a food truck business are food costs, salaries, and transportation expenses. 

How Do You Get Funding for Your Food Truck Business?

Food truck businesses are typically funded through small business loans, personal savings, crowdfunding and credit card financing.  A well-crafted food truck business plan is essential to securing funding.

What are the Steps To Start a Food Truck Business?

Starting a food truck business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Food Truck Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed business plan for your food truck that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your food truck business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your food truck business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Food Truck Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your food truck business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your food truck business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary Food Truck Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your food truck business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your food truck business. Food truck marketing includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful food truck business:

• How to Start a Food Truck Business

Where Can I Get a Food Truck Business Plan PDF?

You can download our free food truck business plan template PDF here . This is a sample food truck business plan template you can use in PDF format.

Other Business Plan Templates

Catering Business Plan Template Bakery Business Plan Template Coffee Shop Business Plan Template Event Venue Business Plan Template

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Food Truck Business Plan

With the expanding popularity of street food and drinks, trying global cuisine, and busy schedules, the street vendor culture is increasing. The interesting thing is you are going to join this market in the period when the demand is growing.

With the selection of the food truck, buying equipment, and hiring the right people, have you forgotten to plan your business thoroughly? If yes, then here is our food truck business plan template with examples that will help you plan yours.

From industry trends to various examples; we have covered it all. So, let’s wait no more and proceed.

Key Takeaways

• A business plan offers strategic direction for your food truck business, helping you set and achieve your goals.
• The executive summary is an important part, so keep it briefly engaging.
• Conducting a thorough industry analysis is crucial to understanding the food truck market, including its size, trends, key players, and local demographics.
• With high competition in the food industry, you need a robust marketing plan.
• Keep your financial projections practical and do not have extravagant expectations.

Food Truck Industry Highlights

Before diving right into the business plan guide, let’s go through some food industry trends and statistics:

• The industry size of street vendors in the USA was around $2.29 billion in 2021.
• In the US, there were 67,271 food trucks in 2022, growing at an average annual rate of 18.1% per year over the five years 2017-2022.
• The popularity of plant-based diets as in vegan options is growing.
• From Thai food to spicy Mexican food, food trucks are serving everything and anything showcasing the popularity of street food.
• Food trucks are not limited to evenings, they are exploring new markets like corporate campuses, universities, and residential areas for breakfast and lunch time too.

How to Write a Food Truck Business Plan (Description + Examples)

1. executive summary.

An executive summary is the summary of the whole business plan. It is the first section of the business plan and probably the only section your readers will go through.

It is normally the part that business owners prefer to write at the end because, till then they will have a keen understanding of the whole business plan.

Start your summary with a brief introduction to your business (about who you are and what services you will provide). After that, mention the other things like:

• Products and services
• Business goals
• Food truck objectives
• Mission statement
• Market Opportunity
• Target market
• Food truck business concept
• Financial summary
• Financial projections

Here is an example of a mission statement:

Tip: the executive summary is a quick overview, so keep it simple and engaging.

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2. Company Overview

Provide detailed information about your food truck business in this section. It includes the food truck concept, name, location, legal structure of your business, and everything else about your business.

Here is an example of a business description made by the use of Upmetrics:

Also, do not forget to mention the type of food truck you are going to start, for instance, your business might be the one from below: 

• Gourmet food trucks 
• Taco trucks 
• Pizza trucks 
• Burger and sandwich trucks 
• Dessert trucks 

If you already have another local food truck and this is the other one, then write the business history about your food business.

After that, mention the vision and mission of your food truck business along with the future goals. Include the names, qualifications, and specializations of the owners.

3. Industry Analysis

The industry analysis will give you all the details about the food industry you are going to enter. It will support you in a better understanding of your business.

Here are some types of questions you might ask while conducting a food industry analysis:

• What is the current size of the food truck industry in the USA?
• What are the major trends in the food truck industry?
• Who are the huge players in the industry and what is their market share?
• How is technology affecting the food truck industry?
• What is the average price range and spending limit of the customers?

In short, industry analysis will help you have a better understanding of the market and support you in making informed decisions.

4. Competitive Analysis

Competitive analysis will help you to know the price point and positioning of your business in the food industry. This way you will also get to know about your direct and indirect competitors, as in other food trucks in your location.

Start your competitive analysis section by listing all your competitors with all their plus points and negative points. Some of the questions you might ask to know your competitors are:

• What food items does their menu include?
• What is their market share?
• What are their USPs and what do their customers like about them the most?
• How much does a food truck cost?
• What is their pricing strategy?
• What are the weaknesses through which you can have a competitive advantage?

After getting all the above answers, analyze your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to get a better understanding of your USPs.

This way you can get to know the USP of a food truck business. Once you get the USP, flaunt it in your own business plan.

5. Market Analysis

Competition in the restaurant industry is high, and to get a small gap to enter the market is a huge opportunity. Once you enter the market, it is time to define and mention your target market first.

Your target audience will depend on the type of food truck services you provide and the location of your food truck.

Once you know who you are going to serve, then understand the market by knowing the current trends and customer preferences. For example, some of the market trends for a food truck are:

• Health conscious diet
• Local sourcing
• Food transparency
• Kiosks (contactless ordering and payment)
• Creative menu items

At the end of the market analysis, do mention the regulatory environment a food business needs to follow in the particular location.

6. Sample Menu

One of the most necessary steps to launch your food truck business is designing the sample menu. Generally, food truck businesses provide fast-preparing meals.

A sample menu forces you to think about what will you make and serve your customers. Consider where you will store uncooked food, what you will need to prepare that food, and what you will use to serve that food to your customers.

Your menu should be in coordination with your target customers; for example, if you have students around the corner then design your menu with fast-serving dishes.

The menu is also a part of your branding, so keep the color and design of the menu the same as your food truck. Here is an example of including your menu in the food truck business plan:

7. Sales and Marketing Plan

You can see a food truck in the corner of every alley, so you need to reach customers and not wait for them to come to you. For that, you will need a food truck marketing strategy in place. Some of the strategies are:

Create a professional and mobile-friendly website including your location, contact information, and images of the food items you offer. This will help local customers find you online.

Social media marketing

Maintain active profiles on TikTok, Twitter, FaceBook, Instagram, and all other major social media platforms to spread your reach. It will help your target market to recognize you and will interest them to visit your food truck.

Loyalty programs

Think of implementing a loyalty program to reward your existing customers. You can offer free food dishes, BOGO offers, discounts, or any other such thing. These programs can help you increase the customer retention rate and encourage them to visit your business more.

Community engagement

Participate in food truck gatherings, local events as a stall, and other fun food festivals. Engage with the local community by sponsoring or collaborating with local organizations. Building a strong local reputation can help you reach a wide customer base.

Email marketing

Send regular newsletters, special offers, discounts, and event invitations to everyone whose details you got from your website. Email marketing can be a powerful tool for customer retention and engagement.

8. Management team

Letting your readers or investors know who is behind your food truck will allow them to understand your business more.

The management team is all about who is behind the wheels of your food truck and what are their roles. If you are starting a new food truck, then showcasing your experienced managers or head chef will make your business look stronger.

Here is an example of a management team:

9. Business Operations

In the entire business plan we have talked about goals, but here is the point where you have to mention what will you do to fulfill those goals.

Everyday goals

They are the heart and soul of your food truck business. From buying the most qualitative food items to fulfilling customers’ needs and everything in between is included.

Long-term goals

It’s all about milestones: the moments that make you pop the champagne. Picture celebrating your 10,000th delivery, hitting that milestone sales figure you’ve dreamt of, or expanding your team.

10. Financial Plan

For a successful food truck business, you will need a proper financial plan with realistic financial projections. In this section add the financial statements like income statement, cash flow statement, and balance sheet for 3-5 years.

• Income statement

An income statement is also known as a profit and loss statement, which describes the profitability of the business by deducting expenses from revenue.

The income statement is one of the important things your investors will focus on. So, don’t be greedy and display huge impractical numbers.

• Balance sheet

Balance sheets display your assets and liabilities. Although they can contain a lot of details, like equity, goodwill, other intangible assets, etc.

• Cash flow statement

Your cash flow statement helps you see how much money you need to start or grow your business and avoid running out of money. This cash flow should be maintained even for certain months after launch that is before you start making profits.

Surprisingly, you can make a profit but still face financial problems that could lead to bankruptcy. Therefore, you will need proper cash flow planning to avoid such circumstances. Here is an example of a 5-year cash flow statement:

Why Do You Need a Business Plan for Your Food Truck?

If you are wondering why there is a lot more voice for a business plan, then consider this:

• A food-truck business plan offers a strategic direction to your business goals and helps you achieve them.
• A business plan will also help you understand the finances of your business and help you to secure funding.
• It will clarify the vision of your food truck, so you can focus on the daily operations.
• Also, it allows you to know specific risks you might face in the future, as a result, you will be prepared.

Now that you have plenty of reasons to have a food truck business plan, start writing one.

Related Food Truck Resources

• Food Truck Financial Plan
• How Much Does It Cost To Start A Food Truck
• How to Start a Food Truck Business

Download a Food Truck business plan template

Ready to kick-start your business plan writing process? And not sure where to start? Here you go, download our free food truck business plan pdf , and start writing.

This intuitive, modern, and investment-ready template is designed specifically for food truck businesses. It includes step-by-step instructions & examples to help in creating your own food-truck business plan.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

Write Your Business Plan with AI

Lastly! With the help of our food truck business plan template, you know how to write a business plan. So, you are a step closer to starting or expanding your food truck business exciting, right?

You know what else is exciting? Making your business planning process a lot smoother than this; yes, it is possible with the AI assistant of Upmetrics.

So, take a deep breath as we will take care of your business plan, and focus only on your business operations.

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Frequently asked questions, can i start a food truck business without a formal business plan.

You can start a food truck business without a professional business plan, but it is not advisable, as a business plan will act as your roadmap. If you are going to start your business with bootstrapping, then you can take the risk of not writing a food truck business plan.

How often should I update my food truck business plan?

Your food truck business plan is a live document. So, you can edit it wherever and whenever you want. Ideally, you can read and edit your business plan once a month or as many times as required.

What should I include in the financial projections section of the business plan?

In a food truck business plan, you will need various estimated financial statements like

• Break-even analysis
• Sales forecast
• Uses of Funds
• Financial ratios

What are some tips for writing a food truck business plan template?

Some tips for writing a food truck business plan are:

• Be clear and concise about your goals
• Use data and statistics to support all your claims
• Be practical and realistic about your financial projections
• Ask friends and family to give feedback on your plan
• Read and re-read it before presenting it to your investors

What is the ideal length for a food truck business plan template?

Generally, the length of a business plan is around 15-35 pages. It also depends on the audience of your business plan, the type of your business, and the type of your business plan. As for a one-page business plan, the length is going to be 1 page.

About the Author

Vinay Kevadiya

Vinay Kevadiya is the founder and CEO of Upmetrics, the #1 business planning software. His ultimate goal with Upmetrics is to revolutionize how entrepreneurs create, manage, and execute their business plans. He enjoys sharing his insights on business planning and other relevant topics through his articles and blog posts. Read more

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How to Write a Food Truck Business Plan – Download Template

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Want to look inside the business plan of a real food truck business? We’ve organized detailed business plan templates from successful food trucks and made them available to you in PDF and Word doc in this post. In addition to offer templates, we give you detailed instruction how to complete each section of the plan using this guide.

Before we dive in, keep in mind that it could take weeks if not months of planning to develop a business plan that’s helpful. Whatever time takes for you to write the business plan will be well spent. When researched correctly this document serves as the “game plan” for operating your entire mobile food business and sets the direction of your company.

Approach this document seriously because it can become the roadmap to operate your business and ensure you’re set up for success. When you’ve finished writing your plan, you should know where you plan to vend, estimated food costs, the marketing plan, and how you’ll raise money for the food truck. Pretty important stuff right? Let’s dig in.

Introduction

I want you to get the most value possible out of your business planning process. Why? I believe having an accurate business plan gives you the best odds of success for operating a profitable food truck.

And if you’re going to be investing tens of thousands of dollars into a food truck or trailer, cooking equipment, and permits, why not invest a few days creating a detailed plan for how to run the business.

Here’s one example why going through this process can be helpful from our Annual Food Truck Academy class, where train future food truck owners how to start a food truck. One student completed her research estimating food cost, overhead, and anticipated sales as part of her business plan. Then she came back and revealed that based on her current plan, the food truck wouldn’t be profitable. After factoring in tax, labor, and food costs there were no profits left over.

Our student was initially discouraged by the numbers, but I was happy. It’s much better to identify a revenue short-fall before you start the business than months after when you see sales coming in, but can’t figure out why there’s nothing left in the bank account. As a result of the work invested on the front end through planning, she was able to evaluate her ingredient cost and pricing to create a business plan that set herself up for success.

