Best Side Hustles for Food Truck

If you're considering starting a food truck business or looking for ways to expand your current food truck operations, here are the best side hustles to complement your main gig. Each idea includes a brief description, income potential, and resources to help you get started.

Catering for Events

Expand your food truck business by catering private and corporate events such as weddings, parties, and company picnics. This allows you to generate income outside regular business hours.

Income Potential:

• $500 to $5,000 per event depending on the scale and menu.

How to Get Started:

• Research local event venues and build relationships.
• Create catering packages.
• Advertise on platforms like Eventective and Thumbtack.

Weekend Farmers' Markets

Set up your food truck at weekend farmers' markets to capture a crowd looking for fresh and artisanal options.

Income Potential:

• $1,000 to $3,000 per weekend depending on foot traffic and menu prices.

How to Get Started:

• Check farmers' market schedules in your area on Farmers' Markets Canada.
• Apply for permits and reserve a spot.
• Design a menu tailored to market-goers.

Food Truck Festivals

Participate in food truck festivals to showcase your unique offerings and gain exposure to a larger audience.

Income Potential:

• $3,000 to $10,000 per festival depending on the size and duration.

How to Get Started:

• Register for events on sites like Street Food Canada and Canadian Food Truck Festivals.
• Plan a high-demand menu to attract festival attendees.

Selling Branded Merchandise

Capitalize on your food truck’s branding by selling T-shirts, mugs, and other merchandise featuring your logo or catchphrases.

Income Potential:

• $500 to $2,000 per month depending on the popularity of your brand.

How to Get Started:

• Use platforms like Printful or Redbubble for custom merchandise.
• Promote your products on your food truck and social media.

Online Cooking Classes

Share your culinary expertise by hosting online cooking classes that feature your most popular food truck recipes.

Income Potential:

• $1,000 to $5,000 per month depending on class frequency and size.

How to Get Started:

• Use platforms like Zoom or Teachable to host classes.
• Promote your classes on social media and your website.

Meal Prep Services

Offer meal prep services featuring menu items inspired by your food truck to cater to busy professionals and families.

Income Potential:

• $2,000 to $7,000 per month depending on clientele.

How to Get Started:

• Develop meal prep packages.
• Partner with local gyms or health clubs to attract customers.
• Promote your service on platforms like Flavour Network.

Partnering with Delivery Apps

List your food truck on popular delivery apps to reach customers who prefer to enjoy your food at home.

Income Potential:

• $2,000 to $6,000 per month depending on demand and order volume.

How to Get Started:

• Sign up with platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and SkipTheDishes.
• Optimize your menu for delivery.

Food Photography Services

Use your food styling and photography skills to offer food photography services to other food businesses.

Income Potential:

• $500 to $3,000 per project depending on the scope.

How to Get Started:

• Invest in a good camera and lighting setup.
• Showcase your portfolio on social media and platforms like Fiverr and Upwork.

Recipe Development

Develop recipes for cookbooks, blogs, or other food businesses looking for unique menu ideas.

Income Potential:

• $1,000 to $4,000 per project depending on complexity.

How to Get Started:

• Build a portfolio of tested recipes.
• Pitch your services to food bloggers and publishers through platforms like Freelancer and Guru.

Hosting Pop-Up Dinners

Host themed pop-up dinners or tasting events at local venues to attract new customers.

Income Potential:

• $2,000 to $8,000 per event depending on ticket prices and attendance.

How to Get Started:

• Partner with local breweries, wineries, or event spaces.
• Promote events on Eventbrite and social media.

Conclusion

Food trucks offer more than just a mobile dining experience—they’re a versatile platform for multiple side hustles. With a bit of creativity and strategic planning, these additional income streams can significantly boost your earnings. Start small, focus on quality, and leverage online tools to maximize your potential!