Food Truck Catering Prices: What to Charge Per Person in 2026
6 min read·Updated June 2026
The short answer
Most food trucks charge $15 to $30 per person for catering, with a guaranteed event minimum of $1,000 to $3,000 so a small party still covers your day. A full private event often runs $2,000 to $5,000.
Typical prices
- Per-person catering: $15 to $30
- Event minimum (2 to 3 hours): $1,000 to $3,000
- Full-day private event: $2,000 to $5,000
What changes the price
- Guest count and the per-person menu.
- Menu complexity and ingredient cost.
- Travel distance and on-site hours.
- Whether you serve or drop off.
Charge a minimum, bill travel separately
The per-person number sells the food, but the minimum is what protects you. A 20-guest birthday at $20 a head is $400, which does not cover fuel, prep, and staff for a day, so set a floor. Add travel as its own line so a long drive does not quietly eat your margin. Use the free calculator to set your per-head price.
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