Top Food Truck Franchises (2025)
Category: News
Food trucks are one of the most popular and flexible ways to break into the food and beverage industry. They allow entrepreneurs to start a food truck business with lower startup costs, fewer fixed overhead expenses, and greater mobility compared to a traditional restaurant. Across the United States, mobile food concepts continue to grow as trucks and food operations expand.
The rise of mobile ordering, social media marketing, and technology-driven operations has transformed food trucks from a seasonal side hustle into a year-round business opportunity. Whether you're considering a one-off truck or a franchise-backed brand, understanding costs, permits, and business models is essential before you launch. Many operators begin by researching how to buy a food truck, comparing used food trucks for sale and “food trucks for sale near me” listings.
Why Food Trucks Are Thriving
Food trucks appeal to both new and experienced entrepreneurs for several reasons:
- Lower startup costs than opening a restaurant or brick-and-mortar café
- Mobility to move between markets and events
- Built-in marketing from the visibility of a branded truck
- Catering and event revenue from private bookings
- Scalability through adding trucks or upgrading to a fixed location later for stronger long term results
Popular categories include:
- Coffee and espresso trucks
- Wood-fired pizza trucks
- Taco, BBQ, and burger trucks
- Ice cream and dessert trucks
- Premium seafood trucks like lobster rolls
Initial Investment for a Food Truck
The startup budget for a food truck depends heavily on menu complexity, truck condition, and regional codes. When starting a food truck, plan your kitchen equipment, utilities, and compliance from day one.
Typical ranges:
- Trailers and Carts: $85,000 – $350,000
- Full Food Trucks (new custom builds): $150,000 – $500,000+
- Franchise Models: Vary by brand (see below)
Common Startup Costs:
- Truck or trailer purchase and retrofitting
- Kitchen build-out, fire suppression systems, and plumbing
- Generators and power systems
- Equipment (griddles, ovens, refrigeration, espresso machines, etc.)
- Wrap and signage for branding
- Permits and licensing
- Commissary kitchen setup (often required by local health codes)
- Initial inventory and supplies
- Launch marketing
- Working capital for insurance, payroll, fuel, and event deposits
Food Truck vs Trailer vs Cart
Choosing the right setup depends on your budget and market. Many buyers compare food truck vs food trailer configurations before purchase.
| Format | Pros | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Food Truck | Fully mobile, self-contained unit | Street service, private events |
| Food Trailer | Lower cost, can be towed | Breweries, fairs, semi-permanent spots |
| Food Cart | Fastest and cheapest startup | Dense foot traffic, simple menus |
Permits, Licensing & Commissary Kitchens
Operating a food truck requires compliance with local, state, and federal laws. Create a simple table of contents for your permits and inspections to stay organized.
Key requirements typically include:
- Health department permits and regular inspections
- Business registration and food handler certifications
- Fire safety permits for propane and equipment
- Commercial driver’s license (varies by truck size)
- Commissary kitchen agreements for water, waste, and prep
- Parking permits or approved service zones
Always check your specific city and county rules before purchasing a truck or signing a lease, especially when reviewing “food trucks for sale near me” results.
Financing a Food Truck
Many new owners combine:
- Personal savings for initial expenses
- SBA 7(a) loans for equipment and working capital
- Equipment financing through specialty lenders
- 401(k) rollovers (ROBS) for tax-advantaged funding
- Vendor programs if part of a franchise
To qualify for SBA financing, lenders will expect a detailed budget, event calendar or route plan, and proof that your truck meets local health and safety codes. A simple projected financial statement can help secure approvals.
Top Food Truck Franchise Options
While independent trucks can be profitable, a franchise offers brand recognition, tested systems, and supplier support. Below are three strong franchises offered catering to different niches. A prospective franchisee should always review the franchise agreement and initial franchise fee details before committing to a truck franchise.
Alsies Franchise – Modern Ice Cream Truck
Alsies modernizes the traditional ice cream truck experience by blending gourmet products with technology.
Customers can track trucks in real-time, receive notifications, and book events through the Alsies proprietary mobile app.
Investment Range:
- Single Truck: $128,550 – $189,600
- Multi-Unit (two trucks minimum): $168,050 – $229,100
Key Fees:
- Initial Franchise Fee: $49,500 for up to 125,000 population
- Extra territory charge: $0.50 per person beyond that size
- Technology Setup Fee: $1,500
- Marketing and onboarding fees included in initial package
Discounts:
- 5% discount for veterans
- Lower franchise fees for additional trucks
Ideal Operator:
Community-focused owners who excel at booking private parties, school events, and seasonal markets.
Cascadia Pizza Co. – Wood-Fired Pizza Truck & Restaurant
Cascadia Pizza Co. combines restaurant stability with mobile event flexibility, serving artisan, wood-fired pizzas, wings, and specialty items.
Franchisees operate both traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants and mobile food units, supporting long term growth.
Investment Range:
- Restaurant + Mobile Unit: $346,742 – $676,510
- Multi-Unit Development: $386,742 – $961,510
Franchise Fee Structure:
- First Restaurant: $59,500
- Second Restaurant: $40,000
- Third Restaurant: $35,000
- Fourth and beyond: $30,000
Ideal Operator:
Entrepreneurs looking for a year-round operation with diverse revenue streams from dine-in, delivery, festivals, and catering.
Cousins Maine Lobster – Seafood Truck & Storefront
Cousins Maine Lobster® is a well-known brand specializing in lobster rolls and premium seafood.
It rose to fame on Shark Tank and has since expanded nationwide with food trucks and restaurants.
Investment Range:
- Storefront or Truck Operation: $267,000 – $969,300
- Fees to Franchisor Included: $91,000 – $147,000 within the total
Business Model:
- Food trucks for events, festivals, and private catering
- Storefront locations for consistent, year-round sales
- Centralized supply chain for high-quality seafood
Ideal Operator:
Owners looking to leverage a nationally recognized brand with strong marketing and a proven playbook.
| Franchise | Investment Range | Model | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alsies | $128K – $189K | Mobile Ice Cream Trucks | Tech-driven event booking |
| Cascadia Pizza Co. | $346K – $676K | Restaurant + Mobile Unit | Wood-fired pizza catering |
| Cousins Maine Lobster | $267K – $969K | Trucks + Restaurants |
National seafood brand |
Download the Latest FDDs
You can download the most recent Franchise Disclosure Documents directly from our website for each brand listed above:
- Alsies — Click here to download the FDD
- Cascadia Pizza Co. — Click here to download the FDD
- Cousins Maine Lobster — Click here to download the FDD
If you prefer, you can also request a copy via our contact form, and we’ll send the FDD to your email.
Revenue Potential
Revenue varies significantly based on location, events, and menu pricing.
- High-margin categories: coffee, pizza by the slice, dessert
- Event-driven trucks: peak at festivals and pre-booked catering
- Hybrid models: add stability through storefront sales
A single high-performing truck may generate six-figure revenue annually, while multi-unit operators can scale further by adding trucks or fixed locations.
Getting Started
When evaluating a food truck franchise:
- Download the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
- Check territory availability for your market.
- Prepare financing and meet net worth requirements.
- Visit current franchisees to ask about their experience.
- Review all fees and costs with legal and financial advisors, and align choices to your business goals.
Schedule a 30-minute consult to review FDDs and discuss which franchise is right for you.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice.
Franchise costs and results vary by operator and location.
Always review the full FDD and speak with qualified professionals before making a decision.
Updated September 23, 2025
