Food Truck Operator

---
name: food-truck-operator
description: |
  Comprehensive guide for food truck operations covering permits and licensing, mobile menu design, equipment selection, route planning, event booking, commissary kitchen requirements, social media marketing, seasonal adaptation, and financial planning. Use when the user asks about food truck operator or needs help with related topics. Do NOT use for unrelated domains or when a more specialized skill exists.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "entrepreneurship strategy planning"
  category: "business-strategy"
  subcategory: "operations"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "none"
  difficulty: "intermediate"
---

# Food Truck Operator

## When to Use

**Use this skill when:**
- The user wants to start or run a food truck business and needs guidance on permits, licensing, or equipment
- The user needs help with mobile menu design, route planning, event booking, or commissary kitchen requirements
- The user wants food truck marketing strategies, seasonal adaptation plans, or financial projections
- The user is deciding between a food truck and a brick-and-mortar restaurant

**Do NOT use this skill when:**
- The user is opening a traditional restaurant (use restaurant-owner instead)
- The user needs general food preparation or cooking guidance (use relevant home-household skill)
- The user wants general small business advice not specific to food trucks (use business-planner instead)

## Process

1. **Gather requirements.** Ask the user clarifying questions about their specific context, goals, constraints, and experience level.

2. **Analyze the situation.** Review the information provided and identify key factors, challenges, and opportunities relevant to food truck operator.

3. **Develop the framework.** Create a structured approach tailored to the user's needs, incorporating best practices and domain-specific considerations.

4. **Deliver actionable output.** Present specific, implementable recommendations with clear rationale, timelines, and success criteria.

5. **Address edge cases.** Proactively identify potential issues, alternative approaches, and contingency plans.

**Use this skill when:**
- User needs guidance on food truck operator
- User asks about food truck operator best practices or techniques
- User wants a structured approach to food truck operator

**Do NOT use this skill when:**
- A more specialized skill exists for the specific subtopic
- The request is outside the scope of food truck operator
## Questions to Ask First

Before providing guidance, establish the operator's situation:

1. What cuisine or concept are you planning? (Or currently running?)
2. Are you in the planning phase or already operating?
3. What is your market? (City, suburbs, college town, events-focused)
4. What is your startup budget?
5. Are you buying a new truck, used truck, or converting a vehicle?
6. Do you have commercial kitchen experience?
7. What are your local food truck regulations? (Some cities are very restrictive)
8. Will you operate solo or with staff?
9. What is your target revenue and operating schedule?
10. Do you have access to a commissary kitchen?

## Permits and Licenses

### Required Documentation Checklist
```
BUSINESS FORMATION:
[ ] Business entity (LLC recommended)
[ ] EIN (Federal Tax ID)
[ ] State business license
[ ] DBA filing (if using a trade name)

FOOD SERVICE:
[ ] Mobile food vendor permit (city/county)
[ ] Health department food service license
[ ] Food handler certifications (all staff)
[ ] Food manager certification (ServSafe or equivalent)
[ ] Commissary kitchen agreement
[ ] Fire safety inspection certificate
[ ] Vehicle health department inspection

VEHICLE:
[ ] Commercial vehicle registration
[ ] Commercial auto insurance
[ ] DOT number (if over 10,001 lbs GVWR in some states)
[ ] Vehicle inspection sticker

OPERATIONS:
[ ] Sales tax permit
[ ] Employer ID and workers comp (if hiring)
[ ] Music license (if playing music - BMI/ASCAP)
[ ] Each city/county where you operate may require separate permits

INSURANCE:
[ ] General liability ($1M-$2M recommended)
[ ] Commercial auto
[ ] Workers compensation
[ ] Product liability
[ ] Equipment/property coverage
```

### Permit Costs Budget (Typical Ranges)
```
Mobile food vendor license:     $100-$1,000/year (varies by city)
Health department permit:       $200-$600/year
Fire inspection:                $50-$300
Business license:               $50-$400
Sales tax permit:               $0-$50
Food manager certification:     $100-$200
Commissary agreement:           $300-$2,000/month
TOTAL ANNUAL PERMITS:           $1,000-$5,000+
```

## Menu Design for Mobile Operations

### Mobile Menu Principles
```
CONSTRAINTS TO DESIGN AROUND:
- Limited prep space (typically 80-120 sq ft)
- Limited storage (1-2 refrigerators, small dry storage)
- Limited cooking stations (usually 2-4 positions)
- Speed requirement (2-5 minutes per order during rush)
- No dishwashing capacity (disposable serviceware)

MENU SIZE GUIDELINES:
- 5-8 main items maximum
- 2-3 sides
- 2-4 drinks
- 1-2 desserts (optional)
- Daily special slot for variety

DESIGN RULES:
1. Every item should share core ingredients (cross-utilization)
2. No item should require more than 5 minutes to plate
3. Items must hold quality in takeout containers
4. Menu should be readable from 10 feet away
5. Prep can be completed in commissary kitchen before service
6. Limited allergen complexity (fewer ingredients = fewer risks)
```

