business plan templates food truck

29 Proven Food Truck Business Plans (PDF, Word)

The food truck business has recently gained progress in catering for ordinary working folks. It’s really not that expensive to set up and it’s a cheaper alternative to starting your own restaurant . Of course, this doesn’t mean that food trucks are either free or cheap. To ask for financial help, you need to sell the idea to investors and for this, you can make a comprehensive food truck business plan.

• 1 Food Truck Business Plans
• 2 Why do you need a food truck business plan?
• 3 Food Truck Business Models
• 4 How to write a food truck business plan?
• 5 Food Truck Business Plan Templates
• 6 Starting your food truck business

Food Truck Business Plans

Why do you need a food truck business plan.

Just thinking about food trucks roaming around today makes you think that it must really be very simple to put up such business. But even this simple undertaking requires a lot of planning. Opening such a business without planning and investigating might lead to many problems. But if you do some market research for your food truck business plan, this can help you thresh out significant details and redefine your concept.

One of the most important factors of success for a restaurant is the location. People wouldn’t want to travel too far to get to a restaurant and if you have the wrong location, your long-term plans might not even last. This goes the same for food trucks as the location is a crucial component for success.

The most successful food trucks have a relatively consistent schedule on where they park and they spread the word through various social media platforms. There is also the fact that not every location allows food trucks to set up shop. For instance, school zones and public parks generally disallow commercial businesses . So, you need to consider this too when making your food truck business plan sample.

Food Truck Business Models

How to write a food truck business plan.

You need to have the answers to many questions when you are trying to learn how to start a food truck business. The best way to get all these into perspective is to make a comprehensive food truck business plan template. This helps you list all of the essential information about the business while assisting you in getting funding from investors.

The food truck business model is always the first step because you will use this to gain the funding needed to get your food truck off the ground. Here are some things to consider when creating your food truck outline for your business plan:

• Executive Summary This is the first section of your food truck business plan. Think of it as an introduction to whoever you will address on your final product. Don’t make it too wordy or lengthy. First impressions are the beginnings of something great. Make your executive summary interesting and concise without having to delve on details. This section gives you the opportunity to highlight what your company is, how you expect to grow your business, and more. Another good idea is to explain how your background and knowledge can benefit you in the pursuit of your goals of opening this kind of business. Although this will be the first item that potential investors read, this must be the last section you write.
• Company Description Describe in this section your planned food truck business. This is where you give an explanation of the details of your business and how its entry into the food truck business could be a crucial addition to the existing market. In essence, it’s here where you explain more in detail everything you have touched on in the executive summary.
• Market Analysis This section of your food truck business plan sample gives you the chance to detail and explain how your plans fit into the market. Remember that you will present this to potential investors. It is, therefore, important to do a lot of research on how to start a food truck business before composing this section. This demonstrates that you have enough knowledge about the food truck market and industry.
• Organization and Management Next, make a food truck outline of your organization and management plan where you explain the structure of your food truck business. This may not appear to be that essential if you intend to put up a food truck business manned only by two or three people. But if your plans go beyond a small enterprise, then you need an organization and management plan that includes: A complete profile of your team. Information regarding the business’ ownership. The salaries and benefits your employees will receive. Growth opportunities you plan to offer to your employees . One great way to show your business’ organizational structure is through a chart that illustrates how you have all the bases covered. It is in this section where you can let your passion shine through. This could leave a memorable impression on your prospective investor as they will feel encouraged to support your plans.
• Product or service line The next section in the food truck business plan template details the product or service line that your food truck business plan will offer. You need to display your creative ideas by making a description of your services or products and a plan to keep your customers coming back.
• Marketing and Sales You also need a marketing and sales plan for your food truck business that focuses on strengthening customer loyalty. Define your overall strategies. How you do this is up to you. Just remember that people appreciate originality, whether when adapting a cool truck design or coming up with an interesting selling point for your business.
• Request for Funding Although a funding request section isn’t included in every food truck business plan template, it is still something worth considering. It could be a challenge to make an estimate on how much a food truck would cost but you need to do this so you can determine where your funds will come from. If you have plans to request funding, you have to explain clearly how much you need, what you need the funds for, and how you will repay the money that you owe. You can explore other options for funding by checking out sites that can allow you to crowdfund by raising money from different sources. Just remember that some of these sites take a percentage of the amount you raise. Therefore, you have to do more research before accepting any offer.
• Financial Projections If you’re starting from scratch on the food truck business, it can be difficult for you to determine any realistic financial projections. It’s essential for you to analyze your target market then set specific financial goals so that you can allocate your funds more efficiently. As a newcomer, you need to estimate how much your business will potentially make over the next 5 years using realistic assumptions. You have to make sure that your projections are in alignment with the funds you requested in your funding requests.
• Appendix This section is optional for any food truck business plan but it can be the best place to add information that cannot fit elsewhere. These may include product photos, letter of reference , building permits, and more.

Food Truck Business Plan Templates

Starting your food truck business.

Surprisingly, what were once often referred to as “roach coaches” have already become some of the most sought-after and popular eateries in the biggest cities across the nation. If you want to start your own small business without referring to traditional offices or storefront routines, you may consider starting a food cart or truck business. You need to create first a food truck business model or plan then consider the next steps:

• Get your licenses Entering this business is not as simple as it may seem. To begin with, you cannot just set up stall anywhere to conduct your business. There are various requirements by the city including certificates from the health department, parking restrictions, and truck permits. Every city has its own policies so you should get in touch with your local government to get the requirements.
• Get the best vehicle for your business A food cart would suffice for the meantime if you’re working on a tight budget. The health department has the same rules for food trucks and restaurants. This means your cart will require special equipment that’s usually expensive. Before choosing either a cart or a truck, you should know exactly what you need to operate the business. For instance, if you intend to sell pizzas or other hot foods that you prepare on-site, then you will need a big truck. On the other hand, if you can prepare your food in advance, either at home or in a commercial kitchen, then a cart or a smaller truck will do just fine to keep your products warm.
• Find a niche Surprisingly, many food trucks today are already serving gourmet cuisine and delicacies from other countries, sweets like designer cupcakes and exclusive sweet treats, health foods, and more. They have gone a long way since the times when what they had were just cold sandwiches and hot tacos. One of the keys to success in this relatively new and improved business is to find your own niche and become an expert on it. To keep up with the demands of the business, you have to constantly do research to find out what’s already covered in your area then come up with your own creation.

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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.

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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 (+ Template)

With the increasing popularity of food trucks, it’s essential to prep your operation before you start prepping your mise en place. A solid food truck business plan puts you at the front of the grid when the race begins.

The US street vendor sector was valued at $2.49 billion in 2022, up from the previous year’s total of $2.29 billion. The market is expected to grow another 1.7% in 2023.

For those with aspirations of culinary greatness, a food truck is the perfect setting to develop new recipes while building a fan base, or even an online business, without the expense and risk of opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant. 

There is even a street food chef in Singapore with a Michelin star, proving that you don’t need a giant kitchen and 50 sous chefs to build a reputation for quality, innovation, and deliciousness.

How to write a successful food truck business plan, step by step

• Set aside a page for your executive summary
• Write an overview of your company
• Conduct a market analysis
• Lay out your products and/or services
• Create customer personas
• Put together a marketing plan
• Create a logistics and operations plan
• Write out your financial plan

Starting a mobile food business is subject to the same challenges and pitfalls as any other startup operation. But there are special considerations for food trucks to address before you open the window to start slinging sandwiches (or tacos, or barbeque, or …).

You may want to open up our handy business plan template so you can take notes, or jot down your brilliant ideas as they come to you. We also talked to seasoned food truck operators and entrepreneurs Natalie Basile and Mikey Wheeler-Johnson of Eats Amoré Mobile Italian Cuisine , who share their knowledge and experience throughout this guide.

From the executive summary to the financial details, we’ll show you how to build a food truck business plan for savory success.

1. Set aside a page for your executive summary

Even though this is the first section in your business plan, it’s the last section you should write. Your executive summary captures all the highlights from the rest of your business plan, so get those sorted out first.

This is Shopify’s business plan template. You can download it below.

When it’s time to write this section, think about your audience. If you’re writing a business plan for yourself as a way to stay organized, motivated, and focused on your goals, this summary can be quick and dirty.

Free: Food Truck Business Plan Template

Business planning is often used to secure funding, but plenty of business owners find writing a plan valuable, even if they never work with an investor. That’s why we put together a free business plan template to help you get started.

If your business plan is meant to secure a bank loan or impress potential investors, your executive summary will need to focus on profit, reliability, and the fact that you know what you’re doing—so your food truck feels like a safe bet.

While it’s important to mention what makes your food service model unique, spend plenty of time showing that you also understand the realities of running a small business.

2. Write an overview of your company

This section is your opportunity to explain what is going to make your vehicular vittles different and more successful than every other food truck on the road. 

As part of this section you’ll need to tell your audience what makes you capable of running a profitable food business. 

• Do you have professional cooking experience? 
• Have you managed a commercial pantry before? 
• Do you have an existing reputation for creating delectable meals? 

Lenders might invest in you based on the strength of your new business idea, but experience will improve your chances.

At Eats Amoré, even though neither Mikey nor Natalie has professional cooking experience, they do have a proud family history of producing delicious food. “Natalie learned to cook from her grandmother, who’s from Naples, Italy. And then her mom is an organic farmer, so she learned traditional recipes with fresh ingredients, which is the backbone of Italian cooking,” says Mikey.

In addition to your own position in your food truck business, this section is the place where you’ll outline the types of employees you have or will need to hire. Food trucks are small, so chances are you won’t need a lot of staff or a management team, but you could consider hiring prep staff, cleaners, etc.

The company overview is also the best place to set some goals. As a short-term goal, most food truck owners (and restaurateurs for that matter) aim to pay off the bulk of their startup costs (licensing fees, insurance, supplies, food, website, branding, etc.) within the first year, though this will depend heavily on your anticipated margins.

Other short-term goals may include building a social media following, finding predictable parking spots to encourage repeat traffic, or securing a spot at a big event.

Your largest capital investment is, of course, the truck itself. Although food trucks cost a lot less to set up compared to brick-and-mortar locations, they can still set you back between $50,000 and $175,000 , depending on what kind of food you’ll make and the equipment required to do it.

Paying off your food truck is likely to be your major long-term goal, which you can fulfill with your own funding or Shopify Capital .

3. Conduct a market analysis

A huge factor in setting your business up for success is understanding the target market where you will operate.

Restrictions

Since food trucks are mobile, you’ll enjoy some flexibility compared to a restaurant, but many cities still restrict where, when, and how you can serve your customers as part of the license that allows you to operate (which costs an average of $1,800 ).

If your ideal customers live in an area or work at a time when you can’t sell to them, you could be in for some difficulty. For example, if you were to open a food truck in Vancouver, you would find that restrictions include:

• Not operating during nighttime hours
• Avoiding certain neighborhoods
• Staying 100 meters away from brick-and-mortar restaurants
• Staying outside park boundaries
• And plenty more

In some cases, you may find that food trucks have not yet been considered in city regulations, and you may have to blaze a trail for your business, like Mikey and Natalie did. “We had very limited locations that we could pick from,” Mikey said. 

“The zoning in Kamloops was absolutely terrible. We were not looked very favorably upon. So after many council meetings and lots of emails with counselors and going back and forth, we finally got the city to give us a pilot project location in the downtown core.”

Every city has different restrictions that affect food cart and truck owners, so be sure to consult the city hall website in your area. And start early—licensing can take time, especially in locations with high demand.

Local conditions

Beyond the restrictions imposed by municipalities, each city is subject to conditions that could help or hinder your business. 

If you’re planning an ice cream truck for Edmonton, you might only have the warm, sunny weather you need for four months of the year, severely limiting profits. Conversely, the same ice cream truck in San Diego, with 266 days of sunshine on average, might be a sensation with lines around the block.

You should also take into account population in your city, demographics, foot traffic in your preferred neighborhoods, and the number of events that host food trucks, in order to establish an estimate of how many days per year you are likely able to operate.

Competition

Lastly, run a competitive analysis. 

• What’s the food truck market like in your city? 
• What do other food trucks offer? 
• What’s your competitive advantage? 
• Is there a robust restaurant scene driven by owners who don’t want food trucks diverting their customers ? 

Too much competition and you might have trouble finding customers or a place to park. Too little and you may find that there is a reason no one is running a new food truck.

4. Lay out your products and/or services

This section is your opportunity to outline your creative food vision, so keep in mind that there are some limitations and considerations when it comes to the meals coming out of your truck.

• Food should be easy to eat in a variety of settings, such as on a bench, standing on the sidewalk, or at a crowded concert, without spilling down the front of a CEO’s Brooks Brothers shirt.
• Keep it simple: While you may be able to make complex individual dishes, trying to offer a broad, complicated menu with limited space, staff, equipment, and storage could prove to be difficult or impossible.
• A long menu can be intimidating or time consuming for those trying to order quickly during their lunch break.
• Try to fill a niche in your city. If there are already a lot of pizza trucks but no Thai food, make som tam instead of a margherita pie. Or, for example, if you live somewhere with plenty of trucks making mediocre burgers, your ultra-high-quality version might corner the market. You can also differentiate your offerings based on overhead and food cost.

Go out and study the existing food truck scene in your area to get an idea of what might work. 

Alternate revenue

This section is a good place to consider additional revenue streams such as online sales of things like bottled sauces, spice packs, baked goods, etc. Selling online can be a lifesaver during quiet winter months, when festivals aren’t happening, or even during a global pandemic.

Eats Amoré has found that online sales and catering bookings via its Shopify website are becoming increasingly important to its bottom line. “It’s to the point where we have to turn it on and turn it off because it’s so busy,” says Mikey.

"We came up with this idea called the Ravioli Club, which is essentially a membership that you buy from our online store, and you get three mystery deliveries of ravioli delivered to your house every two weeks."

Mikey wasn’t always an ecommerce expert. “I was very green in learning how to do all the online sales, and I’m still learning a lot,” he says.

“And even with the small increments of learning that I’ve done, sales are going up exponentially. Not only has it boosted our sales, but it decreased the amount of time that I have to spend doing back and forth work with people. Because once you have all your information laid out on the website, you get a lot less tire kickers and you get a lot more people that call you and want to hire you [for catering].”

5. Create customer personas

This area of your food truck business plan is where you’ll outline your ideal customer. 

• Where do they live? 
• How old are they? 
• What kind of foods do they like? 
• How much disposable income do they have? 

You’ll need to do some serious demographic research to fill in this section, since every city and neighborhood is different. Then use it to inform your menu and pricing. 

If you plan to set up outside rock concerts and baseball parks, caviar and foie gras could be hard to sell, while home-cooked barbeque might not do well on the street in front of your local opera house. Ask questions to determine what your potential customers want.

6. Put together a marketing plan

You can make as much delicious food as you want, but if no one knows about it, you’re going to have a hard time making a profit. Your marketing strategy is essential to the success of your business and this section is where you’ll outline it for yourself or your business loan officer.

Branding and communications

Start by detailing where you’ll park and what your truck will look like , since these are the two biggest factors in attracting walk-by customers. Next, show how you’ll raise the profile of your business beyond passersby using traditional marketing techniques and, especially, social media.

If you intend to park in different locations on different days, having dedicated followers on Instagram, Twitter, and/or Facebook is a great way to let people know where they can find you. Social media is also the perfect place to update your followers on new menu items. Remember to take great photos of your food for maximum impact.

The food truck marketing and sales portion should also account for what makes your offerings different from everyone else on the road. In the Products and Services section, we discussed how your menu should fill a niche, whether it is the type of cuisine, quality, or cost.

In this section, you’ll need to provide details on how you plan to communicate those differentiators to your target customers.

Online ordering

Speaking of technology, this is a good time to explore the possibility of having your customers interact with you via smartphones and computers.

You may want to offer online ordering with delivery or pickup, which can be accomplished using third-party services like DoorDash , Skip the Dishes , Uber Eats , or any number of apps preferred in different markets around the world—be sure to find out which app most restaurants and delivery services use in your area.

A less obvious facet of your marketing plan is your start date. If you plan on opening right when the good weather hits, you’re likely to be too busy to spend a lot of time building a brand identity and online presence, though your cash flow will probably be in good shape.

“A huge mistake that we had in our first year’s business plan was that we were going to work through the winter,” says Mikey. “But what I forgot was that the people in Kamloops are very fair weathered. They’re used to nice weather. So a little bit of cold and they’re like, No, we’re out of here. It wasn’t until last winter that we actually did become a year-round business when we opened our Shopify account."

7. Create a logistics and operations plan

This section is where you’ll need to dig into the nitty-gritty day-to-day operations of your local food truck.

Supply chain

You need ingredients in order to sell food. But where will you get them? Let’s look at your options.

RESTAURANT WHOLESALERS

• Example: Sysco
• Pros: Reliable and cost effective.
• Cons: Large volume-packaged products could be hard to store on your truck.

WHOLESALE CLUBS

• Example: Costco
• Pros: Convenience—shop whenever you want.
• Cons: Prices may be higher than restaurant wholesalers.

