Frequently Asked Questions:
I want to start a food truck business in WA, how do I get started?
A: Step-1: Join the Washington State Food Truck Association.
This will give you access to our comprehensive Member Resources webpages, which will provide you with all of the information and advice that you’ll need to get started. This information can also help you avoid making some very costly mistakes. We would also recommend reading Running a Food Truck for Dummies by Richard Myrick, which is a great resource. Do lots of research BEFORE you purchase your mobile food unit, and consider: Where you will operate your mobile food business (private property, public right-of-way, breweries, catered events…..)? In which cities and which counties will you be vending? Do these cities and counties have prohibitive restrictions/requirements for food trucks? Which licenses and permits will you need? Will you need a commissary kitchen? Will you qualify for a commissary kitchen exemption?
If you join the WSFTA, our Member Resources will help you navigate the start-up process, successfully manage and grow your business, help you solve problems, offer you access to daily vending locations, and much more….
What is the most common mistake that a new food truck operator makes?
A: The most common mistake is purchasing a mobile food unit from out of state and/or from a builder that doesn’t have lots of experience working with WA State L&I. Making this mistake can be very costly, and in some cases could put you out of business before you ever get a chance to open.
WA State Department of Labor & Industries: “Many states have little or no regulations for food trucks and trailers. New or used units coming from these locations have a very difficult time passing inspection and they often need expensive repairs before they can be approved. Even if a food truck or trailer has been used for years in another state, it is no guarantee that it will pass inspection in Washington.
Before buying a food truck or trailer, you should see whether you will be able to get it approved and what you will need to fix before you have it inspected. Typically, the three most expensive problems to fix in food trucks and trailers are the exhaust hoods/ fire suppression systems, the location of LP gas tanks and the location of electrical panels. If you are unfamiliar with these systems, you should look for help from a licensed professional, a reputable food truck company or a food truck association. Other problems that frequently need fixing include improper cooking equipment, water lines, drain lines, gas piping and electrical wiring.”
“My Texas made trailer used a number of items from Mexico that were not UL certified. “
I found a food truck/trailer builder. Is there anything that I should ask for or require from them?
A: Make sure that your food truck builder fully understands the requirements of the WA State Labor & Industries building code, and is up-to-date on new fire code. It’s best if they’ve built other mobile food units in WA. Ask to see examples of food trucks the builder has completed and their timeline for new projects. You can find a builder’s checklist in our Member Resources section.
We highly recommend these well-qualified food truck builders:
Western Food Trucks & Trailers,
Do I need to already have my mobile food unit, or already be in business to join the WSFTA?
A: No. In fact, the best time to join is before you get started. This will greatly reduce the odds of you making some costly mistakes. Even if you haven’t fully made up your mind about starting a food truck, the information available to members will help inform your decision to become a mobile food vendor.
What kind of mobile food vendors can join the WSFTA?
A: Food trucks, food trailers, food carts, pop-up (tent & table), and caterers are all welcome to join. If you are a mobile food vendor, this is the right association for you. Keep in mind that some venues and events may specifically request only food trucks or food trailers, on the other hand, some locations are only suitable for smaller mobile food units like food carts or tent & table, so available vending options will vary.
Does a 1-year membership last for 12-months, or only until the end of the calendar year?
A: Your 1-year membership begins on the day that you become a member and lasts for 12-months from that date. So, there’s no reason to wait until next January to join.
Can a business or individual join the WSFTA even if they are NOT a mobile food vendor or planning to start a mobile food business?
A: No. Membership is just for current mobile food vendors or those planning to start a mobile food business. However, a great way for businesses (other than mobile food businesses), to inform our members about their products or services is to become a WSFTA Sponsor. This is also a great way to show your support for these hard-working and amazing small business owners. More information here.
How is the WA State Food Truck Association Funded?
