The food truck industry has exploded in recent years, creating strong demand for commissary kitchens where mobile food vendors can prepare, store, and clean. For entrepreneurs looking to serve this growing market, SBA loans provide financing for commissary facilities that can generate substantial recurring revenue from membership fees and hourly rentals.
The Commissary Kitchen Opportunity
Food truck commissaries serve a critical need in the mobile food industry:
- Health regulations require food trucks to operate from licensed commissaries
- Most cities require documented commissary agreements for food truck permits
- Growing food truck industry creates consistent demand
- Beyond food trucks: caterers, meal prep businesses, cottage food producers
- Recurring membership revenue creates stable cash flow
Well-located commissaries with professional operations often maintain waiting lists, demonstrating strong market demand.
Types of Commercial Kitchen Facilities
- Food Truck Commissary: Focused on mobile food vendor needs
- Shared Commercial Kitchen: Hourly rentals for various food businesses
- Food Business Incubator: Kitchen plus business support services
- Ghost Kitchen: Delivery-only restaurant operations
- Catering Kitchen: Event and catering production facility
SBA Loan Requirements
- Down Payment: 10-15% of total project cost
- Credit Score: 650 minimum, 680+ preferred
- Experience: Food service or facility management background helpful
- Business Plan: Detailed operational strategy and market analysis
- Licensing: Commercial kitchen licensing requirements addressed
Facility Requirements
Commissary kitchens require specific infrastructure and equipment:
- Size: 2,000-10,000 square feet typical
- Hood systems: Commercial ventilation for cooking equipment
- Grease traps: Required for commercial food preparation
- Three-compartment sinks: Health code requirement
- Walk-in refrigeration: Cold and freezer storage
- Dry storage: Shelving and ingredient storage
- Food truck parking: Space for vehicle storage and cleaning
- Wastewater: Dump station for food truck gray water
- Loading area: Easy access for supply deliveries
Equipment Investment
Commercial kitchen buildout requires significant equipment:
- Commercial ranges and ovens: $5,000-30,000
- Walk-in cooler/freezer: $15,000-50,000
- Hood and ventilation system: $20,000-75,000
- Prep tables and storage: $5,000-20,000
- Dishwashing equipment: $5,000-25,000
- Fire suppression system: $5,000-15,000
Total equipment costs typically range from $75,000-250,000 depending on facility size and level of finish.
Revenue Model
Membership Fees
Many commissaries charge monthly membership fees ranging from $200-800 per member, providing predictable recurring revenue. Membership typically includes storage space, parking, and base kitchen access hours.
Hourly Rentals
Additional kitchen time beyond membership allowances bills at $20-50 per hour. Peak time premiums can apply for busy periods. Some facilities offer day rates for intensive production needs.
Additional Services
Supplementary revenue streams include food truck cleaning services, equipment rental, storage lockers, business mailboxes, and administrative services like permitting assistance.
Ready to Build a Commissary Kitchen?
Get pre-qualified for SBA commercial kitchen financing today.
Check Your EligibilityFinancing Structure Example
A typical commissary kitchen project:
- Real estate purchase: $600,000
- Buildout and construction: $200,000
- Equipment: $150,000
- Working capital: $50,000
- Total project: $1,000,000
- Down payment (10%): $100,000
- SBA loan: $900,000
Tips for Commissary SBA Loan Success
- Research local demand: Survey food trucks and caterers in your market about commissary needs
- Understand regulations: Health department requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction
- Plan for parking: Food truck storage and maneuvering space is essential
- Consider location: Accessibility for members matters more than retail visibility
- Build community: Networking and support services add value beyond kitchen space
Market Analysis Tips
When evaluating commissary opportunities:
- Count active food trucks and mobile vendors in your market
- Research existing commissary options and their pricing
- Survey potential members about needs and willingness to pay
- Understand local permitting requirements for food trucks
- Identify growth trends in mobile food and delivery services
Markets with active food truck scenes and limited commissary options present the strongest opportunities for new facilities.