The Case for Food Truck Freedom in Chicago
Blog Introduction: In a city as big and bustling as Chicago, it’s no surprise that food trucks are a popular lunchtime option. After all, who has time to sit down for a leisurely meal when there’s so much to see and do? But have you ever noticed that food trucks seem to be clustered in certain areas of the city, with very few venturing out into the suburbs or other neighborhoods? There’s a reason for that—and it’s not because the food is any better downtown. The truth is, Chicago’s food truck laws are needlessly restrictive, preventing these businesses from serving the whole city. Here’s why that needs to change.
The current regulations dictating where food trucks can park in Chicago are needlessly restrictive and prevent these businesses from serving the whole city. For starters, food trucks are only allowed to park on private property with the owner’s permission. That means no parking in metered spaces or on residential streets—two places where there would be high demand for their services. Additionally, food trucks must stay at least 200 feet away from any school or hospital and are not allowed to operate downtown between 7am and 7pm.
These regulations make it difficult for food truck owners to find places to park and do business. As a result, many end up clustering in areas where they know they won’t get ticketed or towed. That might be downtown during weekday lunch hours or in busy neighborhoods on weekends. But it means that other parts of the city are being left out.
There are some who argue that these regulations are necessary to prevent traffic congestion and protect brick-and-mortar businesses from competition. But the evidence doesn’t bear that out. In cities like New York and Los Angeles, which have far less restrictive laws governing food trucks, there has been no increase in traffic problems or decline in business for restaurants. If anything, the opposite is true—allowing food trucks to operate freely has resulted in more foot traffic and business for local businesses, as people flock to areas where they know they can get a quick bite to eat.
It’s time for Chicago to join other major cities like New York and Los Angeles in adopting more permissive laws governing food trucks. There’s no evidence that doing so would cause traffic problems or hurt local businesses—if anything, it would likely lead to more foot traffic and business for restaurants and other retailers. So let’s give our hardworking food truck owners the freedom they need to serve the whole city!
Can food trucks park anywhere in Chicago? The new ordinance backed by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot allows food trucks and other mobile entrepreneurs to operate with more freedom on city streets. The Chicago City Council passed an ordinance Jan. 15 that doubles the time food trucks and mobile boutiques are able to park and serve customers.
How many food trucks are there in Chicago? And that’s what these Second City favorites bring every day. Below’s a list of over 170 food trucks Chicago, IL calls its very own.
Why are there no food trucks in Chicago? Because of regulations barring cooking on trucks and a provision banning food trucks from operating within 200 feet of any brick-and-mortar location serving food, Chicago watched the food truck revolution pass it by. Chicago made most its downtown a no-go zone for food trucks.
How much do food trucks make in Chicago?
Food Truck Salary in Chicago, IL
|
Annual Salary |
Hourly Wage |
| Top Earners |
$42,661 |
$21 |
| 75th Percentile |
$35,465 |
$17 |
| Average |
$26,528 |
$13 |
| 25th Percentile |
$21,587 |
$10 |
Can food trucks park anywhere in Chicago? – Additional Questions
What is the most popular food truck item?
8 Most Popular Food Truck Cuisines
- Barbeque. It’s hard to beat well-made barbeque.
- Sliders. White Castle might have made sliders famous, but food trucks perfected the art of making these delicious, tiny burgers.
- Ethiopian Food.
- Tacos.
- Pizza.
- Cupcakes.
- Grilled Cheese.
- Lobster Rolls.
Is owning a food truck profitable?
Most food trucks can expect to become profitable within the first year and a half to two years, depending on the food costs and your businesses’ and region’s KPIs. You’ll have to work to ensure that your food truck becomes profitable before you spend through your contingency funds and financing.
How much can you earn with a food truck?
Profits may be low, but most stalls can expect to turn over around £100,000 a year — even on a cold, wet day, they might sell £500 worth of food, and in a bad month could still take as much as £9,000, assuming they appear at four markets a week and a couple of private events.