Still, many first time food vendors don’t take the time to put in this work. It’s a shame because it’s so easily avoidable.

One more tip before we get into researching and writing the business plan, don’t get overly hung-up on the structure of the document. Unless you plan to apply for a small business loan (then you will need to be more concerned about formatting, but let’s worry about that later), you’re not going to be graded on how pretty the document looks or how nice the nice fonts and illustrations. This isn’t an assignment for school where you’re going through the motions to get a B.

Instead focus your energy on making this plan useful for your business. Find specific locations that you plan to sell food. Get the contact information for these venues to learn how you can get into them. Figure out your exact food cost and how much it’s going to cost to get permits in your area. Putting ink to paper or word document is going to make the operations of your business real.

Now let’s get on with making your game plan!

Note to Reader: This is part of a series of posts following the process of starting a food truck with Anthony Salvagno (featured in the image below) as he writes a business plan, seeks funding, develops a concept, builds a menu, and ultimately launches his first food truck. Listen to the audio lesson inside this post to learn more about writing a winning food truck business plan.

The person that doesn’t have one [a business plan] sets themselves up for failure. – Anthony Salvagno on the importance of thinking before leaping into a business.

Serious about Starting a Food Truck?  Click Here To Get Our Free Food Truck Business Kit.

Download Business Plan Templates

In my opinion, this case study is most effective when listening to the audio and downloading the example that Salvagno was kind enough to provide for this post. I’ve also linked to other resources that can help you write your own business plan.

Download Business Plan – Yes, this is the PDF business plan used to acquire $5,000 for a food truck during a business pitch competition. This document is referenced in the companion podcast.

Download Business Plan Template – Here’s a sample template you can use and edit for your own truck.

SBA – Create Your Business Plan – The Small Business Administration (SBA) does an excellent job outlining the steps needed to create a business plan. It’s not food truck specific, but it gives you what you need and there’s plenty of valuable information here.

You can learn a lot by reading business plans for other food businesses like restaurants as well. Operating a profitable restaurant is similar to operating a successful mobile food business. The main different is that a trailer is that it’s mobile.

Components of a Business Plan

Below is an outline of the key sections you’ll need to complete for a standard business plan with a description of how each section applies to a food truck or trailer business. Complete each section and you’ve got yourself a real plan for your business my friend.

Keep in mind that if you’re creating this document for yourself and not a banker you don’t need to get fancy with the formatting. The important thing is to have a detailed plan for the business before you open. If you feel the burning desire to make this look nice, you can make formatting updates after the

Executive Summary:

This is an overview of the information contained in the business plan and should introduce the name of your food truck and the food you plan to serve. This section should only be one page in length. Give readers the high-level overview of what the plan. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to dive into the nitty gritty in the next sections of the document.

The purpose of this section in most business plans is to give prospective investors information about your startup. Lenders reviewing a small business loan might be another audience, although they will be much more focused on financial side of things. But for most of our readers this section is for you, a business partner, and potentially a spouse.

For our Executive Summary we included 2 – 3 sentences describing these important aspects of the business. The provides anyone reading this document with a general understanding of what the business is and how it expects to make money:

• The food item we plan to sell and specialize in.
• The key people that will manage the business. In this case, the food truck will be owned and operated by two partners.
• The business entity we plan to form. We formed an LLC.
• Where you plan to operate the business and hours of operation. Our initial plan had us operating 5 days per week for lunch and dinner.
• The basic marketing plan. Again you’ll dive into the details in the marketing and sales portion of the document.
• Projected cost to fund the business and anticipated revenue.
• Future goals. How will you know you’ve won? For some this will be a specific revenue number and for others this could be opening up a franchise with 100s of locations.

Again, unless you plan to bring on outside investors don’t worry too much about perfect formatting in the executive summary. This is to ensure you and your partners are clear on the high-level plan for the business.

Food Truck Mission Statement:

The mission statement for a food truck can be as short as a sentence or as long as a paragraph. This statement should define what you plan to serve, who you will serve, and the ultimate vision for the business. When done right the mission statement should guide every major decision you make for the business.

Here’s the mission statement from our business plan as an example: 

To provide the residents of our city, young and old, an out of this world gourmet peanut butter and jelly inspired sandwich experience. We use local ingredients and provide gluten-free, contaminant-free products for those with special dietary needs.

When a mission statement is done right it should actually influence how you operate and run your business day to day. For example, since the utilization of local ingredients is part of our mission statement, we’ve got to actively be looking for local suppliers to buy inventory. If we don’t, we’ve failed.

We also need to consider the dietary needs of different groups of people. This impacts the sandwiches we put on our menu every day. Again, if we don’t do this, won’t reach the goal we’ve set out to achieve.

A mission statement can be the most influential part of the business plan when it’s used the right way. On the other hand, this guide can be forgotten when it’s not used to guide decisions. To learn more about making impactful mission statements, watch this interview to go deeper on the subject.

Company Concept and Description:

This is the fun part. Here you will describe what you hope the food truck will become, the food you plan to serve, and why you believe it will be a successful business. For most food trucks this section only needs to be a few paragraphs in length.

Make sure to include information on why your food is both desirable and unique to customers in the area. Also, if you have some type of theme, like an island theme for example, include little details like this in the description.

If you plan to operate something more mainstream like taco truck, take the time to express what it is that makes you different in your market. A common way food trucks differentiate themselves is through their ingredients or style. For example, you could be the only taco truck in town that uses organic, locally raised meats. Or you might be the only one in town that specializes in making fish tacos. Find a way to standout and offer something that isn’t available elsewhere.

You want folks that read this section to be able to clearly envision the kind of overall experience they’ll enjoy when visiting your food truck. Here are a few guidelines for writing this section:

• What food will you serve?
• How is your food different than other vendors in the area?
• Is there a specific type of consumer you want to attract?

As you can see from our own business plan, we differentiated ourselves through seasonal menu changes all the time and have menu options that cater to people that require a gluten-free diet. It’s also worth noting that our core product of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches is unique to the market.

Market Analysis:

Understand the players in your market before starting a business.

For smaller markets with a couple hundred thousand people living nearby this section might be short and include just 4 – 5 other trucks. However, if you’re entering a market like Los Angeles this section will be larger and more in-depth.

If you’re planning to enter a market that has 10 traditional taco trucks and you plan to start a traditional taco truck too, it will be to differentiate yourself from other vendors in the area.

Consider adding a spin to your own food concept like serving Asian tacos instead to provide local consumers will more variety and fill a potential need. If you’re not sure about the type of truck you want to create yet, looking at the market and seeing what type of food is missing can be a smart way to approach this.

In this area you’ll also want to identify the type of customer that will frequent your establishment. Any data about local trends that you can find will be useful to include as well like this report from IBIS World that forecasts growth in the United States food truck industry for the next 5 years. Google can be a good friend in locating the data to include in the document.

Management Structure:

Most food truck owners start with a management structure of one.

This section is straightforward for most food vendors. You can list yourself as the owner and operator if that applies. But don’t forget about key employees or partners too. Many food trucks need a team of 3 – 5 employees to operate successfully during a lunch rush. Make sure these long-term players are accounted for.

In our business plan, it’s a partnership between brothers. The work load is split up between one brother operating the front of the house and marketing: accepting orders, booking new business and events, emailing and calling catering leads. The other brother focuses more on the chef duties including sourcing ingredients, cooking food, working with suppliers, and ensuring food quality.

Industry Survey Results: What is the Average Income of a Food Truck Vendor?

If you have more than one owner of the business this is where you want to take the opportunity to clearly define roles. This is an extremely important section of the document when multiple parties and their money are involved. By outlining everyones responsibilities in this document, it serves as a record of who was in responsible for certain aspects of the business. The more people involved, the more diligent you need to be with assigning tasks.

If it’s not written down, it’s easy for partners to recall things differently. This will help avoid conflict in the future for all parties involved. You need this.

The more stakeholders involved, the more complicated this section will be. You should also include investors and advisors in this section even when people aren’t excepted to help with the daily business operations. Outline what value these people have delivered to the business and what return they can expect in the future.

Product Line:

Ready-made meals can be a great way to diversify your product line.

Finally… This is the section you finally get to describe your food. I recommend outlining the main menu items and any signature dishes that you have in this section. But don’t stop at just the food that you plan to serve.

Other products and services that you plan to offer could include corporate catering gigs or weddings. These can be the biggest money makers for a mobile food vendor.

It pays to think outside the box too in this section. Some vendors that started out by serving food out the window of a truck exclusively have now begun to sell their trademark dishes in stores, online, or at restaurant. Don’t forget to think about possible paths for growth in the business.

• Previous guest of the show Martie Richie of Motley Crews is an excellent example of someone that is doing just that. They’ve expanded to selling snacks online through their e-commerce website and at local gas stations.
• Malcolm decided to open a restaurant to attain more consistent sales, especially through the slow winter months.

Sales and Marketing:

A food truck can serve as a mobile promotional platform.

How do you plan to market your business and get sales? One of the biggest factors that determine the success / failure of a lunch truck is location. Will you be able to get into major events or areas with a lot of potential customers?

One of the biggest favors you can do for yourself to input into your sales and marketing plan is to create a tentative list of places you might be able to vend. Get extremely granular with this task. In fact, it might even help to print out a map to evaluate where the best potential vending locations are in your area.

Here’s the information you should gather as part of this process. You can add this information inside the sales and marketing section of the business plan as you gather it. 

• Name of the vending location and cost details.
• Contact information including telephone, email, and address. Ideally a dedicated point of contact in charge of booking vendors.

Here are some locations that work well for food trucks:

• Farmer’s markets: You can usually find vendor information listed on the website.
• Annual events: Browse your cities website for a list of upcoming events like car shows, fairs, or parades.
• Social Media: One of the easiest ways to find good vending locations is to monitor the social media accounts of popular food trucks in your city. If they are vending somewhere, it’s probably a lucrative location that you might be able to vend at as well.
• Corporate Workplaces:  Big corporate employers with a few thousand employees working at a single location can be a good option for generating consistent lunch sales.
• Breweries and Wineries: Places like this often don’t want to build in a restaurant into their operations and partner with mobile food vendors to supply food to guests.

Pro Tip: Make sure to have a a lot of  different parking location options before getting started. Not every location you try is going to be profitable. By developing a big list of opportunities upfront, you won’t feel stressed about vending options because your dream vending location didn’t work out.

There are an endless number of tactics you can use to attempt to drum up business in the early days, but for most successful food business getting into events with big hungry crowds is the first step to building a brand locally and gaining traction. Learn more about finding profitable vending locations here.

Funding Request:

Just another day on the food truck.

The key to a good funding request is knowing exactly how much money you need and having a detailed plan explaining how you plan to use it. For food truck owners, the biggest early expense will be in buying a food truck and the kitchen equipment installed onboard.

You should also account for the amount of money you’ve raised or have on hand in this section. In our business plan for example, we were looking at $55,000 all-in to start the business. This would include the purchase of a food truck, our initial inventory of food, and permits. Be extremely diligent in outlining how you intend to spend every dollar in this section. It will safe you time late in the process and lenders will appreciate your attention to detail.

We were able to bring $14,850 or 27% of that total investment to the table that was raised mostly through personal savings, a small crowd funding campaign, and winning a business plan contest. The remaining 73% was acquired through the help of a small business loan. Being able to start a real food business like this for below $15,000 out of pocket is pretty cool.

Reader’s Note: If you’re not planning to seek funding through a traditional bank (or are simply planning to take out a personal loan based on your credit history) you can technically disregard this section, although you should still analyze closely how you intend to spend your money.

If you plan on asking for friends and family for money this attention to detail can help too. Even if they’re not in the food industry, it’s easy to understand that a commercial oven or fridge could cost a few thousand dollars. If you have a specific use for funds that makes sense, it increases the likelihood of obtaining a loan with friendly terms amongst family.

Financial Projections:

This is an extremely important area to spend time on before starting a food truck. I’d argue this section is as important as the product, sales and marketing plan of the business plan. This section will offer your first insight into whether or not the business idea you have is going to work or not in its present form.

From a practical standpoint, the main thing you want to figure out is what your break-even point for the business is. In other words, how much food do you need to sell in order to pay all of your monthly expenses? This is a simple, but critical question you must find the answer to before getting started.

You can determine the break-even point for a food truck business with this formula: 

Fixed Costs / (Price – Variable Costs) = Bread Even Point

Here’s the due diligence you’ll need to complete to find the break-even point for your food truck:

• Add up the total monthly expenses you expect for the food truck to find your fixed cost number. This number will include loan payments, insurance, cell phone, and everything else you need to pay on a monthly. Use our guide to create a quick estimate of monthly costs.
• The price refers to how much you plan to charge customers and how many sales you anticipate in a given month. From your perspective the less sales you need to break even the better as it will.
• The variable costs is the expenses you put into cost of goods sold. In your case this if the food you’re selling. As you sell more, your variable cost will also increase because you need to buy more product. This is a good thing!

