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Breakfast Food Trucks for Sale: Start the Morning Business Right GuideMechanic.Com The food truck industry continues to grow across the United States, and breakfast food trucks are a powerful niche within it.
Whether you’re selling breakfast burritos, pancakes, coffee, or a full brunch menu, operating a mobile breakfast business allows you to meet customers where they are—early commuters, downtown workers, or weekend brunch lovers.
If you’re looking for breakfast food trucks for sale, this guide provides an in-depth look at the current market, what features to look for, and what kind of prices to expect based on real-world listings.
Breakfast Food Trucks for Sale
Why Invest in a Breakfast Food Truck?
See Also: Food Trucks with Low Mileage for Sale
1. Early Hours, Earlier Profits
Breakfast trucks typically operate between 6 AM and 11 AM, meaning your workday is done before most others even start. This leaves your afternoons free for prep, rest, or even a second shift like catering.
2. High Demand, Low Competition
Many food trucks focus on lunch or dinner. Offering hot breakfast sandwiches, fresh coffee, and portable morning meals puts you in a less crowded segment with loyal customers.
3. Simpler Menus, Faster Service
Breakfast menus are often quicker to prepare—egg-based dishes, pastries, toast, and wraps are easy to assemble and serve fast, which is ideal for busy morning crowds.
4. Opportunities for Weekly Contracts
Breakfast food trucks can land weekly parking contracts with corporate offices, industrial zones, or hospitals—especially in urban and suburban markets.
Breakfast Food Trucks for Sale
Key Features to Look for in a Breakfast Truck
Not all food trucks are built alike. Here are essential features to prioritize when shopping:
- Griddles & Flat Tops: For eggs, pancakes, bacon, and toast.
- Espresso Machine or Coffee System: If you plan to serve coffee, this is critical.
- Warming Drawers: To keep breakfast items hot during rush hours.
- Adequate Ventilation: Eggs, bacon, and grease require strong hoods and exhausts.
- Storage Space: Breakfast involves lots of small ingredients—seasonings, toppings, and prepped items.
- Service Windows: Large or double windows allow faster morning throughput.
Common Types of Breakfast Food Trucks
| Truck Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Griddle-Based Step Vans | Designed for high-volume egg and pancake dishes |
| Coffee & Pastry Vans | Specialize in quick-service drinks and snacks |
| Brunch Trailers | Tow-behind trailers offering full brunch menus |
| Converted Buses | Larger kitchen area for sit-down meal options |
| Compact Vans | Lower cost, good for tight urban areas |
Breakfast Food Trucks for Sale
Pricing Table: Breakfast Food Trucks for Sale
Here’s a pricing snapshot based on current market trends in the U.S. for used and new breakfast food trucks:
| Make/Model & Year | Size/Type | Key Equipment Included | Price Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 Workhorse P42 | Step Van | Flat top grill, hood, fridge, fryer | $35,000 |
| 2016 Ford Transit | Compact Breakfast Van | Espresso machine, panini press, cooler | $42,000 |
| 2007 Freightliner MT45 | Large Step Van | 36″ griddle, warming drawer, fridge | $55,000 |
| 2012 Chevy P30 | Mid-size Truck | Dual service windows, cooktop, freezer | $39,500 |
| 2018 Nissan NV2500 | Coffee Van | Barista station, display case, inverter | $48,000 |
| 2001 GMC Savana | Compact Food Truck | Small grill, hood, shelves | $26,000 |
| 2014 Isuzu NPR | Full Brunch Setup | Griddle, oven, fridge, 3-compartment sink | $59,000 |
| 2015 Trailer Conversion | Towable Trailer | Pancake station, sink, coffee bar | $32,000 |
| 2010 Mercedes Sprinter | Breakfast Van | Cold brew dispenser, sandwich press | $36,500 |
| 2020 Custom-Built Truck | Turnkey Breakfast Truck | Complete kitchen, exhaust, fire suppression | $85,000 |
Prices vary by condition, equipment, mileage, and state permits.
Used vs. New: What Should You Buy?
| Feature | Used Truck | New/Custom Truck |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | $25,000–$60,000 | $70,000–$120,000+ |
| Upfront Readiness | May require small upgrades | Often turnkey and event-ready |
| Permits & Codes | May need inspection/update | Built to code if done professionally |
| Maintenance | Higher risk of repair costs | Lower risk, often under warranty |
| Customization | Limited or retrofitted | Designed to your exact specs |
If you’re just starting, a well-maintained used truck is the most budget-friendly option. Just ensure it’s inspected thoroughly—especially cooking appliances and the generator.
Operating Tips for a Breakfast Truck
- Park Smartly
Choose locations near offices, schools, public transit stations, or event hubs. Early morning foot traffic is key.
- Streamline Your Menu
Focus on 5–8 popular items: breakfast burritos, croissants, bagels, scrambled egg bowls, or avocado toast. Too many options slow service.
- Prep in Advance
Pre-scramble eggs, pre-cook bacon, and portion sauces. Speed is everything in the morning.
- Promote Coffee Add-ons
A hot coffee upsell with every breakfast order can boost revenue by 30–40% with minimal prep.
- Offer Loyalty Incentives
A punch card or digital rewards system encourages repeat morning customers.
Breakfast Food Trucks for Sale
Licensing and Compliance
Depending on your location, you’ll likely need:
- Mobile Food Unit Permit
- Fire Marshal Inspection
- Health Department Approval
- Food Handler Certifications
- Business License & Insurance
Make sure your truck has a 3-compartment sink, handwashing station, and NSF-rated equipment. Most breakfast food trucks also need ventilation hoods and fire suppression systems for griddles and stoves.
Should You Buy from a Dealer or Private Seller?
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Private Seller | Lower price, possible local options | May need repair, limited guarantees |
| Dealership | Usually inspected, permits may be current | Higher cost, less negotiation room |
If you’re buying used, try to get the vehicle’s maintenance history, a generator test, and photos of the kitchen equipment powered on.
Final Thoughts
Buying a breakfast food truck is a smart way to break into the mobile food business. With startup costs ranging from $30,000 to $100,000+, there’s flexibility to fit your budget and goals. Whether you serve early birds heading to work or weekend brunch crowds, breakfast food trucks offer consistent traffic and lower competition than lunch or dinner vendors.
By focusing on essential equipment, quick-serve menu items, and strong morning locations, you can build a reliable income with a business that finishes before noon.
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