Start a mobile doughnut trailer for events and markets

Event and market visitors, brewery and venue guests, and hosts booking you for weddings, parties and company events.

Per-item sales at events and markets, plus flat or minimum fees for private bookings. Frying on site is a draw that helps sales at busy events.

• Cooking at speed
• Scheduling events and bookings
• Customer service
• Basic vehicle and equipment upkeep

• Mobile food vendor permits and health inspections, which vary by city and county
• Many areas require a commissary or base kitchen for prep, storage and cleaning
• Fire safety rules for fryers and propane, and event organizer requirements
• General liability and commercial auto insurance, which events often require
• Where you can park and operate, since zoning and street vending rules differ locally
• Income depends on weather and event schedules, so plan for slow weeks

Estimates suggest startup costs typically run around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on whether you buy a trailer or a cart, the equipment you choose, and your permits and insurance.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $18,000, depending on how many events and markets you book, the weather, and your menu and pricing. Plan for slow weeks, since income follows event schedules.

Check mobile food vendor permits and health inspections, which vary by city and county. Also check whether you need a commissary kitchen, fire safety rules for fryers and propane, event organizer requirements, insurance, and where you can park and operate.