Based on your current fixed cost and variable cost estimates, find out how many total sales of your food total you would need to generate to pay all your bills. Does that number seem seem attainable based on the frequency you plan to vend each month?

Figuring out what your sales is going to be in the future will be the biggest leap of faith you make in the business plan. I always urge people to be being super conservative with sales estimates. You are going to have slow days and extremely busy days when you get out into the real world. Being financially ready for challenging times will make your business more resilient.

Forecasting Financial Projections:

In the financial projections, focus on estimating how much money you will make in the first year of the business. Investing too much time on longterm projections 5-years out doesn’t make any sense since you haven’t actually started the business yet. After the business has been operating for about a month, you’ll want to go back and review the previous estimates to ensure everything is making sense.

While estimating the projected revenue will require some guessing, figuring out startup and monthly operating expenses once the business gets going is much simpler. While there might be unexpected expenses that pop up before opening the business, you already know the monthly bills like insurance, phone, inventory, loan payments (if you have one), commissary.  Read our post that includes a spreadsheet on the Complete Breakdown of Food Truck Operation Costs for help researching this section.

Here are a few other quick tips for the financial projections section: 

• Always start a business with some extra capital on hand and establish an emergency business fund. We suggest $3,000 – $5,000 minimum. You don’t want to find yourself underfunded going into the second week so and not be able to purchase supplies. Unfortunately, break downs also happen in this business so you want to be ready for them.
• You’ll need to be comfortable making a few “educated guesses” in this section especially when it comes to revenue projections. Always be conservative with sales estimates. If you do end of exceeding expectations then that’s fantastic.
• The primary goal of completing this process is to understand how much money you’ll require to operate the business and break even on a monthly basis. After determining a break-even, find out how much it will require to pay yourself a comfortable wage after taxes.

This is the place to include your permit from the health department, photos of the vehicle, and other legal documents needed to operate a mobile food business. This is a good spot to add photos of food or people smiling and enjoying your meals at events (if you’ve vended at an event already). Add in anything else you feel could be helpful too.

Bonus Tips When Creating Your Building Plan

Here are a few key concepts pulled straight from the audio companion of this guide.

• Don’t be afraid to ask current food truck owners for help when writing a plan. They have the best understanding of what the market looks like and may even help you to create more accurate market projections. Not everyone will be willing to lend a hand, but some might.
• The financial projections section is the most important and practical element of the business plan. You need this to be able to evaluate how much money you’ll to start the business and what prices you’ll need to charge for longterm success.
• Don’t invest a ton of your time into longterm projections especially years 3, 4, and 5 of the food truck. Restaurants come and go. You won’t be able to make accurate projections out that far anyway.
• You should be extremely detailed when estimating expenses. Including often overlooked items like sandwich wrappers, napkins, mops, buckets, and cleaning supplies. Knowing how much cash you need for day one of starting the truck right is critical.

Is Creating a Business Plan a Total Waste of Time?

Good question. That really depends on who you ask.

There’s a whole group of like savvy entrepreneurs and business people who don’t believe in the business plan at all. They’re like okay, you have this written document that you never ever use again. But then there’s this whole other group of people that actually believe in the business plan.

If you’re planning to try to get a traditional bank loan you will need to create a business plan. Having a written plan does not guarantee you will be approved for a loan. In fact, you might get turned down even with an okay credit history.

While it’s not perfect, I firmly believe going through the process of writing a business plan, when taken seriously improves your chances of success. You want to understand your competition. You want to understand where you plan to park. You want to have a few ideas about how you might market your business and what your overhead is going to be before starting the business. This document helps you make more educated decisions based on the work you’ve put in.

The Bottom Line: Will drafting a detailed business plan like this one take a long time? You bet it will. If you do it right, it could easily take a month or two to complete. But the benefits of doing so can be worth it and pay dividends for the life of your business.

So what’s the next step? I suggest enrolling in our free food truck business kit to learn more about the startup process. 

Want to start your own food business?

Hey! 👋I’m Brett Lindenberg, the founder of Food Truck Empire.

We interview successful founders and share the stories behind their food trucks, restaurants, food and beverage brands. By sharing these stories, I want to help others get started.

If you liked this story, sign up for our newsletter that includes our food business startup kit and most popular interviews sent straight to your inbox.

Know someone interesting that should be interviewed on the website? Tell us about them here. 

About the Author: Brett Lindenberg

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How to Start a Food Truck Business

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1. Plan your costs and find a truck

2. get approved by the board of health, 3. get permits and licenses, 4. decide how you’re going to prepare your food, 5. hire employees and get mobile food vendor badges, 6. figure out where to park, 7. start marketing and promoting your food truck, 8. consider using a point-of-sale system, 9. perfect your day-to-day plan, the bottom line.

Lining the streets and sidewalks of every corner with cheap, tasty eats, food trucks — once thought to be just a fad — have proven they’re here to stay. In the past several years, the multi-billion-dollar food truck industry has become increasingly popular as sidewalk chefs reinvent street food, launching the gourmet food truck craze. From 2016 to 2021, the industry saw a 7.5% growth rate, according to Los Angeles-based industry-research firm IBISWorld — and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

However, starting a food truck business is not as simple as buying a truck and cooking up some food. With any new entrepreneurial endeavor, and particularly food businesses , there is a lot of planning and preparation required even before you get into the details of the actual operation.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through, step by step, how to start a food truck. Plus, we’ll include tips from Debbie and Derek Kaye — who run the booming tri-state food truck business, Eddies Pizza Truck & Cart.

Before we break down our steps on how to start a food truck business specifically, let’s briefly discuss some of the actions you’ll want to take first — when you start a food truck, or any other business:

Write a business plan: Although you may want to get your food truck up and running as soon as possible, a well-thought-out business plan will certainly help you in the long run. By thinking out your long-term plan ahead of time, you’ll have a guide to follow as you continue through the process of starting your food truck.

Choose your business legal structure: Before you start thinking about trucks, cooking and where to park, you’ll need to decide how your business will legally be structured. Will you operate as a sole proprietorship or maybe a partnership? A business attorney or online legal service may be useful in helping you make this decision.

Register your business: Once you’ve determined your legal structure, you’ll want to register your business name, if necessary, as well as register for federal, state and local taxes. You’ll more than likely need to get an employee identification number, or EIN, from the IRS.

Open a business bank account: After you’ve registered for your taxes, you’ll want to open a business bank account as the first crucial step in separating your business and personal finances. This account will be the base for you to manage and organize your funds as you go through the process of starting a food truck.

At this point, you’ll be in good shape to actually get your business off the ground. Let’s break down how to start a food truck:

First, you’ll need to think about costs.

How much does it cost to start a food truck? It’s hard to give an accurate estimate for startup costs because there are so many possibilities in what you’ll need to get started. First, you’ll have to find the right truck for your business and you’ll likely have to get it custom made to fit your needs, which can cost anywhere from $20,000 and $40,000. You’ll also want to consider costs such as:

Ingredients and food.

Salary and benefits for employees.

Technology to operate your truck.

Marketing, advertising and more.

Your actual truck will be the largest and most pressing expense you’ll need to pay for. Before settling on a truck, you’ll want to have a few layout options, keeping in mind what specifically you’ll need for your food truck business.

You might consult various food truck vendors or other business owners to get a sense of what different layouts look like and which one might work best for you. It’s important to also keep in mind that things tend to break a lot more on a truck, cautioned Debbie Kaye, so you’ll want to make sure you consider this in your planning process and have enough finances on hand in case the inevitable happens.

“Appliances weren’t meant to be on wheels, so they frequently need repairing,” she tells us.

With this in mind, you might also think about your various food truck financing options — such as different loans and business credit cards — to cover many of your startup costs.

How much do you need?

with Fundera by NerdWallet

We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

Next, you’ll have to sort through the rules and regulations you’ll need to abide by. As a food-based business, there will definitely be more considerations to take within this regard.

Therefore, you’ll likely want to first determine what Board of Health regulations you need to follow. It probably isn’t surprising to learn that just like health department inspectors check food at restaurants, the same goes for food trucks. Most inspections are conducted to at least verify the following:

Proof of ownership, identification and license of the vehicle.

Proof of District-issued Food Manager Identification Card.

Food is stored and kept at proper temperature.

Records of food purchase.

Health and fire codes are met.

After figuring out your health requirements, the next step involved in how to start a food truck is getting the necessary permits and business licenses. Once again, because starting a food truck business means handling food and serving it to customers, there will likely be a variety of regulations and permit requirements to sort through. Additionally, the specific licenses and permits you need will depend largely on your state and city.

In fact, some cities, including New York City, have limits on the number of truck permits issued at a time. You’ll want to visit your city’s website to find out exactly what you need to do to get the proper documentation. Keep in mind that this process may take time and will also likely include fees and proof of a Health Department permit, tax certification and liability coverage.

Once you’ve figured out the behind-the-scenes details and decided on your truck, it’s time to think about your product.

After all, a crucial part of learning how to start a food truck business is deciding what kind of food you’re going to make and sell, how that process will work, what you’ll need and what your menu will look like. As you think about these things and start making decisions, you’ll want to remember that unlike starting a restaurant with a brick-and-mortar location, a food truck has limited space — so it can be difficult to prepare food inside.

Therefore, you’ll want to decide whether it’s best for your business to prepare food ahead of time before heading out for the day’s work or if you can feasibly prepare everything on-site. Additionally, when perfecting your recipes, you’ll want to make sure the food on your menu can be repeated in large quantities, taste consistently good, is easy to serve, is easy to eat and can travel well.

With a food plan in mind, the next thing you’ll need to do when starting a food truck is think about hiring staff. In a small environment like a food truck, you obviously won’t be able to have too many employees, but depending on your food, process and the demand you may face, you’ll want to consider hiring help.

When you first start out, you may be able to work with friends, family or a partner, but if your food truck grows quickly, some part-time or full-time employees will likely be helpful. Plus, when it comes to food truck employees, you’ll need to go beyond the typical process of hiring and onboarding a team member.

To explain, aside from all the licenses and permits you need to get as a business owner, each of your employees needs to have a mobile food vendor badge in order to legally work and serve food in your truck. And, unfortunately, it takes about four months to get this badge.

“It is really frustrating to hire someone and tell them they can’t begin working for four months,” says Kaye. “It is quite the backward system that the food truck association has been trying to work on getting fixed, but no luck so far. If [you’re] caught without the badge, it is a $1,000 fine.”

If you anticipate you’ll need staff for your food truck, you’ll want to get this process out of the way and hire your first employee from the get-go. “It’s even more frustrating,” says Kaye, “because if your business loses an employee, you have to wait four months for a new employee to obtain their badge, which means that you might not have enough employees to work lunch and dinner services.”

One of the benefits (and also challenges) of starting a food truck business is the mobile element. While you have the ability to go (to a certain extent) where your customers are, you’ll also need to figure out where the best places are to attract customers, and perhaps just as importantly where you can and cannot park your truck.

Just as is the case with licenses and permits, the restrictions around parking for your food truck are going to be specific to your city; therefore, you’ll want to consult your local regulations to determine what your options are.

It’s very likely that if you’re in a larger location, like New York City, this process will be all the more difficult.

“Technically there is a book that lists where you can and can’t park,” says Kaye. “However, there is a loophole in the system and trucks can be moved by the police at any time from any spot. It is quite frustrating.”

These strict rules and regulations on New York City’s streets had the Kayes paying fines up to $1,000 a month at one time. According to Kaye, finding parking has only become more complicated as more gourmet food trucks are appearing around the city.

With this in mind, you’ll want to take extra care to determine the rules (and any possible loopholes) for your particular location.

First, you’ll need to plan and execute some marketing tactics to inform the local community of your food truck’s existence.

You might plan a “grand opening,” or see if you can take part in a local event to draw up attention and customers. You’ll also want to consider starting a website and social media presence, as well as advertising around town.

Moreover, as a mobile business, whose location can change on a daily basis, it’s important to keep your customers aware of where you’ll be. Whether this means making an established schedule on a weekly basis or simply keeping your customers up to date on your website or social media accounts, you’ll need to keep this in mind.

Although you may very well be able to run your food truck with a paper-based order system and a cash drawer, you might consider investing in a point-of-sale system to automate the process. With your food truck POS system , you’ll be able to manage orders, accept payments (including credit cards), as well as track inventory, create loyalty programs and more.

In fact, there are a variety of POS systems on the market designed specifically for food trucks.