GROCERY STORES

• Example : Trader Joe’s, local greengrocers, specialty markets
• Pros: The greatest variety of ingredients, including local, organic, and specialty items. Smaller package sizes.
• Cons : High prices.

Many food truck operators use a combination of suppliers to achieve their goals, so look at what is available in your area that fits into your menu and budget. 

Also consider your menu: If you have a fixed set of meal offerings, will you be able to reliably get the same ingredients throughout the year? If your menu rotates frequently, will you have time to source new ingredients on a regular basis?

Your truck is your facility. So think carefully about what kind of vehicle you decide to buy.

Mikey says, “We got this HandyDART bus for a steal, and we spent the beginning of 2013 turning it into a food truck. We learned so much. It’s a fiberglass vehicle, which wasn’t ideal compared to a big stainless truck. But we made it work.” 

Retrofitting a vehicle that isn’t perfect may be an option considering your budget and skill set, or you may want to purchase a vehicle that was purpose-built to be a food truck.

This is the place to outline the physical equipment and maintenance requirements for your business, such as:

• Specialized cooking equipment
• Fuel (cooking and engine)

Many cities also dictate that some aspects of food preparation, such as chopping vegetables, making soups, baking bread, or preparing other ingredients, be done in an off-site commissary kitchen outside of sales hours, rather than in the food truck or in your home. This is to ensure food safety, and you’ll need to factor the cost and logistics into your plan.

It’s also a good idea to determine if you can store additional ingredients at your commissary kitchen location.

Production capacity

How long does it take to make an item from your menu, on average? This is a major consideration that could limit how many customers you can serve in a day. 

How do you intend to cope with changes in pace and demand over the course of a day, week, month, or year? Mikey says, “I go home and do dishes for two hours. It’s far more labor intensive than people realize.” So don’t forget to factor in how much work you can realistically do yourself.

If you plan on offering products for sale online, you’ll need to sort out a plan to ship them to customers. Fortunately, shipping can be accomplished quite easily at reasonable prices .

8. Write out your financial plan

Like most businesses, yours will likely live or die on the strength of your financial plan. You have to know how much money is coming in, how much is going out, and how those numbers are likely to change in the future. 

So be sure to dig deep into your prospective balance sheet to truly understand how profits and costs will affect your operation. 

Manage your money where you make it with Shopify Balance

Shopify Balance is a free financial account that lets you manage your business’s money from Shopify admin. Pay no monthly fees, get payouts up to 7 days earlier, and earn cashback on eligible purchases.

Profit margin

Fortunately for you, startup costs on a food truck are a lot less than a brick-and-mortar restaurant, so your break-even point could come a lot sooner. That said, your profits could be limited by the food truck model.

Food trucks can expect to average about 8% profit , which means they are a volume business. You’ll need to work fast to serve a lot of customers in order to earn a profit.

You’ll also need to outline your cash flow scenario . Since food trucks can’t store a lot of inventory (ingredients and supplies), you’ll need to sell and restock more frequently than a brick-and-mortar restaurant.

Additional costs

This section is also the place to factor in other costs, such as licensing, maintenance, and staff wages, if you have employees. And if you don’t plan on hiring help, remember that you probably can’t work 16 hours a day, seven days a week, which will limit your profits too. Be sure to write accurate financial projections so you get a good idea of how much you’ll earn.

Turn your business idea into a savory reality

The food truck industry is growing. Now that you’ve had a chance to think about how your food truck dreams will shape your food truck business plan, it’s time to actually sit down and write it.

Need a little push in the right direction? Check out some business plan examples , then start filling in your template once you’re inspired.

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Food truck business plan FAQ

How profitable is a food truck, how do i start a food truck business plan.

• Create customer personas 
• Put together a marketing plan 
• Write out your financial plan 

How much does a food truck cost?

Is a food truck business a good investment.

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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?

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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?

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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!

The content creator team at calipsotree.com is dedicated to making topics accessible to everyone, with over 9 years of experience in writing and breaking down complex concepts into easy-to-understand articles that answer readers’ financial questions.

About The Author

Calypsotree.com.

The content creator team at calipsotree.com is dedicated to making topics accessible to everyone, with over 9 years of experience in writing and breaking down complex concepts into easy-to-understand articles that answer readers' financial questions.

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Food truck business plan template + PDF

This guide introduces a specialized AI Business Plan Generator template, meticulously designed for entrepreneurs planning to launch or grow their food truck business. It's crucial to highlight that the names and financial data featured in this example are entirely hypothetical, intended solely for illustrative purposes to depict the planning process. These scenarios are deliberately crafted to demonstrate how you can adapt your own AI-generated Food Truck Business Plan to meet the specific challenges and seize the opportunities within your food truck endeavor.

For seamless customization, we provide a "Food Truck Business Plan PDF" available for download. This document is a vital asset for entrepreneurs dedicated to developing a powerful and effective strategy for starting or expanding their food truck. The 'AI Business Plan Generator' serves as a comprehensive guide, offering profound insights into the food truck sector. It equips you with all the essential tools needed for successfully managing and scaling your food truck business.

Food truck business plan

How this food truck business plan sample was created.

Create your custom food truck business plan with ease using our AI Business Plan Generator. Simply click 'Generate your business plan' and respond to a set of straightforward questions about your food truck enterprise. Our advanced AI technology will analyze your answers to formulate a business plan that exactly matches your food truck's goals and specifications. This method is swift and efficient, generally taking just 5-10 minutes to finalize, and results in a detailed and well-organized plan. Our system offers the flexibility to alter and perfect the plan, ensuring it completely reflects your unique vision. Once complete, your plan is ready to download, providing a concise, comprehensive guide for launching and growing your food truck. Make the most of our AI business plan generator, optimized for food truck ventures, to enhance your strategic planning.

Food truck business plan sample

Executive summary, business description, market research and analysis, swot analysis.

• Organizational Structure and Management Team

Products or Services

Marketing and sales strategy, operations plan, financial projections, risk analysis.

Urban Eats Food Truck emerges as a vibrant and innovative player in the Austin food truck landscape, offering a delectable selection of gourmet burgers, tacos, and artisan sandwiches served fresh and fast to a bustling city of professionals, students, and street food aficionados. Our mission is to deliver a tapestry of urban-inspired flavors, with a versatile menu that caters to a multitude of dietary preferences including vegetarian and vegan options, complemented by impeccable service, and the convenience that comes with mobility.

The food truck industry, on the wings of urban growth and the upswing of on-the-go dining culture, presents a fertile ground for Urban Eats Food Truck. With an industry annual growth rate of approximately 6.8%, the promise for expansion and profitability is clear. Our target market taps into this potential, focusing on the intersection of convenience and quality that resonates with our urbanscape's high-energy rhythm. We engage with our customers through dynamic, multi-channel marketing strategies, harnessing the power of social media, strategic partnerships, and community events to build a loyal following.

As a Limited Liability Company, we take pride in our professional and driven management team, helmed by Alex Johnson, an entrepreneur with an impressive track record in hospitality who manages daily operations and charts strategic direction. Jamie Rivera, our Head Chef, brings culinary expertise and inventive menu development, nourishing our promise of freshness and quality. Marketing is spearheaded by Taylor Smith, whose prowess in brand promotion secures our footprint in the digital and physical realm, while financial oversight is deftly handled by Morgan Lee, who ensures our financial sustainability through meticulous management.

Our operations model is streamlined for efficiency—focusing on a rotating weekly schedule that maximizes exposure across key areas in Austin. Adhering to stringent quality control measures and incorporating agile inventory management systems, Urban Eats ensures that every burger flipped and every taco served upholds our commitment to culinary excellence. In anticipation of further growth, our staffing model is crafted to scale, projecting the addition of skilled culinary personnel and savvy digital marketing expertise to our team as demand increases.

Financially, Urban Eats is poised for a robust trajectory, with forecasts suggesting an ascension from $200,000 in year-one revenue to $400,000 by year five. Our assumptions presume steady market demand and customer loyalty, buoyed by our strategic marketing efforts and operational efficiencies. We project a growth in net profit margins rising from the initial 10% to a sustainable 20%, reflecting our brand’s increasing market penetration and pricing power.

Ever-mindful of the potential risks intrinsic to the mobile food industry—from mechanical breakdowns to inclement weather—we are prepared with comprehensive mitigation and contingency strategies. Our affiliation with "QuickFix Mechanics" for emergency vehicle repairs, a diversified location strategy for operations, and multiple supplier relationships safeguard against unforeseen challenges.

Urban Eats Food Truck’s journey is buttressed by comprehensive insurance coverage and stringent adherence to legal compliance, which serve as our bedrock for navigating the sometimes-turbulent waters of the food service industry. We maintain a proactive posture, with insurance policies encompassing property, auto, liability, and worker's compensation, alongside regular consultation with our legal advisors to mitigate risks to our operations and our customers.

It is with strategic intent and a passion for food that Urban Eats Food Truck embarks on this venture. We are positioned not just to savor the immediate profits but to capture the long-term loyalty of the Austin community. Our blend of mobility, culinary finesse, and business acumen sets us on a path to being a food truck icon, signaling an appetizing future for our stakeholders and a delicious one for our customers.

Food truck business plan template

Founded amidst the vibrant streets of Austin, Texas, Urban Eats Food Truck has cemented its presence as a culinary oasis on wheels, catering to the fast-paced lives of urbanites. A testament to the burgeoning food truck industry—one that thrives on convenience and gastronomic variety—Urban Eats has become synonymous with exceptional street food. Gourmet burgers, flavor-packed tacos, and artisan sandwiches constitute our core offerings, each dish echoing the diversity of the city and focusing on high-quality ingredients and swift service.

The food truck industry has witnessed an explosive growth trajectory, characterized by a notable demand for quick, affordable, and diverse dining options outside the confines of traditional restaurants. Urban areas, with their dense populations and fast-paced lifestyles, provide an ideal backdrop for the food truck revolution. With a projected growth rate of 6.8% per year, the sector validates the potential for profitable ventures to those who navigate it with culinary prowess and keen business acumen.

Urban Eats Food Truck targets a demographic as varied as its menu: professionals seeking a convenient lunch break, college students in search of a quick bite between classes, and culinary enthusiasts eager to sample the latest street food trends. Our presence in the heart of the city places us within arm's reach of our customers, providing them instant access to a world of flavors tailored to their busy schedules.

From inception, Urban Eats has been driven by a distinct mission—to provide a marriage of convenience and culinary delight, serving up a rotating selection of dishes crafted to satisfy the palate while respecting the customer’s time. This dedication is summarily expressed in our mission statement: “Delighting urban palates with a roster of exceptional, quickly served meals, united with unrivaled taste and quality—Urban Eats is your go-to street food experience.”

As an LLC, Urban Eats benefits from a business structure that shields the owner’s personal assets, simplifies tax processes, and optimizes operational flexibility. This decision underscores a strategic approach for sustainable growth and adaptability, vital in an industry known for its swift currents of change.

Looking ahead, the potential for Urban Eats Food Truck is not confined to the streets it occupies; the vision is expansive. Whether it's through increasing the convoy of trucks to cater to a growing customer base, exploring franchise opportunities, or branching into related business channels such as local farmer’s markets or pop-up events, Urban Eats aims not just to ride the wave but to be at the forefront of street food innovation.

The future is ripe with promise for Urban Eats Food Truck. With a focused management team, an unwavering commitment to quality, and a clear strategic path forward, we are more than just a meal option—we are a thriving chapter in Austin's street food story, ready to serve our community one delectable bite at a time.

The food truck industry has been riding the wave of an ever-evolving food culture that values convenience, diversity, and culinary innovation. One of the most visible trends in this sector is the growing consumer preference for quick, high-quality, and affordable meals. Over the last several years, the industry has witnessed a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 6.8%, and this trajectory is expected to continue. As urban areas expand and the workforce becomes increasingly mobile, the demand for food trucks is projected to rise in tandem.

Urban Eats Food Truck sits at the heart of this thriving industry, operating in an urban environment where the liveliness of the city fuels continual demand for street food. Our target market encompasses a broad demographic spectrum, including busy professionals between the ages of 25 and 50, college students from nearby campuses, and street food enthusiasts of all ages who appreciate the diverse culinary offerings. In Austin alone, the target demographic counts into the hundreds of thousands, with growth potential synchronous with urban development and population growth. It's estimated that 50% of our target demographic consumes street food at least once a week, suggesting a consistent and growing customer base.

The needs and demands of the market are clear: customers are on the lookout for fast service, variety in cuisine, affordability, and the assurance of health-conscious options. Urban dwellers often lead hectic lifestyles, which drives the need for quick service, while a burgeoning awareness of dietary preferences and restrictions heightens the demand for inclusive menu options including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes.

Illustrative of market trends is the burgeoning interest in global cuisine, a shift towards mobile payment systems, and the integration of technology in food service, such as online ordering systems and location-based apps. Food trucks like Urban Eats are uniquely poised to capitalize on these trends, offering a rotating menu that reflects global flavors, incorporating convenient payment options and maintaining a strong digital presence.

A key competitor analysis reveals that Urban Eats' three main rivals, "City Bites on Wheels," "Rolling Gourmet," and "Street Feast Express," each hold a significant share of the local food truck market. "City Bites on Wheels" stands out for its extensive menu, "Rolling Gourmet" is widely recognized for its high-end culinary offerings, and "Street Feast Express" is known for rapid service. Their strengths lie in their established customer bases and brand recognition.

However, weaknesses are also evident. "City Bites on Wheels'" extensive menu complicates operations and increases wait times. "Rolling Gourmet" faces the challenge of higher price points, which may alienate budget-conscious patrons. "Street Feast Express" often compromises on dish diversity to maintain speed, leaving a segment of the market underserved. Urban Eats Food Truck competes by balancing efficiency with a diverse yet carefully curated menu, which caters to a broad range of tastes and dietary needs without inflating prices or service time.

Potential barriers to entry for Urban Eats Food Truck encompass initial capital expenditures for equipment and vehicle acquisition, navigating the regulatory landscape which includes health codes, permits, and zoning laws, and establishing a customer base in an industry characterized by customer loyalty to existing brands. An entry-level food truck business faces considerable upfront costs for a customized vehicle, commercial-grade kitchen equipment, initial inventory, and branding. In addition, as a new entrant, Urban Eats must invest significantly in marketing efforts to build brand visibility and customer retention in a market that already boasts well-liked competitors.

Overall, market analysis indicates that while challenges exist, the burgeoning demand, coupled with Urban Eats Food Truck's commitment to fulfilling market needs and its strategic business maneuvers, sets the stage for sustainable growth and a strong position within the local food truck industry.

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Organizational Structure and Management

Urban Eats Food Truck operates under a clear and streamlined organizational structure designed to facilitate seamless operations, ensure excellent customer service, and support the growth of the business. At the helm is Alex Johnson, the Owner and Operations Manager, who is responsible for overarching strategy, partnerships, and operational oversight. Reporting to him is the Head Chef, Jamie Rivera, who leads menu development and kitchen operations, and the Marketing Manager, Taylor Smith, who drives customer engagement and brand promotion. The Financial Officer, Morgan Lee, manages all financial aspects including budgeting, accounting, and cost control. Our current staffing hierarchy is visually depicted in an organizational chart that delineates responsibilities across the company's functions.

Within the management team, Alex Johnson brings a wealth of experience from the hospitality industry, with a focus on operational efficiency and customer relationship management. Jamie Rivera, a culinary arts graduate with a special interest in street food, delivers creativity and innovation to Urban Eats' menu while maintaining the highest standards of food quality and safety. Taylor Smith, equipped with a degree in marketing and a keen sense of brand development in the food service sector, effectively amplifies our market presence. Morgan Lee’s accounting expertise ensures that financial performance is tracked meticulously, and the business remains commercially viable.

As Urban Eats Food Truck grows, strategic staffing needs will evolve. In the immediate future, we aim to hire additional cooks to support our current menu offerings and peak times operation. A part-time cashier to manage transactions and enhance the customer service experience is also on our recruitment roadmap. In the long term, with business expansion, we’ll require a logistics coordinator to manage schedules and event bookings, additional chefs and service staff for potential new trucks, and a dedicated social media coordinator to augment our online presence and customer interaction.

Human resources policies at Urban Eats are designed to foster a positive work culture and uphold the highest professional standards. We implement fair labor practices, offer competitive wages, and provide training for career development. Employee feedback is valued and used in shaping workplace practices and menus. Our lean organizational setup encourages openness, with regular team meetings reinforcing collaboration.

As part of our commitment to maintaining agility and tapping into specialized expertise, we engage with a number of external advisors and consultants. A local restaurant consultant advises on food trends and customer preferences, guiding us to stay ahead of the market curve. We also work with a legal consultant specializing in food industry regulations to ensure we remain compliant with local food service laws and employment statutes.

Our approach to HR underscores our dedication to the well-being and professional growth of our team. We emphasize cross-training within the food truck to ensure operational continuity during absences or peak periods. Benefits such as flexible schedules cater to the needs of our team, many of whom are students or working parents, thereby promoting a work-life balance.

