What Is a Commissary for a Food Truck: A Guide on Food Trucks Commissaries

Running a food truck can feel like a dream: you get to share your signature dishes, meet people on the move, and change locations based on where the crowds are. But behind the scenes, there’s a lot more going on than just flipping burgers or rolling burritos. In fact, one of the biggest questions new food truck owners face is: where do you actually prep and store all your food when your kitchen is barely big enough to turn around in?

That’s where a commissary kitchen comes in. As of 2023, there are over 32,000 active food trucks in the US, and most of them rely on commissaries to stay legally compliant and operational. Additionally, commissary and shared kitchen spaces are growing as demand for mobile food services continues to rise.

But what exactly is a commissary for a food truck, and do you really need one?

What is a food truck commissary?

Dr. Emily Johnson, a food industry researcher, once noted, “The evolving F&B landscape demands innovative solutions; commissary systems stand as a testament to the transformative impact of centralized food production and distribution.”

In other words, commissaries aren’t just a trend, but they’re a practical solution to real operational challenges. For food truck owners, a commissary is that essential home base: a licensed commercial kitchen where you can legally prep, cook, store, and clean. It’s where the behind-the-scenes work happens to keep your truck running safely, efficiently, and in line with health regulations. 

And no, they’re not the same as ghost kitchens. 

Ghost kitchens are built for virtual restaurants, delivery-only concepts, and established restaurants expanding their delivery reach. Commissaries, on the other hand, are specifically useful for food trucks that need extra production space and access to services their mobile setup can’t provide.

It’s an off-site, licensed facility that has been inspected and approved by the local health department. Commissaries allow you to follow food safety laws, maintain your inventory, and operate without worrying about running afoul of health regulations. Some commissaries even include extras like:

• Parking spots for your food truck overnight
• Waste disposal and grease trap services
• Storage lockers or dry/cold storage rental
• Business services like mailboxes or office space
• Access to bulk ingredients at wholesale prices

Commissaries are used not just by food trucks, but by caterers, pop-up vendors, and ghost kitchens too. But for food trucks in particular, they can be the lifeline that keeps you operational and legally compliant.

How important are food truck commissaries?

Let’s face it: food trucks are small, no matter what food truck ideas or concepts you have. There’s not much room to safely thaw meat, prep veggies, wash dishes, or store bulk ingredients. Health departments in most states do thorough inspections and require food trucks to use an off-site commissary to handle these things properly and reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

A commissary supports your food truck by providing the following.

• Good space for food prep: Instead of trying to prep your entire menu inside a cramped truck, you can spread out in a fully equipped kitchen. This is especially helpful if your menu includes raw meats, sauces, or baked goods.
• Storage and refrigeration: Commissaries usually offer both cold and dry storage. So if you’ve got 100 lbs of chicken or a week’s worth of produce, you can store them safely until it’s time to cook.
• Waste disposal: You’ll need somewhere to dump grease, greywater, and trash legally. Commissaries often have dedicated disposal services, so you’re not risking fines for improper disposal.
• Cleaning space: You’re required to effectively sanitize and clean your equipment and truck regularly. Commissaries provide industrial dishwashing stations and areas to clean larger equipment.
• Truck parking: Some commissaries offer secure overnight parking with access to electricity, which is especially useful if you need to keep your fridge or freezer running.

How much does a commissary cost?

The cost can vary widely depending on your city, the services you need, and whether you’re in a shared or private setup.

• In big cities like New York, San Francisco, or Chicago, expect to pay $1,000 to $2,500 per month for a commissary with full services.
• In mid-sized areas like Phoenix or Tampa, the average is usually $500 to $1,200 per month.
• In small towns or rural counties, costs can dip as low as $300 per month if you’re just paying for prep space and storage.
• Some kitchens offer hourly rates, usually $10 to $50/hour, or package deals for monthly usage. Additional services like parking, deep cleaning, or secure freezer space might cost extra.

Some states offer business development programs that help new food businesses cover commissary fees. Check if your city has a small business grant or food vendor support fund.

Licensing and permits

This part can get a little tricky because rules change depending on your state, county, or even city. But the general idea is the same: you need to prove to the local authorities that your food truck has a safe, approved place to handle food and waste. These are some of the license requirements and permits you may encounter.

