A food truck commissary is the licensed commercial kitchen where your truck is based for food prep, equipment storage, and waste disposal. Monthly commissary costs are a fixed expense in every food truck budget — use this guide to estimate costs before signing a contract.
Full Commissary Cost Reference
| Type | Major Metro | Mid-Size City | Small City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Kitchen Rental | $600–$1,100 | $350–$650 | $200–$400 |
| Private Commissary | $900–$1,500+ | $500–$900 | $300–$550 |
| Restaurant Partnership | $500–$900 | $300–$600 | $200–$400 |
Disclaimer: Rates shown are typical ranges for reference only. Costs vary significantly by specific facility, included amenities, storage space, and local market conditions. Always verify current rates directly with commissary providers before budgeting.
How to Use the Food Truck Commissary Cost Guide
Commissary costs are one of the most variable fixed expenses in a food truck budget. Location, facility type, and what's included in the monthly fee all affect cost significantly. Use this guide as a planning baseline, then get specific quotes from facilities in your area.
Shared Kitchen Rental
Shared commissary kitchens rent space by the hour or through monthly memberships. Monthly memberships typically include a set number of prep hours per month (15-30 hours is common for a food truck). Shared kitchens are the most common arrangement for new food truck operators because they don't require a large upfront commitment. The tradeoff is scheduling constraints — popular time slots (early morning prep) may be limited.
Private Commissary
Private commissary arrangements give you dedicated space in a commissary facility — your own walk-in section, dedicated prep area, and sometimes covered truck parking. These cost more but eliminate scheduling conflicts. Best suited for trucks doing significant prep volume or operating 6-7 days per week where time-slot competition at a shared kitchen becomes a problem.
Restaurant Partnership
Using a restaurant's kitchen during off-hours (typically early morning before the restaurant opens, or late at night after close) is often the most cost-effective arrangement when it's available. It requires finding a restaurant owner willing to provide commissary services and may include restrictions on the type of food you're preparing. Some operators start with a restaurant partnership to reduce startup costs, then transition to a dedicated commissary as the business grows.
What to Ask When Shopping for a Commissary
Key questions: Is parking and hookup included? What storage space is allocated (dry, refrigerated, freezer)? What hours can you access the kitchen? Does the facility provide a commissary letter for health permit purposes? What's the notice period to terminate the agreement? Can you start immediately or is there a waitlist?
FAQ
What is a food truck commissary?
A commissary is a licensed commercial kitchen where food truck operators prep food, store equipment and inventory, and clean their truck. Most cities require food trucks to have a commissary agreement as part of the mobile food facility permit.
How much does a food truck commissary cost per month?
Monthly commissary costs range from $200-1,200+ depending on your city and arrangement. Shared kitchen rentals in smaller cities: $200-400/month. Private commissary in major metros: $600-1,200+/month. Restaurant partnerships (using a restaurant's kitchen off-hours): $250-600/month.
What types of commissary arrangements exist for food trucks?
Three main types: shared kitchen rental (pay-per-hour or monthly membership at a commissary kitchen), private commissary (rent dedicated space at a commissary facility), and restaurant partnership (use a restaurant's kitchen off-hours in exchange for a monthly fee).
Do I have to use a commissary for my food truck?
In most US cities, yes. Health departments require food trucks to be based at an approved commissary where they prep food, store equipment, and dump waste water. Requirements vary by jurisdiction — some allow home kitchens for very limited prep under cottage food laws.
Is this commissary cost guide free?
Yes, completely free. Filter by commissary type and city tier to see typical cost ranges. Always verify current rates directly with commissary facilities in your area.
What should I look for when choosing a commissary?
Key factors: proximity to your regular service area (saves driving time), available storage space, operating hours (you need access at your prep times), cold storage capacity, and whether the commissary will serve as your address for permit purposes. Price is important but proximity often matters more.