To start a food truck business in New York, you need to set up your business, get essential permits, and protect yourself with food truck insurance. The process can take anywhere from several months up to a full year for new businesses.
From the Big Apple to Upstate New York, the food truck business is growing by the day! If you’re ready to bring your fantastic food to fairs, festivals, and events throughout the state, we’re here to help with our guide to navigating the world of New York food trucks.
Food Truck Business Requirements
Before you can apply for any licenses or permits, you need to complete these essential steps to set up your business:
- Employer identification number (EIN): Used for tax purposes, your EIN is like a social security number for your business. You can apply online through the IRS.
- Business classification: Most food truck vendors opt for a sole proprietorship or a limited liability company (LLC).
- Business name: Choose a memorable food truck business name that communicates who you are and what you offer.
- Business plan: A solid business plan gives you a stronger foundation for your food truck venture. Some agencies require it before you can register.
- Certificate of Insurance (COI): Your COI proves your business has appropriate insurance coverage. Besides protecting you and your food truck business financially, you’ll need it to apply to get your truck into fairs, festivals, and other venues.
New York Food Truck Licenses
New York requires a variety of licenses and permits for food trucks to operate in the state. Depending on where you are, the process can be lengthy, and available permits can be limited. New York City vendors may also have more requirements and restrictions.
- Your license to operate a business in the state of New York.
- Cost: $100–$200
- Where to get it: New York State Business Portal
- Guarantees that your mobile food facility complies with local food and worker safety standards.
- Cost: Approximately $50 annually*
- Where to get it: County Public Health Department
*Note: You must complete the Mobile Food Vendor Food Protection Course to qualify for this license. The online course costs $53 in addition to your annual fee.
- Certifies that your food truck is up to New York health and safety codes.*
- Cost: $100–$1000 (varies by county)
- Where to get it: County Public Health Department
*Note: New York food truck operators need to submit an application no less than 21 days before opening for business.
- Allows your business to charge sales tax on products.
- Cost: Around $10–$15 per employee
- Where to get it: New York Food Handler Online Certification
- Shows that all employees understand and practice food safety. Required for all food handlers.
- Cost: Around $10–$15 per employee
- Where to get it: New York Food Handler Online Certification
- Food trucks aren’t eligible for a long-term license but can obtain a short-term permit for events.
- Cost: $4,300–$10,000
- Where to get it: New York State Liquor Authority
- Required to drive your food truck.
- Cost: $91–$107 for most food trucks
- Where to get it: New York Department of Motor Vehicles
New York Food Truck Laws
New York food trucks must follow several rules and regulations to comply with state laws. This ensures that mobile food establishments operate safely. A few key requirements include:
- Proper food temperatures: Cold food needs to be stored at 45° Fahrenheit or lower and hot food needs to remain at 140° Fahrenheit or higher. All trucks need adequate refrigeration and hot food storage.
- Poisonous and toxic materials: Cleaning chemicals must be stored in a designated area away from food. Bactericides and sanitizers used on food prep surfaces need to be non-toxic and food-safe.
- Personnel: Food truck operators and employees must be free of transmittable diseases. All clothing should be clean, and hair should be washed or tied back. Workers should wash their hands with soap and water after bathroom breaks, smoking, or eating.
- Water supply: Food trucks must have a water tank of at least 40 gallons unless all food is prepackaged at a commissary or processing facility. Systems must have gravity draining and contained piping to prevent contamination.
Always review the regulations in your county or city to ensure your food truck is up to code.
Food trucks in New York have regular health inspections from state-designated officials to ensure quality and safety. Business owners who don’t adhere to these laws can face serious consequences:
- Revoked or suspended permit
- Embargo on products
- Forced business closure (with public announcement)
Food Truck Insurance in New York
The state highly recommends that all business owners carry insurance. New York food business insurance from Food Liability Insurance Program (FLIP) provides essential coverage that protects you from common claims food trucks face and is designed to meet insurance requirements.
If a customer gets food poisoning from your classic street tacos or you accidentally spill fryer oil on the sidewalk of your venue, your coverage can pay for the resulting expenses, including medical bills or property damage.
Cost of Starting a Food Truck in New York
In addition to licensing and insurance costs, food truck owners also need to consider standard operating expenses, including:
- Food truck
- New: $50,000–$175,000
- Used: $30,000–$70,000
- Cooking equipment
- Grill/griddle: $500–$5,000
- Deep fryer: $500–$3,000
- Oven: $1,000–$10,000
- Refrigeration
- Refrigerator/freezer: $1,000–$3,000
- Prep table: $1,000–$5,000
- Safety and Sanitation
- Commercial sink: $300–$2,000
- Handwashing sink: $100–$500
- Fire suppression system: $2,000–$5,000
- Technology
- Point of Sale (POS) system: $500–$2,000
- Inventory software: $50–$500
Food costs are another ongoing consideration for food truck owners. How much you pay for ingredients can vary with availability, the market, and your products. You need a strong pricing strategy that accounts for your operational expenses while still yielding profits.
Food Truck Festivals in New York
Once you have your food truck business up and running, you’re ready to hit the food festival circuit! Remember: if you travel outside of your usual city or county, you will need to get the appropriate permits to operate.
Here are a few New York food truck festivals to check out:
To expand your reach even further, join groups like the New York Food Truck Association (NYFTA) for leads and referrals for private and public events.
FAQs About New York State Food Truck Requirements
Can I Park a Food Truck Anywhere in NY?
You must follow zoning regulations and restrictions in order to park your food truck in New York. Laws and permit fees vary between cities and counties, so make sure to check with your local jurisdiction before parking your food truck.
Common restricted parking locations include:
- Residential areas
- Near fire hydrants
- Close to crosswalks
- Delivery lanes
Is a Commissary Kitchen Required for New York Food Trucks?
Food trucks must be stored at an approved commissary, depot, or approved facility, not at your home. In addition to this, if your food truck does not meet the state’s health code requirements, you must prepare all foods off-site in an approved commissary kitchen.
What Are the Fire Safety Requirements for Food Trucks in New York?
New York Building Standards and Codes requires every food truck to have:
- Operating permits
- A portable fire extinguisher
- Cooking oil storage containers
- Appropriate liquified petroleum gas systems (where LP-gas systems provide fuel for cooking appliances)
- Appropriate compressed natural gas systems (where CNG fuel is used for cooking appliances)
- Adequate maintenance of vehicle
Always check with your local agency to ensure your food truck meets New York fire safety requirements.
Can Food Trucks Sell Alcohol in New York?
Food trucks can sell alcohol in New York, but there are restrictions. Most food truck liquor licenses are temporary and limited to a single event or time period. In rare circumstances, New York may grant a liquor license for a limited area, meaning the alcohol must be consumed in a specific location.