Altogether, our organizational strategy, coupled with a stellar management team and a future-proof staffing plan, ensures that Urban Eats Food Truck is not just an exceptional dining experience for our customers, but also a great workplace for our employees and a sustainable, thriving business poised for expansion.

Urban Eats Food Truck provides a tantalizing array of street food selections that cater to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Our signature offerings include gourmet burgers made with locally sourced, grass-fed beef; artisanal sandwiches featuring homemade sauces and fresh local produce; and authentic tacos stuffed with vibrant flavors and ingredients reflective of the region's cultural diversity. We also prioritize inclusivity by offering a selection of vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring there’s something on the menu for everyone.

Our unique selling points lie in three primary areas: the freshness of our ingredients, the creativity of our menu, and the adaptability of our service. We source our ingredients from local farms and suppliers, which allows us to serve food that is not only fresher but also supports the local economy. Seasonal menu updates keep our offerings exciting and new, encouraging repeat business from customers keen to try the latest Urban Eats creations. Our food truck model provides the versatility to serve customers in various locations and at a range of events, broadening our market reach and providing convenience to our clientele.

Currently, Urban Eats Food Truck operates one fully equipped mobile unit, and we are in the development stage of exploring the addition of a second vehicle to cater to the increasing demand and broaden our operational footprint. Our immediate focus is on optimizing our menu and operations based on customer feedback and sales data. In the future, we plan to introduce a series of limited-time offers that leverage seasonal flavors and festivities to generate customer excitement and attract media attention.

We have established the Urban Eats brand identity, with trademarks in place for our logo and unique menu item names to protect our intellectual property. We also have copyright claims on our original recipes and branding materials, safeguarding our brand's individuality within the market.

The production process is meticulously managed to ensure quality and efficiency. Each morning, prep work and partial cooking are conducted in a rented commissary kitchen which adheres to all health and safety regulations. The final assembly and cooking are completed within the food truck's state-of-the-art kitchen, which is equipped to deliver our menu to the highest standard. Daily operations follow a strict adherence to food safety practices and hygiene standards.

In terms of suppliers, we have fostered strong relationships with local vendors, such as "Green Fields Organic" for our produce and "Bakery Central" for artisanal bread. These partnerships ensure regular delivery of high-quality ingredients while giving us the flexibility to scale our orders based on demand. We have also teamed up with "Global Spice Market" to access a wider variety of spices and international flavorings that enable us to offer an authentic global dining experience.

Urban Eats Food Truck is committed to constant enhancement, both in terms of the products and services we offer, and in how we engage with our customers and the community. By focusing on quality, innovation, and customer service, we ensure that Urban Eats remains competitive and continues to thrive in a bustling and ever-changing food truck marketplace.

Urban Eats Food Truck’s marketing strategy is focused on creating a strong brand presence within the community, generating a loyal customer base, and engaging effectively with our target market. Our approach leverages digital and traditional marketing tactics to reach potential customers where they live, work, and socialize.

We utilize social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for daily engagement, sharing mouth-watering images of our food, location updates, and interacting with our followers. We also employ geo-targeted advertising to reach customers in the immediate vicinity of our service locations. In addition to our digital presence, we participate in local events and festivals to increase our visibility and build rapport within the community.

Our sales strategy includes a robust physical presence in high-foot-traffic areas of the city, particularly during peak meal times, and aligning with regular events where our target demographic is known to congregate. The sales team, led by Alex Johnson, is trained to provide quick, friendly, and efficient service, turning every transaction into an opportunity for customer engagement and feedback. We track sales activities and patterns to continuously refine our approach, ensuring that we can respond quickly to shifts in demand.

Pricing strategy at Urban Eats Food Truck is designed to provide value for money while ensuring sustainable profit margins. All items are competitively priced to match customer expectations for street food, with premium options available for those seeking gourmet experiences. We are also committed to transparency, meaning absolutely no hidden fees. Prices are prominently displayed and include all sales taxes.

Our primary distribution channel is direct sales through our mobile food truck. This enables us to cut out the middleman and provide our customers with the freshest food possible, prepared right in front of them. We are also developing an online ordering system to facilitate pre-orders and reduce wait times. The option for delivery through third-party services such as UberEats and DoorDash is being explored to extend our service reach for customers who cannot come to us.

Our promotion and advertising plans include strategic partnerships with local businesses, targeted social media ad campaigns, participation in food truck rallies, and distribution of flyers in strategic urban locations. We regularly offer special promotions and discounts to regular customers and those who follow us on social media, as part of our efforts to build a loyal customer base. Additionally, we have a loyalty program where customers can earn points with each purchase that can be redeemed for free or discounted items.

Customer service policies at Urban Eats Food Truck center on delivering a high-quality experience with every interaction. We guarantee fresh, hot food prepared to order and served with a smile. Our staff is trained to address customer queries and concerns promptly and effectively, and feedback is actively solicited to inform service improvements. All employees are empowered to resolve issues on the spot, ensuring that customer satisfaction is primary.

Overall, our marketing and sales strategy is built on a foundation of quality product offerings, exceptional customer service, and active community engagement. By combining innovative marketing tactics with strategic sales planning, Urban Eats Food Truck is set to carve out a significant niche in the bustling street food market of Austin.

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Urban Eats Food Truck's operations plan is meticulously designed to ensure smooth and efficient daily operations, high-quality service delivery, and exceptional customer service. We emphasize comprehensive planning and attention to detail to guarantee that our customers receive the same high standard of street food regardless of when or where they visit us.

The operational workflow begins early each morning with the preparation of fresh ingredients at our commissary kitchen space. Here, the Head Chef oversees the pre-cooking of certain components and the assembly of what’s needed for the day’s service. This ensures that the food truck is stocked with the required provisions and that we minimize preparation time on-location without compromising on food quality.

During service delivery, processes are aligned for efficiency and quality. Our food truck is equipped with state-of-the-art kitchen equipment allowing for fast on-site cooking and order assembly. The staff follows a standardized production process, which includes a sequence for order taking, preparation, cooking, presentation, and serving. This process is constantly reviewed and refined to reduce wait times and enhance the customer experience.

Quality control is a fundamental aspect of our operations. We have strict protocols in place to ensure that every dish served meets our high standards. This includes regular equipment calibration, monitoring the freshness of ingredients, ensuring proper food handling techniques, and conducting random sample tastings. Staff are trained in food safety and are required to maintain hygiene certifications. A feedback system is also set up to allow customers to report their satisfaction levels, which helps us address any potential quality issues promptly.

Inventory management is executed with precision to ensure that we are always in stock of the necessary ingredients, while also minimizing waste. We operate on a just-in-time inventory system which allows us to order supplies as needed based on sales forecasts and historical sales data. Inventory levels are tracked daily, and stock orders are placed with our network of vetted suppliers. The inventory management software allows us to track usage patterns and adjust orders to align with fluctuations in customer demand.

Supply chain management is critical to our operation, as it directly affects the quality of our offerings. We maintain close relationships with a curated selection of suppliers who understand our need for reliability, quality, and timely deliveries. We source ingredients locally as much as possible, which not only supports local businesses but also reduces our carbon footprint. Our suppliers are selected based on their ability to provide fresh, quality ingredients that match our ethos of sustainability and community support.

Facilities and equipment are central to our operation. Our customized food truck is equipped with a commercial-grade kitchen, designed to maximize space and efficiency. It includes grills, fryers, refrigeration units, and storage areas. The equipment is serviced and maintained regularly to ensure uninterrupted operations. We plan for eventual equipment upgrades or replacements as part of our long-term strategy to stay current with the latest in culinary technology.

In conclusion, our operations plan ensures streamlined, efficient service delivery that emphasizes quality control, effective inventory, and supply chain management, facilitated by well-maintained facilities and equipment. The execution of this plan is critical in achieving operational excellence within Urban Eats Food Truck, shaping our reputation for reliability, top-tier street food, and outstanding customer service.

Urban Eats Food Truck's financial projections provide a comprehensive overview of our anticipated fiscal performance over the next three to five years. These projections are crafted to serve as a guide for potential investors and stakeholders, showcasing the financial viability and growth potential of our business.

Sales Forecast

Our sales forecast is based on a combination of historical sales data, industry benchmarks, and the estimated growth of the urban food truck market. For Year 1, we forecast sales revenue of $200,000, driven by a strong introduction to the market and strategic marketing initiatives. We anticipate a steady increase in year-over-year sales as brand recognition builds and customer loyalty strengthens. By Year 2, sales are expected to grow to $250,000, reflecting a stable customer base and optimized operations. Continuing this trend, we project revenues to reach $300,000 in Year 3, $350,000 in Year 4, and $400,000 in Year 5, by which time we expect to have a more extensive operational footprint potentially including additional trucks or service offerings.

Profit and Loss Projection

The profit and loss projection for Urban Eats takes into account all projected revenue, cost of goods sold (COGS), operating expenses, wages, and other incidentals. We anticipate a net profit margin of 10% in Year 1, which takes into account the initial costs associated with establishing the food truck business. By Year 2, improvements in operational efficiency and brand recognition are expected to increase the net profit margin to 15%. We project this margin to stabilize at 20% in subsequent years as we leverage economies of scale and potentially expand our market reach.

Cash Flow Projection

Our cash flow projection displays the inbound and outbound cash anticipated through daily operations. It factors in revenue from sales, and outgoing cash for expenses such as inventory, staffing, vehicle maintenance, and utilities. Given the seasonality of the food truck business, we've provisioned for higher cash reserves during the slower months to maintain financial stability. A positive monthly cash flow is expected by the end of Year 1, with steadily increasing cash reserves projected thereafter.

Balance Sheet Projection

The balance sheet projection includes assets such as the food truck, kitchen equipment, and initial inventory, offset by liabilities, including any start-up loans and ongoing creditor obligations. We project a balanced approach to asset accumulation and liability management, thus reflecting growing equity in the company over time. This will demonstrate to investors and creditors alike the growing financial health and asset base of Urban Eats.

Break-even Analysis

Our break-even analysis indicates that Urban Eats will need to achieve a certain level of sales to cover the total costs of operations. Based on fixed and variable costs, and assuming average sale prices remain consistent, we predict we will reach break-even point approximately midway through Year 1 of operations. This early break-even point is achieved by keeping overhead low and ensuring a high level of operational efficiency.

Financial Assumptions and Considerations

These financial projections are based on several key assumptions: continued growth in demand for food truck services, stability in food costs, successful execution of our marketing and sales strategy, and a steady increase in customer numbers as forecasted. Other considerations include the potential for economic changes that may affect consumer spending, changes to industry regulations, and fluctuating fuel prices which could impact operational costs.

We remain committed to regular financial analysis, assessing the accuracy of our projections against actual performance, allowing us to adjust our strategies and financial management practices in a timely manner. Overall, these projections highlight Urban Eats Food Truck's promising financial outlook and underscore the rigorous planning and financial acumen that underpin our business strategy.

Food truck business plan sample pdf

The risk analysis for Urban Eats Food Truck meticulously assesses potential internal and external threats that may impede our business operations. Identifying these risks in advance enables us to devise strategic mitigation and develop contingency plans to ensure resilience and the ongoing success of our venture.

Identification of Potential Risks

Market Risks: - Customer Demand Fluctuations: Variability in customer appetites and economic factors can lead to unpredictability in sales. - Seasonality: Weather and seasonal changes Affect the frequency of customer visits to the food truck.

Operational Risks: - Supply Chain Disruptions: Our reliance on fresh local produce means any interruptions from suppliers can impact menu offerings. - Equipment Failure: Dependence on the food truck and cooking equipment necessitates a strategy for dealing with potential breakdowns. - Regulatory Compliance: Non-compliance with health and operation laws could result in penalties or operational halts. - Pandemic Outbreak: A new pandemic could force closures, reduce customer foot traffic, and disrupt normal business operations, similar to the impacts felt during the COVID-19 crisis.

Financial Risks: - Cash Flow Management: Efficient management of cash reserves is crucial, especially in phases of growth or unexpected downturns. - Fluctuating Costs: Volatile ingredient prices and labor costs directly affect profit margins. - Theft and Fraud: Handling cash and managing inventory exposes us to risks that need to be managed.

Risk Mitigation Strategies

- Engagement with market trends and customer feedback to quickly pivot in response to changing preferences. - Varied menu offerings to reduce the impact of seasonality on operations. - Relationships with diverse, reliable suppliers to safeguard against disruptions and a backup list of suppliers in case of issues with primary suppliers. - Regular preventive maintenance and guaranteed service agreements for all critical equipment. - Establishment of health and safety protocols with comprehensive staff training to ensure regulatory compliance. - Implementation of hygiene and contactless service measures to operate safely during a pandemic, following guidelines issued by health authorities.

Contingency Plans

- An alternative menu and service offerings should the main suppliers face disruptions. - A contract with a backup truck provider or alternate operations base to mitigate equipment failures. - Cross-training staff to adapt to various roles in case of worker shortages due to illness or quarantine. - A flexible model that can pivot to delivery and pickup services during potential pandemic lockdowns or restrictions.

Insurance and Legal Considerations

- In-depth insurance policies, including property, vehicle, general liability, and worker's compensation, provide a comprehensive safety net for unforeseen incidents. - As a proactive measure, we carry specific pandemic insurance to mitigate financial losses from business interruptions due to infectious disease outbreaks. - Regular consultations with our legal team ensure we are abreast of any compliance updates and are prepared to adjust operations to meet new regulatory requirements.

Through thoughtful risk analysis and pre-planned responses, Urban Eats Food Truck is reinforced against potential threats, poised to navigate uncertainties with agility, and preserve the trust and satisfaction of our customers, which are central to our business.

Food truck business template

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How to Write a Food Truck Business Plan (2024 + Template)

Noah Parsons

12 min. read

Updated May 10, 2024

Free Download:  Food Truck Business Plan Template

Starting a food truck business is an attractive alternative to opening a restaurant .

The initial costs are significantly lower than opening a traditional restaurant and the popularity of food trucks only continues to grow. This doesn’t mean that food trucks are cheap, though. It can cost anywhere from $5,000 to over $100,000 to open a new truck, so you’ll want to make sure you understand the risks.

Want some extra guidance as you read through this article? Download our free food truck business plan template .

• What makes a good food truck business plan?

A business plan is a critical part of opening a food truck. A good plan is like having a recipe for your business and gives you the best chance of success. It will guide you through the process of getting up and running and make sure that you plan for all of the expenses and risks that will be involved. It’s worth the time and will greatly increase your chances of success.

After all, if you’re going to invest tens of thousands of dollars in a food truck, kitchen equipment, labor, and permits, why not spend a little time creating a solid business plan that will be your guide to launching a successful food truck business.

A well thought out business plan can be the difference between success and failure. For example, you might create an initial financial plan and discover that your idea simply isn’t profitable. 

It’s so much better to make this discovery when all you’ve invested is a few hours of your time in front of the computer. Instead of scrambling to figure things out when you’re already up and running and you’ve got no money in the bank, you can take the time during the planning phase to go back to the drawing board and rework your concept until you have a business that is profitable. You can use the time before you invest your (or other people’s) money to figure out where you can cut costs so that your business can be a success out of the gate rather than a struggle.

As you write your food truck business plan, remember that you’re doing this for you, not for anyone else. You aren’t going to get graded on what the plan looks like so don’t worry about that. Make your plan work for you so you and your business can be successful.To start on yours, download our free food truck business plan template.

One caveat: If you are going to be raising money from investors or going to the bank for a loan, you may need to dress up your business plan a little. But, to get going, focus on the content, not how it looks.

• Food truck business plan template

A food truck business plan follows the same general format as a traditional business plan but has a few differences that you’ll want to pay close attention to. Here are the sections that you’ll want to include in your business plan for your food truck:

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1. Executive summary

Your executive summary is a very brief overview of your business. Try and keep it to just one or two pages. Anything more than that just isn’t useful.

Food Truck Business Executive Summary Tips

This is an overview of your business that you’ll share with your business partners and your family. It’s a summary that describes, very briefly, the concept for your food truck, your core hours of operation, your locations, a summary of your marketing plan, and the amount of money you’ll need to get up and running.

Write your executive summary last after you’ve written your complete plan. Because the executive summary is an overview of all the work that you’ve put into your plan, spend the time on the rest of the plan first and then come back and summarize everything on one page.

A good rule of thumb is that someone should be able to just read your executive summary and get a solid overview of your business.

This is the fun part of your business plan. Use this section to describe the general concept or company description for your food truck. What kind of food will you serve? What makes you stand out?

Food Truck Business Concept Tips

It’s important to think about your key differentiators and write those down here. If you’re opening a taco truck, what makes your tacos special? Why will people choose your taco truck instead of going to all the other taco trucks? Or, perhaps there are no taco trucks in your area. That’s a “gap in the market” that your food truck concept will fill.

It’s also worth discussing why you want to open a food truck instead of a traditional restaurant. Does your food lend itself to a food-truck experience?

3. Menu & Costs

Following up on your concept, you need to think through your menu. What items will you sell and how much will you sell them for? How much will it cost you to produce each item? How much time will it take you to prep and cook each item? You can look through some food truck menu examples to get an idea of how you might want to structure yours.

