Running a food truck can be exciting and profitable, but keeping the business afloat requires planning, coordination, and attention to detail. Before you hit the road or open your window, you need to be fully stocked, properly staffed, and as ready for the unexpected as you can be. We put together this food truck checklist to help you gather everything you need for your first opening day or your next big day, whether you’re gearing up for a lunch rush downtown or a weekend festival crowd.

What Every Food Truck Needs Before Opening

1. Fully Stocked Ingredients

Your ingredients are, of course, the first and most important thing to double-check before you open. Without the right ingredients, you won’t have the right food, and that can seriously disrupt your plan. Before you do anything else, make sure your food truck is stocked with all the ingredients you’ll need for the day’s menu.

This includes your core items, like proteins, bread, veggies, and toppings, as well as anything you need for daily specials or high-demand items. Prep as much as possible in advance, so you can keep sales moving swiftly. Try to portion out sauces, chop vegetables, and marinate meats, in advance, and double-check that nothing has expired. If you’re using limited prep space, be strategic; only bring what you’ll realistically use, but bring a little extra of your top sellers just in case the crowd is bigger than expected.

• Enough proteins, buns, veggies, and key ingredients for your full menu
• Extra ingredients for best-sellers or special event items
• Prepped and portioned items to save time during the rush
• Seasonings, oils, and sauces restocked and ready to go

2. Cold Drinks and Ice

Beverage sales can seriously boost your profits, especially on hot days. Make sure your drink cooler is stocked with water, sodas, and any signature beverages you offer. Ice isn’t just for keeping drinks cold, either. It also helps maintain safe temperatures for food storage if your refrigeration gets overloaded or you’re working a long shift without power hookups. Always bring more ice than you think you’ll need. If you’re selling drinks in cups, make sure you have enough lids and straws, too.

• Pack plenty of bottled water, sodas, and specialty drinks
• Stock ice for coolers, drink bins, and food storage
• Don’t forget extra cups, straws, or lids if you’re offering drinks to-go
• Find a location nearby to get extra ice and potable water, just in case

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3. Condiments, Cutlery, and Napkins

Customers expect to find everything they need to enjoy their food without asking. That means plenty of napkins, forks, spoons, knives, and condiments. Think through what goes with each item on your menu, and make sure it’s easy to access. Set up a clean, clearly marked area where customers can grab what they need. Or, if you don’t have the space or time to keep this area tidy, make sure staff members can distribute these items, as-needed. Be sure to restock mid-shift if you’re open for long hours. If you’re working on reducing plastic waste and running a green operation, consider compostable or biodegradable options.

• Individually wrapped utensils or bulk dispensers
• Napkins, paper towels, and wet wipes
• Condiment packets or pump dispensers (ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, etc.)
• Compostable or recyclable options if you’re going green

4. Clean Water Supply

Every food truck needs access to a reliable water supply for washing hands, cleaning tools, and food prep. If your truck has a built-in tank, make sure it’s filled with fresh, potable water. Double-check that your gray water tank is empty to avoid overflow. You’ll also want to carry extra bottles of water just in case something goes wrong. Or, you should know where you can get potable water nearby, fast. Don’t forget hand soap, paper towels, and sanitizer for both hands and surfaces. Staying compliant with health department regulations is essential.

• Freshwater tanks are full
• Gray water tanks are emptied
• You have backup bottled water if needed
• Hand soap and sanitizing solutions are stocked

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5. Health and Safety Checks

Your food truck should always meet local health codes, and that starts with a solid health and safety routine each morning. Gloves, aprons, and hair nets should be worn as needed. Check that your food thermometers are clean, calibrated, and ready to use. Wipe down all surfaces before the first customer arrives. A small first aid kit should be easily accessible in case of burns or cuts. Taking these steps not only protects your team, but also gives your customers peace of mind that their food is prepared safely and responsibly.

• Gloves and hairnets for staff
• Thermometers for food safety
• Sanitizing wipes or spray for surfaces
• First aid kit in case of minor injuries

6. Fully Charged and Fueled Up

It’s easy to overlook your truck’s power needs when you’re focused on food and service, but it’s one of the most important things on your food truck checklist. Make sure your generator is filled with fuel or your batteries are fully charged. Double-check that your propane tanks are full and safely secured. Your POS system and tablet should be fully charged, with chargers and backup batteries ready-to-go. If you use any powered appliances or lighting setups, give them a quick test before leaving your prep space.

• Propane tanks or generators are full and functional
• Backup power sources are on board
• Electronics like tablets or POS systems are fully charged
• Extension cords, chargers, and spare batteries are packed

7. Marketing and Signage

Letting people know where your truck is parked can be the difference between a slow day and a sold-out day. Use your social media platforms to post your location, hours, and menu highlights before you open. Update your Google Business Profile and any local food truck trackers you use. At the truck, make your branding visible with banners, chalkboard menus, and A-frame signs. Think about adding flags or lights if you’re at a large event or nighttime gathering. The more visible you are, the more people you’ll serve.

• Post your location on Instagram, Facebook, and Google Business
• Bring A-frame signs, chalkboards, or banners to catch foot traffic
• Set up loyalty punch cards or QR codes for mailing list signups
• Use flags, lights, or balloons to draw attention (when permitted)

8. Payment and POS System Ready

Fast, flexible payment options help keep your line moving and your customers happy. Make sure your POS system is synced, charged, and functioning before service starts. Bring plenty of change in small bills for customers who pay with cash. If you’re accepting contactless payments like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Venmo, test everything to be sure it’s working, especially if you’re relying on a mobile hotspot or a Wi-Fi signal. Keep backup batteries or a power bank on hand, just in case your devices lose charge.

• POS system is working and synced
• Cash drawer stocked with small bills and change
• Contactless payment options available (Venmo, Apple Pay, etc.)
• Backup hotspot or mobile data in case of Wi-Fi issues

9. Customer-Friendly Extras

The small things can turn a good experience into a great one. If you’re parked in a dog-friendly area, put out a bowl of water for furry visitors. Create a vibe with background music and friendly signage. Set up a clean area where people can sit or take photos with their food (if allowed by local rules). A simple tip jar with a funny message can encourage people to drop in a few dollars, and branded stickers or QR codes help grow your social media following or mailing list.

• Shade umbrellas or seating, if allowed
• Dog water bowl, if you’re in a dog-friendly area
• A tip jar with a fun sign
• Music (keep it appropriate and at a reasonable volume)
• Branded stickers, postcards, or social media tags to go with orders

10. Team Check-In

If you’ve got a crew working with you, take a few minutes to check in with everyone before the window opens. Go over the menu, clarify everyone’s roles, and address any updates or challenges for the day. Make sure everyone is wearing appropriate clothing and has access to water and food if you’re working a long shift. This is the last item on the food truck checklist, but it’s still important. A few minutes of prep time together can improve communication and make the whole day run more smoothly.

• Everyone knows their roles and responsibilities
• Uniforms, aprons, and name tags are ready
• Staff meals or water bottles are packed for breaks
• Have a quick team huddle to boost morale

 

Whether it’s your first opening day at your first food truck, or you’re an experienced chef with a long career, running through a food truck opening checklist once more before the day starts can help you set up for success. To make your day a bit easier and make a plan for unexpected shortages, download the ICE2U app to find your closest ice and water vending machine. Take advantage of bulk discounts and loyalty programs to save on ice and water, and bring profits up.