A: Some people assume that the WSFTA is somehow funded by the government, but it’s not. Membership dues, pod/lot booking fees, corporate sponsors, and consulting fees are how the association is funded. We are a member services organization. Sometimes we are contacted by non-members who have questions or need assistance, but we simply do not have the time or the resources to assist non-members. We encourage non-members to carefully read through our whole website, and then consider joining the only organization in the state dedicated solely to helping protect, promote, and grow the mobile food industry in WA.
Can I buy a food truck and drive it all across Washington vending wherever I want?
A: No. Laws regarding mobile food vending can vary greatly from one city or county to the next. Some cities do not allow mobile food vending. You will need a county health permit, a fire permit, and you’ll need a business license in each city where you’ll vend. In some places you’ll also need a street-use parking permit from the local DOT. You can apply for temporary health permits to vend if you’re a part of a festival or special event.
Unlike TV contest shows, finding a viable and legal place to vend can be very challenging.
The WSFTA keeps members continually updated on state and local mobile food vending laws. WSFTA members also have 24/7 access to the Member Resources section of our website, which includes regulatory updates, tips on how to grow and improve business, and lots of information that would otherwise be very difficult to track down.
How much does it cost to start a truck?
A: Every food truck business is different, so it’s important that you get quotes from every truck/trailer/cart manufacturer, commissary kitchen, and truck wrapping company (the graphics on the outside of the truck) that you can find. Remember, regional regulations and permits can dramatically impact the cost of running a mobile food business. When figuring out your daily costs to vend at a particular location be sure to include: your taxes, insurance, depreciation, overhead, travel time, propane, consumables/packaging, vending fees, credit card fees, and fuel in addition to your food costs and labor (including prep and clean-up time). You have to include all these things to get your true cost.
Can a non-member food truck book themselves to serve at the vending locations that are managed by the WA State Food Truck Association?
A: No. The WSFTA manages approximately 30-vending locations (in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties). We provide access to these reliable low-fee (usually between $15 to $45 per day) vending locations as a service to our members.
Will becoming a WSFTA member help grow my mobile food business?
A: Absolutely! Our members are listed (by county) in our Food Truck Directory. This is the most comprehensive food truck directory in the state, and the WSFTA website gets thousands of views per month. We also have a Request a Food Truck online form that allows event hosts to quickly and easily get connected with our members. We also use our social media platforms to help promote our members who are serving at our managed locations, and when asked, we are always happy to help members promote their daily meal services at any location.
Does my menu matter?
A: Yes! If your truck kitchen (or your rented commissary kitchen) cannot support your menu, the Health Department won’t approve your health permit application. Make sure your truck kitchen can support the food quantity and processes you are planning to follow. If you’re ordering food to cook on your truck, make sure it’s from an approved source (meaning a licensed food facility). For example, if you plan on serving sausages but you have no way to make sausages, the health department is going to want to know where you’re sourcing your product.
Am I required to rent a commissary kitchen?
A. It depends. If your mobile food unit can meet the commissary kitchen exemption guidelines (based on a state law that we helped originate and pass), then you can request to be exempted from this state food code requirement. Our Member Resources can help members with this process.
Can I sell beer, wine, liquor from my mobile?
A. Yes, but with conditions and approval from the state. You must first have your “catering” health permit (this is in addition to your food truck health permit). Then you need to add-on a liquor addendum to your state business license. You cannot sell alcohol from your mobile to the general public without being hired to cater and sell by a non-profit for a special event. You can contact the WSLCB for more details at: 360-664-1600 option 1.
Am I required to have my mobile food business insured?
A. Yes. All vending locations will require you to provide a COI (Certificate of Insurance), naming that property as the additionally insured. We will ask for a copy of the COI before we grant access to booking at any of our managed locations or events.
Is it important to have a website and a Facebook business page?
A. Yes!!! Many new food businesses fail because they lacked a good marketing plan. Study the most successful food trucks and look at their promotional efforts. Cover all platforms, since most people use one or more to get their news and information: Facebook, Instagram, etc…