### Menu Board Design
```
Layout:
  TOP: Business name/logo
  LEFT: Main items with brief descriptions
  RIGHT: Sides, drinks, desserts
  BOTTOM: Pricing, payment methods accepted, social media handles

Tips:
- Dark background, light text for outdoor readability
- Item names should be large (2"+ letters)
- Descriptions 5-8 words maximum
- Photos optional but effective for signature items
- List allergen information or "ask about allergens"
- Update prices easily (removable numbers or digital display)
```

### Pricing Strategy
```
Food Cost Targets:
  Target food cost: 28-32% of menu price
  Price = Raw food cost / 0.30

Pricing Formula with All Costs:
  Price = (Food Cost + Packaging Cost) / Target Food Cost %

Average Check Target: $12-$18 per customer
```

## Equipment and Truck Setup

### Truck Acquisition Options
```
NEW CUSTOM BUILD:
  Cost: $75,000-$200,000+
  Timeline: 3-6 months
  Pros: Everything to spec, warranty, reliable
  Cons: Highest cost, long lead time

USED FOOD TRUCK:
  Cost: $30,000-$80,000
  Timeline: 2-8 weeks (inspection and modifications)
  Pros: Lower cost, faster launch
  Cons: Unknown history, may need repairs
  Due Diligence: Mechanical inspection, equipment test, mileage check

VEHICLE CONVERSION:
  Cost: $20,000-$60,000 (vehicle + build-out)
  Timeline: 2-4 months
  Pros: Customizable, potentially lowest cost
  Cons: Requires experienced builder, permit complications

TRAILER:
  Cost: $15,000-$50,000
  Pros: Lowest cost, tow with existing vehicle
  Cons: Harder to maneuver, need tow vehicle, some events don't allow
```

### Essential Equipment Checklist
```
COOKING:
[ ] Flat-top griddle (36" recommended)
[ ] Deep fryer (if menu requires)
[ ] Steam table for holding
[ ] Oven or convection oven (if needed)
[ ] Propane system with tanks (2x for backup)
REFRIGERATION:
[ ] Under-counter refrigerator(s)
[ ] Freezer (if needed)
[ ] Prep table with refrigerated base
FOOD PREP:
[ ] Stainless steel prep tables
[ ] Cutting boards (color-coded)
[ ] Knife set
[ ] Sheet pans, hotel pans, containers
SERVICE:
[ ] Service window with shelf
[ ] POS system (Square, Clover Go, Toast)
[ ] Menu board
[ ] Condiment station
[ ] Napkin/utensil dispensers
[ ] Trash/recycling receptacles
SAFETY:
[ ] Fire suppression system (hood)
[ ] Fire extinguisher (Class K for kitchen)
[ ] First aid kit
[ ] Handwashing station (3-compartment sink required)
[ ] Hot and cold running water
[ ] Wastewater tank
[ ] Fresh water tank
POWER:
[ ] Generator (typically 5,500-8,000 watts)
[ ] Shore power connection (for events with power)
[ ] Backup generator or battery system
```

## Route Planning and Location Strategy

### Location Types and Revenue Potential
```
LOCATION TYPE        | AVG REVENUE/DAY | COMPETITION | CONSISTENCY
---------------------|-----------------|-------------|------------
Business districts   | $500-$1,500     | High        | M-F reliable
Breweries/taprooms   | $400-$1,200     | Low-Med     | Good weekends
Construction sites   | $300-$800       | Low         | Temporary
Universities         | $400-$1,000     | Medium      | Semester only
Farmers markets      | $500-$2,000     | Medium      | Weekly
Private events       | $800-$3,000     | Low         | Variable
Festivals            | $2,000-$10,000+ | High        | Seasonal
Food truck parks     | $300-$1,000     | High        | Consistent
Hospital/office parks| $400-$900       | Low-Med     | M-F reliable
```

### Route Planning Process
```
WEEKLY ROUTE DEVELOPMENT:
1. Map potential locations within your operating area
2. Research permit requirements per location
3. Test each location for 3-4 weeks before committing
4. Track revenue per location per day of week
5. Build optimal weekly schedule based on data

SCORING EACH LOCATION:
  Foot traffic (1-10):        ___
  Parking/access (1-10):      ___
  Competition nearby (1-10):  ___  (10 = no competition)
  Permit ease (1-10):         ___
  Revenue history (1-10):     ___
  TOTAL:                      ___/50

Keep locations scoring 35+ in regular rotation.
```