Food Truck Menu and Costs Tips

Thinking through these questions and writing down the answers is a critical step in the planning process. You’ll want to make sure that the food you plan on serving can be served quickly enough and that your prices are set so that you cover food costs. Of course, you’ll have to cover other costs as well, but you’ll explore that more when you do your financial plan.

Once you have explored what your menu and pricing looks like, it’s worth sharing your menu with friends and family to get input. Ideally, you should also try and share your menu with strangers as well to get their input. What do they think about your prices? Do your item descriptions make sense?

4. Target Market

Your target market section of your business plan describes who your key customers will be. What age group are they part of? What are their demographics? Where do they live and work

Food Truck Business Target Market Tips

You’ll use this information to determine the size of your target market. This is the total number of potential customers that you could have.

You’ll also use this information to inform your branding and marketing strategy. If your target market is millennials, then your branding and marketing may lean towards the values of healthy eating, for example.

5. Location(s)

Just because your business is mobile doesn’t mean that every day will be a new adventure to find “the best spot”. You’ll want to have a plan ahead of time so you don’t waste time every day finding the right location .

Food Truck Business Location Tips

First, you’ll want to consider locations where your target market is going to be. If you’re going after the “working lunch” crowd who’s looking for a quick lunch near their offices, you’ll want to have a location that’s convenient for them.

Customers also value consistency. They’ll want to know where you’re going to be and when you’re going to be there. If you’re in one location one day and gone the next, you might lose out on repeat customers who think that you’re inconsistent.

If you’re going to be part of a more established food cart “pod”, what does it take to get a spot? What is the cost and what permits are required? Figure this out now so you can factor parking and permitting costs into your overall expense plan.

If you’re planning and serving from multiple locations during any given day, think through and write down your schedule. How often will you move? How long does it take you to break down one location and set up at a new location?

6. Branding, Marketing, and PR

With the explosion of food trucks, figuring out how you’re going to attract an audience is critical. Thankfully, you’ll be driving a mobile billboard, so you can leverage that to your advantage and use that for marketing and advertising.

Food Truck Business Branding, Marketing, and PR Tips

It’s important to ensure that your social media handles are part of your branding and marketing strategy so that people can easily find you online and know where you are. Equally important is that you religiously update your social media profiles. There’s nothing worse than a profile that hasn’t been updated in days or weeks. Many customers will think that you’re closed if you don’t appear to be active online.

Beyond social media, you’ll want to make sure that you’re listed in Yelp and any other local food truck directories and apps. Getting a presence in these apps and getting positive reviews is critical, especially in the early days.

If you can get local press, that’s worth chasing down as well. Often, the weekly arts and culture papers will review food trucks, so it’s worth announcing your presence to them. When you do, think about your story – what makes you unique? What’s special about your food? What pushed you to start a food truck business in the first place? Everyone has a story to tell, so tell yours and try and get some coverage that will drive customers to your truck.

7. Company and Management

Food truck businesses are usually structured fairly simply. There’s usually just one or two owners and the business is usually an LLC. 

Food Truck Business Company and Management Tips

Even if things are fairly simple, it’s always worth writing things down, especially if you have business partners. You’ll want to have agreements about who owns what, what stake in the business each person has, and what happens if one of the partners wants to walk away.

While everything is always optimistic and positive in the beginning, the hard work of running a food truck business can put a strain on any relationship and you’ll want to have a plan in place in case things don’t go exactly the way you think they will. Even the best of friends sometimes have to deal with difficult business situations and it’s always much easier if everything is written down and agreed upon before the business is actually up and running.

8. Financial Plan

The financial plan is potentially the most important part of your business plan. Here’s where you’ll figure out exactly what it will take to make your business work so that you can make a living.

Forecasting Sales for Your Food Truck Business

First, you’ll want to forecast your sales . How many meals do you think you can serve on an average day? On average how much will each customer spend? What about seasonality? When the weather is bad, will you sell as much as when it’s warm and sunny?

Next, you’ll want to look at your “cost of goods”. This is how much it costs you in food and supplies to serve the food that you are serving. Subtract your Cost of Goods from your Sales and you’ll get what’s called your Gross Margin. Of course, you’ll want this to be a positive number, but that’s just the beginning.

Food Truck Business Expenses

Next, you’ll need to look at your expenses. In addition to food costs, you’ll have labor costs including your own salary as well as any additional help you need. You’ll also need to consider insurance, licensing from the city and county, as well as fuel and commissions to event hosts. It’s fairly common for food trucks to pay a flat fee plus a percentage of revenue to event hosts, so if you’re going to consider taking your truck to events you’ll need to factor those costs in as well.

Other expenses can include access to a shared kitchen space. As a food business, you won’t be legally allowed to prep food in your home, so food prep will have to be done either in your truck or in rented kitchen space.

With your sales forecast and expense budget, you’ll be able to calculate your profitability. If your business isn’t looking profitable to start, you can make adjustments to expenses, potentially increase the price of your food, or explore how you can serve more meals.

Food Truck Business Startup Costs

Of course, you’ll also have to consider your startup costs. It’s not at all unusual for a food truck and equipment to cost north of $50,000 and can easily extend beyond $100,000 depending on how custom of a setup you need. Of course, there’s a healthy market for used food trucks, so that’s worth exploring as well.

In terms of startup costs, $100,000 is relatively modest compared to many other businesses and certainly substantially less expensive than opening a restaurant. Many food truck entrepreneurs may find that they can fund their startup with savings and loans from friends and family. Bank business loans for food trucks are also a possibility since most of your startup costs are going towards a physical asset that the bank can reclaim if things go horribly south.

Food Truck Business Cash Flow and Profit and Loss Forecasts

With all of these numbers, you’ll be able to assemble a Profit and Loss forecast and Cash Flow forecast . These two financial forecasts will help you determine exactly what your funding needs will be to get your business off the ground.

If you’re struggling with the financials, it’s worth investing a small amount in a business planning tool to help you get your plan done without having to worry about learning the details of financial forecasting in Excel.

With your food truck business plan in hand and a financial forecast that shows that you can indeed run a profitable business, the next step is to actually get started building your business.

For further reading, check out these articles:

• How to start a food truck business
• 10 strategies to increase your food truck revenue
• Keeping your food truck business rolling

Noah is the COO at Palo Alto Software, makers of the online business plan app LivePlan. He started his career at Yahoo! and then helped start the user review site Epinions.com. From there he started a software distribution business in the UK before coming to Palo Alto Software to run the marketing and product teams.

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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 Written by Josh Sainsbury | 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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• One-Page Business Plan
• Legal Resources
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The document above is a sample. Please note that the language you see here may change depending on your answers to the document questionnaire.

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Food Truck Business Plan Template

If you are considering starting a food truck business, you are in the right place. Our free food truck business plan template is designed to help entrepreneurs like you turn their culinary dreams into a reality. This comprehensive template provides a step-by-step guide to developing a solid business plan, which is essential to securing funding, attracting customers, and ultimately achieving success. Whether you are a seasoned chef or just starting out, our food truck business plan template can help you get started on the path to launching a successful and profitable food truck business.

Get the free business plan template here!

Are you passionate about food and looking to start your own business? If you've considered starting a food truck, you're in luck! Our free food truck business plan template can help guide you through the process of starting your own successful food truck business.

Starting a food truck business can be an exciting and fulfilling venture. You'll get to share your passion for cooking with others and have the freedom to work for yourself. However, launching a food truck requires more than just a love of food - it takes careful planning, organization, and strategic thinking to make it a success.

That's where our free food truck business plan template comes in. This comprehensive template is designed to help you create a solid business plan that will guide you through each step of the process. From identifying your target market and creating a menu to securing funding and developing a marketing plan, our template covers all the essential elements of a successful food truck business.

Here are just a few of the key features of our food truck business plan template:

• Executive Summary: This section provides an overview of your food truck business and includes a summary of your mission, goals, and target market.
• Company Description: This section provides more detailed information about your business, including your business structure, legal requirements, and any partnerships you may have.
• Market Analysis: This section helps you identify your target market and understand the demand for your food truck business in your area. It includes a competitive analysis to help you understand your competition and how you can differentiate yourself.
• Menu: Your menu is the heart of your food truck business, and this section helps you create a compelling and profitable menu that will attract customers.
• Marketing Plan: Once you have your food truck up and running, you'll need to attract customers. This section helps you develop a comprehensive marketing plan that includes both online and offline tactics.
• Financial Projections: This section will demonstrate some actual food truck financial projections so you can see what should be included in your food truck business plan.

Our food truck business plan template is easy to use and customizable to fit your unique needs. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow an existing food truck business, our template can help guide you through the process of creating a solid business plan that will set you up for success.

Starting a food truck business is an exciting and rewarding journey, but it's important to remember that success doesn't happen overnight. With careful planning, hard work, and a solid business plan, you can turn your culinary dreams into a thriving business. So why wait? Download our free food truck business plan template today and get started on the path to success!

Food Truck Business Plan Frequently Asked Questions

Q: why do i need a business plan for my food truck.

A: A business plan is essential for any food truck entrepreneur, as it outlines the foundation and strategy of your business. It helps you define your goals, identify your target market, and map out the steps you need to take to achieve success. A solid business plan can also help you secure funding and attract investors.

Q: How do I create a menu for my food truck?

A: Creating a menu for your food truck can be a fun and creative process, but it's important to keep a few things in mind. Consider your target market and what types of foods they're interested in, as well as what is popular in the area you plan to operate. Think about how you can make your menu unique and stand out from the competition, while also keeping your costs low and your prices reasonable.

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

A: a good estimate is around $50,000 to $100,000 for a new food truck. This includes the cost of the truck, kitchen equipment, permits, and other start-up expenses. The cost of starting a food truck business can vary widely depending on factors such as the size of the truck, equipment needed, and local regulations.

Q: What kind of permits and licenses do I need for my food truck business?

A: The specific permits and licenses you need for your food truck business will vary depending on your location and the type of food you plan to serve. Generally, you'll need a food service permit, health permit, and business license. You may also need a parking permit and special permits for events and festivals. Be sure to check with your local health department and city officials to find out the specific requirements for your area.

Q: How do I market my food truck business?

A: Marketing your food truck business is essential to attract customers and build your brand. There are a variety of marketing tactics you can use, such as social media marketing, email marketing, and local advertising. You can also participate in local events and festivals to get your name out there and build relationships with other food truck owners and vendors. The key is to find the marketing channels that work best for your business and target your audience effectively.

We Know a Good Business Plan When we See One

Collectively, our team has reviewed thousands of business plans and has nearly 20 years of experience making SBA loans. We've also helped more than 50,000 businesses create financial projections across many industries and geographies.

Adam served as Executive Director for a SBA microlender in Indiana for over 10 years helping businesses and reviewing thousands of business plans.

Grace has built hundreds of custom financial models for businesses as well as our projection templates which are used by thousands of businesses every year.

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Free Food Truck Business Plan Template

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Write your business plan with help from industry experts

Use this free food truck business plan template to easily create a great business plan that organizes your vision and helps you start, grow, or raise funding for your food truck.

What's inside? Exclusive insights into how to:

• Build a strong  food truck business plan
• Write an executive summary
• Establish a food truck operations plan
• Conduct market and financial analyses
• Create a  food truck marketing plan

What is a food truck business plan?

A business plan is a written document that describes in detail how your food truck defines its objectives and how it’ll go about achieving its goals. A  food truck business plan is the blueprint that outlines your entire vision, and it explains in detail how your business will take shape and operate.

How do you write a business plan for a food truck?

Whether this is your first time writing a business plan or you’re a seasoned pro, it’s always helpful to work off of a template designed for your industry. When writing your business plan, be sure to include elements like a branded cover page, an executive summary, a company overview, a market analysis, a marketing plan, an operations plan, and a financial analysis. For more information on how to write a food truck business plan,  read this article .

Use the Food Truck Business Plan Template to build a concrete strategy

In most cases, opening a new food truck, expanding to a new location, or giving your existing concept an overhaul requires outside capital from investors. But before anyone invests in your dream, they need to see that you’ve got a concrete plan for success. The business plan provides them with a complete description of your strategy. Download the free Food Truck Business Plan Template to organize your vision and ensure that nothing is overlooked. For a guide to writing a business plan specifically for a food truck, learn from this resource:  How to Write a Food Truck Business Plan . Related food truck resources:

• How Much Does it Cost to Start a Food Truck
• How to Start a Food Truck Business
• Best Food Truck Ideas
• Food Truck POS System
• Food Truck Name Ideas
• Food Truck Design Ideas
• Food Truck Websites
• Food Truck Marketing Ideas
• Food Truck Menu Ideas
• How Much Do Food Trucks Make
• How to Do Food Truck Branding
• Food Truck Licenses and Permits

Food Truck Business Plan Template

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Updated January 09, 2023

A food truck business plan is created by a food truck entrepreneur to describe the vision, plans, and goals of their business. It should detail the company’s core offering, operational procedures, management, sourcing, and financial metrics, as well as food truck industry trends, statistics, and competitive analysis. The plan can be used to attract potential investors and partners as well as guide the operation of the business and benchmark its success.

Food Truck Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

Food Truck Business Plan

If you want to start a successful food truck business or expand your current mobile food business, you need a business plan.

Fortunately, you’re in the right place. Our team has helped develop over 100,000 business plans over the past 20 years, including thousands of food truck business plans.

The following food truck business plan template and example gives you the key elements you must include in your plan. In our experience speaking with lenders and investors, the template is organized in the precise format they want.

Food Truck Business Plan Sample

Below is an outline of each of the key sections of an example food truck business plan to help you write your own business plan.

I. Executive Summary

Business overview.

[Company Name], located at [insert location here] is a new, upscale food truck focusing on providing organic, healthy breakfast and lunch items. Our product line fits nicely with health trends nationwide – as individuals are seeking healthier lifestyles complimented by natural, low-fat, and organic foods.

[Company Name] will offer a menu of salads, soups and sandwiches. All products will use 100% all natural and organic ingredients. Several products on the menu will be highlighted as being lower in fat, cholesterol, or sodium.

Customer Focus

[Company Name] will primarily serve the residents within a 15 mile radius of our food truck. The demographics of these customers are as follows:

• 27,827 residents
• Average income of $74,700
• 58.9% married
• 49.6% in Mgt./Professional occupations
• Median age: 38 years

In addition to this prime adult demographic for an upscale and healthy food truck, there are five elementary school, a middle school, and a high school. This will make [Company Name] an ideal location for parents to spend time while waiting for their children or to bring their children to after school.

Management Team

[Company Name] is led by [Founder’s Name] who has been in the food truck business for 20 years. While [Founder] has never run a food truck himself, he has taught cooking classes at the local culinary institute for 20 years and has worked as a sous-chef at some of the most upscale food trucks in the community over the past 10 years. As such [Founder] has an in-depth knowledge of the food truck business including the operations side (e.g., running day-to-day operations) and the business management side (e.g., staffing, marketing, etc.).

You can download our Business Plan Template (including a full, customizable financial model) to your computer here.

Success Factors

[Company Name] is uniquely qualified to succeed due to the following reasons:

• There is currently no upscale and healthy food truck in the community we are entering. In addition, we have surveyed the local population and received extremely positive feedback saying that they explicitly want to frequent our business when launched.
• Our location is in a high-volume area with little direct traffic, and will thus be highly convenient to significant numbers of passerby’s each day
• The management team has a track record of success in the food truck business.
• The upscale and healthy food truck business is a proven business and has succeeded in communities throughout the United States.
• Market trends such as healthy and organic living support our business opportunity as well as growing awareness about the obesity epidemic and repercussions of non-nutritious eating

Financial Highlights

[Company Name] is currently seeking $320,000 to launch. Specifically, these funds will be used as follows:

• Truck purchase and customization (Design/build): $200,000
• Working capital: $120,000 to pay for Marketing, salaries, and lease costs until [Company Name] reaches break-even

II. Company Overview

Who is [company name].

[Company Name], located at [insert location here] is a new, upscale and healthy food truck focusing on providing organic and delicious foods to the local community.

[Company Name] was founded by [Founder’s Name]. While [Founder’s Name] has been in the food truck business for some time, it was in [month, date] that he decided to launch [Company Name]. Specifically, during this time, [Founder] took a trip to Fort Lauderdale, FL. During his trip, [Founder’s Name] frequented a food truck that enjoyed tremendous success. After several discussions with the owner of the food truck, [Founder’s Name] clearly understood that a similar business would enjoy significant success in his hometown.

Specifically the customer demographics and competitive situations in the Fort Lauderdale location and in [insert location here] were so similar that he knew it would work. Furthermore, after surveying the local population, this theory was proven.

[Company Name]’s History

Upon returning from Fort Lauderdale, surveying the local customer base, and finding a potential location, [Founder’s Name] incorporated [Company Name] as an S-Corporation on [date of incorporation].

[Founder’s Name] has selected three initial locations and is currently undergoing due diligence on each property and the local market to assess which will be the most desirable location for the food truck.