Health department approval

Nearly everywhere in the U.S., you’ll need to submit a commissary agreement with your food truck permit. This document outlines where your food will be prepped, how often you’ll use the space, and what services are available. You’ll likely need signatures from both you and the commissary owner.

For instance, in New York City, the Department of Health requires a commissary who is open during specific hours so inspectors can show up unannounced. They also want proof that your truck is cleaned and stored there daily.

Mobile food vendor permit

States like California, Texas, and Florida often fold commissary requirements into your main vendor permit. You’ll need to show that you’ve secured space in an approved facility and submit a copy of your agreement.

For example, in Miami-Dade County, mobile food vendors must renew their commissary agreement annually and provide documentation that the facility is licensed and inspected.

Fire safety or inspection certificates

If your food truck uses propane or other flammable materials, your commissary might need to meet fire safety standards, too. Sometimes, the fire department will inspect both your truck and your commissary.

Like in Denver, Colorado, you need to pass a fire inspection before you can operate, and that includes ensuring your commissary can support safe propane storage or electrical hookups.

Always check with your local health department or food safety agency. Requirements can change fast, and fines for non-compliance can be steep.

Different Types of Commissaries

Not all commissaries are the same. Your options will depend on your needs, budget, and location. Here are the most common types you might encounter:

1. Shared use kitchens 

These are commercial kitchen spaces that multiple vendors share. They operate like a gym membership. You pay to use the space during scheduled blocks of time. This is great for startups or trucks that don’t need daily access. Pricing often depends on usage: hourly rates, monthly subscriptions, or per-shift pricing.

For example, in Bay Area, California, shared kitchens like Chefs Touch Commissary Kitchen offer flexible packages for food entrepreneurs. You reserve your time online and only pay for what you use.

2. Private commissaries 

These are owned or leased by a single business and used exclusively by that business. If you’re scaling and want more control or privacy, this might be the way to go. You’ll have 24/7 access, your own storage space, and total control over scheduling.

3. Restaurant partnerships 

A brick-and-mortar restaurant may let you use their kitchen during off-hours. This is a good workaround if you have a friend in the industry or can negotiate a side deal. Just make sure the facility is properly licensed and approved for use by mobile vendors.

For instance, in smaller towns in Georgia or the Midwest, this is more common. Some food truck owners strike deals with local diners or church kitchens.

4. Food truck hubs and parks 

Some cities have dedicated food truck hubs that provide commissary services, truck parking, and event space. These all-in-one facilities are designed for mobile food businesses and may even offer group deals for insurance or supply ordering.

The Atlanta Food Truck Park offers power hookups, a prep area, and a community vibe. It makes life easier for trucks that want a reliable base.

Are commissary benefits universal for food trucks?

Not every food truck absolutely needs a commissary, at least not under all circumstances. The need often depends on what kind of food you’re serving, where you’re operating, and how your local health department defines your setup.

• Pre-packaged food vendors: If your truck only sells factory-sealed snacks and drinks, you may be exempt from commissary requirements.
• Shared commercial kitchen owners: If you co-own or rent part of a licensed commercial kitchen that you use for your food truck operations, that might count as your commissary.
• Rural areas: In some smaller towns or counties, the rules are a bit more relaxed. You might be allowed to prep and store food at a licensed home kitchen, though this is rare and very state-specific. For example, in Santa Clara County, California, the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO) ordinance allows entrepreneurs to legally prepare, cook, and sell food from their private home kitchens.

Still, even if you’re not required to use a commissary, it might make your life easier. Think about the benefits: bulk storage, professional equipment, and a built-in space for health inspections.

Start strong with the right commissary

Commissaries might not be the star of the show, but for most food truck owners, they’re the engine room keeping everything running. From cold storage and food prep to cleaning and waste disposal, these facilities cover what your truck can’t.

If you’re just getting started, take time to research commissaries in your area. Tour a few, ask the right questions, and find one that fits your business goals. 

While you’re improving your setup, tools like 7shifts can help manage your team’s schedule and communication, especially if you scale up or operate across multiple shifts. With a solid commissary and smooth crew coordination, you’ll be set to keep the grill hot and the customers coming.