How Much do Food Trucks Make at Festivals?

Food trucks can make anywhere from $500 to over $10,000 at festivals. There is such a huge range because profit is affected by numerous factors.

In this article, we will discuss different revenue determinants as well as expected expenses. Together, they will give you a pretty good picture of what food truck profit looks like at festivals.

Things that Affect Food Truck Revenue at Festivals

Total attendance

Obviously, the number of people that show up at the event matters a great deal. More attendees mean more potential customers.

The weather

The weather can affect total attendance. If it’s business as usual, then expect around the same number of people that showed up at past events, give or take a few depending on event popularity growth rate. However, if there’s an unexpected rainstorm or heatwave, then attendance numbers can be slashed in half. Even worse, the event can be rescheduled or canceled.

Type of event

Is it a food festival or a music festival?

If it’s a food festival, that’s great. People come to food events hungry, with the intention of spending money on food.

That should help sales.

If it’s a music event, then food isn’t exactly the main attraction. Music is. Some concertgoers eat before the event so that they can focus their undivided attention on the performance. Food becomes an afterthought and only gets bought if people want something to munch on.

Time of day

What time is the event?

If it’s at noon, then that’s peak lunchtime. Expect more hungry customers and more sales. However, if the event happens during the downtime between lunch and dinner, then fewer people will be hungry. Some people may have already eaten.

Demographics of customers

If customers have good financial profiles, then they may be willing to spend more money on food. As a result, you can charge higher prices and still be able to maximize profit.

Type of food served

This goes hand in hand with customer demographics. If your food truck caters to niche taste buds, then you might have a hard time finding willing buyers. Consumer preferences always play a role.

Number of other food vendors

Of course, you will be competing with other food trucks for customers. Sales will decrease if customers eat somewhere else.

Food Truck Expenses at Festivals

Application fee

If you want to become a festival food vendor, then you need to submit an application with the event organizer. Payment is required even though there is no guarantee of acceptance for the event.

Festival fee

Once approved for the event, food trucks need to pay a one-time fee to reserve their place among the event’s food vendors. The festival fee can be the same for everyone or vary depending on set up location. For example, good spaces near the entrance may have a higher fee than spaces farther back.

Revenue sharing expense

Some festival organizers take a cut of your sales during your stay. In order to do so, there needs to be a sales tracking system in place. This can either be a point-of-sales system or a manual tracking method.

Utilities

Some events provide water and electricity for the food vendors to use. Organizers charge vendors based on usage and equipment requirements. For example, the electricity bill can account for voltage and amps.

Fees for extra space

Generally, every food vendor gets the same amount of space. If you need more space, you have to pay. Events typically charge additional space based on square footage.

Opportunity cost

Opportunity cost is not exactly an expense, but it still matters.

Let’s say two different events are happening at the same time. You have to decide which one to go to. If you go to one event, then you lose out on the potential revenue from the other event. This hurts if the attended event ends up being a flop.

Summary

Multiple variables affect food truck profitability at festivals. This is why there is a large range for the dollar amount.