How Much Will You Spend to Start a Food Truck in Ohio
Starting a food truck in Ohio requires budgeting for essential costs, including the truck, permits, and equipment. Cities like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati are hot spots for food trucks, with plenty of opportunities at events and in urban neighborhoods. Choosing between a new truck or a used one can significantly impact your budget, with used trucks potentially requiring additional investments in repairs. Fuel and commissary kitchen fees are also key considerations for your operating budget. This guide helps you break down the costs to get your food truck started successfully in Ohio.
Truck or Trailer Costs
Low Estimate:
$30,000
High Estimate
$85,000
Additional Year One Start-up Costs
Low Estimate:
$5,000
High Estimate
$20,000
How Much Should You Budget for Marketing in Ohio
Making Smart Marketing Investments For Your Truck
• Event Revenue Sharing: Large events in Columbus or Cincinnati, such as food truck rallies, often allow food trucks to participate with revenue-sharing agreements instead of flat fees. These arrangements typically take 10-20% of sales.
• Loyalty Incentives: Setting up a digital loyalty program, such as offering a free meal after five purchases, can cost $50 to $150 to implement in your first year.
• Truck Wraps and Branding: In busy markets, a custom truck wrap for $3,000 to $6,000 is a smart investment to ensure you catch the eye of event attendees.
How Much Should You Budget for Marketing in Ohio
Making Smart Marketing Investments For Your Truck
• Event Revenue Sharing: Large events in Columbus or Cincinnati, such as food truck rallies, often allow food trucks to participate with revenue-sharing agreements instead of flat fees. These arrangements typically take 10-20% of sales.
• Loyalty Incentives: Setting up a digital loyalty program, such as offering a free meal after five purchases, can cost $50 to $150 to implement in your first year.
• Truck Wraps and Branding: In busy markets, a custom truck wrap for $3,000 to $6,000 is a smart investment to ensure you catch the eye of event attendees.
Often Forgotten Operational Costs in Ohio
For the start-up costs for a food truck in Ohio, vehicle maintenance, including oil changes and tire replacements, costs $800–$1,500 annually. Propane expenses for cooking equipment average $1,200–$2,500 annually. Commissary kitchen rentals typically range from $400–$1,200 monthly, depending on location.
Fast Track to Six-Figure Food Truck Profit in Ohio [2025 Bundle with Guides, Calculators and Full Business Plan]
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The True Cost of Food Truck Insurance in Ohio
Understanding the true cost of food truck insurance in Ohio starts with knowing what coverage you need to protect your business and comply with state regulations.
General Liability Insurance Purpose: Protects against third-party bodily injury or property damage claims arising from your food truck operations. Requirement: Not legally mandated in Ohio but highly recommended to safeguard your business. Estimated Cost: Approximately $300 to $700 annually for $1 million in coverage.
Commercial Auto Insurance Purpose: Covers your food truck vehicle in case of accidents, property damage, or bodily injury. Requirement: Mandatory in Ohio, with minimum liability limits of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Estimated Cost: Between $1,200 and $3,000 per year, depending on factors like vehicle type and driving history.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance Purpose: Provides medical and wage benefits to employees injured on the job. Requirement: Mandatory in Ohio for businesses with one or more employees. Estimated Cost: Approximately $1,000 to $1,800 annually, varying based on payroll and job risk classifications.
Product Liability Insurance Purpose: Covers claims related to foodborne illnesses or allergic reactions caused by your products. Requirement: Not legally required but essential for food service businesses to mitigate potential lawsuits. Estimated Cost: Often included within general liability policies; additional coverage may cost between $100 and $300 annually.
Equipment Coverage Purpose: Protects your kitchen equipment against theft, damage, or loss. Requirement: Optional but advisable to protect valuable assets. Estimated Cost: Ranges from $200 to $500 annually, depending on the total value of the equipment insured.
What It Costs to Start a Food Truck in Ohio: Sample Budget
📄Licenses/Permits
$500 - $1,500
🚚Truck/Trailer
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🍽️Inventory/Supplies
$3,000 - $5,000
$30,000 - $90,000
📢Marketing
$3,000 - $8,000
💼Insurance
$2,000 - $4,000
How to Budget for Labor Costs When Starting a Food Truck in Ohio
How to Pay Yourself as a Food Truck Owner in Ohio
Ohio’s diverse food truck scene, spanning urban areas like Columbus and Cincinnati, offers tremendous potential for entrepreneurs who plan wisely. Many food truck owners form an Ohio LLC, a pass-through entity where business income flows through to their personal tax return. Starting with a modest wage, such as $15 an hour for part-time hours, ensures you can pay your bills and prioritize your time during the first year. This approach sets the foundation for both personal financial stability and business growth.
Fair Wages for Food Truck Employees: Ohio Pay Rate Guidelines
In Ohio, competitive pay helps food truck owners attract and retain great workers. Use benchmarks like Skyline Chili or Raising Cane’s, which typically offer $16–$19 per hour. Equal pay fosters collaboration, with raises rewarding dedication and growth.
Understanding Payroll Taxes for Ohio Food Truck Owners
In Ohio, food truck entrepreneurs must manage federal payroll taxes, including Social Security, Medicare, and federal unemployment taxes (FUTA). Additionally, Ohio requires employers to withhold state income tax from employees' wages and to pay State Unemployment Insurance (SUI) taxes. New employers typically start with a SUI tax rate of 2.7% on the first $9,000 of each employee's wages, with rates adjusted annually based on the employer's experience rating. To comply, register with the IRS for an EIN and with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services for state withholding and unemployment accounts. Budgeting for payroll taxes is crucial, as they can add approximately 10–15% to wage expenses. Utilizing payroll software or professional services can streamline compliance and ensure timely filings.
Budgeting for a Food Truck or Trailer in Ohio
Used Food Trucks and Trailers in Ohio:
Food Trucks: Pre-owned food trucks in Ohio typically range from $30,000 to $80,000, depending on age, condition, and equipment.
Food Trailers: Used food trailers in Ohio are generally priced between $25,000 and $55,000, based on size and amenities.
New Food Trucks and Trailers in Ohio:
Food Trucks: A new, fully equipped food truck in Ohio can cost between $90,000 and $180,000, depending on customization.
Food Trailers: New food trailers typically range from $55,000 to $105,000, influenced by size and specific build requirements.