The truck is the budget. A used, already-permitted truck, a new custom build and a towable trailer sit in very different price bands, so get real quotes before anything else. After the vehicle come the kitchen fit-out, the fire suppression system, the generator, the point-of-sale setup, initial inventory, permits and the commissary deposit. Monthly costs are dominated by commissary rent, propane and fuel, insurance, and event fees that can be a flat booth charge or a share of sales.
Three ways to get a truck, compared
| Route | Upside | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Used, already permitted | Fastest to service | Prior permits may not transfer; inspect the equipment |
| Custom build | Layout fits your menu | Longest lead time; builder must know local code |
| Trailer + tow vehicle | Lower upfront cost | Tow vehicle cost, parking length, setup time |
Worked example: budgeting event fees
Suppose a festival charges a flat booth fee and a brewery takes a share of sales instead. If you expect 120 orders at an average of $14, sales are $1,680. A 10% share would cost $168; a flat fee only beats that if it is lower. Run both numbers before you say yes to an event, and write your own figures into the worksheet below.
Monthly costs that keep running when you do not
A truck still costs money on rainy days. Commissary rent, insurance, loan or lease payments, phone and POS subscriptions, and storage for packaging all continue. Write these fixed costs at the top of your monthly sheet, then divide by your realistic number of service days to see how much each day must earn before food costs. If the answer is uncomfortable, add a recurring weekly catering client or a standing private booking before adding more festival dates.
Itemized budget lines
| Line | What it covers | How to get a real number |
|---|---|---|
| Truck or trailer | Vehicle and kitchen body | Get two dealer quotes and one used listing inspected |
| Kitchen fit-out | Cook line, refrigeration, sinks, tanks | Builder quote matched to your menu |
| Fire suppression | System over cooking line plus extinguishers | Quote from a certified installer |
| Generator | Power for everything at once | Add up appliance wattage first |
| Wrap and signage | Branding, menu board | Designer and wrap shop quotes |
| POS setup | Reader, tablet, software | Compare monthly fees and card rates |
| Opening inventory | Food, packaging, cleaning supplies | Order list for first two weeks |
| Permits and licenses | State, county, city, fire | Fee schedules from each office |
| Commissary deposit and rent | Monthly base kitchen fee | Written commissary agreement |
| Insurance | Liability, commercial auto, equipment | Agent quote with truck details |
| Website | Schedule, menu, catering form | From $399 plus $30/month Website Care |
| Contingency | Repairs and surprises | A set share of the total, decided by you |
One-time costs
| Item | Your quote |
|---|---|
| Truck or trailer | $ ______ |
| Kitchen build-out and equipment | $ ______ |
| Permits and inspections | $ ______ |
| Initial food and packaging inventory | $ ______ |
| Wrap and signage | $ ______ |
| POS hardware | $ ______ |
| Website build and domain | $ ______ |
Monthly costs
| Item | Your quote |
|---|---|
| Commissary rent | $ ______ / month |
| Fuel and propane | $ ______ / month |
| Insurance | $ ______ / month |
| Food and packaging | $ ______ / month |
| Event fees | $ ______ / month |
| POS and software | $ ______ / month |
| Website care | $ ______ / month |
Free tools
Common questions
What is the biggest surprise cost?
Owners often underestimate generator repairs, propane and the commissary fee, which is due every month whether you sell or not.
Do I need a POS system from day one?
You need a reliable way to take cards. A phone-based reader works at first; a full POS helps once you track menu items and catering invoices.
Should the website be in the startup budget?
Yes. A site with the schedule and catering form keeps working on the days you are not parked anywhere.
Sources
Sources checked October 6, 2026. Rules, fees and forms change; confirm details with the agency or provider before you act. This guide is general information, not legal, tax or insurance advice.
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