Since incorporation, the company has achieved the following milestones:

• Developed the company’s name, logo and website
• Created the menu
• Determined equipment and inventory requirements
• Began recruiting key employees with experience in the food truck industry

[Company Name]’s Menu

Below is [Company Name]’s initial menu. All items will be 100% natural and organic:

III. Industry Analysis

Industry statistics & trends.

The following industry size facts and statistics bode well for [Company Name].

• Food Trucks will continue to perform well over the next five years, benefiting from consumers with deeper pockets able to spend on pricier gourmet food options. The industry is expected to enjoy a strong five years due to positive economic conditions and the gourmet food movement.
• Consumers are expected to demand higher-quality food, a wider variety of styles and tastes, better presentation, and, most importantly, more healthy menu options. Consumers are no longer willing to accept that choosing to eat street food means sacrificing quality or healthy options. Operators that include healthy options on their menus will be best situated for success. 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. These customers will often visit the operator’s website or follow the company via social media to determine when the food truck is at a nearby location.
• The industry will also benefit in the next five years from an increase in the urban population, which is expected to comprise 81.9% of the US population. The 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 higher-than-average incomes and limited spare time.
• The most successful food trucks will earn higher profit margins due to clever marketing and branding, which enables them to charge a premium for menu items.

IV. Customer Analysis

Demographic Profile of Target Market [Company Name] will serve the residents of [company location] and the immediately surrounding areas as well as those who work in [company location].

The area we serve is affluent and has an affinity to healthy and organic foods and beverages like we will be offering.

Customer Segmentation

We will primarily target the following four customer segments:

• Local office workers: approximately 5,000 individuals work in offices within a quarter mile of our location and we expect a fair portion of these individuals to frequent us during lunch hours.
• Students: there is a middle school and a high school in the town and the high school are within one half mile. Students from these schools will be targeted to frequent [Company Name].

V. Competitive Analysis

Direct & indirect competitors.

The following competitors are located within a 2 mile radius of [Company Name], thus providing either direct or indirect competition for customers:

Joe’s Tavern

Joe’s Tavern is the town’s leading local food truck and has been in business for 32 years. Joe’s offers a wide array of foods, with local bands as entertainment, and is a highly family friendly environment. .

Joe’s has an extensive menu, with some healthy options and some fried foods and bar favorites. While it has an established clientele, Joe’s Tavern does not differentiate itself as a healthy food choice.

Old Time Organics

Old Time Organics has been in business for 5 years. Old Time offers a variety of baked goods, organic teas and coffees, and sandwiches served to-go.

While Old Time Organics’ food is entirely organic, they have a very limited selection of items and are not open for dinner. The location only has four sit down tables and is thus targeting to-go customers that are either stopping for a quick breakfast or picking up baked goods and coffee for work.

Freddy’s Deli

Freddy’s Deli is a recently opened food truck. Freddy’s offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is open until 1am nightly.

[Company Name] has several advantages over Freddy’s Deli including:

• Freddy’s Deli does not offer products, including pastries, sandwiches, soups and more, made with organic ingredients
• Freddy’s has very little ambience and due to enormous portion sizes and low quality ingredients, the food is largely unhealthy

While we expect that Freddy’s Deli will continue to thrive based on its location and excitement about a new food truck, we expect that more and more customers will frequent [Company Name] based on the high-quality and organic ingredients we use and product selection.

Competitive Advantage

[Company Name] enjoys several advantages over its competitors. These advantages include:

• 100% Natural/Organic/High-Quality Ingredients: getting 100% Natural/Organic baked goods, soups, sandwiches and more in the local market is challenging and is being increasingly demanded by the local community
• Management: Our management team has years of business and marketing experience that allows us to market and serve customers in a much more sophisticated manner than our competitors.
• Relationships: Having lived in the community for 25 years, [Founder’s Name] knows all of the local leaders, newspapers and other influences. As such, it will be relatively easy for us to build branding and awareness of our food truck.

VI. Marketing Plan

The Marketing Plan describes the type of brand [Company Name] seeks to create and the Company’s planned promotions and pricing strategies.

The [Company Name] Brand

The [Company Name] brand will focus on the Company’s unique value proposition:

• Offering organic, high-quality food items including baked goods, sandwiches, soups, salads and more
• Offering a convenient location that offers both eat-in or take-out options
• Providing excellent customer service

Promotions Strategy

[Company Name] expects its target market to be individuals working and/or living within a 15-mile radius. The Company’s promotions strategy to reach these individuals includes:

Direct Mail

[Company Name] will blanket neighborhoods surrounding its locations with direct mail pieces. These pieces will provide general information on [Company Name], offer discounts and/or provide other inducements for people to frequent the food truck.

Public Relations

We will contact all local and area newspapers and television stations to tell them about the opening and unique value proposition of [Company Name].

Advertising

[Company Name] will initially advertise in local newspapers and sponsor community events in order to gain awareness.

[Company Name] employees will initially give free food samples to passerby’s to enable them to taste the quality of our products and learn about us.

Ongoing Customer Communications

[Company Name] will maintain a website and publish a monthly email newsletter to tell customers about new events, products, and more.

Pre-Opening Events

Before opening, [Company Name] will organize pre-opening events designed for prospective customers, local merchants and press contacts. These events will create buzz and awareness for [Company Name] in the area.

Pricing Strategy

[Company Name]’s pricing will be moderate so customers feel they receive great value.

VII. Operations Plan

Functional roles.

In order to execute on [Company Name]’s business model, the Company needs to perform many functions including the following:

Administrative Functions

• General & administrative functions including legal, marketing, bookkeeping, etc.
• Sourcing and storing ingredients
• Hiring and training staff
• Food preparation
• Ongoing menu creation and modification
• Order taking and fulfillment (for take-out and dine-in)
• Customer service
• Janitor/maintenance personnel to keep the food truck clean

[Company Name] expects to achieve the following milestones in the following [] months:

VIII. Management Team

Management team members.

[Company Name] is led by [Founder’s Name] who has been in the food truck business for 20 years.

While [Founder] has never ran a food truck himself, he has taught cooking classes as the local culinary institute for 20 years. Two courses that he taught included:

• How To Cook for Everyday Eating- This course was designed to give students an overall understanding of basic dishes that could be cooked for everyday healthy home-style meals
• Vegetarian Cooking- This course was designed to give students an overall understanding of how to cook with the necessary vitamins and proteins needed to enrich a vegetarian diet without compromising on taste.

[Founder] has also worked part-time at food trucks throughout the region. Specifically, he has worked for Giana’s Patisserie and Mike’s Place, where he was responsible for overseeing kitchen quality.

[Founder] graduated from the University of ABC where he majored in Communications.

Hiring Plan

[Founder] will serve as the food truck manager. In order to launch the food truck, we need to hire the following personnel:

• Wait staff (4 full-time equivalents to start)
• Chefs (3 to start)
• Sous-chefs (2 to start)
• Assistant Food truck Manager (will manage cash register and other administrative functions)

IX. Financial Plan

Revenue and cost drivers.

[Company Name]’s revenues will come from the sale of natural and organic food products to its customers.

The Company will have dine-in, takeout, and possibly delivery systems to cater to a broad spectrum of customers in its target market.

The major costs for the company will be food production costs and salaries of the staff. In the initial years, the company’s marketing spend will be high, as it establishes itself in the market.

Capital Requirements and Use of Funds

[Company Name] is seeking a total funding of $320,000 to launch its food truck. The capital will be used for funding capital expenditures, manpower costs, marketing expenses and working capital.

Specifically, these funds will be used as follows:

• Working capital: $120,000 to pay for marketing, salaries, and lease costs until [Company Name] reaches break-even

Key Assumptions & Forecasts

Below please find the key assumptions that went into the financial forecast and a summary of the financial projections over the next five years.

5 Year Annual Income Statement

5 Year Annual Balance Sheet

5 Year Annual Cash Flow Statement

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Here is a free business plan sample for a food truck.

Have you been toying with the idea of hitting the road with your own food truck but feel overwhelmed about where to start?

Look no further, as we're about to guide you through a comprehensive business plan tailored for the mobile culinary scene.

As any seasoned entrepreneur will tell you, a solid business plan is the cornerstone of a thriving venture. It's the blueprint that helps you articulate your concept, map out objectives, and devise a strategy to turn your food truck dreams into reality.

To get your engines running without any hitches, you can dive into our food truck business plan template. And if you need an extra set of eyes, our specialists are on standby to review and refine your plan at no cost.

How to draft a great business plan for your food truck?

A good business plan for a food truck must be tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of the mobile food industry.

Firstly, it's important to provide a comprehensive overview of the food truck market. This should include current statistics and an analysis of emerging trends, similar to what we've outlined in our food truck business plan template .

Your business plan should articulate your vision clearly. Define your target audience (such as office workers, students, event-goers), and establish your food truck's distinctive brand (gourmet, ethnic cuisine, local ingredients, etc.).

Market analysis is crucial. You need to understand the local food truck scene, identify your competitors, and gauge consumer preferences.

For a food truck, the menu is key. Describe your offerings - whether they're sandwiches, tacos, gourmet burgers, or vegan dishes - and explain how they cater to the tastes and demands of your intended customers.

The operational plan should detail the logistics of running a food truck. This includes the vehicle itself, kitchen equipment, location strategy (different spots or events you plan to target), supply chain for ingredients, and the cooking process.

It's vital to emphasize the quality and sourcing of your ingredients, cooking methods, and adherence to food safety regulations.

Then, outline your marketing and sales strategies. How will you draw customers to your truck and keep them coming back? Consider promotional tactics, social media marketing, loyalty programs, and potential partnerships with event organizers.

Having a digital strategy, such as an active Instagram account or a location-based app, is increasingly important for food trucks to engage with their mobile-savvy clientele.

The financial section should cover your startup costs, projected sales, operating expenses, and the point at which you expect to break even.

Food trucks often have variable costs and revenue depending on location and season, so it's essential to have a flexible and well-thought-out financial plan. You can refer to our financial forecast for a food truck for guidance.

Compared to traditional business plans, a food truck plan must address specific factors such as mobility, parking permits, local ordinances, and the logistics of changing locations.

A comprehensive business plan will not only help you clarify your strategy and operations but also attract investors or secure loans.

Lenders and investors are looking for detailed market research, realistic financial projections, and a solid understanding of the unique aspects of food truck operations.

By presenting a well-researched and convincing plan, you show your commitment to making your food truck business a success.

To streamline the process and ensure you cover all necessary points, you can start with our food truck business plan template .

A free example of business plan for a food truck

Here, we will provide a concise and illustrative example of a business plan for a specific project.

This example aims to provide an overview of the essential components of a business plan. It is important to note that this version is only a summary. As it stands, this business plan is not sufficiently developed to support a profitability strategy or convince a bank to provide financing.

To be effective, the business plan should be significantly more detailed, including up-to-date market data, more persuasive arguments, a thorough market study, a three-year action plan, as well as detailed financial tables such as a projected income statement, projected balance sheet, cash flow budget, and break-even analysis.

All these elements have been thoroughly included by our experts in the business plan template they have designed for a food truck .

Here, we will follow the same structure as in our business plan template.

Market Opportunity

Market analysis and projections.

The food truck industry has been experiencing a surge in popularity, with a current valuation of several billion dollars in the United States alone. This sector is expected to continue its growth trajectory, driven by the increasing demand for convenient, high-quality, and diverse food options on the go.

There are over 35,000 active food trucks in the U.S., contributing to the dynamic street food culture and meeting the fast-paced lifestyle of urban dwellers. The annual revenue generated by the food truck industry is substantial, reflecting its significant role in the American dining scene.

These statistics underscore the vibrant market potential for new food truck businesses looking to cater to the appetites of mobile consumers.

Consumer Preferences and Industry Trends

Today's food truck patrons are looking for more than just a quick meal; they seek culinary adventures and quality food that aligns with their values. Health-conscious options, including organic, keto, and paleo-friendly meals, are on the rise, as customers are more aware of their dietary choices.

Eco-friendly practices are also becoming a staple in the food truck industry, with a push towards biodegradable packaging, locally sourced ingredients, and waste reduction strategies.

Technology plays a pivotal role, with food trucks leveraging social media and mobile apps for marketing, location tracking, and streamlined ordering processes. Additionally, the integration of contactless payments and online ordering systems caters to the convenience that modern consumers demand.

Lastly, the emphasis on authenticity and cultural diversity is evident, with food trucks offering a wide array of international cuisines, often fusing traditional recipes with contemporary twists to create unique dining experiences.

These trends highlight the evolving landscape of the food truck industry, which is adapting to the sophisticated palates and ethical considerations of today's consumers.

Key Success Factors

For a food truck to thrive, several critical factors must be considered.

Menu quality is paramount; a food truck that serves delicious, distinctive, and well-prepared dishes can quickly develop a following.

Innovation in menu offerings can set a food truck apart in a crowded market, attracting food enthusiasts eager for new experiences.

Strategic location selection is vital, as high foot traffic areas can significantly increase visibility and sales.

Exceptional customer service is essential for fostering a welcoming atmosphere and encouraging repeat business.

Efficient operations, including inventory management and quick service, are crucial for maximizing profits and customer satisfaction.

Adaptability to changing consumer tastes and dietary needs, such as offering vegan or gluten-free options, can broaden a food truck's appeal.

Ultimately, a successful food truck business hinges on its ability to combine culinary excellence with operational savvy and a keen understanding of the evolving food industry landscape.

The Project

Project presentation.

Our food truck project is designed to cater to the dynamic lifestyles of urban dwellers and food enthusiasts looking for quick, delicious, and diverse culinary options. With a focus on high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients, our food truck will offer a rotating menu of international street foods, ranging from gourmet tacos and sliders to artisanal sandwiches and unique fusion dishes, all prepared fresh and served on-the-go.

We aim to create a culinary hotspot that moves throughout the city, targeting high foot traffic areas, business districts, festivals, and special events. Our food truck will provide a convenient and delightful dining experience for those seeking a quick lunch, a satisfying snack, or a novel meal option.

With an emphasis on flavor, quality, and customer service, our food truck aspires to become a beloved and sought-after dining destination in the urban food scene.

Value Proposition

The value proposition of our food truck lies in its ability to deliver a diverse and ever-changing menu of street food favorites and innovative culinary creations. We offer convenience without compromising on taste or quality, serving up hearty and satisfying meals that cater to a variety of dietary preferences and tastes.

Our commitment to using fresh, local ingredients not only supports the local economy but also ensures that every dish is packed with flavor and nutrition. We strive to create a memorable food experience that keeps customers coming back for more, while also introducing them to new and exciting flavors from around the world.

Our food truck is more than just a place to grab a quick bite; it's a mobile culinary adventure that brings the community together and adds vibrancy to the city's food culture.

Project Owner

The project owner is a seasoned chef and entrepreneur with a passion for street food and a knack for creating innovative, palate-pleasing dishes. With years of experience in the culinary industry and a deep understanding of the fast-paced urban lifestyle, they are well-equipped to steer the food truck to success.

Armed with culinary expertise and a commitment to quality, the project owner is dedicated to making the food truck a culinary gem that stands out for its unique offerings, exceptional flavors, and friendly service.

With a vision to revolutionize the street food experience, the project owner is determined to provide a mobile dining option that not only satisfies hunger but also ignites a love for diverse and adventurous eating among the city's residents and visitors.

Their dedication to the craft of cooking and their entrepreneurial spirit are the driving forces behind this project, aiming to enrich the urban dining landscape with a food truck that becomes a staple in the community.

The Market Study

Market segments.

The market segments for our food truck offering a variety of international street foods are diverse and dynamic.

Firstly, we cater to busy urban professionals looking for quick, convenient, and delicious meals on-the-go.

Secondly, our food truck appeals to food enthusiasts and millennials who are always on the lookout for new and exotic flavors from around the world.

Another key segment includes event attendees, where our food truck can serve as a vendor at festivals, concerts, and public gatherings.

Lastly, we target families seeking a fun and casual dining experience that offers something for every member, from children to adults.

SWOT Analysis

Our SWOT analysis for the food truck business highlights several factors.

Strengths include a unique menu that offers a fusion of international cuisines, mobility that allows us to reach different locations, and the ability to quickly adapt to changing consumer preferences.

Weaknesses may involve the challenges of operating in different weather conditions, limited space for food preparation and storage, and the need for various permits and licenses.

Opportunities exist in the growing trend of street food consumption, the potential for social media marketing to attract a following, and the ability to participate in a variety of events and festivals.

Threats could come from the fluctuating costs of ingredients, the intense competition from other food trucks and fast-food outlets, and the regulatory environment that governs street vending.

Competitor Analysis

Competitor analysis in the food truck industry indicates a vibrant and competitive market.

Direct competitors include other food trucks with similar or overlapping menu offerings, as well as quick-service restaurants and local eateries.

These competitors vie for the attention of a shared customer base that values convenience, taste, and novelty.

Potential competitive advantages for our food truck include a distinctive brand identity, a strong online presence, and a commitment to using high-quality, fresh ingredients.

Understanding the competitive landscape is crucial for carving out a niche and ensuring customer loyalty through superior service and a memorable dining experience.

