How Much Will You Spend to Start a Food Truck in Missouri
Starting a food truck in Missouri involves careful planning to budget for key costs like purchasing a truck, outfitting it with equipment, and obtaining permits. Cities like Kansas City, St. Louis, and Springfield are home to thriving food truck communities, offering plenty of opportunities at festivals and downtown locations. Fuel and travel costs can also impact your budget if you plan to serve multiple cities. Customizing your truck to suit your menu, whether it’s BBQ or gourmet sandwiches, is another factor to consider. This guide breaks down the financial details to help you prepare for a successful start in Missouri.
Truck or Trailer Costs
Low Estimate:
$30,000
High Estimate
$85,000
Additional Year One Start-up Costs
Low Estimate:
$5,000
High Estimate
$20,000
How Much Should You Budget for Marketing in Missouri
Making Smart Marketing Investments For Your Truck
• Festival Marketing: Major events in Kansas City or St. Louis, like BBQ festivals, charge vendor fees ranging from $200 to $1,000. Participating can help build a loyal customer base.
• Traditional Advertising: Printing flyers or newspaper ads for $50 to $200 is still effective in smaller towns like Springfield.
• Truck Wrap Impact: Invest $3,000 to $8,000 in a custom truck wrap to make your food truck memorable during busy downtown events.
How Much Should You Budget for Marketing in Missouri
Making Smart Marketing Investments For Your Truck
• Festival Marketing: Major events in Kansas City or St. Louis, like BBQ festivals, charge vendor fees ranging from $200 to $1,000. Participating can help build a loyal customer base.
• Traditional Advertising: Printing flyers or newspaper ads for $50 to $200 is still effective in smaller towns like Springfield.
• Truck Wrap Impact: Invest $3,000 to $8,000 in a custom truck wrap to make your food truck memorable during busy downtown events.
Often Forgotten Operational Costs in Missouri
For the start-up costs for a food truck in Missouri, vehicle maintenance costs, including oil changes and tire replacements, range from $500–$1,200 annually. Waste disposal services, including grease trap cleaning, typically add $400–$1,000 annually. Event permit fees for festivals and fairs generally cost $50–$250 per event.
Fast Track to Start a Food Truck Business in Missouri [2025 Bundle with Guides, Calculators and Full Business Plan]
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The True Cost of Food Truck Insurance in Missouri
Understanding the true cost of food truck insurance in Missouri starts with knowing what coverage you need to protect your business and comply with state regulations.
General Liability Insurance Purpose: Protects against third-party bodily injury or property damage claims arising from your food truck operations. Requirement: Not legally mandated in Missouri but highly recommended to safeguard your business. Estimated Cost: Approximately $300 to $700 annually for $1 million in coverage.
Commercial Auto Insurance Purpose: Covers your food truck vehicle in case of accidents, property damage, or bodily injury. Requirement: Mandatory in Missouri, with minimum liability limits of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Estimated Cost: Between $1,200 and $3,000 per year, depending on factors like vehicle type and driving history.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance Purpose: Provides medical and wage benefits to employees injured on the job. Requirement: Mandatory in Missouri for businesses with five or more employees; however, construction industry businesses must have coverage for one or more employees. Estimated Cost: Approximately $1,000 to $1,800 annually, varying based on payroll and job risk classifications.
Product Liability Insurance Purpose: Covers claims related to foodborne illnesses or allergic reactions caused by your products. Requirement: Not legally required but essential for food service businesses to mitigate potential lawsuits. Estimated Cost: Often included within general liability policies; additional coverage may cost between $100 and $300 annually.
Equipment Coverage Purpose: Protects your kitchen equipment against theft, damage, or loss. Requirement: Optional but advisable to protect valuable assets. Estimated Cost: Ranges from $200 to $500 annually, depending on the total value of the equipment insured.
What It Costs to Start a Food Truck in Missouri: Sample Budget
📄Licenses/Permits
$500 - $1,500
🚚Truck/Trailer
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🍽️Inventory/Supplies
$3,000 - $5,000
$30,000 - $90,000
📢Marketing
$3,000 - $8,000
💼Insurance
$2,000 - $4,000
How to Budget for Labor Costs When Starting a Food Truck in Missouri
How to Pay Yourself as a Food Truck Owner in Missouri
Missouri’s food truck scene is growing rapidly, from bustling urban hubs like St. Louis to thriving local events statewide. Ambitious entrepreneurs know the importance of paying themselves—not just scraping by, but earning what they’re worth. If you’ve formed a Missouri LLC, aim for a starting salary of $17 an hour or a consistent owner’s draw. Missouri’s market rewards entrepreneurs who bring their best every day, and that starts with valuing your own contribution.
Fair Wages for Food Truck Employees: Missouri Pay Rate Guidelines
In Missouri, competitive pay is key to building a strong food truck team. Benchmarks like Culver’s or Popeye’s suggest starting wages of $15–$18 per hour. Offering equal pay for all positions promotes flexibility, with raises tied to experience or performance.
Understanding Payroll Taxes for Missouri Food Truck Owners
In Missouri, food truck entrepreneurs are responsible for federal payroll taxes, including Social Security, Medicare, and federal unemployment taxes (FUTA). Additionally, Missouri requires employers to withhold state income tax from employees' wages and to pay State Unemployment Insurance (SUI) taxes. New employers typically start with a SUI tax rate of 2.376% on the first $15,000 of each employee's wages, with rates adjusted annually based on the employer's experience rating. To comply, register with the IRS for an EIN and with the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations for state withholding and unemployment accounts. Budgeting for payroll taxes is essential, as they can add approximately 10–15% to wage expenses. Utilizing payroll software or professional services can streamline compliance and ensure timely filings.
Budgeting for a Food Truck or Trailer in Missouri
Used Food Trucks and Trailers in Missouri:
Food Trucks: Pre-owned food trucks in Missouri typically range from $30,000 to $80,000, depending on age, condition, and equipment.
Food Trailers: Used food trailers in Missouri are generally priced between $25,000 and $55,000, based on size and amenities.
New Food Trucks and Trailers in Missouri:
Food Trucks: A new, fully equipped food truck in Missouri can cost between $90,000 and $180,000, depending on customization.
Food Trailers: New food trailers typically range from $55,000 to $105,000, influenced by size and specific build requirements.