Start a Food Truck in Knoxville, TN
A step-by-step guide to opening a food truck around Knoxville, TN.
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 Tennessee a mobile unit needs a health permit and must meet the state food service establishment rules. Cities add their own permits on top: Knoxville requires a city mobile food unit permit and both must be displayed, and Chattanooga has its own city permit.
- In Nashville, Metro Public Health needs your floor plan and equipment list before construction or pre-inspection, plus a notarized mobile unit and commissary agreement.
- NEEDS RESEARCH: the search did not return an official Tennessee Department of Health page, so confirm which health department issues the permit in your county.
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.
Food truck associations
- Nashville Food Truck Association: a non-profit serving Nashville and Middle Tennessee food trucks through mentorship, advocacy and charity.
Curious who is already out there? See food trucks near Knoxville, TN. Permit rules for the rest of Tennessee are in the Tennessee guide.