What is the average profit margin for a food truck?
Similar to food trucks, catering businesses benefit from low overhead costs but similar food costs when compared with an FSR. While a high-end catering business can pull in profits of 15% or more, the overall average profit margin for a food truck is 7-8%.
What are the most profitable food trucks?
In short, the most profitable food truck item is one that sells well and is cheap to produce.
7 Most Profitable Food Truck Items
- Burgers. Snack Gourmet Burger Cheddar Sandwich Fast Food.
- Indian Street Food.
- Stone Baked Pizza.
- Loaded Fries.
- Grilled Cheese.
- Falafels.
- Mac N Cheese.
What does it take for a food truck to get licensed in Chicago?
The application fee is $700, and the license term is 2 years. A mobile food vehicle in which food is prepared on- board, and then served. The application fee is $1,000, and the license term is 2 years. More information available at www.cityofchicago.org > Business Licenses > Mobile Food Vendor Licenses.
Can I sell food on the street in Chicago?
“…are permitted to sell whole, uncut fruits and vegetables and no other food items. Peddlers are not allowed to handle or prepare food. Food peddlers may also sell non-food items as long as they are less than 15 % of gross sales.”
How long total can a food truck in Chicago be in their parking spot?
Food trucks have become a vital part of Chicago’s culinary scene. Now, instead of forcing the trucks to pack up and move out after two hours, the city will allow operators to remain in one legal space for four hours at a time.
What was the recent rule change for Chicago’s food trucks?
200-foot rule
Section 7-38-115(f) of the Municipal Code of Chicago restricts food trucks from operating within 200 feet of a brick-and-mortar entrance to any “place where food and drink is prepared and served for the public for consumption on or off the premises.” Ald.
How much does a food cart cost?
You might spend $3,000 on a food cart, $500 on your initial food bill, $400 on permits and registrations, $200 on marketing, $300 on an attorney, and $300 for the first month to park and clean the cart. Tack on $300 in other miscellaneous costs, and you’re off and running for $5,000.
How much is a food truck?
Tallying up all these estimates to figure out how much it cost to start a food truck, you can expect to spend between $75,000 – $250,000 to get it off the ground. Keep in mind, this does not include universal restaurant startup costs such as labor, food, kitchen tools, or equipment.
How do I get a food truck license in Illinois?
After completing the license application with your Business Consultant, and payment of the application fee, the MFV to be licensed must be made available for inspection by CDPH, and if applicable, CFD. Your Business Consultant will schedule your MFV License Inspection, which will be conducted at 2133 W.
How do I start a food truck business?
How to Open a Food Truck
- Come up with a food truck concept. The concept you choose for your food truck will play a big role in your success.
- Figure out the startup costs.
- Identify sources of funding.
- Create a business plan.
- Apply for the necessary permits.
- Purchase your truck.
How do I start a food truck business plan?
A food truck business plan should include the following sections:
- Executive Summary. The first section of your food truck business plan is the executive summary.
- Company Description.
- Market Analysis.
- Organization and Management.
- Service or Product Line.
- Marketing and Sales.
- Funding Request.
- Financial Projections.
How do I become a food vendor in Chicago?
- STEP 1: LICENSE APPLICATION. • • A separate license is required for each separate MPFV non-motorized cart.
- STEP 2: HEALTH CONSULTATION.
- STEP 3: INSPECTIONS. After license application fee is paid and before license is issued, the Mobile Prepared Vendor Non-motorized cart must. pass inspection.
Are food carts legal in Chicago?
Two years after Chicago lawmakers legalized food carts, members of a coalition of street vendors are celebrating. They’re excited as the first member of the Street Vendors Association of Chicago is now legally licensed with the city.
Can you sell food from your home in Chicago?
Major changes took effect January 1, 2022 due to the passage of the Home-to-Market Act (Public Act 102-0633 amending 410 ILCS 625/4). This law allows certain foods made in home kitchens to be sold directly to consumers with limited regulation.
