Start a Food Truck in Columbia, SC
A step-by-step guide to opening a food truck around Columbia, SC.
Information last reviewed 2026-11-09.
1. Write down your concept and numbers
Decide what you will sell, who will buy it and what each plate costs you. A short menu you can cook fast is the best start for a truck.
2. Set up your business
Form a business entity (many owners choose an LLC), get a federal tax ID (EIN) and open a business bank account.
3. Choose and equip your truck
Buy or lease a truck, trailer or cart and have it fitted with the cooking, refrigeration, hand-washing and fire-safety equipment your local health department requires.
4. Get your permits and licenses
Rules differ by state, county and city, so check the details for your area below.
- In South Carolina retail food safety, including mobile units, now sits with the Department of Agriculture after moving from the former DHEC, though many local documents still say DHEC. Confirm the current office before you apply.
- A mobile food operation is a commissary plus one or more mobile units, and the commissary and every unit are permitted separately. Units return to the commissary after each day of operation.
- Many cities and counties add a vendor permit and a fire inspection. Greer, North Charleston and Charleston each have their own, and a sales tax permit is needed too.
Official and local sources
Rules and fees change. Confirm with the agency before you apply.
5. Arrange a commissary and insurance
Many areas require a licensed commissary kitchen for prep, water and waste. Get general liability and commercial auto insurance before you operate.
6. Plan where you will sell
Look at breweries, markets, offices, festivals and events. Add your stops to a schedule so customers can find you.
7. Sign up for EasyEats
EasyEats is the point of sale built for food trucks. Take orders and card payments from one tablet, let customers order ahead, and post your locations so people can find you.
Curious who is already out there? See food trucks near Columbia, SC. Permit rules for the rest of South Carolina are in the South Carolina guide.