Competitive Advantages

Our food truck's competitive advantages lie in our ability to offer a unique culinary adventure to our customers.

We provide a carefully curated menu that combines traditional street food with modern twists, ensuring a vibrant array of flavors that stand out in the market.

Our agility in location-based strategy allows us to serve customers in high-demand areas, maximizing visibility and sales opportunities.

Additionally, our engagement with customers through social media and at local events creates a loyal community around our brand.

We emphasize the quality and origin of our ingredients, which resonates with consumers who are increasingly conscious about the food they eat.

You can also read our articles about: - how to start a food truck: a complete guide - the customer segments of a food truck - the competition study for a food truck

The Strategy

Development plan.

Our three-year development plan for the food truck offering diverse, high-quality street food is designed to be dynamic and responsive to market trends.

In the first year, we will concentrate on building a strong brand identity and loyal customer base by attending food festivals, local markets, and high-traffic events.

The second year will focus on expanding our reach by partnering with event organizers and exploring opportunities for corporate catering to increase visibility and diversify revenue streams.

In the third year, we aim to scale our operations by potentially adding a second food truck to our fleet and extending our menu offerings to include seasonal and trendy items.

Throughout this period, we will prioritize customer satisfaction, culinary innovation, and operational efficiency to establish ourselves as a staple in the mobile food industry.

Business Model Canvas

The Business Model Canvas for our food truck revolves around providing convenient, delicious, and high-quality street food to a diverse clientele, including busy professionals, students, and food enthusiasts.

Our value proposition is centered on delivering a unique and enjoyable dining experience on-the-go, with a menu that caters to various dietary preferences and tastes.

We will operate primarily through our mobile food truck, utilizing key resources such as our culinary team, mobile kitchen equipment, and strategic location planning.

Key activities include cooking, customer service, and location scouting to maximize foot traffic and sales opportunities.

Our revenue streams will be generated from direct food sales at various locations and events, with costs associated mainly with food ingredients, truck maintenance, and marketing efforts.

Access a detailed and customizable Business Model Canvas in our business plan template .

Marketing Strategy

Our marketing strategy is designed to create buzz and attract a following.

We will engage with our community through social media, sharing our location schedule, menu specials, and behind-the-scenes content to foster a connection with our audience.

Collaborations with local businesses and influencers will help us reach new customers and create cross-promotional opportunities.

Additionally, we will offer loyalty programs and participate in local events to build brand recognition and customer retention.

Our commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients and providing exceptional service will be at the forefront of our marketing message.

Risk Policy

Our risk policy for the food truck business is designed to mitigate potential challenges related to food safety, operational logistics, and market fluctuations.

We will comply with all health and safety regulations, ensuring our food handling and preparation meet the highest standards.

Regular maintenance of the food truck and kitchen equipment will be conducted to prevent operational disruptions.

We will also maintain a flexible inventory system to adapt to changing customer preferences and seasonal availability of ingredients.

Comprehensive insurance coverage will protect against unforeseen events, and we will establish an emergency fund to safeguard against financial uncertainties.

Why Our Project is Viable

We are confident in the viability of our food truck business, given the increasing demand for high-quality, convenient street food options.

Our dedication to culinary excellence, customer engagement, and agile business practices positions us to thrive in the competitive food truck landscape.

We are passionate about delivering memorable food experiences and are committed to adapting our strategies to meet the evolving tastes and needs of our customers.

With a clear vision and a flexible approach, we are poised for success and excited about the journey ahead for our food truck venture.

You can also read our articles about: - the Business Model Canvas of a food truck - the marketing strategy for a food truck

The Financial Plan

Of course, the text presented below is far from sufficient to serve as a solid and credible financial analysis for a bank or potential investor. They expect specific numbers, financial statements, and charts demonstrating the profitability of your project.

All these elements are available in our business plan template for a food truck and our financial plan for a food truck .

Initial expenses for our food truck include the purchase of a fully-equipped food truck, customization to accommodate our unique menu, obtaining the necessary permits and licenses, sourcing high-quality ingredients for our dishes, and investing in branding and marketing to create buzz around our mobile dining experience.

Our revenue assumptions are based on a thorough market analysis of the local street food scene, with a focus on the popularity of food trucks and the demand for quick, delicious, and diverse food options.

We expect a steady increase in sales as our food truck gains recognition for its unique offerings and as we establish a loyal customer base through strategic location scouting and participation in local events and food festivals.

The projected income statement outlines expected revenues from our food sales, cost of goods sold (including ingredients and supplies), and operating expenses (fuel, vehicle maintenance, marketing, salaries, etc.).

This results in a forecasted net profit that is essential for assessing the long-term viability of our food truck business.

The projected balance sheet will display assets such as the food truck itself, kitchen equipment, and inventory, as well as liabilities like loans and operational costs.

It will provide a snapshot of the financial standing of our food truck at the end of each fiscal period.

Our projected cash flow statement will detail the inflows and outflows of cash, ensuring that we can meet our financial obligations and maintain a healthy cash reserve for unexpected expenses.

The projected financing plan will outline the sources of funding we intend to tap into to cover our initial costs, which may include loans, personal savings, or investments from partners.

We will keep a close eye on the working capital requirement to ensure we have enough funds on hand to support day-to-day operations, such as ingredient purchases, inventory management, and payroll.

The break-even analysis will determine the sales volume we need to achieve to cover all our costs and begin generating a profit, marking a pivotal moment for our food truck business.

Key performance indicators we will monitor include the average transaction size, customer turnover rate, food cost percentage, and the return on investment, which will help us gauge the financial performance and overall success of our food truck.

These metrics will be instrumental in making informed decisions and steering our food truck toward sustainable growth and profitability.

If you want to know more about the financial analysis of this type of activity, please read our article about the financial plan for a food truck .

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Food Truck Business Plan Guide + Template

If you want to start a food truck, then a food truck business plan should be one of your very first steps.

A food truck business plan helps you to think through all the possibilities of your new entrepreneurial endeavor and face critical challenges before investing sweat, equity, and monetary resources.

The more developed your plan of action is now, the better chance you have at success down the road. Having a detailed food truck business plan will help provide a roadmap as you grow and will keep your business focused and organized.

Writing Your Food Truck Business Plan: How to Prepare

Writing a business plan does not have to be time-consuming or difficult. Focus on gathering all the information you need to make the actual writing process much easier.

The main skills that you will need are likely to be:

• Collection of relevant data
• Determining the readers’ needs for information, depending on your audience
• Organizing the material that will be of greatest interest
• Creating a professional document that represents your business in the best possible light

At first this all may feel overwhelming, but don’t worry – you can do it!

The main purpose of your plan is to introduce your food truck, show how you plan on being successful, and laying out some of the immediate groundwork ahead so that you can better prepare for the future and assess what you need to begin your food truck enterprise.

Customize Your Business Plan For Your Audience

Although a business plan can be generalized so that anyone can read and understand it, it’s smart to  have a specific group of readers in mind when crafting your business plan so that their interests can be targeted.

For example, if you plan to apply for grants, loans, or crowdsourcing funds, you’ll want to prepare your food truck business plan in a way that is oriented to those specific readers.

If one of your main goals is to promote your business to local civic groups and community organizations, your plan may be arranged in a slightly different way to inform and impress them with your business goals and focus on local efforts.

In other situations, you’ll want to gear your business plan for personal investors or professional associates who are considering a partnership with your enterprise. Keep the language simple and clear without being too casual or “slangy”. Avoid technical terms that some readers may not understand, or they may lose interest.

In all situations, you’ll want to customize your business plan’s content and language for the different audiences you’re addressing.

Food Truck Business Plan Outline

Here are the main aspects to consider when creating your food truck business plan.

• Executive Summary
• Company Description
• Business Operations
• Market Analysis
• Marketing and Sales
• Management and Ownership
• Growth and Development

Part 1: Executive Summary

Most business plans start off with a thorough Executive Summary at the beginning of the document. Most executive summaries are one page, providing a brief overview of the entire scope of your food truck business venture.

Here you’ll include:

• Overview:  In just a few sentences, explain why you’re starting your food truck. Include your name, the name of your food truck, and where you plan on operating your business.
• Products and Services:  Quickly describe the type of food you’ll be selling and what gap or need in the market your food truck will be filling. Explain how you plan on selling the food (will you just be selling from your truck or will you provide catering services or a brick and mortar location as well?). Be brief here, as you’ll explain more about the food and ingredients further on in your business plan.
• Financing:  Explain how much money you predict needing to start your food truck and how you’ll use that money. Again, you can keep it short since you’ll be going into more depth later.
• Mission Statement:  This is the heart of your business plan – why do you even want to start a food truck? Why sell the food that you are selling? Give some insight into your vision and why your food truck business will thrive.
• Management Team:  Briefly mention who you are, any parters you’ll be working with, and note any experience they may have.
• Sales Forecasts:  Investors’ eyes go straight to the sales forecasts. Here, provide a quick one year forecast regarding the financial costs and expected food truck’s sales and profits of your food truck.
• Expansion Plan:  What future do you see for your food truck business? What are your goals? How do you hope to expand?

In your executive summary, you’ll explain the  point  of your food truck – what is it all about?

If technical terms are necessary throughout the plan, include a list of words with their definitions at the beginning that will help readers better understand the document.

A good executive summary is no longer than one to two pages, can be more or less memorized, and is ingrained into your thoughts. It’s the core of your business concept on paper!

Part 2: Company Description

In the company description of your business plan, you’ll go more in-depth with the focus of your truck. Here, you’ll go into more detail about your food truck’s purpose and the role your truck will play in the community.

Some trucks focus on using locally sourced ingredients and using eco-friendly materials. Some food trucks may be all about nutrition and providing healthy food options in food deserts. Others may orient their brand around colleges and universities, providing cheap and tasty food for students.  Discuss your target customers and how you plan on winning them over.

In addition to everyday business activities, you can add special events or occasions that your business will be able to handle from the outset, such as catering parties or local charity events.

Provide readers with a clear idea of what you plan to do and how you will do it. This section also allows you to go into more detail about the specific goals you hope to accomplish with your truck.

Consider what your truck can do differently – how will you stand out from the crowd?  Talk about what makes your food truck special. The company description is a great place to sell investors on your truck – be confident and show them what you’ve got!

Part 3: Business Operations

In this part of your food truck business plan, you’ll provide a breakdown of activities, equipment, and supplies that will be needed. You don’t need to mention expenses here, as they will be covered in the financials section.

Include key points such as the following:

1. Hours of operation , along with anticipated special events if applicable.

2. Describe what your food truck will do , i.e., deliver hot or cold food, prepare convenience food on site, offer hot or cold beverages, set up indoor or outdoor eating areas, etc.

3. Outline the expected locations , using maps if desired, of your daily activities. For example, you may establish a specific list of destinations or stops of your daily deliveries, as well as weekend special events.

4. Make a list of any hired help , such as managers, assistants, employees, etc. Describe the duties and expected hours of each person, as well as any additional help you plan to hire within the first year or two.

5. Menu Items.  Outline any menu items or signature dishes you plan on servings, plus any key ingredients or food sources you plan on using. Also consider including special dishes you’ll offer for catering services or events.

Part 4: Market Analysis

Your market analysis is where you’ll explain your reasonings for entering the food truck market and why you foresee your truck being successful based on food truck trends.

You need to prove  why  your food truck will succeed. Include a market analysis of your target area and show food truck trend data, gathering information from any relevant sources. Include information on:

1. Industry & Audience Research

What is your target audience, and why can you expect them to eat at your food truck? What is the size and preferences of your key audience?

Do your due diligence – research and use the information you gather in your market analysis.

For example, you might meet with a company’s HR representative who oversees meal catering or food planning services for a company or organization. Employees in these positions may have authority to schedule your food truck on a routine basis, or they may explain why your food truck might not find many customers due to the company already having other sources of convenient lunch or snack options.

It is often helpful to consult the local chamber of commerce, which is typically aware of the many businesses operate in the area. They may be able to let you know if there’s a need for convenient mobile food in certain areas.

Other potential markets to consult include:

• Community centers
• Large companies
• Tourist sites

These are all markets that may be able to provide information about their interest in your mobile food business.

You should also consider consulting with the city planner’s office or town council, as they might be able to help you obtain information about:

• Traffic patterns
• Planned construction projects
• Festivals where food trucks would be desired
• Upcoming venues where your food truck may be welcome

This is all valuable data for your market analysis!

2. Competition and Roadblocks

In addition, you may need to consider your competition as well as any city regulations or food truck licensing requirement  that might affect the food truck market.

Provide information about competitors, including the types of food they offer, their prices, and how you plan on overtaking them.

Don’t be afraid to include predicted obstacles or problems you may encounter – it’s important to show you’ve done your homework and have planned ahead for any potential issues.

Part 5: Marketing and Sales

Promoting and marketing your business is essential for success.

A solid food truck design is one major aspect of brand promotion, and you’ll want to make sure your truck has a memorable design and provides information on how to contact your truck.

However, promotion doesn’t end with the look and design of your truck. You’ll want to create plans on how you’ll extend your reach with strategies such as:

• Your Website.  Keep your website up to date and include information about catering, food menus, and other info site visitors might be interested in.
• Chamber of Commerce Business Directory.  Contact your local Chamber of Commerce and inquire about getting on to their business directory. Also research into other local business directories you could potentially join (some cities even have food truck associations).
• Social Media.  Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and other online media can generate interest and keep your food truck business actively engaged with an online customer base. Make sure to get your food truck up and active on social media!
• Local News Outlets. Get in contact with local news outlets to try to get some coverage about your new truck. Many local news organization will be happy to do a piece on an up-and-coming new food truck, especially if you have a unique hook or spin to your business.
• Getting Involved With Local Events.  Consider ways in which you can get involved with local events, such as catering community events or donating food to charity fundraisers. You could also sponsor a local little league team or even provide a talk about your food truck start up experience at a local business seminar. Activities like these put you in a favorable light with the community and spread awareness of your business.

In your food truck business plan, you’ll need to explain all you are willing to do to promote your food truck and convince readers of your business plan that you are ready and willing to work hard to build clientele and generate sales.

You’ll also need to include sales information in your food truck business plan. Include key points such as:

• The number of sales you’ll need to keep you truck open
• The number of sales you’ll need to turn a profit
• Average menu prices or cost of dishes
• How many days and hours you plan on selling

These down-and-dirty numbers will be key for keeping you on track and measuring the success of your truck.

Part 6: Management & Ownership

In this section of your food truck business plan, you’ll detail your key food truck team more extensively . If you’re a team of one, this section may be very short.

Explain the organization and structure of your business, such as:

• Who is the main person in charge?
• What are the various team members’ roles?
• How will profits be divided?
• Background, skills, and qualifications each member of your team will bring to the table

Part 7: Financials

Some experts believe that financials are the most critical aspect of a business plan.

Savvy investors sometimes take a cursory look at the Executive Summary and then jump right to the financial section to see how well the entrepreneur has planned the profits and expenses.

You’ll probably want to include information about the following areas of your food truck business:

• Estimated start-up costs.  How much will it take to jumpstart your food truck business? Consider the cost of your vehicle and commissary rentals, plus other startup costs. Should contingency funds be set aside? If so, how much?
• Supplies and equipment.  A breakdown of supply and equipment costs will help readers understand costs involved. They may also have ideas on ways to save money and cut down on costs.
• Employees.  Include your earnings as well as income for other employees or consultants like accountants or legal advisers, taxes, and benefits, if any.
• Intangible costs.  Insurance, vehicle maintenance, returns or food loss (due to spoilage), and other “invisible” expenses should be factored in.
• Financial first year projections. Consider creating monthly or quarterly food truck sales projections based on your  existing sales plans while incorporating income, costs, and losses over the first year. After your first year’s projections, you can create monthly or quarterly annual estimates for the next few years of your business (don’t worry too much about the 3, 5, and 10 year projections at this stage – just focus on the first year or two for now). Make sure you dedicate a solid chunk of time to researching how much money you’ll need to operate your food truck – you don’t want to run out of money mid-season due to poor projections.

If you feel like you don’t have all the answers, that’s OK. You’re going to be making a lot of educated guesses, and that’s absolutely fine. Just make informed predications with real data to back up your assumptions.

Part 8: Funding

If you are looking for funding to help run your food truck, you’ll want to make sure you have the right numbers to back you.

In the funding section, you’ll want to explain:

• How much money you need to start (and upkeep) your food truck
• Where you plan on spending the money
• How you plan on repaying any loans (and over what time span)

When it comes to earning funders, it’s essential that you’re clear and upfront about what you’ll need. Make sure to express the returns and benefits for potential investors.

Remember, getting investors isn’t a requirement by any means. Many successful food trucks save money and invest in the food truck themselves, so if you don’t love the idea of being dependent on an investor, you have plenty of other options.

Part 9: Growth and Development

In addition to making a case for starting up your food truck company, a business plan should include a segment for growth and development.

Although you may be satisfied to cater to a limited crowd of local college students or lunch time office workers, you may find yourself looking to expand in the near future.

Sometimes the demand for your food services may grow, even if you do not initially plan to expand.

