Food trailer at events and markets

Event-goers buying at the window, plus event hosts, breweries and organizers who book you for a fee or a share of sales.

Sales per portion at public events, plus flat fees for private bookings like weddings and company lunches. Busy weekends in warm months usually carry most of the income.

• Cooking quickly and consistently
• Food safety habits
• Costing a menu and managing stock
• Friendly customer service

• Health permit and inspection rules, which differ by province and public health unit
• Many trailers need to operate from an approved commissary kitchen, check locally
• Municipal vending rules on where you can park and sell
• Commercial general liability and vehicle insurance
• Propane and fire safety inspections for cooking equipment
• Winter slowdown in most of the country, plan your cash flow

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $55,000 to $160,000, depending on the trailer, kitchen equipment, permits and insurance. Get quotes for your own menu and setup before committing.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your menu, the events and markets you book, and the season. Most of the country sees a winter slowdown, so plan your cash flow.

Check health permit and inspection rules for your province and public health unit, whether you need an approved commissary kitchen, and municipal vending rules on where you can park. Also check commercial general liability and vehicle insurance, and propane and fire safety inspections.