By using one of these systems, you’ll be able to manage everything in one place, speed up and simplify your processes, and therefore, better serve your customers. This is especially important for food trucks, which often experience a rush of customers for a few short hours a day — meaning customers can end up waiting in long lines. In this case, you might consider using a pre-order system to help your food truck handle this kind of rush in business.

According to Kaye, running a food truck business is much more difficult than people think because most people see food trucks only operating during lunch hours.

“What people don’t think about is that to get our spot, we arrive at 6 a.m.,” she explains. “That means we get to our kitchen by 4 a.m. to prep and drive to the spot. After lunch, we drive back to our kitchen and have to clean the truck and the dishes. So for just a few hours of service, we work a 12- to 15-hour day.”

Therefore, like the Kayes, you’ll want to think about how your day-to-day will look: how you’ll work with your employees, where you’ll be on a daily basis, which days will require more time or investment than others. By planning ahead of time, even if just at the beginning of every week, you’ll be able to maximize your time and hopefully, your business as well.

Along these lines, you might also want to think about if your strategy will simply consist of parking around town or if you’ll consider taking part in local events, or even start catering .

Start Your Dream Business

Ultimately, learning how to start a food truck is going to take significant time, effort and investment.

Athough the competition has gotten tougher, if you’re able to carve out a niche, you have a great chance of success without the high costs of opening up a restaurant.

Moreover, if your plans are to open a restaurant eventually, a food truck can be a great starting point. For instance, Laura O’Neill and her co-founders, Ben and Pete Van Leeuwen, started the Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream truck in the spring of 2008. Since then, the trio has received so much success, their business now includes over 20 locations, including both storefronts and trucks in New York and LA.

According to O’Neill, the food trucks allowed the co-founders to explore different locations to figure out who the customers were and what kind of food they liked to eat. Therefore, in a way, it allows you to test out your food creations before having to commit to a costly lease and other high overheads.

Plus, as you figure out how to start a food truck and get your business up and running, you might ultimately decide the mobile business life is the way to go and continue to invest in different trucks around your city or state — the possibilities are endless.

This article originally appeared on JustBusiness, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.

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On a similar note...

Food Truck Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs create business plans to start and grow their food truck businesses. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through a business plan for a food truck business step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Food Truck Business Plan Template here >

What is a Food Truck Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your food truck business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Food Truck

If you’re looking to start a food truck business or grow your existing business you need a food truck business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your business in order to improve your chances of success. Your business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Funding Sources for a Food Truck Business

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a food truck business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors.

With regards to loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable. But they will want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business.

Angel Investors

Angel investors are another common form of funding for food trucks. Angel investors are wealthy individuals who will write you a check. They will either take equity in return for their funding or, like a bank, they will give you a loan. Venture capitalists will not fund a food truck business.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a food truck business plan.

The following food truck business plan sample will guide you to completing the 10 essential sections of your own food truck business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of food truck business you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have a food truck business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of many food trucks?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the food truck industry. Discuss the type of business you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers. Provide a snapshot of your food truck marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your realistic financial projections.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of mobile food business you are operating including a company description.

For example, you might operate one of the following types, based on your food truck’s cuisine:

• American : this type of food truck specializes in burgers and a general range of specialty sandwiches and hot dogs.
• Asian : this type of food truck includes a range of cuisines such as East Asian (including Chinese, Japanese, and Korean restaurants); Southeast Asian (including Vietnamese, Thai and Malaysian restaurants); and South Asian (including Indian, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi restaurants).
• Desserts : this type of food truck ranges from ice cream trucks serving soft serve, to larger, more sophisticated stands within larger food markets or event areas.
• Central and South American : this type of food truck serves cuisine known for intense and varied flavors and variety of spices.
• Fusion : this type of food truck serves novel options that are more sophisticated and creative interpretations of more traditional ethnic cuisines.

In addition to explaining the type of food truck you operate, the Company Analysis section of your business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What is your food truck mission statement?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include sales goals you’ve reached, new store openings, etc.
• Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

Also called the market analysis, you need to provide an overview of your food truck business.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the food truck industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy particularly if your research identifies target market trends. For example, if there was a trend towards Fusion food consumption, it would be helpful to ensure your plan calls for creative menu options.

The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in the food industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the market analysis section of your business plan:

• How big is the food truck market (in dollars)?
• Is the target market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What are the industry’s growth opportunities over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your business. You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your food truck start-up business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: college students, moms, teens, baby boomers, etc.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of food truck business you operate. Clearly, baby boomers would want different pricing and product options and would respond to different marketing promotions than college students.

Try to break out your target audience in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the target age group, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve. Because most food truck businesses primarily serve customers living in the same city or town, such demographic information is easy to find on government websites.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other food truck businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t direct competitors. This includes quick-service restaurants, supermarkets, and customers making the food themselves at home. You need to mention such competition to show you understand that not everyone frequents a food truck business each day.

With regards to direct competition, you want to detail the other food truck businesses with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be food truck businesses located very close to your location.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What products do they offer?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to stand outside your competitors’ locations and ask customers as they leave what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide superior food?
• Will you provide menu items that your competitors don’t offer?
• Will you make it easier or faster for customers to acquire your products?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a food truck business plan, your plan should include the following:

Product : in the product section you should reiterate the type of food truck business that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific products you will be offering. For example, in addition to burgers, will you offer items such as salads or wraps?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your marketing plan, you are presenting the menu items you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your food truck. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. For example, will you operate your food truck next to a heavily populated office building, or gym, etc. Discuss how your location might provide a steady stream of customers.

Promotions : the final part of your food truck business marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Making your food truck exterior extra appealing to attract passing customers
• Distributing food samples outside the food truck
• Advertising in local papers and magazines
• Sponsored listings on Yelp or other websites
• Participation in delivery services such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, etc.
• Reaching out to local bloggers and websites
• Social media advertising
• Partnerships with local organizations (e.g., gym members get a free fruit cup with each wrap they purchase)
• Local radio advertising
• Banner ads at local venues
• Develop a customer loyalty program

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your food truck business such as serving customers, procuring supplies, keeping the store clean, etc. It may also include information about your operational challenges and how you plan to overcome them.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to serve your 10,000th customer, or when you hope to reach $X in sales. It could also be when you expect to hire your Xth employee or launch a new truck.

Management Team

To demonstrate your food truck’s ability to succeed as a business, a strong management plan is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in the food truck business. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your management structure is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in food trucks and/or successfully running quick-service restaurants and small businesses.

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you serve 50 customers per day or 150? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

While balance sheets include much information, to simplify them to the key items you need to know about, balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. For instance, if you spend $100,000 on building out your food truck business, that will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $100.000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and make sure you never run out of money. What most food truck owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a food truck business:

• Cost of purchasing and customizing your food truck
• Cost of cooking equipment like grills, fryers, food warmers, refrigerators
• Food costs and projected cost to maintain an adequate amount of supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your store design blueprint, building permits, location lease, etc.

Food Truck Business Plan Summary

Now here comes the fun part — putting together your own business plan for your food truck business! If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will really understand the food truck business, your competition, and your customers. You will have developed a marketing strategy to get the word out and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful food truck business.

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Food truck business plan examples: 20+ templates & success guide.

Are you dreaming of your own food truck? A solid business plan is your first step. But where to start? Don’t worry! This guide covers everything from defining your concept to finding hungry customers. We’ll even share 20+  food truck business plan examples  and templates to make it easy. Let’s get cooking!”

Table of Contents

What are the essential components of a food truck business plan?

Executive summary: the quick intro.

This is a short snapshot of your idea. What’s your food truck all about? What makes you special?

• Example:  “Fresh Eats Food Truck is all about healthy and tasty food on the go! We’ll serve awesome salads, wraps, and juices to busy people who care about eating well.”

Company Description: Your Story

Tell us who’s behind the truck and why you’re doing this.

• Example:  “Fresh Eats was started by chef Sarah, who loves creating healthy dishes, and Michael, who knows how to run a business. Together, they’re the perfect team!”

Market Analysis: Know Your Customers

Who will buy your food (customer demographics)? Are there other food trucks nearby (competitor analysis)?

• Example:  “Fresh Eats is perfect for office workers who want a healthy lunch but don’t have much time. Other food trucks are around, but none focus on super healthy options like us.”

Menu and Pricing: What’s for Lunch?

Your menu is the star! Please tell us what you’ll serve, where you’ll get your ingredients, and how much things will cost (profit margins).

• Example:  “We change our salads with the seasons! You can build your wrap and add tasty toppings. We use the best stuff, so our prices might be slightly higher than the taco truck.”

Marketing and Sales Strategy: Spreading the Word

How will you find customers and excite them? Consider social media, partnering with businesses, and offering special offers.

• Example:  “We’ll post drool-worthy pics on Instagram and Facebook! We can park near office buildings at lunchtime and even bring food to company events.”

Operations: The Behind-the-Scenes Stuff

This is the practical part: where will you cook, who will help you, and how will you follow all the food safety rules and get the right permits?

• Example:  “We’ll rent space in a special kitchen to prep our food. We need a chef and a cashier when it’s busy. We’ll make sure to follow all the health department’s rules!”

Financial Projections: The Money Part

Here’s where you get serious about money. How much will it cost to start (startup costs)? How much will you earn (revenue forecast)?

• Example:  “We need money for the truck, kitchen stuff, and food to start. We think we can make $15,000 each month. Our goal is to start making a profit within six months!”

Why Do You Need a Food Truck Business Plan?

Think of your food truck business plan as your recipe for success. Here’s why:

• A Clear Map: Your plan forces you to think through every part of your awesome idea. What kind of food will you serve? Where will you park? How will you be different from other food trucks? Answering these questions gives you a solid direction.
• Show Me the Money! Need a loan or investor to get your truck rolling? A business plan shows them you’ve done your homework. It proves you understand the money side – how much things cost and how you’ll make a profit.
• Plan for the Unexpected: Your plan helps you think “what if?” What if your best ingredient gets super expensive? What if it rains the day of a big event? Having a backup plan means those problems won’t ruin your business.
• Reach Your Goals: Did you sell as much as you hoped? Are customers happy? Your plan lets you track your progress so you can see what’s working and what might need a change.
• Fuel for the Long Haul: Running a food truck is hard work, but also exciting! Your plan reminds you why you got into this in the first place and helps you stay motivated.

It’s More Than Just Paper:

• Opening Day Checklist: Your plan tells you which permits you need and the steps to get your truck up and running legally.
• Finding Hungry Customers: Think office lunch crowd or late-night party crowd? Your plan helps you figure out the best places to sell your food.
• Pricing for Success: Make sure you’re charging enough to make money but still keeping your prices fair. Your plan helps you find the perfect balance.
• Building Your A-Team: Will you need helpers? Your plan makes sure you hire the right number of people for those busy times.

Remember: Your plan can evolve along with your business! Look it over often, make changes when you need to, and use it to make smart decisions to keep your food truck on the road to success!

What are the Typical Startup Costs for a Food Truck?

Launching a food truck is like opening a restaurant on wheels – there are some costs you just can’t avoid. Here’s the rundown:

Food Truck Examples

• Buying New: Can cost as much as a small house!
• Buying Used: A cheaper option, but be sure to get a mechanic to check it out.
• Leasing: Like renting a truck – monthly payments instead of one huge upfront cost.

Your Mini-Kitchen Setup

• This depends on your food. Simple menu = cheaper equipment.
• Ovens, fryers, fridges…think of what a tiny restaurant would need.
• Don’t forget storage for napkins, utensils, and all that stuff!

The Official Paperwork

• Every city/state is different. Some places have lots of strict rules.
• Licenses: Give you permission to operate.
• Permits: Think food safety, parking spots, and fire inspections.

Branding and design:

• Your truck is your billboard! Think eye-catching paint or a wrap.
• Logo design: Makes you memorable.
• Menus: Need to be clear, easy to read, and look tasty.

Initial inventory: 

• Start with enough ingredients for your first few days.
• Overbuying means food going bad and wasted money.
• You’ll learn what you sell the most of as you go!

Important Note: Costs change depending on where you live, your menu, and if you buy new or used. Do a ton of research specific to your area!

What are the Legal Requirements for Starting a Food Truck?

Think of your food truck as a mini-restaurant with extra rules since you’re always on the move. Here’s the basics:

Become an Official Business

• Business License: This tells your city/state you exist. You’ll need one to get everything else.
• Picking a Name: Make sure no other business has the same name!

Food Safety is #1

• Health Permits: These prove your truck passes food safety inspections.
• Rules are STRICT – clean surfaces, proper food storage, etc.
• Each place you want to sell might have its own permit!

Your Truck Needs to Be Legit

• Just like a car, it needs registration (license plates) and insurance.
• Some places have rules about how big your truck can be, or where you can park.

You’re the Boss – Get Certified

• Food Safety Training: You (and probably your staff) need to take a class.
• This proves you know about keeping food germ-free and safe for your customers.

