Start a street food and food truck: the real numbers
Mobile kitchen at markets and events. Below is what it actually costs, how long before money arrives,
and the part most guides leave out.
Startup capital
€25,000–€70,000
Hours / week
35–60
First income
~14 wks
Net margin
30%
Saturation
medium
Realistic ceiling
€0–€3,500
What nobody usually tells you
High capital, brutal hours, and permits change by municipality with timelines nobody warns you about. Not compatible with a parallel job: full time or nothing.
The route, in five steps
Check your municipality's permits before buying the vehicle
Work in someone else's truck for a season
Choose a four-item menu, not twelve
Book events a year ahead
Work out break-even per day, not per month
What you'll need to buy
These are the categories every street food and food truck pays for in the first month.
We break down what each one actually costs at this size on the
tools page.
fitted vehiclefood safety licencespermitsstock
Does it hold up for you?
These numbers are the average case. Whether this business clears your target depends on
your capital, your hours and how long you can wait — put them in and see.