Important Information Before Booking a Food Truck
When booking a food truck, it’s essential to know that trucks must have a valid county health permit, a city business license (if required by local regulations), site-specific insurance, and a fire permit.
Most food trucks need a minimum sales amount of $800 to $1,000, or at least 60 customers within a 3-4 hour service window, to cover their costs and time. This minimum can vary depending on the type of cuisine and service location. Some vendors may also require a deposit as part of a catering contract.
Food trucks require at least 10 feet of width and approximately 30 feet of length on level ground, with space for customers to line up while ordering.
According to state food code and county health requirements, trucks must have access to a restroom within 500 feet if they are serving for longer than an hour.
Each food truck is responsible for providing its own trash receptacle.
Keep in mind that not all cities permit food trucks outside of special city-permitted events, or in non-commercial zones. In many cases, retail food services are prohibited in residential areas, and we may need to collaborate with local authorities to make special arrangements.
Additionally, food truck operators are currently facing shortages in food, supplies, equipment, and staff, along with rising operating costs. Please consider this when negotiating with these hardworking small business owners.
Request a Food Truck for Your Party, Event, or Catering - Metroplex Food Truck Association (MFTA)
If you’re interested in having a food truck at your party, wedding, or special event, MFTA can send out a "Food Truck Request" to our members who are licensed to operate in your area. Food truck owners who are available and interested will contact you directly. We charge a $25 fee for sending out these requests, which helps fund our advocacy efforts for the mobile food industry in North Texas.
Booking Timeline
Food trucks often book several weeks in advance, with some being fully booked 2-3 months ahead. It’s unlikely that many trucks will be available on short notice. Conversely, food truck operators are hesitant to book too far in advance, especially more than 5 months, particularly during peak event seasons.
Customer Minimums
Each food truck typically requires a minimum of 60-80 customers. For example, if you expect 100 attendees, only around half may actually make purchases, so be mindful of this when planning.
Minimum Sales Guarantee
Vending in new or unfamiliar locations is a risk for food trucks, as they need to plan the right amount of food, supplies, and staffing. If they prepare for 100 customers but only serve 40, they may lose money. Offering a minimum sales guarantee (e.g., $1,000) ensures that if the truck earns less than that amount during service (e.g., $800), the event host will cover the difference. The minimum sales amount varies by cuisine type, generally ranging from $800 to $2,000. If you're unsure what to offer, you can state a willingness to negotiate.
Sundays
Many food truck operators take Sundays off, but some may work for larger events. Availability is often limited on Sundays.
Peak Season & Holidays
July and August are especially busy months due to large events, making it difficult to secure a truck. The 4th of July is typically the hardest day to book, followed by other holiday weekends.
Food Truck Industry Challenges
The mobile food industry was hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. Many vendors went out of business, and those who survived are still recovering. Ongoing shortages of food, supplies, and labor, combined with rising operational costs, continue to impact food truck owners. Please keep this in mind when setting fees or negotiating with vendors.
Fees
MFTA does not support overcharging food trucks to vend at events. A small flat fee or a small percentage-based fee (not both) is acceptable only for large events. Hosts should provide a minimum sales guarantee if charging a vending fee, as this will ensure interest from food truck vendors. Charging a fee can significantly reduce interest, as 95% of food truck requests we receive do not involve vendor fees.
Catering Option
To avoid concerns about vending fees or estimating customer numbers, you can hire a food truck for full catering services. This option eliminates many logistical concerns for both the vendor and the event host.
Charitable Events
While many food truck operators are generous and supportive of their communities, they receive frequent requests from charitable organizations, especially during peak season. They may not be able to participate in every charitable event, so please understand if they are unable to support your cause.
Location Considerations
When booking a food truck, the location matters. Trucks may be willing to travel for special events, but fewer operators will be interested if the location is far from urban centers. Safety can also be a concern, especially when vending after dark. Food trucks are vulnerable to street crime, and operators may avoid locations they deem unsafe.
Regulations
For event compliance, refer to our “Important information You Need to Know Before Booking a Food Truck” guide to ensure your event meets local food truck vending regulations.