Rules can be totally different depending on where you live. Don’t just trust online info – contact your local health department and city hall!

How Specific Should Your Food Truck Concept Be?

How Specific Should Your Food Truck Concept Be

Finding the right balance between specific and too narrow is key for food truck success. Here’s what to think about:

• Stand Out From The Crowd: “Burgers and fries” isn’t going to cut it! You need something unique. Maybe it’s loaded burgers with crazy toppings, or all-vegan burgers.
• But Don’t Go Too Niche: “Kale smoothie truck”? Probably too limited. You need enough options to keep customers coming back, even if you do have a specialty.
• It’s More Than Just Food: Your concept is also about the vibe. Are you a gourmet hipster truck? A late-night comfort food spot? Matching this to your target audience is important.
• Location Matters: A seafood truck in the desert? Might be tough. Make sure there’s a demand and that your concept fits the area.

Finding the Sweet Spot: Examples

• Too Broad: “Sandwiches”. Boring!
• Too Narrow: “Peanut butter and banana sandwiches ONLY”. Gets old fast.
• Just Right: “Gourmet grilled cheese with a twist”. Specific but offers room for creativity and variety.

How To Conduct Market Research for Food Truck?

Food Truck Festival Business Plan Examples

Market research is like spying on your potential customers! It helps you figure out what they want and where to find them. Here’s how to tackle it:

Who’s Your Perfect Customer?

• Don’t just say “everyone”! Be specific.
• Age: Are you aiming for college students or busy families?
• Habits: Do they grab lunch on the go or hang out late?
• Tastes: Spicy food lovers? Health nuts?

Scope Out the Competition:

• Food Trucks: What other trucks are nearby? What do they sell? What do they do well? Where are their weaknesses?
• Restaurants: Even regular restaurants compete for your customers’ dollars. Check them out too!

Get Out There!

• Talk to People: Ask friends, neighbors, anyone who fits your target customer what they think.
• Visit Food Truck Events: Taste the competition, see what crowds they attract.
• Online Sleuthing: Social media, restaurant review sites – what do people say about the food scene in your area?

Dig into the Data:

• Local Chamber of Commerce: They have stats on your area (population, income, etc.)
• Foot Traffic Websites: These can show how busy spots are at different times of day, perfect for choosing where to park!

Remember: Market research is ongoing. Keep an eye on trends, what other trucks are doing, and what your customers are saying to stay ahead of the game!

How Do You Price Your Food Truck Menu?

How Do You Price Your Food Truck Menu

Pricing your food right is tricky! You need to make a profit, but you can’t scare customers away with crazy high prices. Here’s what to consider:

The True Cost of Each Dish

• Ingredients: Don’t just think about the main items. Every single topping, sauce, even the bun adds up!
• Labor: How long does it take to make? More complicated dishes should cost more.
• Overhead: The boring stuff – gas, permits, napkins…all these costs need to be covered.

Know Your Customers

• What can they afford? Fancy ingredients in a student area is a bad idea.
• What else is around? You can charge more if you’re the only gourmet option, but not if you’re parked next to a dollar hot dog cart.

Spy on the Competition

• What do similar food trucks charge for similar items?
• Are you offering something better? Then you can charge a little more.

Don’t Forget About Profit

• You’re doing this to make money!
• Aim for a profit margin – this means after paying for everything, you still have some cash leftover.
• Most restaurants aim for around 30% profit margin on each dish.

Menu pricing is flexible! If something isn’t selling, lower the price. If you have a crowd-favorite, maybe raise it a bit.

How Do You Market Your Food Truck?

Bazaar Food Truck Festival Business Plan Examples

Food trucks need to get noticed! Here are the best ways to spread the word:

Strong social media

• Social Media is King: Instagram for drool-worthy pics, Facebook to post your schedule. Short, funny videos on TikTok can go viral!
• Get Chatty: Answer questions in comments, be friendly, and build an online following.
• Location, Location: Always tell people where your truck is each day!

Participate in events

• Events Are Your Friend: Food festivals, street fairs, even concerts – wherever hungry people gather.
• Food Truck Roundups: Some cities have special events just for food trucks. Great way to find new customers.

Partnerships

• Partner Up: Is there a coffee truck nearby? Offer a “brunch special” together.
• Businesses Love Lunch: Park near offices and offer delivery for the whole group.

Positive reviews

• Reviews Matter: Yelp, Google, anywhere people talk about restaurants.
• Ask Nicely: Put a sign on your truck asking happy customers to leave a review.
• Great Service = Great Reviews: Being friendly and having yummy food is the best way to make this happen!

What are the Risks of starting a food truck business? (And How to Fix It)

Food Truck Business Plan Examples

Food trucks are great, but they’re also a lot of work. Here are some  risks of starting a food truck business  you might face:

Weather dependency

• Rainy Day Blues: No one wants to stand in line in the rain, even for fantastic food.
• Solution: Have a backup plan! Indoor events and partnerships with businesses that have covered areas nearby.

Limited space

• Tiny Kitchen: Cooking and storing everything gets cramped.
• Solution: Smart menu design is key! Dishes that use a few fresh ingredients are easier to manage.

Finding reliable locations

• It’s taken! Popular spots for food trucks get snatched up fast.
• Solution: Network! Get to know other truck owners, check online calendars for your city, and scout new locations

Work All Day & Night

• Long Hours: Prep before you open, serving customers, cleanup afterward…it adds up!
• Solution: You can’t do it alone! Hire good staff, even if it’s just part-time helpers for busy times.

Challenges can turn into opportunities. Bad weather special? “Cozy comfort food for a rainy day!” Limited space? “Simple menu means your food gets to you faster!”

Where Can You Find Resources to Help Your Write My Food Truck Business Plan?

Don’t worry, you don’t have to do this alone! Here are places to find support:

Help from the Government (Yes, Really!)

• The SBA (Small Business Administration): They love helping new businesses! Their website ( https://www.sba.gov ) has tons of info.
• Local Business Centers: Search for ones near you. They often have free advisors to help with business plans.

Learn from the Pros

• Food Truck Websites: Lots have blogs with advice, like “The 3 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting”.
• Industry Groups: Some areas have food truck associations – perfect for networking and getting tips.

Food Ideas for Your Food Truck Business

Choosing what to serve is a big decision for your food truck! Here are some ideas to get you started. Think about what you love to cook, and what people in your area might crave:

• Ice Cream: Classic! Offer fun flavors and toppings.
• Shaved Ice: Perfect for hot days.
• Popsicles: Make your own with fresh fruit – healthy and yummy!
• Grilled food: Burgers, chicken, even grilled veggies
• Fried Chicken: A crowd favorite, but it needs special equipment.
• Tacos: Endless options – fish, steak, vegetarian…
• Pizza: Fancy with a special oven, or simple slices to go.
• Salad: Freshest ingredients are key – boring salads won’t sell!
• Smoothies: Lots of flavor combos, can add healthy boosts.
• Wraps: Easy to hold, perfect for lunch on the go.
• Pastries: Who doesn’t love a fresh donut?
• Cookies: Gourmet cookies are trendy.
• Cupcakes: Get creative – decorate them with a cool theme.
• BBQ: If you’re a master smoker, this is a winner.
• Mac & Cheese: Dress it up with fancy toppings!
• Gourmet Hot Dogs: Not just for ballparks – think unique sausages and toppings.
• Soup: Homemade and comforting on cold days.
• Coffee/Tea: Perfect partner for another truck’s food!
• Pretzels: Warm, salty snacks are always popular.
• Ethnic Cuisine: Do you have a specialty? Share your grandma’s recipe!

Important: What’s popular in YOUR area? Does anyone else do what you want to do? Your idea needs to stand out!

20+ Food Truck Business Plan Examples & Templates

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A business plan is your roadmap to food truck awesomeness! It shows you’re serious and helps you avoid problems later.

Owning a food truck is hard work, but it’s super rewarding. A great plan is your first step towards making your food truck dreams come true!

Ready to turn your food truck vision into reality? A detailed business plan is your key ingredient for success. It’ll guide you through challenges, attract investors, and keep your dream on track. Need help getting started? Check out our food truck business plan template or other resources. Let’s make your food truck a delicious success story!

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Food Truck Business Plan Template

Download our template and start creating your food truck business plan today.

Updated June 25, 2023 Reviewed by Brooke Davis

Are you ready to start a food truck business? You will have many questions at this beginning stage, and a sample food truck business plan can help you find answers.

With the right food truck business plan, you will be better prepared to find investors and get your company on the road.

A food truck costs less to start up than a brick-and-mortar business, but it still requires capital to get going.

Once you know how to write a business plan for a food truck, you can seek the money you need to get started and outline a plan for success.

Why You Need a Business Plan for Your Food Truck Business

How to write a business plan for a food truck, food truck business plan sample.

Many people think: “It’s a food truck; it’s simple. Why do I need a business plan?” A food truck requires planning, just like any other successful business. It would be best if you answered questions like:

• What food will you sell?
• Is there a demand for your product?
• Who will be your customers?
• Where will you travel?
• What are your startup and ongoing costs?
• What will your revenue look like?

A business plan sets the essential details you need for yourself and anyone looking to invest. Successful food truck businesses create a consistent schedule of where they will be and how they will communicate their location.

They know how they will buy their products and how much they will mark up to make a profit.

You must plan accordingly if you invest tens of thousands into a food truck. If you want others to support you, they need to know what they are getting into.

A food truck business plan lays out important details to attract the right kind of capital investors.

To develop your business plan, you must be prepared to cover critical topics and include the correct information.

If you use the template and complete each section correctly, you will have a well-formed business plan for you and potential investors.

1. Executive Summary

The first section of your food truck business plan should be the executive summary. This is an introduction and overview for whoever is reading the plan. It should make an excellent first impression and offer concise information without too much detail.

The executive summary highlights what your food truck business will look like and how it will be successful. It is considered by many to be the most crucial section of your business plan.

As for any startup business, you must build a solid case for the idea’s merit and why others should get financially involved. A typical executive summary includes sections such as:

• The target market for the food truck
• The business model
• Marketing and sales strategies
• Competition in the area
• A financial analysis
• Who the owners and staff will be
• An implementation plan
• What food will you offer, and why is it appealing

This section can contain a mission statement that describes your business values and philosophy. It should focus on concrete and achievable future goals for the company.

2. Management Team

Your business plan should include ownership information and details about the management team. A detailed outline of responsibilities sets the tone for how your food truck will run and makes expectations clear to everyone involved.

It also demonstrates to investors that you have considered how you will run your business effectively.

Ownership information should include the following:

• Full names of all owners
• The legal structure of the business (limited liability company, sole proprietorship, partnership, etc.)
• Percentage of ownership for each owner
• Types of ownership (partner interests, capital expenditure basis, stocks)

You also want to include information that fully outlines and profiles your management team. For each individual, this should have their

• Full legal name
• Position and summary of responsibilities
• Education and background
• Any relevant prior employment
• Past business success
• Food industry training or recognition
• Salary and benefits information

3. Products and Services

This is the section where you talk about the most essential part of your business — the food you will sell. Your business plan’s products and services section should include the full menu you plan to use at the opening.

If your full menu isn’t yet prepared, get it done to include it in the business plan. Including a fully designed menu shows you are ready to start your food truck immediately.

This section will also address:

• How will you order supplies
• Product costs and sale prices
• Why customers will eat your product over others
• How the product offerings will change over time
• How will you measure product sales success

Addressing each of these details is important to investors. It also provides guidelines to keep your good ideas practicable and achievable in a competitive food truck business market.

4. Customers and Marketing

Knowing who will buy your product is vital to a food truck business plan. This section will outline who will be interested in your food and why they will buy it. Are you focusing on a certain demographic, or is your food pleasing to many different types of customers?

You must outline this information and provide sufficient facts. One of the most common mistakes in business plans is to make statements without supporting evidence.

Your market research should be included here to show why you will have customers who will utilize your business.

Marketing is a key factor in the success of a food truck. How you advertise can make or break your brand recognition and ultimately affect your sales.

Your business plan should answer questions like:

• Will your truck contain brand advertising and logos?
• Will you have a social media presence? If so, what will it look like?
• Will you advertise on TV, radio, or other methods?
• Where will you go to sell your food? How will you let customers know where you will be?

This information is crucial and should be addressed in detail in this section. Be specific with your marketing strategies.

Vague information demonstrates that you have failed to clearly outline how you intend to advertise your food truck to the public.

5. SWOT Analysis

This section should address your business’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The SWOT section is a framework used to evaluate how a company will compete in the market.

It analyses internal and external factors affecting your food truck’s success. It uses realistic and fact-based data, not your best hopes. This section should utilize actual data-driven market research.

The analysis should focus on why the product line will be successful against its competition. It should answer questions like:

• What is our competitive advantage?
• Where can we improve?
• What threats does our company face?
• What technology or other resources can we use to expand our market?

