Launch Your Austin Food Truck in 6 Easy Steps

We’ve seen our share of food truck success stories in Austin. Local favorites like Torchy’s, Chi’Lantro BBQ, and Gourdoughs all started as food trucks before expanding into brick-and-mortar restaurants. 

If opening a restaurant in Austin is on your bucket list, then starting with a food truck is the path of least resistance. First and foremost, it’s much less expensive. Running a food truck also allows you to quickly learn all aspects of the business – from operations to customer service – since you’re always on the front lines.

Fortunately for Austinites, there are great resources available for starting and managing a mobile food vendor business. We’ve created a handy checklist of 6 must-do steps to follow if you’re ready to take the plunge and make your food truck dream a reality.

1.     Form Your Business

There are guidelines for forming both a restaurant and a mobile vendor business. Check out these links for everything you need to know on both the state and federal level.

Texas State Guidelines for Starting a Mobile Vendor Business

Federal IRS Guidelines for Forming a Food Business

2.     Complete a Food Manager Certification Program

A Food Manager Certification is required to pass your health inspection and the certificate must remain displayed inside your food trailer. The certification course can be completed online or at a testing site, and you can find details here: Texas Food Manager Course Guidelines. Also, the City of Austin requires you to register the certification, which can be done here: Austin Food Manager Application.

3.     Get a Central Preparation Facility (CPF) Contract

A CPF, like Commercial Kitchen Factories, is a professional shared commissary kitchen used by food trucks, farmers market vendors, and caterers to dump grey water and/or grease, get fresh water, and prep/store food. Commercial Kitchen Factories has three Austin locations - one in North Austin and two in South Austin. Plus, an easy and fast online application.

4.     Pick Your Spot!

There are tons of Mobile Food Parks around greater Austin that may have available space for your food truck, or you may already have a specific location in mind. Wherever you end up, be sure and check out ordinance and coding restrictions before you drop anchor. You can find details at this link: City of Austin.

5.     Obtain Local Permits

You’re getting close! As with almost anything in Austin, the proper permits are required to set up shop. Follow these links to get the information you need for Food Truck operating permits.

Requirements & General Information

Austin Food Truck Permit Application

Fortunately, you’re not creating the wheel in opening a food truck business in Austin. For more guidance and support, check out local groups like the Austin Food Trailer Chamber and the Austin Food Trailer Alliance.  And, of course, our team at Commercial Kitchen Factories is here and happy to help in any way possible!