Nashville, TN is home to legendary country music stars, up-and-coming celebrities, museums, and famous landmarks. It is also a booming metropolitan area for food trucks, with unique flavors from the south and innovative cuisine meet for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. As a large city and popular tourist destination, Nashville sees a lot of foot traffic throughout the year, making it a great place to set up shop with your new food truck business.
If you plan to open a food truck in Nashville, you are going to have some competition. Established food trucks are already local favorites, drawing plenty of customers every time they park. Choosing the right food truck can help you stand out from the crowd and deliver an excellent customer experience in order to make a name for your business. Keep reading to learn more about the food truck scene in Nashville, including food trucks for sale in Tennessee.
How much are food trucks Near Nashville?
New food trucks can run you a pretty penny. In fact, your actual food truck will be one of your biggest business expenses. You can find a lot of food trucks for sale in Nashville, and it is easy to start narrowing your search by budget. The total cost of your food truck will include the vehicle, any repairs or renovations needed, equipment and storage, licensing and insurance, and truck wraps or signage.
New Food Trucks for Sale Near Nashville
New food trucks for sale cost between $50,000 and $100,000 on average, depending on the size, features, and customizations of your truck. You can visit local dealerships and commercial truck lots in Nashville to find top-of-the-line food trucks in brand-new condition.
Used Food Trucks for Sale Near Nashville, TN
Used food trucks are a great alternative to new trucks, saving you a significant amount of money in your initial investment. You can find used food trucks for sale in Nashville online through craigslist, Roaming Hunger, Used Vending, and more. Be sure to check with the Nashville Food Truck Association to see if anyone is selling a food truck or offering a deal.
When purchasing a used food truck, remember to factor in the cost of repairs or outfitting your truck to meet your needs. Check your local city ordinances as well to determine the total cost of getting your used food truck up to code. You should also factor in the amount of time it will take to get your truck on the road and ready for business.
Related: Food Trucks for Sale Near Memphis, Tennessee
Starting a Food Truck in Nashville
Starting a food truck in Nashville is a great idea because the city see a lot of visitors. Between tourists and the locals, you can expect plenty of business if you do things right. Nashville is the second largest city in the state of Tennessee, and it is also the state’s capital. Often considered the capital of country music, Nashville has a one-of-a-kind vibe that cannot be found anywhere else. Local restaurants, bars, and music venues draw huge crowds each week, and food truck vendors are getting in on the business opportunity.
Food Truck Permits in Nashville
When starting a food truck in Nashville, look to join the Nashville Food Truck Association (NFTA) as soon as possible. It may take a while for you to meet the requirements for membership, but joining the organization can open a lot of doors. From where to park to which permits are necessary, NFTA members know the inside scoop.
There are several permits required to operate a food truck in Nashville, and you will want to check these off your to-do list as soon as possible.
- Business license for the city and county
- Registration certificate for taxes and sales
- Local health department inspection
- Public Works Department permit
If you plan to travel to other cities, you will need to check their specific permit requirements as well. Not all cities and counties in Tennessee use the same permitting processes.
Types of Food Trucks in Nashville
There are dozens of food trucks in operation in Nashville, and they all serve something a little different. Sweet treats are popular in the city as tourists explore the local sites and stop for a quick bite. Visitors to the south and lovers of country music have also come to expect plenty of BBQ food trucks or soul food options. In the summer, the weather in Nashville can heat up quickly, so ice cream and snow cone trucks tend to pick up more business during the season.
Related:Â Food Truck Business FAQs