### Location Negotiation

- **Private lots**: Offer 10-15% of sales or flat daily fee ($50-$150)
- **Breweries**: Often free (you drive traffic; they sell drinks)
- **Office parks**: Contact property management; may require insurance certificate
- **Regular spots**: Secure written agreements for recurring schedules

## Event Booking

### Event Pricing Models
```
MODEL 1: MINIMUM GUARANTEE
  Client guarantees minimum purchase (e.g., $1,500)
  Guests order from menu at regular prices
  If sales exceed minimum, you keep the overage

MODEL 2: PER-HEAD CATERING
  Client pays per person for set menu
  Typical range: $12-$25 per person
  Minimum headcount required (usually 50+)

MODEL 3: FLAT FEE + SALES
  Booking fee ($500-$1,500) plus you keep all sales

MODEL 4: COMMISSION
  You pay the event organizer 10-20% of sales
  Common at food truck rallies and festivals
  Evaluate if expected volume justifies the commission
```

### Event Booking Checklist
```
PRE-EVENT:
[ ] Written agreement with event details
[ ] Deposit collected (50% typical)
[ ] Menu agreed upon
[ ] Headcount and service times confirmed
[ ] Location scouted (power access, surface, space)
[ ] Permits for event location
[ ] Setup and breakdown times clarified
[ ] Dietary accommodations discussed
[ ] Rain/weather contingency plan

DAY OF:
[ ] Arrive 90-120 minutes before service
[ ] Generator tested and fuel full
[ ] All prep completed
[ ] Cash bank ready ($200-$300 in small bills)
[ ] POS system charged and connected
[ ] Menu board displayed
[ ] Social media post announcing location
```

## Commissary Kitchen

### Commissary Requirements
```
Most jurisdictions require food trucks to operate from
a licensed commissary kitchen for:
  - Food preparation and pre-cooking
  - Dishwashing (anything not disposable)
  - Food storage (dry, refrigerated, frozen)
  - Wastewater disposal
  - Fresh water fill-up
  - Overnight parking (some commissaries offer)

FINDING A COMMISSARY:
  - Commercial kitchen rental spaces
  - Church or community center kitchens (licensed)
  - Restaurant kitchens (off-hours sublease)
  - Shared commissary facilities (food truck specific)
  - Your own licensed commercial kitchen

TYPICAL COSTS:
  Shared commissary membership:  $300-$800/month
  Private kitchen rental:        $15-$40/hour
  Full commissary with parking:  $800-$2,000/month
```

### Commissary Workflow
```
DAILY PREP CYCLE:
  5:00 AM - Arrive at commissary
  5:00-8:00 AM - Prep (chop, marinate, par-cook, portion)
  8:00-8:30 AM - Load truck (cold items last)
  8:30 AM - Depart for first location
  ...service...
  3:00-4:00 PM - Return to commissary
  4:00-5:00 PM - Unload, clean, restock, prep for tomorrow
  5:00 PM - Dump wastewater, fill fresh water, fuel propane
```

## Social Media Marketing

### Platform Strategy
```
INSTAGRAM (Primary):
  Post frequency: 1-2x daily during service
  Content: Food close-ups, behind-the-scenes, location announcements
  Stories: Real-time updates, polls, countdown to events
  Reels: Cooking process, truck life, customer reactions

FACEBOOK (Secondary):
  Post frequency: 3-5x weekly
  Content: Schedule announcements, event bookings, reviews
  Groups: Join local foodie groups, food truck community groups
  Events: Create Facebook events for special locations

TIKTOK (Growth):
  Post frequency: 3-5x weekly
  Content: Cooking videos, day-in-the-life, satisfying food prep
  Trending sounds and formats adapted to food truck life

TWITTER/X:
  Daily location updates
  Quick interactions with followers
  Real-time "we're here!" posts

GOOGLE BUSINESS PROFILE:
  Keep hours and location updated
  Respond to all reviews
  Post weekly updates
```

### Content Calendar Template
```
MONDAY:    Location announcement + menu photo
TUESDAY:   Behind-the-scenes prep video
WEDNESDAY: Customer feature or review share
THURSDAY:  Weekend schedule announcement
FRIDAY:    Action shot from service, story updates all day
SATURDAY:  Event coverage, live stories
SUNDAY:    Meal prep content, week-ahead preview
```

### Building a Following

- Add social handles to truck wrap, menu board, receipts, and packaging
- Offer photo-worthy presentation (people share beautiful food)
- Run "tag us for a chance to win free lunch" campaigns
- Partner with local food bloggers and influencers
- Cross-promote with breweries and event venues
- Use location-specific hashtags consistently

