11/28/2025
This year business has been down overall for us and in talking to other food truck owners a lot of them are saying the same thing. We are reevaluating some things and may have to cut back on some days and venues that have not been profitable
But do you ever wonder why so many food trucks are closing
permanently?
Hereβs an honest look at what the public usually doesnβt see π
1. Event Fees
Many events charge trucks $50β$1,000 just to show up β and that fee doesnβt include food, labor, gas, supplies, or travel. Slow events often mean trucks lose money before they even begin.
2. Lack of Transparency
Some coordinators arenβt upfront about how many trucks will be there. Most trucks only find out after they arrive β and the crowd is divided too thin.
3. Marketing Burden
Many events rely on food trucks to promote the event for them, meaning the advertising workload falls on the trucks, not the organizers.
4. Rising Food Costs
Ingredients have skyrocketed. Some items cost nearly double what they did in 2024. Pricing becomes a balancing act between staying afloat and not scaring off customers.
5. Insurance Requirements
Food truck owners must carry commercial auto insurance AND separate commercial liability insurance. Both are required. Both are expensive.
6. Permits & Taxes
$120/year for state permits + personal property taxes for commercial plates (varies by county).
7. Safety Inspections
Trucks with hood vents or fire suppression systems need inspections: $120β$250 each time.
8. Unlimited Competition
Thereβs no cap on how many trucks a county can approve. Oversaturation = fewer sales per truck.
9. Commissary Requirements
Most states require a commissary kitchen: $200β$600/month.
10. Other Operating Costs
β ServSafe certifications
β Business licenses
β Sales tax filing
β Generator fuel
β Equipment repairs
β Cleaning supplies
β Storage fees
β Health department renewals
β Propane
β Disposable serving items
Food trucks are passionate, hardworking, and community-driven⦠but the financial and logistical challenges are real.
When you support local food trucks, youβre supporting small businesses fighting every day just to keep their doors β and windows β open. β€οΈπ