Categories: BusinessFinances

3 Must-Have Food Truck Revenue Sources

What does it take to have a food truck business that makes more than a few hundred thousand dollars a year? What about a fleet that generates seven figures and beyond?

Of all the factors needed to generate results like this, there’s one that I’ve seen make, and break, food truck businesses: Their revenue sources.

When I took over a failing asphalt company at 21, my goal was just to get it from $60,000 yearly revenue to $200,000. Because not only did I buy into the normal strategies of my competition, I also just didn’t know how to do better. But guess what I got? The mediocre results of the majority!

And let’s face it, the majority of food truckers aren’t killing it either. So if you want different results, you have to be different.

RELATED: Food Classics That Everyone Loves

And that’s exactly what I did with the asphalt business when I finally realized that I wanted more, that I DESERVED more. So I shifted my mindset around what was normal, and tested out some new strategies with our revenue sources. The result? A million dollar business in just five years!

In applying this very strategy to my clients’ food truck businesses, they are finally able to have their cake and eat it, too — money AND freedom!

The food truck industry is about as risky as they come. You battle some gnarly elements (and the actual elements), every single day. Because of this, there’s one strategy that’s critical to having a highly profitable food truck business that doesn’t consume you: Diversified revenue.

To make more than a couple hundred thousand every year (because, YES, you can), you can’t put all your eggs in one basket!

THAT’S where the money is at. THAT’S where the freedom is at.

Here are the three must-have revenue sources for consistently high food truck cash flow:

1) GROUP MONEY

Yes, you should play in the sandbox and work with your local food truck associations, promoters and groups because, for the most part, they already have a pretty sound lead flow in the market.

Here’s the kicker…

You can’t be just another truck. You need to be so well loved, with a social media following to prove it, that these guys request you because that’s what their clients want! If not, you’ll end up being just another truck in the rotation for sporadic bookings.

2) PRIVATE MONEY

Clients who book you directly for show-up and serve gigs outside of groups or promoters are what I call “private money.” Make sure you’ve got this in your revenue mix!

Not paying fees is one dang good reason, but more importantly it’s because you should never put your revenue solely in the hands of others. Because sometimes food truck groups don’t have your best interests at heart. They’re focused on making their own money. So make sure you’re in full control of your revenue flow by having private money in your mix.

READ: How To Cultivate An Awesome Brand

3) CATERING MONEY

Catering gigs are guaranteed money makas! This is where you have to be a lion and hunt for your kill by identifying your ideal clients, creating irresistible packages and having a pitch that closes.

If you want mad profits flowing into your business like Niagara Falls, make sure you’re targeting and pitching for catering gigs every week. Consistency is key to fill your schedule with this revenue source.

A highly profitable and stable food truck business requires a strong offensive strategy. Don’t just play defense and take whatever comes your way. Build your strategic plays out with a diversified revenue mix so you can make sure you’re always moving closer to the big goal!


There is no ads to display, Please add some

This post was last modified on February 24, 2025

Foodtruckr

Recent Posts

Best Los Angeles Food Trucks for Catering (Your 2025 Guide)

Food trucks are an essential part of the Los Angeles experience. And when it comes to food truck catering, the…

January 29, 2025

Food Truck Owners Expo 2024

The eagerly awaited Food Truck Owners Expo makes its way to Orlando, FL from November 12 to 13, 2024 at…

October 21, 2024

San Diego Food Truck Rentals—The Ultimate Guide

Hello San Diego! If you're looking to add a dash of SD's beachy and fun street food scene to your…

June 18, 2024

NYC Food Truck Rentals—The Ultimate Guide

Hello New York City! If you're looking to add a dash of NYC's vibrant street food scene to your next…

May 29, 2024

LA Food Truck Rentals—The Ultimate Guide

Hello Los Angeles! If you're looking to add a dash of LA's vibrant street food scene to your next corporate…

May 29, 2024

Austin Food Truck Rentals—The Ultimate Guide

Hello Austin! If you're looking to add a dash of Austin's vibrant street food scene to your next corporate event…

May 29, 2024