In recent years, the popularity of food trucks at events like weddings has surged. These mobile kitchens offer fresh, local, and stylish dishes that cater to people seeking unique experiences and tasty food. It is no secret we love food trucks. As I plan my own wedding with the help of someone who has gone through it before, I have secured a food truck for my ceremony for my guests to enjoy as the wedding party takes photos.

The food truck sector is valued at over USD 2 billion (about $6 per person in the US), but still presents a cost-effective catering choice for event planners.  

To assess if food trucks are suitable for your event, reflect on these 5 key queries, as each event is unique and necessitates meticulous preparation.  

Once you grasp the fundamental aspects and factors linked to food truck catering, booking them for all your events can be done effortlessly. 

1: The Cost of Renting the Truck 

Food truck catering for 100 people can range from $1,000 to $3,500, with costs varying between $10 to $35 per guest and a minimum of $800 to $1,300. Various factors influence the final price, so it’s important to consider them when planning your event budget. One way I have gotten around this price is finding a venue that hosts a food truck at their location permanently. 

The Pricing Structure 

There are three main pricing structures for booking a food truck for an event: catering, attendee-pay, and business guarantee.  

The most common structure for private events is catering. In this pricing structure, the food truck serves as the caterer and provides a pre-agreed menu for a set number of people.  

Attendee-pay is a frequent practice for big events with multiple food trucks. Customers pay for their meals individually, like at a regular food truck spot.  

Food trucks usually target 40-60 sales/hour at these events. Sometimes, they give a percentage of their revenue or a fixed amount (usually 10% of projected revenue) to the event organizer. 

It’s worth noting that in an attendee-pay pricing model, food trucks may require a “business guarantee” from the event organizer. This means that the organizer must commit to a minimum amount of business which they guarantee to the food truck. If the actual business falls short of this guarantee, the organizer will be responsible for covering the difference. 

2: The Location 

In urban settings with higher prices, food trucks also see increased costs.  

Labor, ingredients, and permits are pricier in these areas, prompting food trucks to charge more to maintain profits. Major cities like New York and Los Angeles are examples of locations with elevated food truck expenses. 

Conversely, in more rural areas, the food trucks you’re eyeing may have their headquarters further away. In such instances, additional fees may be required to entice food truck operators to travel outside their usual service areas. 

For more affordable food truck choices, smaller to medium-sized cities and towns with food truck offerings could be your best option.  

These locations are typically in the economical range for food trucks. 

3: The Types of Food Offered by Them 

A full meal from a food truck for lunch or dinner costs more than just desserts.  

For events like evening wedding receptions, full dinner catering from a food truck can be pricey. Even at the top price range, it is still cheaper than traditional wedding catering.  

For a budget-friendly dessert option, consider a dessert and coffee truck.  

Tacos, hot dogs, and BBQ are affordable food truck options, while those with pricier ingredients or trendy specials may cost more. 

4: How Many Trucks You Might Need 

It is recommended to have one food truck for every 200-300 attendees at your event when looking for small bites. But if the focus is on a meal like a lunch picnic or wedding reception, you may need multiple trucks.  

Communication with food truck owners regarding attendee estimates and customer service capacity is crucial, along with providing estimates a week in advance for proper planning. 

5: Pick Your Menu from the Food Truck 

Food trucks offer a variety of food options, such as hot dogs, chicken and waffles, breakfast bowls, street tacos, pizza, Korean-Mexican fusion, Indian dishes, and BBQ (a popular choice).  

It’s important to discuss options with clients, who may have preferences or need suggestions.  

When you’re catering events, be sure to streamline menus further to speed up service and prevent hunger in attendees. Consult with food truck owners to choose popular items for the menu. 

Consider the suggested menu from the perspective of dietary restrictions:  

Are there guests who require vegetarian or vegan options? It’s better to be safe than sorry if you’re unsure. The food truck vendor should know what appeals to those who don’t eat animal products.  

Food trucks can offer a variety of cuisines for different types of events. At a professional conference, multiple trucks with options like street tacos, Indian food, and burgers could be a hit.  

For a wedding, consider having a dessert truck towards the end with treats like crepes, ice cream, donuts, and churros.  

And for youth organizations, try choosing fast-prep items like burritos, empanadas, and individual pizzas for events like end-of-season parties or fundraisers. 

6: Find the Best Possible Option 

After choosing the cuisine type, use online resources like Roaming Hunger, FoodTrucksIn, Yelp, and city-specific sites/apps to explore food truck options, like Langley food trucks in the area.  

Check reviews from catering clients to see how well operators handle high-volume events.  

Submit event dates early to secure desired food trucks, with Roaming Hunger able to help find suitable options based on event details and budget, and handle bookings.  

Keep track of food trucks’ contact info and pricing in event planning software to have a reliable list of options for clients. 

7: Make Sure that You’re Meeting the Truck Regulations 

Being aware of municipal regulations is crucial for food truck usage at events.  

Regulations may include distance restrictions from brick-and-mortar restaurants, commercial zone limitations, noise ordinances for generators, and special permit requirements.  

To comply, consult your town/city manager’s office for guidance and info on local food truck rules. In larger cities, the permit office may be in a separate building.  

Start early as permit approval can be time-consuming to prevent last-minute problems affecting food truck participation. 

Final Step: Put the Food Truck at the Right Place 

After selecting food trucks for your outdoor event, ensure the event space is inviting and comfortable. Tips include positioning multiple trucks around the perimeter or clustering them centrally for easy visibility.  

For one truck, place it close to the action but leave space for a line. Check the site is flat for trucks to operate. Some trucks have carts for maneuvering in smaller spaces. 

Provide tables for attendees to enjoy their meals, with picnics or folding tables for group seating and high-tops for quick turnover.  

Place cutlery and napkin stations halfway between tables to avoid interrupting cooks. Ensure there are enough garbage cans, emptying them when almost full to avoid overflow. 

The Bottom Line 

Ensuring all details are clearly outlined in the contract is crucial when booking a food truck for an event. It should cover the final price, arrival and service timing, event attendees’ number, and food truck owners’ responsibilities.  

Event planners are finding food trucks to be a great addition to events, offering a fun and relaxed atmosphere. With a variety of options available, from tacos with salsa to waffles with ice cream, there’s a suitable food truck for every event.