Thinking about getting into the food cart game You’re definitely not alone More and more people are turning to mobile food carts as a way to launch something small and local without breaking the bank Unlike a food truck or restaurant a cart keeps things simple and gives you the freedom to move where the crowd is
Walk around any city and you’ll see it Coffee carts at busy corners hot dog carts near offices ice cream and dessert carts at parks juice stands outside gyms taco carts lighting up nightlife spots halal food carts at community events Even concession carts at school games or farmers markets People love having fast good food on the go and small businesses love how flexible these setups can be
Big cities like New York Portland Austin are famous for their food cart scenes but honestly you’ll find carts everywhere Small towns suburbs beach cities anywhere there’s foot traffic there’s potential Think farmers markets brewery patios school events block parties outdoor festivals People show up hungry everywhere
First time entrepreneurs Restaurants testing mobile menus Caterers wanting to downsize weekend side hustlers Halal vendors vegan pop ups BBQ teams dessert shops Carts are one of the easiest ways to try out an idea or expand your business without the giant leap of opening a full store or truck
First figure out your menu Keep it focused You’ll need to check local permits and food cart licenses – some places are strict some are pretty relaxed Plan what gear you need And don’t forget the look of your cart A sharp design and clear branding make people curious even before they see your menu
Basic hot dog carts can start around $3,000 to $5,000 Coffee or smoothie carts might run $5,000 to $12,000 Fully equipped taco or halal carts can hit $15,000 to $20,000 Add in licenses permits insurance and startup supplies and you’re still well below the cost of launching a food truck or restaurant
At Golden State Trailers we’ve been building food trailers for years and yeah we get asked about food carts a lot We’re not selling them just yet but we’re close If you want to hear when our custom food carts are ready reach out or check back soon We’d love to help when the time’s right
Kinda depends Simple hot dog cart maybe $3,000 Coffee or taco cart $7,000 to $15,000 You want full kitchen setup, could hit $20,000 Still way under food truck costs
Pretty sure yeah Most cities ask for it Some are strict some don’t care much Best to check with local office before you buy anything
Depends on what you’re doing Coffee sells near offices, tacos or halal at night, smoothies or sweets at events Look around your area see what’s missing
Yeah and you should Helps if gear breaks or something happens with a customer Ask an agent who knows small food stuff
We mostly do custom trailers for now Planning to add food carts soon but no used ones yet You can always ask though
Here’s a closer look at one of the coffee food carts we recently built at Golden State Trailers. This mobile coffee setup was designed for flexibility, style, and ease of use, making it a great fit for markets, events, and downtown corners. Below you can see details, front, and side views of the finished cart.
If you’re thinking about your own coffee cart or have a unique idea you want to bring to life, reach out to us. We’re here to help you plan and build a setup that fits your style and goals.
Thinking about starting a food cart Here’s a simple look at popular types, what they cost on average in the market, and what you might need to run one This info works no matter where you are, big city or small town
| Type | Best For | Avg Price (Market) | Staff | Daily Sales (Est) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Dog Cart | Street spots, events | $3,000 – $7,000 | 1 person | $200 – $600 |
| Coffee Cart | Markets, offices | $5,000 – $12,000 | 1 – 2 people | $300 – $1,000 |
| Taco Cart | Festivals, nightlife | $7,000 – $15,000 | 2 people | $500 – $1,500 |
| Ice Cream Cart | Parks, fairs | $4,000 – $10,000 | 1 person | $150 – $500 |
| Halal / BBQ Cart | Markets, events | $8,000 – $20,000 | 2 – 3 people | $600 – $2,000 |
Important note We don’t currently manufacture food carts at Golden State Trailers but we’re gathering info and planning to expand soon If you’re looking for advice or have a project idea feel free to reach out
Most places need a license or permit for a food cart Always check with local offices before you start It’s smart to plan out your menu, setup, and team Bigger carts mean more sales but also more hands
If you’ve been thinking about getting into the food cart world now’s a good time Food carts are one of the easiest ways to test an idea, serve your community, and build something of your own Whether it’s hot dogs, coffee, tacos, ice cream or something totally original there’s space out there for you
At Golden State Trailers we’ve spent years building custom food trailers for people all over We’re close to rolling out our line of food carts with the same care and quality We’re not quite there yet but soon
Want to be one of the first to know when they’re ready Drop us a message or check back here We’re always happy to talk food ideas and help you figure out what setup will work for you and your goals
