Can You Make Money With a Vegetarian Food Truck?

Avoid costly penalties by complying with parking and health regulations.

Owning a food truck is a business you can start with relatively little money. In cities that let you cook inside the truck, the startup costs are considerably lower than the cost of starting a restaurant. A vegetarian food truck is is a niche concept that can be a profitable endeavor for a small business owner.

Find Your Niche

Successful food trucks work with a niche theme or concept. A vegetarian food truck is an ideal niche, but you need a more focused concept. Some of the special concepts that you can implement with a vegetarian food truck are meatless burritos, vegetarian pizza, Indian food, gourmet omelets, Japanese bento boxes, soup or salad, all served without meat, fish or poultry.

Vegan Options

Vegans eat neither meat nor animal byproducts -- no dairy, cheese or eggs. Approximately 1 million of the country's 7.3 million vegetarians are vegan, according to "Vegetarian Times." By offering vegan meal choices at your food truck, you can increase your customer base and, accordingly, your sales. You can easily adapt many vegetarian meals to make them vegan without buying special equipment or supplies, adding an extra element to your food truck menu and attracting consumers who follow the vegan lifestyle.

Prime Location

It's easier to make money with a vegetarian food truck in a vegetarian-friendly city. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals published a list of the best cities for vegetarians in 2006. A vegetarian food truck has a greater chance of success in these cities than in meat-producing cities like Omaha or Denver. If you follow PETA's list, you should consider operating your food truck in Portland, Oregon; Seattle; San Francisco; New York; Atlanta; Washington, D.C.; Minneapolis; Austin, Texas; Philadelphia; or Chicago. Even in a vegetarian city, your location is key. Look for venues where hungry people get together, such as outside theaters and dance clubs.

Brand Your Business

According to a PBS feature on the food truck business, the most successful trucks look more like a branded restaurant than a food cart. The outside of your truck should be spotless with an appealing look, whether you achieve it with artwork, a catchy logo or a memorable color combination. The most effective food truck owners also make an emotional connection with their customers through their brands and their cuisine. Be true to the food. If you love meat, burgers and barbecue, you may lack rapport with your vegetarian customers.

References

• PBS; Five Things You Need to Know About Starting Your own Food Truck; Jackie Pou, et al.; October 2010
• "Vegetarian Times:" Vegetarianism in America
• PETA: North America's Most Vegetarian Friendly Cities in 2006