Answering these questions in detail provides key insights into how your food truck business will succeed despite any challenges.

With this information, investors can be assured their capital is wisely invested, and you are the right choice.

6. Financials

This section focuses on financial projections for the food truck company. It offers information about how your business will perform. Your financial information should address your break-even point and how you will exceed that amount.

The owners and investors must know how much money it will take to cover expenses, much less see a profit.

This section should also include:

• Financial projections based on mathematical models
• Monthly expenses for the business for supplies, employees, and more
• Price points for products
• Variable costs of goods, gasoline, truck maintenance, and more
• Projected revenue

This information should be backed up with complex data from your market research.

7. Operations

This section will outline the nitty-gritty operational details of your food truck business. It will include information related to products and services but will also outline crucial details like:

• Potential vending locations
• Business hours
• Business licensing and other legal requirements
• How many employees will you hire, what are their wages, and any benefits
• Food truck design
• Cooking and cleaning procedures

These crucial details show how you will get the job done each day. Every business owner understands it takes work — not just a great idea — to succeed.

Investors know this too, and will look for your business operations plans.

8. Appendix

The appendix is the place to include legal documents and other important information relevant to the rest of your business plan. Here you can provide the following:

• Copies of legal permits
• Photos of the product
• Customer reviews
• Market research on which your data was based
• Other relevant information
• Letters of reference
• Regulatory and Compliance Requirements

This section is meant to bolster the rest of your business plan and end on a positive note. Pictures of smiling people eating your food may leave a positive image for anyone who has read your business plan.

The appendix is flexible and meant to give you options.

Legal Templates can provide a free sample food truck business plan to help you get started. Whether you are just beginning the process or ready to look for investors, we can help.

Use a template builder to build your business plan step-by-step. See the food truck business plan sample below:

You can download a business plan in Word format here  or start creating your food truck business plan using our document builder.

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Food truck business plan: everything to include.

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Every business needs a plan — including food trucks. If you want to run your own food truck but don’t know where to start, here’s a guide that explains how to write a business plan in this industry.

What to Include in Your Food Truck Business Plan

A plan for a mobile food business includes many of the same elements as other business plans. But there are also some unique elements. Here’s a food truck business plan template to guide your own journey.

A plan for a mobile food business includes many of the same elements as other business plans, but there are also some unique elements that are specific to the food truck industry. To start, the cover page is crucial, as it provides potential investors, team members, and readers with a glimpse of what to expect from your food truck business plan. A professionally designed cover page can make a positive first impression and enhance the credibility of your venture.

Table of Contents

A table of contents is another essential component of your food truck business plan. It serves as a roadmap for readers, allowing them to quickly locate specific information they might be interested in. Since food truck business plans can be quite extensive, a well-organized table of contents is invaluable for easy navigation.

Executive Summary

The executive summary is a concise and compelling overview of your food truck business. It should not only provide a clear explanation of what your business does but also highlight its unique selling points and competitive advantages. Briefly mentioning key elements such as market analysis and operational challenges can give readers a glimpse into the comprehensive nature of your business plan.

Company Overview

Your food truck’s company overview should succinctly describe its purpose and the goals you hope to achieve. This section sets the stage for the entire plan and should reflect your passion and dedication to your food truck venture. Consider including a brief history of your food truck concept and how you came up with the idea to add a personal touch to this section.

Food Truck Mission Statement

Your mission statement should explain your reason for existence.  A well-crafted mission statement is a powerful tool that conveys the purpose and values of your food truck business. Your mission statement should go beyond merely stating what you do; it should also reflect your passion for serving your community and bringing joy to people through your food. For instance, your mission might focus on providing high-quality and innovative dishes that cater to diverse tastes while promoting sustainability and supporting local farmers.

Target Markets and Market Analysis

Identifying your target market is essential for the success of your food truck business. By narrowing down your audience based on location and demographics, you can tailor your offerings and marketing efforts more effectively. Conduct a comprehensive market analysis to understand the preferences and needs of your potential customers better. For example, if your food truck is primarily focused on offering gourmet desserts, target areas with a high concentration of dessert lovers or near popular event venues.

Food Truck Industry Summary

In the food truck industry, finding your niche is crucial for standing out from the competition. Research the existing food truck market in your area to identify gaps and opportunities. Determine how your food truck concept fits into the overall landscape, ensuring there is a demand for your unique offerings. Understanding the broader trends and challenges in the food truck industry can also help you make informed decisions and adapt your business strategies accordingly.

Read More: how to start a food truck business

Analysis of Local or Similar Niche Food Trucks

Studying your competition is an essential aspect of shaping your food truck’s unique identity. Analyze other food truck businesses in your area, especially those that offer similar cuisine or target similar demographics. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses, you can identify areas where you can differentiate yourself and create a competitive advantage. This analysis can also inspire you to innovate and bring a fresh perspective to your offerings, making your food truck stand out from the rest.

Food Offered

Create a basic menu. Consider your niche, demand from your target audience, and costs of ingredients and cooking equipment. The food you serve is the heart of your food truck business, so creating a well-thought-out menu is crucial. Consider your niche and target audience while designing your offerings. Conduct market research to identify popular dishes and food trends that align with your concept. Additionally, analyze the cost of ingredients and cooking equipment to determine the pricing and profitability of each item on your menu.

Planned Food Truck Locations

Planning your locations in advance can help you stay up-to-date with inventory and streamline marketing. Find local food truck festivals, special events, and areas with lots of foot traffic that are popular with your target market.

Food Truck Marketing and Delivery Plan

Your business plan’s marketing and sales portion should detail how you’ll communicate with potential customers to sell food. Your marketing plan may include listing on food truck finders, local advertising, and social media or search marketing.

Financial Plan and Funding

This section should include realistic financial projections based on how much food you can sell at various locations. Factor in startup, equipment, and food costs as well.

Legal Structure

Food truck businesses can have various legal structures. For example, a solo venture may be a sole proprietorship. However, most food businesses are LLCs or corporations to limit personal liability. Work with a business lawyer and/or tax professional to find the best structure for your needs.

Organization and Management

Outline your team and hierarchy to determine how everyone will be managed. For example, you may be the primary decision-maker. Or you may specify a few shift managers to answer questions when you’re unavailable.

Customer Experience Strategy

Detail your approach to customer service and the overall experience you aim to provide. This might include unique service methods, customer interaction policies, or how you plan to create a memorable experience for your customers.

Sustainability Practices

In this section, outline any sustainable practices your business will adopt. This could include using locally sourced ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, or waste reduction strategies.

Social Media and Online Presence

Elaborate on your strategy for building and maintaining a strong online presence. This could include plans for engaging with customers on social media, content marketing strategies, and leveraging online reviews and feedback.

Expansion and Scalability

Discuss your long-term vision for growth. This could involve adding more trucks, expanding to new locations, diversifying the menu, or even branching into catering services.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Outline potential collaborations with local businesses, event organizers, or other food trucks. These partnerships can increase visibility and provide mutual benefits.

A business planning appendix may include any supporting documents for the various parts of your plan. For example, financial statements or market research reports may complement your projections or competitive advantage.

Tips for Food Truck Owners to Write an Amazing Business Plan

Food truck businesses can follow these tips to create a concise yet effective business plan:

• Get acquainted with your local food truck scene: Many elements of a food truck business plan rely on your local market and competitors. So spend time patronizing other businesses and attending events where food trucks may park.
• Create a clear vision: Determine the type of food truck business you want to start and how you want it to stand out and operate to ensure all the sections match your vision.
• Read other food industry business plans: If you’re not sure where to start, looking at examples from other food businesses may help.
• Back up your claims: Don’t just guess about things like finances and legal structure. Get expert help and/or documentation if needed.
• Remember your why: Keep in mind why you’re writing a business plan. This can help you speak in verbiage that will serve you in the future.

What is a Food Truck Business Plan?

Business plans outline what a company does and how it makes money. It includes everything from a summary of your business to your marketing plan. When creating a food truck or restaurant business plan , you may use it to pitch investors or refer to it when making future business decisions.

Why You Should Write a Food Truck Business Plan

A food truck business combines culinary creativity with entrepreneurial spirit. However, diving into this business without a solid plan can lead to a host of challenges. Like any business, the road to success is often filled with unexpected twists and turns. This uncertainty is where the importance of a food truck business plan comes into play.

A Guiding Light

A business plan is more than just a document filled with numbers and marketing jargon. It serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path that you intend to follow. With it, you know where you are headed, why you are going there, and how you intend to reach your destination. Without it, you might find yourself lost in the complex world of entrepreneurship.

Understanding Your Business Inside and Out

The process of writing a business plan forces you to delve into every aspect of your food truck business. From understanding your target audience to financial forecasting, you get a 360-degree view of what it takes to run your venture. This insight ensures that no stone is left unturned, preparing you to face challenges with confidence.

Demonstrating Commitment and Professionalism

Investors, bankers, partners, or even key employees may want evidence of your business’s viability and your commitment to the project. A well-crafted business plan is that evidence. It shows that you are serious about your food truck business and that you have considered the necessary elements to make it a success.

Risk Mitigation

Every business encounters risks, and having a plan enables you to identify and mitigate them. A business plan provides you with a structure to analyze potential pitfalls and develop strategies to avoid or overcome them. This foresight can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.

Financial Health Check

Money is the lifeblood of any business, and a business plan helps you manage it effectively. Understanding your financial needs, projections, and how cash will flow through your business ensures that you keep your financial health in check. It enables you to make informed financial decisions that align with your business goals.

Continuous Evaluation and Adaptation

The business environment is always changing, and what works today may not work tomorrow. A business plan gives you a baseline that allows you to evaluate your performance continually. It enables you to make necessary adjustments, ensuring that your business stays relevant and competitive.

An Exit Strategy

Every entrepreneur needs to think about the future, including what will happen to the business down the line. Your business plan will allow you to consider and plan for various exit strategies, whether that involves selling the business, passing it on, or winding it down. Thinking about this in advance ensures that you are prepared for all eventualities.

A food truck business plan is not an option; it’s a necessity. It’s the backbone of your business that provides direction, insight, risk management, and continuous alignment with the ever-changing business environment. Writing a business plan reflects a deep understanding and commitment to your business idea. It’s an essential tool that can set your food truck venture on the path to success, helping you navigate the thrilling yet challenging journey of entrepreneurship.

The Pros and Cons of Writing a Business Plan for a Food Truck Business

This table provides an at-a-glance view of the benefits and potential drawbacks of creating a food truck business plan, which can be helpful for aspiring entrepreneurs in the food truck industry.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to create a food truck business plan is a personal one. However, there are many potential benefits to having a well-written and comprehensive business plan.

What are the first steps to start a food truck business?

The first steps include conducting market research, defining your target audience, planning your menu, finding a suitable food truck, securing necessary licenses and permits, and creating a comprehensive business plan.

How much does it cost to start a food truck business?

Costs can vary widely based on the location, equipment, and the type of cuisine, but you can expect to invest anywhere from $50,000 to $200,000, including the cost of the truck, equipment, licenses, insurance, and initial inventory.

What are the legal requirements for operating a food truck?

Legal requirements vary by location but may include business licenses, health permits, food handler permits, vehicle licenses, fire certificates, and local zoning compliance.

How can I finance my food truck business?

You can finance your food truck business through personal savings, bank loans, investor funding, crowdfunding, or small business grants.

How do I create a menu for my food truck?

Your menu should reflect your brand and target audience. Consider researching popular food trends, using quality ingredients, and offering unique dishes that set you apart. Price your items accordingly to cover costs and generate profit.

How do I choose the right location for my food truck?

The location should be determined by the target audience, local regulations, competition, foot traffic, and accessibility. It’s essential to find a legal spot with good visibility and foot traffic.

How can I market my food truck business?

Marketing strategies might include social media advertising, local event participation, partnerships with local businesses, loyalty programs, and traditional advertising methods.

Read More: food truck ideas

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The Ultimate Food Truck Business Plan Guide

Food trucks are often thought of as a low-cost way for those passionate about cooking to earn a living doing something they love.

While this can be the case, the reality is often more complex. Food trucks have a high rate of failure . This could partly be down to how easy it is to start a food truck business without fully thinking through what is required.

Because of this, if you want to start a food truck business , you need to consider a lot of different factors before you set up. Having a clear strategy will show you what you need to do to be successful while helping you avoid costly mistakes.

Writing a food truck business plan is one way to clarify your strategy. In this article, we’ll show you why a food truck business plan is important, and outline a food truck business plan template to follow.

Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

• 1.1 A Road Map to Your Business Goals
• 1.2 Use When Applying for Funding
• 1.3 Business Plans Aren’t Just for New Businesses
• 2.1 Executive Summary
• 2.2 Company Overview
• 2.3 Market and Customer Analysis
• 2.4 Sales and Marketing Plan
• 2.5 Operating Plan
• 2.6 Management Team
• 2.7 Financial Plan
• 3 Conclusion

Why Write a Food Truck Business Plan?

There are two main reasons why you should create a business plan for your food truck .

The first is that your business plan will act as a guide to your business strategy. The second is because you will need one if you plan to apply for funding from a bank or other investment provider.

Here is an in-depth look at both reasons.

A Road Map to Your Business Goals

The purpose of a food truck business plan is no different from a business plan in any other industry.

It will describe the basics of your company, including your structure, product, and how your business will operate. It will also define your business goals and layout of how they will be achieved.

During the business planning stage, you can use a business plan to give you and others in your company a clear idea about how your business will achieve success.

By planning out the whole process before getting started, you can also spot potential challenges and avoid them before they happen.

Here is an example of how this could play out.

Imagine a food truck owner who decides to sell breakfast burritos for $7 at a local park.

After writing a business plan and considering the cost of ingredients, they realize that to cover costs, they would need to sell 100 burritos a day. This is something they decide would not be possible with the anticipated morning footfall at the planned location.

By spotting this problem before starting the business, the food truck owner can make a decision that will give them a better chance of success. For example, they could choose a different location, increase prices, or sell a different type of food.

This is a problem the future business owner may not have realized they faced had they not decided to create a business plan.

Use When Applying for Funding

Beyond being a useful way to map out your business strategy, a business plan is also often required when you apply for funding from a bank or other types of investment.

Banks and other potential investors will use the document to assess a business’s sustainability, and therefore the chance of getting a return on their investment. Because of this, it’s important to make your business plan as comprehensive as possible.

Business Plans Aren’t Just for New Businesses

While it’s certainly recommended that new food trucks create a business plan, they are also useful for existing food truck business. A business plan can help established businesses clarify their processes and improve how they organize and manage their company.

Additionally, businesses that are growing or want to grow can use a business plan to analyze the feasibility of their options. This could include exploring new locations, buying a larger food truck, or hiring new staff.

Food Truck Business Plan Template

A food truck business plan template is similar to a regular business plan template. The categories you will need to include are the same, but you should tailor the information towards the food truck industry.

Most business plans will contain the following categories that will cover all aspects of running your business.

Executive Summary

Company overview, market and customer analysis, sales and marketing plan.

• Operations Plan

Management Team

Financial plan.

The first part of any business plan is the executive summary. Here you need to introduce your food truck and why you think your idea will be successful.

The executive summary is similar to your elevator pitch. i.e., it’s the quick sales pitch you would give to someone if you only had a short amount of time to convince them about the potential of your business.

Writing this section is a useful exercise in its own right because it forces you to think clearly about the specifics of your business idea. Some things you could include in this section are:

• The food you will sell and why you chose this food. For example, if you plan to create a food truck that caters to vegans, explain why you chose this idea and why you think it will be successful.
• The planned location of your food truck and why you think this is a good location. Again, be specific. If you plan to travel around different festivals, let the reader know why this is a good idea.
• What else makes your food truck stand out that isn’t covered in the above two sections.
• Basic financial information, such as start-up costs and how much money you expect to make. Being clear and realistic in this section will show you have thought your finances through.
• Your goals and how you will grow your business. Even if you never plan to move beyond one food truck, you should still say what you want to achieve — for example, reaching a certain revenue and profit goal every year.

While the executive summary is the first part people will see when looking at your business plan, it can be helpful to write it last.

This is because after completing the other parts of the plan, you’ll have a clearer idea about the specifics of your business, meaning you will be in a better position to summarize it.

In the company overview, you need to describe the structure of your business in more detail. In this section you can include:

• The legal structure of your company.
• Information about the business owners.
• The history of your company if you are an established business.
• The location of your company.
• The number of employees you have (or want to hire) if you have any.
• Your company’s mission statement.

While most of this section is straightforward, the mission statement is where things get interesting.

Your mission statement defines the purpose of your company. All your business decisions should push you towards this goal.

While important, your mission statement doesn’t need to be overly complex. It can be something as simple as ‘Our food truck aims to bring authentic and freshly made falafel to shoppers in the town centre.’

You can read more about how to create a food industry mission statement in our restaurant management guide .

In the market and customer analysis section, you need to show you understand your area’s food market. This includes not just other food trucks, but the food industry as a whole. You’ll also need to provide information about your target customers. Here are some things you can include in this section:

• Details about the food industry in the location you plan to work in.
• Information specifically relating to food trucks in the area. For example, are food trucks already popular? If so, explain how your food truck will fit into the existing eco-system. Perhaps you serve a unique type of cuisine or have found an untapped location. If food trucks aren’t common, explain why you think people will buy from your food truck.
• What is your food truck’s competition? This might not just be other mobile food outlets, but restaurants, cafes, or fast food joints. Also, describe if competition in the area is increasing, decreasing, or staying the same.
• Talk about your target market and describe the demographic. Include information such as the age range and average income of your target buyers, as well as approximately how many of your target demographic there are. Be specific here. If your food truck is located near a business park and you want to serve lunch to people who work there, you’ll need to talk about how many people work in the business park, not how many people there are in the town or city the business park is located in.
• Analyze the market challenges or risks your business will need to overcome to be successful. For example, if you plan to target university students, what will you do when they all go home for summer?
• You can also speak about barriers to entry or regulations you will have to overcome. Many cities require you to have a permit to set up a food truck, and you will often have to stick to a single location. Show you have researched this.
• Where possible, you should include qualitative information about the market. Mention exact figures about how much is spent on eating out per year in the area and how many restaurants or food trucks there are.

Once you open your food truck, you need a way to get people to eat at it. This is where your marketing plan comes in.

The marketing strategy you use will depend on several factors, including your location, the food you serve, and your target market. As well as being a section in your business plan, it is common for businesses to create a dedicated marketing plan that covers marketing strategy in more detail.

Here is our guide on how to create one for your food truck.

• The first thing you should include in this section is a menu list of what you plan to sell and how much each item will cost.
• You should also say why you chose these prices. Show you have considered the costs associated with making the food you will sell, as well as your profit margin. You should also explain how the prices compare to your other competitors. If the price is higher, you’ll need to explain why this is the case, as well as mention the extra value customers will gain from your product.
• You should include your Unique Selling Proposition (USP). i.e., what makes your restaurant stand out from your competitors. This could be that you are serving a new type of food, or that you are serving an already popular type of food in a new area. You then need to write this down into a sentence or short paragraph. Once you have your USP, the challenge is to ensure it comes across in all your marketing material.
• Explain how you will market your food truck. Food truck owners often market their businesses via social media. If you choose this method, be sure to have a real strategy rather than just uploading photos at random. Talk about the platforms you will use and why you chose them. Also, think about whether you will use adverts or reach out to influencers to increase the number of people who see your posts. Also, consider the type of content you will share and how you will create this content.
• An app can be an excellent way to promote your business and build a deeper relationship with customers.
• Next, you should include your marketing budget and how you plan to spend the money. For example, will you hire a professional photographer to take photos of your food? Or will you spend a certain amount of money on adverts every day?
• Many food trucks do well without spending much on marketing because they are in a great location with high footfall. If this is your main marketing plan, you should still talk about why this is likely to be successful. For example, explain how you will encourage passersby to stop at your food truck.

Operating Plan

In the operating plan section, you need to provide more specific details about the day-to-day running of your food truck. It will include information about the costs associated with running your truck, as well as information on employees and the food preparation process.

The more detail you can include here, the more likely it is you will be able to iron out any potential issues before starting to trade. Once you have completed this section, you should have a document that would essentially enable anyone to run your business.

• The first thing you should talk about is what you have done already to get your food truck off the ground. For example, have you already bought your truck or applied for licenses?
• Next, you’ll need to describe how you will run your truck. Will you be the chef, server, driver, cleaner, and manager, or will you hire people to take care of certain parts of the process? If you plan to do everything yourself, make sure you have a system in place, so you don’t get overwhelmed.
• Explain how you will cook the food you will serve. Talk about which parts of the menu you will prepare before your day begins and which parts you will have to do as people order.
• Mention the equipment you will need to use and buy. Note how much this will cost and how it will affect your bottom line.
• Do you need to get any certification before starting to trade? For example, health and safety certificates or licenses.

In the management team section, you need to go into more detail about the structure of your business and the people running it. For food trucks run as a sole proprietorship, this will be quite simple. However, if you have business partners, you’ll need to include more information.

• In the first section, you should describe the ownership structure. If it is just you, then this won’t take up much space. However, if you have business partners you will need to list who the partners are and how much of the business each partner owns.
• You then need to describe the management team and the businesses functions (sales, marketing, administration, etc.) they will perform. Again, many food trucks are run by a single person, in which case you can mention that you will take care of all aspects.
• You should write down any skills or experience you or the other owners have that mean you are qualified to take on these roles. This can include any previous experience in the food industry. Some people choose to include a full CV of each partner and manager.
• You should also write down how you or the other owners will be paid. If you plan to share profits, you should clearly define the percentage each person will receive.

The financial plan is the final section. It is important as it gives you an idea about how much money you will spend vs how much you will take in, thus letting you know whether your food truck is a viable business.

This is especially important when you consider the fine margins that are generally associated with the food business.

According to BizFluent , most food trucks have a profit margin of between 6.1 and 9 percent. Failing to consider a cost that could eat into this margin could seriously affect your ability to stay profitable.

For new food trucks, this section will be based on speculation and predictions. However, existing food trucks can provide a more accurate financial analysis.

• First, you should list your start-up costs. These include the amount you spend on your food truck and other equipment, the cost of any licenses you need, and whether you need to spend any capital making improvements to or changing the design of your truck.
• You then need to list your operating costs. These can include how much you expect to spend on ingredients, staff, utilities, gas for your truck, marketing, insurance, and any maintenance costs. It could also include the fees associated with paying off a loan if you have one. Once you have defined the monthly operating costs, you should multiply the number by six and add the total to your start-up costs.
• In the revenue projections section, you should estimate how much money your business will take in every month. To calculate this, you should work out how many customers you expect to serve each day and how much you think they will spend at your food truck. You can then multiply this number to get a figure for monthly, quarterly, and yearly income. PlanProjections.com has a good template you can use for your revenue projections.
• By combining both your costs and your revenue projections, you should be able to get a good idea of whether your business is viable.

It can be easy to start a food truck due to the lower than average start-up costs and the fact that they can be run without needing to hire any staff. However, that doesn’t mean people should start one without carefully considering all that is required.

Writing a business plan is a great way for food trucks owners to test the viability of their business. Through the process of writing a plan, owners can see where any problems may arise before they happen. They can then take steps to avoid or prevent these issues from occurring.

A business plan is also a crucial document for when it comes to getting funding – whether from banks or other sources. It shows the potential investor that your idea is viable, and you have thought about all the potential outcomes of running your business.

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Dallas ISD students prep to open first student-run food truck in Texas

DALLAS —  Some students in Dallas are getting more than a high school education; they're also getting an education in business.

Dallas Independent School District students are preparing to open the first student-run food truck in Texas.

Around 250 Dallas ISD students are working together to open Curbside Delights, a student-operated food truck that will launch later this school year.

The students are all members of the district's culinary arts program, where they learn hands-on cooking skills and even complete their food handlers certification. But the food truck is a first. 

Donated by the software company Intuit, it's allowed students to cook up a business plan. 

They brainstormed the name, created the menu, and enlisted other students in graphic design and business marketing and finance.

Proceeds will go back into the business. The truck will operate during school hours, giving students an alternative to the cafeteria. Both students and faculty say it's been an exciting venture that takes education far beyond the classroom.

"It's going to be fun. It's going to be educational. There's going to be highs and lows," said Jason Hamilton, with Dallas ISD's Career and Technical Education Dept. "But the real goal is, what do you come away with after this? What did you learn? What is tangible to your life? And if you're focusing and you have your mind focused in that type of format, then I think you will gain something that is great, that is employable. And that's what we really want to give to our students."

Curbside Delights will open around the end of April and will visit three high schools by the end of the school year. 

Next year, it will be fully operational and will spend 3-4 weeks at a time at each of the 10 schools with culinary programs. 

Brujos Brewing

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2377 NW Wilson St

Portland, OR 97133

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Enter the warehouse and find not your everyday brewery ~ black themed, death metal soothingly playing in the background, but cozy like your neighborhood gothic cafe. Beer ~ phenomenal. The liquid spells keep you drinking. And the more you do, the ghostly wraiths overlooking the taproom not with approval. Their can graphics & merch are pretty cool. Food option is the partnering Saint Lovejoy's. The name is funny & fitting with Brujos. Orders are taken at a side counter. Service is smiley & courteous. An elevated menu for a beer bar. Food is delicious! Service ~ awesome. The staff may look tough but are so welcoming & friendly. 5 stars for all around experience.

