Start a Food Truck in Pittsburgh, PA
A step-by-step guide to opening a food truck around Pittsburgh, PA.
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 Pennsylvania the Department of Agriculture (Bureau of Food Safety and Laboratory Services) licenses mobile food facilities in most counties, and a few counties and cities run their own health departments instead. The county where your commissary is based decides who issues your license, not the counties where you sell.
- PDA often honors a retail license from a local health department, so ask which agency covers you before you apply.
- Philadelphia has its own process, with a Mobile Food Service Establishment license from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. Montgomery County vendors apply through its Department of Health and Human Services.
- Expect a local business license in the municipality where you sell.
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 Pittsburgh, PA. Permit rules for the rest of Pennsylvania are in the Pennsylvania guide.