A long-range plan for two, three, and five years, or even ten years, may be advisable if you plan to be doing this for a long time. Investors and others who read the plan will get a better idea of your long-term commitment as well as your insight to area marketing conditions as they decide how to respond to your initial set-up plan.

Part 10: Appendix

The appendix is where you can include additional material that readers may find relevant. This can include things like:

• Your health department permit
• Photos of your food truck
• Any design concept material
• Any applicable legal or licensing documents relevant to your food truck
• Your food truck menu
• Letters of reference
• Food truck industry statistics and research data

Food Truck Business Plan Style and Design

When it comes to the look and style of your business plan, make sure your document is collated and bound in an attractive folder or report cover. You may also want to consider a slightly thicker paper stock for situations when you want to make an especially big impression.

Your food truck business plan should begin with a title page including your company name, followed by a table of contents to list all the material found within. Page numbers may be needed if the document is lengthy.

More Help, Examples, & Templates

Food truck business plan examples.

There are several real-life examples of food truck business plans on the web.

• Food Truck Empire. Here’s a great food truck business plan example from Food Truck Empire. You may also want to check out their podcast on food truck templates , featuring advice from a food truck owner.

Food Truck Business Plan Templates

There are several free food truck business plan templates we recommend, including:

• Legal Templates. Legal Templates offers a fantastic and extensive free mobile food business plan sample template . This is a great example to look at as you create your own food truck business plan.
• SCORE.  SCORE is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping small businesses get started and become successful. This organization offers a number of useful services for small business owners, including business plan  templates .
• U.S. Small Business Administration. The much larger parent organization that supports SCORE is the U.S. Small Business Administration. It, too, offers helpful business planning  templates  and advice for entrepreneurs.
• Startup Business Plan Template. While this template may have information and sections not relevant for food trucks, much of the included info will be applicable. Since this business plan in uniquely geared towards startups, it’s a great template to begin with. Get the Startup Business Template here.
• BPlans. Bplans offers many business plan templates, and while there is no food truck plan specifically, there is a Fine Fining Business Plan Template which can be a great resource as a place to start. It’s extensive and has more information than a food truck would need, but is still worth checking out. There’s also a Coffee Kiosk business plan example that will be especially helpful for food trikes or trailers.

Bonus Food Truck Business Plan Tips

• Ask For Help.  If you’re struggling, consider asking other food truck owners for help with your business plan. They’ve been through it all before and may be able to help you.
• Focus on Financials. Having hard, concrete numbers incorporated into your food truck business plan will build confidence and provide a roadmap for your business. These financials will help you evaluate how much money you’ll need to start your food truck business and how much you’ll need to charge to stay successful. Be as detailed as possible, considering the cost of everything from sandwich wrappers to cleaning supplies so that you can prepare accordingly.
• Do It Your Way. Business plans vary greatly depending on the stage of the business, the structure of the business, and all kinds of other factors. Don’t be afraid to cut out what you think is un-necessary and only focus on the aspects of your food truck business plan that make the most sense for your unique needs.

Have you written a food truck business plan? What was your process like – did you use any resources you found helpful? Share your experience in the comments!

4 thoughts on “Food Truck Business Plan Guide + Template”

Writing a business plan does not have to be time-consuming or difficult. Are you kidding seems like you need a college degree in Business, Marketing, etcl Do you know any Incubator businesses or Mentors in the Hartford, CT Area.

It really can be as simple or complicated as you’d like it to be. Unless you’re bringing on outside investors, the business plan is mostly just for your own piece of mind and planning.

I don’t know off the top of my head if there are incubators in that area, but most likely there are some groups. I’d suggest asking existing food trucks in your area or asking the Chamber of Commerce.

So helpful, thank you

Thanks for this great info..

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Blazing Salads Food Truck: Salads & Pita Power

Food truck kitchen commissaries in boston.

Food Truck Business Plan Template

Create a food truck business plan by customizing venngage food truck business plan template..

• Design style modern
• Colors dark
• Size Letter (8.5 x 11 in)
• File type PNG, PDF, PowerPoint
• Plan business

A food truck business plan is the first step in starting any business. A food truck business plan should also be done before opening a restaurant or other types of food establishments like catering companies. This type of business plan would provide the success factors and roadblocks that can be encountered in operating this type of business, which will affect the profit margin. A food truck business plan can also serve as guidance for the food truck owner to ensure that the business is running within the financial plan. If there would be any deviations from the plan, corrective actions should be done and monitored. Create a food truck business plan using Venngage’s food truck business plan template. You don’t need to be a designer, have design experience, or download any design tools to customize this food truck business plan template. All you need is a free Venngage account. Please make sure that your information is included in the template so it won't look too empty after doing the customization process. If you have any question about this food truck business plan

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Food Truck Business Plan Template

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What You Get

• A compelling & detailed pre-written Food Truck business plan template in WORD
• A full & automatic Food Truck financial plan model in EXCEL you can easily customize
• Customized text tailored to the Food Truck business
• The ability to paste advanced charts and tables within a click
• No accounting or specialized financial knowledge needed
• The most cost-effective Food Truck business plan solution saving you time & money

Food Truck Business Plan Template Description

Our ready-made Food Truck business plan package is all you need to plan, execute, fund and launch a successful food truck venture. It includes a pre-written business plan in Word and an automatic financial plan Excel Spreadsheet tailored to the food truck business, and which you can customize in just a few hours to perfectly fit your own project. Save tons of time and money by using our investor-grade Food Truck business plan package ideal to pitch to prospective partners, investors and other stakeholders. Check below the full content description.

Food Truck Business Plan Document in Word

Our ready-made Food Truck business plan template is in Word format and includes 25 pages. The document is divided into multiple sections. Each section contains the essential points that are necessary to effectively present your Food Truck project. Each section and sub-section offers you a sample text that you can easily customize to make your business plan unique. Below is a small extract of your pre-written Food Truck business plan in Word.

Automatic Food Truck Financial Plan in Excel

Our pre-populated financial model is in Excel format and includes multiples worksheets. You can easily edit the model’s inputs including changing costs and revenue assumptions to generate pro-forma financial forecasts including P&L, Cash flows and Balance Sheets. Below is a small excerpt of your automatic Food Truck financial plan Spreadsheet in Excel.

The Benefits of Creating a Business Plan for your Food Truck Venture:

A business plan is a crucial document to help you successfully plan and execute your food truck project. Here are some key benefits:

• It clarifies your vision and goals: A business plan allows you to take the time to think through all aspects of your food truck, including the type of food you will serve, the target customer, and the unique selling points of your business. For example, if you plan to operate a vegan food truck, your business plan might outline your target market (vegan and vegetarian customers), your menu offerings (plant-based dishes and snacks), and your unique selling points (sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly packaging).
• It serves as a roadmap: A business plan can help you stay focused on your goals and allows you to make informed decisions as you move forward with your food truck project. It can help you anticipate challenges and can assist you in overcoming them. For example, if you expect to encounter issues with finding suitable parking locations, your business plan might include strategies for identifying and securing prime spots for your food truck.
• It helps you receive funding: If you need to raise capital via debt or equity, a business plan can be an important tool for convincing lenders or investors to provide the funding you need. It includes financial projections and a clear explanation of how the funding will be used to grow the business. For example, if you are seeking a loan to purchase a new food truck and equipment, your business plan might include a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with these purchases, as well as projections showing how the food truck will generate revenues and become profitable.
• It acts as a reference tool: As you move forward with your food truck project, you may encounter new challenges and opportunities. A business plan can be a useful reference tool to help you make decisions that are in line with your vision and goals for the business. You can refer back to the document to ensure you are staying true to your mission and making progress towards your long-term objectives. For example, if you come across a new location that you believe would be a great spot for your food truck, you can refer back to your business plan to see if it aligns with your target market and overall goals for the business.
• It helps you prepare for the unexpected: Starting a food truck business can be unpredictable. A business plan enables you to think ahead and understand the potential challenges you might encounter in the future. For example, if you expect to encounter issues with weather-related parking issues, your business plan might include strategies for how to pivot and offer alternative services, such as catering or delivery, on days when you can’t operate your food truck.
• It allows you to stand out in a crowded market: There may be many other food trucks in your area, and a well-thought-out business plan can help you differentiate your business and stand out from the competition. It can also help you clearly communicate the unique value that your food truck offers to potential customers and investors. For example, if you plan to offer globally-inspired dishes that use locally-sourced ingredients, your business plan might highlight the ways in which your food truck is offering something different and innovative in the local market.

This Ready-Made Food Truck Business Plan is For

• Entrepreneurs wishing to start a Food Truck business
• Aspiring Food Truck owners who want to create a business plan fast and easy
• F&B entrepreneurs who wish to pitch their project to investors
• F&B professionals who wish to better understand the potential of the opportunity

Immediate Delivery by Email

• Once you complete the order, you will receive an email with links to download your documents
• Your order will contain the full pre-written business plan in Word
• Your order will contain the full customizable financial model in Excel

Your Food Truck Business Plan Content

Executive Summary:  Our Food Truck business plan template starts with a compelling Executive Summary. This key section is very important as it summarizes in 1 page your Food Truck concept. It will introduce your business model, the key people behind the project as well as the unique selling proposition offered by your Food Truck concept. This section will also mention how market conditions and consumer trends are favorable for launching your project.

The Problem Opportunity: Next, your ready-made Food Truck business plan will list a number of problems experienced by your prospects in your target market and will show how this presents a unique opportunity for your Food Truck business. These can include issues such as lack of a particular type of mobile F&B outlets in a certain location, low or average food quality offered by existing players, undifferentiated offering by current actors in the market…etc.

The Solution: This section explains how your Food Truck will take advantage of the current problems in the market and will detail your innovative solution.

Mission & Vision: Your mission will explain in a couple of sentences your Food Truck’s business ethos. In other words, it will summarize your unique value proposition and will explain how you are different than the competition. Your vision will explain the long-term plans for your Food Truck concept. Are you planning to start with one branch today and expand into a multi-branch business model? Are you looking to transform your Food Truck business into a franchise model?…etc.

Business Model:  This section details your Food Truck concept using the business model canvas method. In a visually appealing table, we will detail your Food Truck’s key partners, activities, resources, value proposition, customer segments, customer relationship plan, marketing channels, cost structure and revenue streams.

Products & Services:  Next, we will talk in detail about your various F&B products and services. We will describe your various types of foods, beverages, services…etc. We will also provide information about your pricing by product or line of items.

Market Analysis: This important section describes the various market statistics and consumer trends in the Food Truck industry and explains how they support your own business. The purpose of this section is to show that the market conditions are favorable for launching your new Food Truck concept.

Global Market Trends:  In this sub-section of the market analysis, we will discuss the latest global market trends in the Food Truck industry. We will look at the global industry size, growth rate, growth diving factors and consumer trends.

Local Market Trends: This sub-section explains the local market trends that are relevant to your specific Food Truck business in your specific area of operation.

Target Customers:  In this section, we will describe your various customer profiles by providing information about their demographics, behavior and purchasing habits.

Competitive Analysis:  We will analyze key competitors active in your target market and provide insights about their strengths and weaknesses.

Competitive Advantages:  After looking at the competitive landscape, we will then show how your Food Truck business is differentiating itself from the competition through a number of key advantages.

SWOT Analysis:  This section features a 4-quadrant table with explanations about how your Food Truck intends to leverage its key strengths, mitigate weaknesses, capture opportunities and thwart any future threats.

Marketing Plan : This chapter provides detailed information about your go-to-market strategy. It includes a detailed action plan to help you build brand awareness and generate sales.

Branding & Awareness:  We will describe in this sub-section your choice of key marketing channels to build branding and awareness.

Customer Acquisition:  We will describe in this sub-section your choice of key marketing channels to acquire customers and increase sales.

Operating Plan:  This chapter provides information about your Food Truck’s opening hours, internal processes and describes the interactions between various key departments and teams.

Management Team:  It is very important to present the key people behind your Food Truck project and thus we have dedicated a section for this very purpose. It is also important to talk here about the founder’s vision, his past education and professional experience.

Hiring Plan:  No business can succeed without having on board the right team. This section lists all the key positions you plan to hire with information about their salaries and expected start dates.

Key Milestones:  To be able to launch and execute your Food Truck project, you need to follow a set of actionable tasks with target deadlines. This section serves this purpose.

Financial Plan: Without a robust financial plan, your Food Truck business plan would be an incomplete document. This important section provides crucial information about your pro-forma financial projections and shows that you have really done your homework. The data mentioned in this and the following sections will be provided by the dynamic and automatic Excel financial model accompanying your Food Truck business plan.

Projected Revenue:  This module shows your Food Truck’s revenue projections over the next three years.

Projected Profit and Loss:  This module shows your Food Truck’s income statement (also called profit and loss statement) over the next three years. Your income statement includes detailed projections about your sales and expenses and shows how your Food Truck’s revenue is converted into a net profit.

Projected Cash Flows:  This module shows your Food Truck’s cash flow projections over the next three years. The first year of operation is even detailed on a monthly basis. Your cash flow statement will detail the various cash inflows your Food Truck will generate from its day to day operations and from funding sources, as well as the various cash outflows required to pay for operating expenses and business investments.

Projected Balance Sheet : This module shows your Food Truck’s balance sheet projections over the next three years. The balance sheet will provide a summary of your Food Truck’s short term and long term assets in addition to your short term and long term liabilities and capital.

Profitability Analysis:  In this section, we will provide information about your gross margin, net margin and discuss the profitability of your Food Truck business.

Funding Requirement:  This module states the amount of funding your need to be able to comfortably launch your Food Truck business. It also describes the planned allocation of the funds between Opex and Capex.

Conclusion : Finally, we will conclude your business plan by recapitulating the key points that make your Food Truck project compelling and reiterate the rationale behind your business opportunity.

Why Use our Ready-Made Food Truck Business Plan?

• Speed & Convenience:  Once you complete your order, you will receive the Food Truck business plan directly in your mailbox. Since it is already pre-written with fully customizable automatic financials, you will only need to spend a couple of hours to edit it and adapt it to your own F&B project.
• High Quality:  Your Food Truck business plan has been written by our professional team of business plan writers and experts from the F&B industry. You will receive a professional Food Truck business plan template ideal for presenting to potential investors or banks.
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Food Truck Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Food Industry » Food Truck » Business Plan

Are you about starting a food truck business ? If YES, here is a complete sample mobile food truck business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE.

Okay, so we have analyzed and drafted a sample food truck marketing plan template backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for food truck businesses. Over the years, we have come to see different food business spring up. There is the food restaurant business , the food processing business, the food truck business, the food farming business, amongst many others.

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However, we want to look at the food truck business here. Food truck businesses, over the decades just like other line of trades, have continued to welcome newbies into the profession. Meals like; local and intercontinental delicacies are being whipped up and it is important to add that it is indeed one trade that assures profit.

A Sample Food Truck Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Food truck business can simply be classified as a restaurant on the go (mobile restaurant). Food truck is essentially a large truck that is equipped with the necessary gadgets to cook and conveniently sell food. It is a business venture that has come to stay; a business that is gaining momentum as the years roll by.

It has been estimated that truck food business serves about 2.5 Billion people daily worldwide ( according to Wikipedia ). The food truck business is a thriving business in some parts of the united states of America, Asian continents, Australia, United Kingdom , Canada, France, Belgium, Germany and Mexico et al.

Recent research and statistics rolled out by a Los Angeles-based industry-research firm called IBIS World, stated in their report that the street-food business which include mobile food trucks and non – mechanized carts rakes in about a $1 billion yearly. They went onward to state that the industry has experienced an 8.4 percent growth rate from 2007 to 2012.

One good thing about the food truck business is that it is far cheaper to start and operate when compared to the usual restaurant business with a fixed location. As a matter of fact, 78 percent of those who operate food truck business have four or fewer employees under their payroll.

For those who want to really make it big in the business, their best bet is to acquire larger trucks that can conveniently carry more foods and also accommodate more clients – the bigger your truck, the larger the quantity and variety of foods you can carry per time.

The only challenge you are likely going to face when you make use of a large food truck might be; sourcing for ideal space to park the truck in order to sell food to your customers and also a parking lot for the truck when you are off duty.

Basically, we have two types of food trucks. One of them is the mobile food preparation vehicle (MFPV). It is a truck where food is prepared based on customer’s need whilst they wait. Usually, these customers do not have to wait for a very longtime before getting their orders.

The second one is called the industrial catering vehicle (ICV). The industrial catering vehicle sell only prepackaged foods – as customers pay, they get their food immediately without any form of delay. Typically, the mobile food preparation vehicle (MFPV) is far more expensive when compared to the industrial catering vehicle (ICV).

The average cost of a brand new retrofitted food truck with all the required gadget is about $120,000 and a fairly used one can cost as much as $35,000 depending on the condition at the point of sale. A fairly used hot dog cart may likely cost $2,500, or lower.

In essence, the smaller the truck and the fewer the equipment in it; the lower the cost. In case you have a food truck that is not well equipped, you will just have to create an option of cooking your food in a kitchen before transferring them inside the truck.