Love the vibe they're trying to create. The theme is darker and towards the macbre, but the open windows definitely make it difficult for them to achieve their motif. Their service is good, but they are still currently limited in beer options, but I'm sure that will change as they finish fermenting more beers in the back. There's also an attached food service called Saint Lovejoy which the tender will call up for an attendance to meet you to take your order outside their kitchen.

If you want to drink some of the best beer not just in Oregon, but in the entire nation, then you owe it to yourself to come to Brujos. I'm not going to sit here and give you a lengthy monologue of their story, but the short version is they would sell beers over social media and with various collaborations with other Oregon breweries, and the results were outstanding. From what I understand, they have some partnerships with breweries across the country as well including a recent collaboration with Angry Chair in Tampa, FL. Who knows what they will do next but everything so far has been great. My personal favorite beer at their grand opening was called something like Invictus and was an absolute monster of a triple hazy IPA. The hops explode on the palate with plenty of pleasantly smooth citrus afterburn. It's one of the best beers I've ever drank. If you're hungry, they have food trucks. If you're looking for an outdoor spot or maybe even a larger beer hall with indoor picnic tables, they have you covered. There really aren't any misses here. I'm sad I haven't been back since the grand opening. I certainly plan to be a regular.

New brewery tucked away up in the North side. They had a limited menu but the beers were very tasty. The ambiance was cool too. It was "medieval" to me, it seemed. Service was quick and easy just as any bar should be.

HYPEST brewery on the west coast, but, in this case, well deserved. Cool vibe and cool people, excellent spot to brink best coast beers. Big 2 can release the day we went but the line was fast and smooth. Everyone is super friendly and chill. I'll be back.

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World class beer! Decor and design of the taproom is super cool, vibe is immaculate. Food is contracted out by St.Lovejoys Kitchen, which offers amazing higher scale Mexican food. Bartenders are super nice, fast paced. Definitely a spot to check out if you're into the brewery scene!

I showed up for the beer. I really like hazy IPAs. I really miss Modern Times. I like a hazy that after a single beer I get a fantastic buzz. There aren't many hazy's left in town that can do that to me. This place was fantastic. Great beer nice buzz one beer.

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9 places to nosh on bagels in southern Maine

From old-school spots to foodie favorites, there's a 'hole' lot to try.

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Bread and bagels at The Works Cafe in downtown Portland. Photo by Aimsel Ponti

From New York-style boiled bagels to Montreal-inspired wood-fired ones, there’s lots of great bagels in southern Maine and several shops have the accolades to back that up.

In 2023, Bon Appetit named bagels from Rose Foods and Rover Bagel among the best in the country.

Two years before that,  Food & Wine Magazine put Rover, Forage and Scratch Baking Co. on its list of best bagels in the U.S.

Whether you like yours toasted with cream cheese or as the bread for your breakfast sandwich, you can find plenty of styles and flavors from Biddeford to Brunswick.

BEACH BAGELS

The offerings at Beach Bagels include a French toast and marble bagel, and the cream cheese menu comprises spreads like strawberry, olive and honey walnut. Along with breakfast sandwiches, Beach Bagels has hearty breakfast options like omelets and pancakes. Best of all, you’re steps away from a beach stroll. Just don’t let the seagulls steal your bagel. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily WHERE: 34 Old Orchard St., Old Orchard Beach. beachbagels.yolasite.com ______________

Dutchman’s opened in 2022 as a pop-up housed at Nomad pizza in Brunswick’s Fort Andross building. It’s since become a permanent fixture there and uses the pizzeria’s wood-fired ovens to bake its bagels. The hand-shaped, honey-boiled bagels come in plain, roasted garlic, poppy and a bagel-of-the-day flavor.

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday to Sunday WHERE: Fort Andross, 14 Maine St., Brunswick. dutchmans.me ______________

FORAGE MARKET

Making bagels at Forage Market involves a two-day aging process. The bagels are naturally leavened with wild yeast starter and baked next to a hardwood fire. There are usually five flavors available, including sesame and garlic. Breakfast sandwiches (including vegan options) are available. Forage also has a location in Lewiston. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday WHERE: 123 Washington Ave., Portland. foragemarket.com _____________

MISTER BAGEL

There are 10 or so Mister Bagel locations in Maine, including South Portland and Falmouth. It all began with the Portland location, which was the first bagel shop to open in Maine. The late Rick Hartglass started Mister Bagel in 1977, and it is still a family business. Music fans will appreciate the breakfast sandwich menu, which includes The David Bowie (bacon, egg and American cheese), the Jimmy Buffett (egg with roast beef and cheddar) and The Lady Gaga (avocado, salt and pepper, with or without egg).

WHEN: 6:30 a.m. to noon Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday WHERE: 599 Forest Ave., Portland. misterbagelforestave.com ______________

At Rose Foods, the menu varies depending on the day, but there are usually six to eight flavors available. For example, should you pop in on a Friday, you’ll find a poppy and onion bialy (a cousin of the bagel that is not boiled). Rose Foods also makes a number of bagel sandwiches, including the Classic Nova with Nova lox and the Classic Whitefish. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily WHERE: 428 Forest Ave., Portland. rosefoods.me

______________

ROVER BAGEL

At Rover Bagel, you’ll find wood-fired plain, poppy, sea salt, sesame and everything bagels available most of the time, and the spread game here is strong with cream cheese options like lemon-thyme-honey cream and chili-garlic.

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: 10 West Point Lane Suite 10-204, Biddeford (Pepperell Mill). roverbagel.com

______________ Advertisement

SCRATCH BAKING CO.

You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced the line of devoted fans waiting for Scratch Baking Co. to open, especially on weekend mornings. Along with the popular Maine sea salt, plain and other everyday flavors, Scratch has a daily special bagel. There’s honeyed rosemary on Wednesday and jalapeno cheddar on Thursday. Scratch is also famous, at least to locals, for its P-Cheese spread. It’s a pimento cheese recipe made with cheddar, mayo, roasted red peppers and seasoning and was passed down to co-owner and head baker Allison Reid by her grandmother, Mern.

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: 416 Preble St., South Portland. scratchbakingco.com ___________

THE MAINE BAGEL

The Maine Bagel is a drive-thru with several breakfast and other kinds of sandwiches available. With a bagel list that features egg and bialy among the standards, the family-owned spot is the perfect place to stop on your way to Pine Point Beach. The Maine Bagel really shines with a dozen kinds of cream cheese spreads, including raisin-walnut, lox, strawberry, cranberry-nut and bacon-chive.

WHEN: 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. WHERE: 117 Route 1, Scarborough. themainebagel.com Advertisement

THE WORKS CAFE

The Works Cafe is an institution on the edge of the Portland’s Old Port. It opened in 1990 as Bagel Works before it changed its name in 2002. The original shop in this regional chain opened in Manchester, Vermont, in 1988, and there are 11 locations around New England, though just the one in Maine. Gone are the ’90s-era banana-walnut bagels and cold pizza cream cheese, but The Works Cafe is still a reliable place to grab a salt, multigrain or cinnamon raisin bagel, among others. The menu also has bowls, sandwiches and smoothies.

WHEN: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily WHERE: 15 Temple St., Portland. workscafe.com

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Ukraine war latest: Situation in Kharkiv 'dire' - after world took 'eye off the ball' on Ukraine

The UN says it is "deeply concerned" about the situation in northeastern Ukraine, as Russia claims advances in the region. Defence secretary Grant Shapps has criticised the world for delays in getting support to Kyiv. Submit your question on the war for our experts to answer below.

Tuesday 14 May 2024 14:17, UK

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• Blinken arrives in Kyiv on unannounced trip
• Parts of Vovchansk fall to Russia - reports
• Shapps: World took its 'eye off the ball' with Ukraine
• Dozens of homes damaged in Belgorod attack
• Big picture: Everything you need to know about the war this week
• Analysis:  Putin's 'baffling' reshuffle explained
• Who is Andrei Belousov, Putin's new pick for defence minister?

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Thanks for following along - we'll be back soon.

Scroll down to catch up on the latest developments in the conflict today.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy will travel to Spain on Friday for a meeting with King Felipe in Madrid, according to a royal palace statement.

Ukraine's defence minister says it is "extremely difficult" for troops to hold ground in Ukraine as they remain outgunned by Russian forces.

Rustem Umerov made a renewed plea for more shells and military supplies as Russia intensifies its offensive in the country's northeast.

"We need more artillery shells as Russia is still many times ahead," he told the Copenhagen Democracy Summit 2024 in an online address.

"Under such conditions it's extremely difficult to hold the ground." 

Russia has put its submarine-launched Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile into service, the TASS state news agency reports.

Russia's state media quoted the missile's chief designer Yuri Solomonov as saying its adoption was announced in a decree on 7 May, the same day that Vladimir Putin began a new six-year term in the Kremlin.

The Bulava was developed under a programme that started in the 1990s, and is designed to be deployed on Russia's Borei-class submarines.

Last November, the defence ministry said one of those submarines had successfully test-launched the Bulava, firing it from an underwater position in the White Sea off northern Russia.

TASS said Russia's Northern and Pacific fleets now include seven Borei submarines and each carries 16 Bulavas.

For context : Vladimir Putin has warned the West since the start of the war in Ukraine that direct intervention by NATO troops there could trigger a nuclear conflict. 

In March he said he did not believe the US was "rushing" towards this, but that Russia's nuclear forces were technically ready.

The world taking its "eye off the ball" led to the position we see in Kharkiv today, defence secretary Grant Shapps has said. 

Speaking at the Sea Power Conference today, the minister reiterated the UK's complete support for Ukraine, saying Russia winning would be "unimaginable and unacceptable".

He said: "I've heard repeatedly, including said to me by [Ukraine's] President Zelenskyy, which is that without Britain, they wonder whether they would still have been in this war at all."

He listed the UK's commitments to Ukraine, and criticised the world for having taken its "eye off the ball" recently.

"The amount of time it's taken to get the rest of the funding through has directly led to the position we see in Kharkiv today," he said.

He added that he did not think the situation was "fatal", however, and said it was "an important lesson to the world not to lose attention about Ukraine".

Ukraine must develop the "strongest possible democracy", Antony Blinken has told officials during a working lunch in a pizzeria in Kyiv.

The US secretary of state said it was "imperative" that fighting corruption in the country continues along with fighting Russian aggression. 

He also said it was important Ukraine developed "the strongest possible democracy" that reflects its citizens and attracts investment.

Mr Blinken's surprise visit follows the approval of a long-delayed foreign assistance package for Ukraine by Congress.

The package sets aside $61bn (£48.1bn) in aid for Ukraine, much of which will go toward replenishing badly depleted artillery and air defence systems.

Russian troops have captured the town of Buhruvatka in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, the defence ministry reports, according to Reuters.

The claim comes hours after Russia's TASS  news agency reported the western and northern parts of Vovchansk in Ukraine's Kharkhiv region had fallen (see post at 9.21am).

Sky News cannot independently verify these battlefield claims.

Russia's supreme court has rejected an appeal by Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza against his 25-year jail sentence, according to Reuters. 

The prominent Russian opposition figure, who has both Russian and British passports, was arrested near his Moscow home in April 2022 and convicted of treason by a court in April 2023.

He has repeatedly condemned Russia's war in Ukraine, criticised Vladimir Putin, and lobbied for Western sanctions against Moscow.

In his appeal, Mr Kara-Murza had argued that he had committed no crime and was convicted solely for exercising his right to free speech by expressing public opposition to Mr Putin and the war.

"This whole case is based on the denial of the very concepts of law, justice, and legality," he said in a written submission to the court.

"But it is also based on a crude, cynical forgery - an attempt to equate criticism of the authorities with harm to the country; to present opposition activity as 'treason'. But there is nothing new in this, either; it is what every dictatorship does."

Evacuations are under way in the town of Vovchansk, in the northeast Kharkiv region.

Local officials fear that Vovchansk's fate may mirror that of Bakhmut and Avdiivka, Ukrainian cities where fierce fighting forced Ukrainian withdrawals.

The Kremlin's forces are aiming to exploit Ukrainian weaknesses before a big batch of new military aid for Kyiv from the US and European partners arrives on the battlefield, according to analysts.

Six children have been rescued from the Russian-occupied Kherson region, the area's governor Oleksandr Prokudin has said. 

Mr Prokudin said on Telegram the children - one girl and five boys - were "rescued from the camps of the Russian occupiers".

The Save Ukraine organisation worked on the rescue mission, he said.

"It was an extremely difficult rescue mission with delays at roadblocks and intimidation," the governor said.

"Fortunately, all the children are safe now. Doctors and psychologists work with them."

The children were aged between five and 12.

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