How do you lay out A food truck?

After deciding what you'll serve from your food truck, there are two critical decisions: what type of truck you'll buy or lease and how to layout your food truck kitchen. Once you've figured out what type and size of food trailer or truck you're using, you'll need to find a way to make the workspace fit your needs.

Food truck's size determines the layout

Food trucks come in all shapes and sizes. Some serve burgers, waffles, tacos, and pizza; others specialize in barbecue, gyros, and sushi rolls. Each food truck concept is different, so all layouts will be different. Remember that your food trailer or truck size will ultimately determine what you can install. Use our size-based templates to help guide your design.

After deciding what you'll serve from your food truck, there are two critical decisions: what type of truck you'll buy or lease and how to layout your food truck kitchen. Once you've figured out what type and size of food trailer or truck you're using, you'll need to find a way to make the workspace fit your needs.

• Cooking equipment - Countertop and portable food truck appliances can save space and, in some cases, save money. Some models may even be exempt from being under an exhaust hood, making the layout easier, but check your local codes before committing to that route. Something that's ventless in some locations may not be in others.
• Refrigeration equipment - Buying undercounter or worktop refrigerators and freezers can save you space. Some reach-in refrigeration units are built with a more narrow depth to better fit in a food truck.
• Work and prep areas - Doing prep work in a commissary kitchen or your brick-and-mortar restaurant reduces the amount of equipment you'll need in your truck. If you don't have access to a separate prep kitchen, consider doing the prep at home or in the truck before you leave to start serving. The less prep you have to do during service leaves room for more equipment and supplies in your food trailer.
• Cash register - Even if you're using a tablet or smartphone as a POS, or point-of-sale system, having at least a cash drawer on hand for people who still use dollars and coins is helpful.
• Warming and holding equipment - The food you prepare before you start serving must be kept at a safe temperature before you give it to your customers. In some cases, that means you'll need warming and holding equipment.

• Handwritten menu signs are a great place to call out specials. 
• Awnings protect customers from inclement weather while they order. They can also include your logo or business name.
• Undercarriage lights if your truck or trailer is out at night will make it stand out.
• Pop-up or x-frame banner banners give you places to have branding and menus farther from the ordering window.
• LED signs.
• Speaker systems to play music can set a friendly and welcoming atmosphere while customers wait.
• A brightly colored paint job will draw the eye of passers-by.
• Large, bold graphics will give the food trailer a distinctive look.

An online presence is also helpful, not just a website telling customers where you'll be parked, but social media accounts updating your location and allowing your fans and customers to follow and interact with you.

• Business plan - A food truck is no different from a brick-and-mortar restaurant or any other business. You need a solid plan to guide you through the start-up process and see you through to profitability. You'll probably need a plan to qualify if you need business loans.
• Permits - Food trucks need business and restaurant licenses like a traditional restaurant. Many local governments have special food truck licenses and rules about when and where you can operate. Check with your local government to ensure you have everything you need to start operating legally.
• Health and safety codes - Your local government probably has guidelines to ensure customer and employee health and safety for food trucks. Make sure you comply with them and do any regular inspections you're required to do. If you don't, you could be fined or forced to close.
• Leasing or buying a food truck or trailer - After you decide if a truck or trailer is the right option, you'll need to determine if you want to lease or buy it. Look at both options' effect on your monthly budget and which fits your goals and projected revenue better.
• Equipment - Having a plan for your menu and the number of customers you expect to serve in a day will allow you to determine the type of equipment and exactly what you'll need.