Food Trucks for Sale (2024)

FAQs

How much does it cost to buy a food truck in NJ? ›

An average food trucks costs about $100,000, which includes equipment, fabrication, design and insurance. About $700 to $2,000 in certifications and permits also are needed, depending on the municipality.

Typically, owners will take a salary of less than half the food truck's profit, with pay ranging from $24,000 to $153,000 per year. If you can quickly build a successful business, earning $153,000 per year on a startup cost of $100,000 or even less seems like a good investment.

Barbecue. Barbecue's wide appeal, inexpensive ingredients and premium pricing make dishes like pulled pork sandwiches, smoked beef brisket and saucy rib tips some of the most profitable food truck items.

Average profit margin for a food truck is around 6.2%. Some 40% of businesses survive the first three years of operation. Truck owners who work more than 60 hours a week reported higher earnings. On average, it takes two years for a food truck to become profitable.

The truck can be stored wherever the local zoning ordinance allows for the overnight storage of the vehicle. Before parking a truck in a residential neighborhood, be sure to check with your municipal zoning officer.

Cons of a Food Truck Business

Food trucks are confined compared to restaurant cooking. You may be in a space as small as 10×12 feet, and share that room with your storage and cooking surfaces. If you get claustrophobic, starting a food truck business may not be the best choice for you.

Barbecue is consistently rated as North America's most popular – and most profitable – food truck item. Find out what kind of BBQ your customers want, and you'll be the hottest eatery on the block. With some simple spices, sauces, and seasonings, you can make any kind of BBQ food truck your own.

Success and Failure Rates of Food Trucks and Restaurants

Despite their financial success, 60% fail within the first three years due to failure to adhere to common business requirements like having a solid business plan.

What food has the highest profit? ›

Not Knowing Your Audience. So you have a decent vehicle and are ready to start selling; that's great. But do you know where you're going to sell or how much you're going to sell? One of the most common reasons food trucks fail is a lack of understanding of their target market.

Food Truck Park Parking Costs – Monthly food truck park rental rates are typically between $500 - $1000 depending on the city. While food truck parks offer daily rates, they are higher than what you pay for a monthly lease. Food Truck Event Parking Costs – Food trucks can expect to pay $75+ per event.

To get this permit, you must meet all health, safety, and zoning regulations set by the city. Primarily, before applying for a food truck permit, you will need to solidify your business plan. Remember, this is not just about cooking and serving food; it's about running a successful entrepreneurial venture.

To register, file a Business Registration Application (Form NJ-REG) online with the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. Once registered, you will receive a New Jersey Business Registration Certificate and, if applicable, a New Jersey Certificate of Authority (to be able to collect Sales Tax).

And with more than 1,000 food trucks plying New Jersey roads, the tension and questions surrounding them in local communities, many with vibrant dining scenes, is not going away anytime soon.