No doubt the truck food business industry is regulated by key agencies to ensure that they meet the required food, drinks and drugs standard of the state where they operate. Complying with health-department rules and regulations is a must, especially if you want to legally and successfully run this type of business.

Usually in the United States, food trucks that are in active use are inspected at least once a year by a health department inspector, and most often they do it randomly. The inspectors check to see how food is prepared and how they are stored so that it does not spoil and that it is kept at the proper temperature.

Over and above, the truck food business is the way to go, if you don’t want to bother yourself with the cost of securing a location to build a restaurant, as well as if you want to make fast money from the restaurant cum food industry.

2. Executive Summary

On The Track® Mobile Food Company is a Los Angeles based restaurant business that makes use of food truck to sell various menu of foods; basically lunch meals to different category of clients on the go. It is a company that is owned and operated by Mrs. Shavonne who happens to be the Chief Operating Officer.

The aim of setting up On The Track® Mobile Food Company is to take our various types of meals and soft drinks (chapman, punch, non – alcoholic wines, smoothies, and fresh fruit juice et al) to wherever we can find our target market.

It could be on the beach, it could be at a picnic ground, it could be on a carnival ground, sports complex, as well as a religious crusade ground. All that we are concerned about is to provide good quality food at a cheaper price to our highly esteemed customers.

Our intention is to build a mobile truck food business brand, which will help event organizers worry less on how to provide a cafeteria where participants at their event can get lunch. We intend working with managers of public facilities and event planners throughout the State of California.

Despite the fact that we will be based in Inglewood – Los Angeles, areas where we cover won’t be restricted to this city; we will definitely cover the whole of California and even some neighboring states, as long as it is cost effective for us.

We will offer our customers the opportunity to either purchase our neatly packed foods or give us their orders and we will prepare it whilst they wait. We have perfected our plans not to allow our clients wait longer than necessary when they place their special orders.

Although we are a mobile truck food business company, we have our physical office facility ( that accommodates our administrative unit, kitchen and store room ) in Inglewood – Los Angeles. It is a place where people can come in to make enquiries about our business and also a place where we are able to interface with our vendors and government officials’ et al.

The point that we intend selling our franchise to interested entrepreneurs, who may want to replicate our business success in other States and Cities in the US and Canada and also the fact that we are building a brand with the intention to offer trainings and consultancy services to clients based on demand, makes it mandatory for us to secure and maintain a visible office facility and official website.

At On The Track® Mobile Food Company, our meals will be prepared, served and sold at a pocket friendly price in a neat and hygienic environment. The health of our customers is of top most priority to us, which is why we do not intend to leave any stone unturned when it comes to giving our clients the very best of services.

• Success Bench Mark

Although we intend starting with just one mobile food truck in Los Angeles, but our ultimate goal is to grow the business to a level where we have fleets (a minimum of a hundred) of mobile food trucks scattered all around United States of America and Canada within 10 years of launching the business.

We also intend to train a minimum of 100 entrepreneurs on mobile food truck business annually. Furthermore, we want to see that we create systems and processes so that our food truck business can run on auto – pilot.

3. Our Products and Services

The mobile food truck business might not be too ideal an environment to prepare and sell high end and expensive delicacies like; intercontinental meals et al. However, we at On The Track® Mobile Food Company is set to go all the way to ensure that we meet the basic needs of our esteemed customers.

As much as lies within our power, we will offer a variety of menus ranging from snacks, to real meals, and also assorted non – alcoholic drinks and wine. Here is a sneak peek at what we plan to offer;

• We sell lunch ( assorted meals )
• We sell snacks
• We sell assorted drinks ( Soft Drinks, Wines, smoothie, and punch, Fruit Juice, Chapman and Energy Drinks et al )
• We Sell franchise
• We offer training and consultancy services on mobile truck food business

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• To become the leading brand in mobile food truck business in Los Angeles and the whole of United States of America and Canada
• We are in the mobile food truck industry with the aim of building a brand that can meet the needs ( foods, snacks and drinks ) of our esteemed clients in places where they can hardly access standard cafeterias.
• And also to offer entrepreneurs the opportunity and training needed to successfully lunch their own mobile food truck business in other cities in the US and Canada

Our Management Structure

Most people who go into the mobile truck food business usually choose the business over the conventional restaurant business, simply because it is perhaps less expensive to manage especially when it comes to taking care of overhead and operational cost.

On the average, mobile food companies usually have 4 or 5 employees under their payroll. Because of the type of mobile food business brand that we intend building, we have been able to make provision for the following employees;

• Chief Operating Officer (Owner)
• Chef / Caterer
• Assistant Caterer
• Office Administrator

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Operating Officer (owner):

• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Creating, communicating, and implementing the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for the day to day running of the business
• Responsible for fixing prices
• Responsible for recruitment
• Responsible for payment of salaries
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization

Chef / Caterer /Cooks:

• Responsible for preparing delicacies
• Makes lists and budget for kitchen supplies
• Oversee the entire kitchen staff
• Responsible for training new cooks
• Makes sure that the meals being whipped up tastes really good

Kitchen Assistant / Utility Staff:

• Assist the chef/ cook in the kitchen
• Ensures that all the needed cooking ingredients are in supply
• Runs errand for the chef / cook and every member of the workforce
• Ensures that the kitchen area of the truck is clean and hygienic at all times
• Responsible for washing cooking pots, utensil and dishes when necessary
• Assists in packaging food and snacks
• Responsible for moving packed foods from the kitchen to the cubicle / point of sale
• Ensures that various types of drinks are present in the fridge per time (get them replaced as soon as they are sold)
• Any other duty as assigned by the line manager

Sales Girl:

• Interfaces with our highly esteem customers
• Collects orders and issues foods as demanded by customers after payment
• Keeps proper records of daily sales and then reconcile with the cashier
• Responsible for manning the fridge and every stuffs that are up for sale
• Any other duty as assigned by the Chief Operating Officer
• Receives payments on behalf of the company (POS, cash, mobile money et al)
• Issues receipt to customers
• Prepares financial report at the end of every working week
• Handles all financial transaction on behalf of the company
• Responsible for driving the truck to sales venues and back to base
• Ensures that the truck is in top shape at all times
• Ensures that maintenance schedules for the truck are strictly followed
• Responsible for renewing the vehicle license, insurance and any other documentation for the vehicle as at when due
• Any other duty as assigned by the restaurant manager

Office Administrator:

• Responsible for managing the daily activities of the back end office
• Prepares payroll for the organization
• Prepare monthly financial report for the organization
• Interfaces with vendors and third party suppliers ( drink suppliers, raw food suppliers and maintenance team et al)
• Responds to enquiries on behalf of the company
• Handles phone calls for the company
• Manage the company’s e-mail and website
• Interfaces with our bankers (lodgment of cash, checks and bank drafts et al)
• Responsible for payment of tax, levies and utility bills

6. SWOT Analysis

As a team together with our paid business consultants, we have been able to look both inward and outward, as well as critically assess ourselves and business ideas to know if we are truly ready to launch our mobile food truck business in Los Angeles.

No doubt, we have a lot of factors working in our favor but at the same time we have some factors that we must contend with if we intend becoming the number one brand when it comes to mobile food truck business in Los Angeles and the whole of North America. Below is a summary of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of On the Track® Mobile Food Company;

Aside from the trainings that have been acquired, as well as the hands on experience attained over the years prior to starting On The Track ® Mobile Food Company, our strength lies in our financial capacity and determination to succeed in the business at all cost. We have been able to acquire a brand new mobile food preparation vehicle (MFPV).

It has the capacity to meet the needs of well over 500 customers per day. Our strength also lies in the fact that we have relationship with brand experts who are working almost for free for us. With that, will be able to build our brand to a level where we can start selling franchises and offer trainings and consultancy services on mobile food truck business.

The fact that we are planning to roll out our mobile truck business alongside other similar business offerings like training, consultancy services and sale of franchise could distract us from concentrating and channeling our energy in one direction.

We are quite aware of that and we are working towards blocking any area that will sap our energy and make us under performed in our core business area – sale of foods and drinks from a mobile truck.

• Opportunities:

The opportunities that we stand to leverage on are much. The fact that we are not tied down to a location is indeed a good opportunity for us to grow our business to the level we want to grow it to. For example; we can afford to trade foods, snacks and drinks in more than two locations within a day. It is all about knowing when to arrive and leave for another location.

There is hardly any business venture that doesn’t face its own threat. Regarding mobile food truck business, one of the threat that we may likely face is; vehicular traffic in key cities.

Traffic can delay one and as a result of that one may get to the location where one intend selling the foods and drinks late- this could be when the lunch break is over ( basically for organized events ). Yet another threat is; the government policies, which could also pose a great threat to the mobile food truck industry.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

In this dispensation more than ever before, people no longer have sufficient time to do all they would want to do within the available 24 hours.

Hence, the rise of fast food restaurants all over the cities. As such, mobile food truck business is another business that is designed to fit into a dispensation like ours. Part of the marketing and sales strategies that we shall adopt include but not limited to the following;

• Submit proposals to event management companies to become their official mobile food vendor
• Submit proposals to management of public facility (sport centers, beach and schools, et al) to become their official mobile food vendor
• Send proposals to schools and corporate organizations to become their official mobile food vendor
• Sponsor relevant events, such as cooking competitions, and cultural events, et al.

8. Our Target Market

When it comes to mobile food truck business, there are no restrictions to the market you can explore, as long as you are operating within the law of the state where you are conducting your business. We do not intend to place any limit to the scope of our target market and these are the places / locations where we intend operating our mobile food truck business with the aim of maximizing sales;

• Construction sites
• Tourism locations
• University Campuses
• Carnival ground
• Stadiums and sport centers
• Community Outdoor Events
• Blue Collar work locations
• Farmers Markets
• Industrial Parks
• Movie Recording Location
• Farmers Market
• Military Bases
• Office Complexes
• Mechanic Villages
• Open air shows and programs

Our Competitive Advantage

Loads of factors count towards our advantage as a mobile food truck business operator. The fact that we have the ability to determine where we want to sell our foods and drinks per time gives us the leverage to make as much sales as we can make in a day.

It has been observed that any organization that offers training and consultancy services is always amongst the leaders in their industry and we at On The Track® Mobile Food Company are set to tow along this part because we want to become experts and amongst the leading mobile food truck company in the whole of the US and Canada.

We have put plans in place to facilitate continuous improvement on what we do, because we know that is one of the factors that will be give us competitive advantage in the marketplace. Another competitive advantage that we have as a company is the size and condition of or food truck.

We have been able to purchase a brand new retrofitted food truck with all the required gadget. It is big enough to accommodate all that we would need for the business, we are going to spend less on maintenance and we can easily obtain approval from the appropriate authorities.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

Sources of Income

• Sales of launch (meals)
• Sales of Snacks
• Offering training services
• Offering consultancy services in line with our business goal
• Sales of drinks
• Sales of our franchise

10. Sales Forecast

It is important to state that our sales forecast is based on the data gathered during our feasibility studies and also assumptions. This is for sales projections based on what we saw.

• 1000 lunches per day (on average), 12 months per year
• $20 per person on the average
• 1500 snacks per day, 12 months per year
• $5 per person on the average

Sales of Drinks and Water et al:

• On the average over 80% of people who purchase lunch (meal) and snacks would normally consume drinks as well.
• $1.5 for a bottle of coke
• This equates to 2000 drinks in a day when you multiply 2000 by 1.5 we will make an estimate of $3000 daily from the sale of drinks alone.

N.B: The possibility of the figure to increase or even reduce cannot be ruled out. Since most of the figures quoted above are partly based on the report from our market survey and feasibility studies and partly on assumptions.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

Food truck business is one business that requires little adjustment on the field to be able to turn low sales into great sales. For instance; if you are in a location where the sale is very slow, you can decide to change location and move to a place where you feel you can generate more income and sell more of your foods.

It is just a matter of driving to the location. There are several ways that we intend adopting to promote our mobile food truck business and here are some of them;

• Through Direct Marketing
• Submitting proposals and biding for contracts
• Online Marketing (via our official website, social media platforms and blog et al)
• Revenue Sharing Business Partners (Networking with Event Planners, Facility managers and Business Contractors et al)

11. Our Pricing Strategy

Generally food truck business sells meals, and snacks at a cheaper rate when compared to the conventional fixed – restaurant. We don’t have any plans to sell our foods, snacks and drinks beyond the prices that is obtainable in the industry.

That does not mean that we will fall below standard when it comes to the quality of our food. As a matter of fact, one of our strongest selling points will be the taste and perhaps the quantity of our foods when compared to our competitors.

From our market survey and feasibility studies, we are sure going to make reasonable profits even when we sell a little below the average price for package foods and snacks in the food truck industry, especially if the location we intend selling our foods and drinks is not far away from our base.

• Payment Options

Our payment policy is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different people prefer different payment options as it suits them. Here are the payment options that will be available to customers when they patronize us;

• Payment by cash
• Payment via Point of Sale (POS) Machine
• Payment via online bank transfer (preferably for those who would need our consultancy services, training or purchase our franchise)
• Payment via check (preferably for those who would need our consultancy services, training or purchase our franchise)
• Payment via Mobile money

There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to determining how much it will cost an individual to start a business. The size and capacity of the business you intend starting is what will determine the size of your budget. We have decided to start On The Track® Mobile Food Company with just one truck with the hope of growing it to fleets of truck few years down the line.

So, our budget is based on starting small but with class. As such, here is a picture of the areas we will spend our start – up capital;

12. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

• The Fee for Registering the Business: $725.
• The budget for insurance, permits and license: $10,000
• The Amount needed to rent an office facility with store and parking for 6 months in Inglewood, Los Angeles: $50,000.
• The Cost for the purchase of the purchase of a brand new retrofitted food truck with all the required gadget (oven, rotisserie, coffee pots, grill, hot – dog roller and refrigerator): $120,000.
• The Cost for kitchen utensils, and pots et al: $15,000
• The Cost for supply of raw foods, ingredients, drinks and beverages for a month: $5,000
• The cost for food packaging: $2,000
• The cost for a food cart: $3,000
• The Cost of Launching a Website: $600
• The cost for parking and maintenance of the truck for one month: $300
• Additional Expenditure ( Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions et al ): $5,000

The total cost we are likely going to spend from start to when the business is fully operational is estimated to be at about $250,000 ( please note that the payment for the brand new retrofitted food truck is spread over a period of 48 months ).

Financial Projection and Forecast

Businesses that do pretty well are businesses that have more than one source where they generate revenue. It is risky to run a business where you can only generate income from just one source. The truth is that if anything goes wrong with the source of income, the business might likely collapse.

This is why we worked hard to provide you with a sample food truck marketing plan template to help you through the process. The big picture we have for On The Go® Mobile Food Company is to generate income from the following sources;

Generating Funding / Startup Capital for Our Mobile Food Company

We don’t have the intention of bringing business partners outside the family to invest in the business, at least for the first 5 years of running the business that is why we have restricted raising our startup capital to;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from my savings
• Source for soft loans from family members and friends
• Obtaining loan from the bank

N.B: We have been able to generate well over 60 percent of the money we would need to kick start the business and most of the gadgets that we purchased are based on installment payment for a period of time. As regards our brand new retrofitted food truck we have the arrangement to spread the payment for a period of 48 months.

13. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The joy of any business owner is to see the business grow to become as big as possible in their industry. But the truth is that for a business to experience growth, the business must be self-sustained. At On The Track® Mobile Food Company, our major goal and aspiration is to build a world class mobile food truck business from just one food truck in the city of Los Angeles to fleets of trucks in major cities in the US and Canada.

In order to sustain the business, we have been able to create channels that will help us access multiple streams of income within the same food industry. We are aware that in the bid of pursuing business expansion, we might lose focus which is why all what we intend to do with the business revolve around our core business offering.

Check List / Milestone

• Culinary Training Plan : Completed
• Business Name Availability Check : Completed
• Business Registration: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Securing Point of Sales (POS) Machines: Completed
• Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Obtaining a Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration for the truck: Completed
• Obtaining a food handler certificate
• Obtaining appropriate driver’s licenses for the driver: Completed
• Obtaining permits for each municipality we intend to operate our business : In Progress
• Purchase of business and liability insurance for the Business: Completed
• Renting and furnishing our office facility: completed
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating capital from family members and friends: Completed
• Applications for Loan: Completed
• Writing of business plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: Completed
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Graphic Designs (on the body of the truck) and Printing of Marketing / Promotional Materials: In Progress
• Recruitment of chef and other key employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the needed food truck: Completed
• Purchase of Kitchen Utensils, plates, cups, cutleries, and other accessories: Completed
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business both online and in the neighborhood: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: Completed
• Compilation of foods, snacks and drinks on our menu list: Completed
• Design and preparation of our training modules: Completed
• Establishing business relationship with vendors – suppliers of raw food ingredient and drinks: Completed
• Proof of ownership, proper identification and license (of the vehicle): Completed
• Proof of District-issued Food Manager Identification Card: Completed
• Food-purchase record storage and record keeping software: Completed
• Copy of license for the service support facility and/or a recent inspection report: Completed

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