## Seasonal Adaptation

### Seasonal Strategy
```
SPRING (Mar-May):
  - Festival season begins; book early
  - Introduce fresh, lighter menu items
  - Extend operating hours as days lengthen
  - Farmers market season starts

SUMMER (Jun-Aug):
  - Peak season; maximize revenue
  - Add cold items (agua fresca, frozen treats)
  - Target outdoor events, concerts, pools
  - Heat management: shade canopy, extra water
  - Staff hydration and heat safety protocol

FALL (Sep-Nov):
  - Football season, tailgating, harvest festivals
  - Transition to heartier menu items
  - Halloween and holiday events
  - Begin planning holiday catering packages

WINTER (Dec-Feb):
  - Reduced street service; focus on events and catering
  - Hot drinks and comfort food menu
  - Holiday market season
  - Use downtime for maintenance, menu development, marketing
  - Consider indoor food hall or ghost kitchen partnerships
```

## Financial Planning

### Startup Budget Template
```
TRUCK AND BUILD-OUT:
  Vehicle/truck:                 $________
  Kitchen build-out:             $________
  Wrap/paint:                    $________
  Generator:                     $________
  Equipment:                     $________
  POS system:                    $________
  SUBTOTAL:                      $________
PERMITS AND LEGAL:
  Business formation:            $________
  Permits and licenses:          $________
  Insurance (first year):        $________
  Legal/accounting setup:        $________
  SUBTOTAL:                      $________
INITIAL INVENTORY:
  Food and supplies:             $________
  Packaging/disposables:         $________
  Cleaning supplies:             $________
  SUBTOTAL:                      $________
MARKETING:
  Logo and branding:             $________
  Menu board:                    $________
  Social media setup:            $________
  Website:                       $________
  SUBTOTAL:                      $________
OPERATING RESERVE:
  3 months of expenses:          $________
TOTAL STARTUP BUDGET:            $________
Typical range: $50,000-$200,000
```

### Monthly P&L Template
```
REVENUE:
  Street sales:                  $________
  Event sales:                   $________
  Catering:                      $________
  TOTAL REVENUE:                 $________
COST OF GOODS SOLD:
  Food cost:                     $________ (target 28-32%)
  Packaging:                     $________ (target 3-5%)
  TOTAL COGS:                    $________ (target 31-37%)
GROSS PROFIT:                    $________
OPERATING EXPENSES:
  Commissary rent:               $________
  Fuel (truck):                  $________
  Fuel (generator/propane):      $________
  Labor:                         $________
  Insurance:                     $________
  Permits/licenses:              $________
  POS/payment processing:        $________
  Marketing:                     $________
  Truck maintenance:             $________
  Equipment maintenance:         $________
  Phone/internet:                $________
  Accounting:                    $________
  TOTAL OPERATING:               $________
NET OPERATING INCOME:            $________
Target: 10-20% net margin
ANNUAL REVENUE TARGETS:
  Survival: $150,000-$200,000
  Comfortable: $250,000-$400,000
  Thriving: $400,000+
```

### Break-Even Analysis
```
Fixed Monthly Costs (rent, insurance, permits, loan payment): $________
Variable Cost per Sale (food + packaging as % of price): ________%
Contribution Margin per Sale: 1 - Variable Cost % = ________%
Break-Even Revenue: Fixed Costs / Contribution Margin %
```

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Underestimating startup costs (always add 20% buffer)
2. Menu too large for the truck space and speed requirements
3. Not testing locations before committing to a route
4. Ignoring social media (your followers are your guaranteed customers)
5. Skipping commissary kitchen agreement (health department will shut you down)
6. Not having a maintenance fund (trucks break down; it's not if but when)
7. Pricing based on competition rather than your actual costs
8. Operating without proper insurance
9. Not tracking daily sales and food cost data
10. Trying to do everything solo instead of hiring help during rush periods


## Output Format

Deliver the response as a structured document with clear headings and actionable content. Use tables for comparisons, numbered lists for sequential steps, and bullet points for options. Include specific examples where applicable.

```
[Food Truck Operator deliverable]
1. Context and objectives
2. Analysis or framework
3. Specific recommendations with rationale
4. Action items with timeline
```


## Example

**Input:** "Help me with food truck operator for a mid-size project."

**Output:** A complete food truck operator framework tailored to the specific context, with actionable steps, relevant considerations, and measurable outcomes.


## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding rather than making assumptions
- **Conflicting requirements:** Identify trade-offs explicitly and present options with pros and cons
- **Scale mismatch:** Adapt recommendations to match the user's context (individual vs. team vs. organization)
- **Domain crossover:** When the request overlaps with other skill domains, address what falls within scope and reference specialized skills for the rest