How to Start a Coffee Truck Business in Illinois

Start a Coffee Truck in Illinois

How to Start a Coffee Truck Business in Illinois

There are many great reasons to start a coffee truck business in Illinois.

The growing trend for street vending in cities and towns everywhere, including Illinois, makes it appealing for coffee entrepreneurs to consider opening a mobile coffee business.

Additionally, local and state leaders in Illinois are rediscovering the need to re-invigorate public spaces, parks, downtown metro areas, and streets to pedestrian traffic.

Coffee trucks and coffee trailers make an excellent addition to many cities' overall goals to spur local business activity, safety, and commerce. And they will be great in Illinois.

In this post, we'll talk about how to start your coffee truck in Illinois. For a more in-depth discussion, read our post, How to Start a Coffee Truck Business.

Further Reading: Do Coffee Trailers Make Money?

Mobile Coffee Business in Illinois

How Much Does It Cost To Start a Coffee Truck in Illinois?

The costs of starting a coffee truck in Illinois depend on several factors that can add up quickly.

For example, the cost of the coffee truck or coffee trailer structure itself, building it out (remodeling) to serve coffee, and the contract labor, marketing, power, and installing equipment costs – all depend on how big you want to go.

Costs include:

• Coffee truck or trailer
• Building it out
• Coffee equipment
• Labor costs
• Marketing
• Inventory

Because of all these factors, you can easily have a wide spectrum of startup costs.

As you probably know, everything adds up. However, you can estimate that a typical coffee truck can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $100,000. From our observations, the average used coffee truck (no equipment) is often skewed slightly towards the $35,000-$60,000 range. 

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How to Start a Coffee Truck

Steps to Starting a Coffee Truck in Illinois

Below is a list of key steps you will want to take to start your coffee truck business. Consider each of them as you set out to plan and launch your mobile coffee business.  

1. Decide on a Coffee Truck Concept.

There are a variety of mobile coffee concepts to choose from. Take time to discover what your options are. Start by visiting a few existing coffee trucks or trailers in your area. Even if you already have an idea, a real-world visit can help you determine what direction you would like to move towards.

Your concept is essentially the practical representation of your vision. In essence, it is recommended that you properly develop your mobile coffee vision before moving forward.

2. Assess Your Resources to Fund Your Mobile Coffee Truck.

Your coffee truck will require startup funds. Ultimately, how much money your coffee truck will cost will depend on the concept you have decided to pursue. 

Consider exactly how much money you will have access to acquire your coffee truck and build it out. This coffee startup funding mix may be from your savings, a business account, investments, etc. 

If you have some money set aside for your coffee truck business but may need to borrow the rest (investors or loans), you will want to know approximately how much you'll need.

As you develop your plan and budget, you will want to determine how you will fund your mobile coffee business. First, consider all of your financial resources. Those resources are solidly in your possession, as well as other resources that you may have to borrow from. 

3. Your Coffee Truck Customers.

Illinois is a vibrant state with different people with different interests and tastes.

When starting any coffee business, you want to stay focused on your customers throughout your entire process. For mobile coffee businesses, staying laser-focused on your target customers will be your biggest goal.

• Who do you imagine serving your coffee to?
• Will you work at private events, ticketed festivals, community farmers markets, or other special dates like weddings and anniversary parties?
• Will you be serving tourists or locals?
• Or any combination of these?

The Illinois customers you plan to serve will have a significant impact on your menu. Likewise, your coffee menu will impact your need for coffee equipment. In turn, your coffee equipment will determine your need for physical space, and so on.

Indeed, your coffee business costs are never really independent of one another. They are all connected. Knowing who your ideal customer is will help you make some pretty important decisions.

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4. Your Coffee Truck Budget.

Now that you know your concept and customers, it's time to focus on your budget. The amount of money you have to put towards your coffee shop will either determine your coffee shop concept or alter it in some fundamental way.

Business concepts are all wonderful until they quickly hit the wall of financial constraints.

So, remember your entire coffee truck budget from the beginning because it will ultimately dictate how far you will go. Thinking and assuming that “The money will come to me somehow” may not be the best approach. 

5. Your Coffee Truck Equipment

Once you've determined your concept, your target customer, your budget, and your coffee truck menu, you will be able to focus on your coffee equipment. 

Your coffee equipment is the bread and butter of your mobile coffee business. Without it, you will be hard-pressed to provide coffee to your customers. 

6. Your Coffee Truck Power Needs.

When you are in a coffee truck or coffee trailer, you'll have to figure out how you will power your coffee operation. Indeed, it will take power to run your equipment. Will you use an extension cord and power up to an available power outlet? Will you hook up to a generator instead?

The power and wattage you'll need are essential considerations for any mobile coffee business. Each piece of equipment will draw power. Hopefully, you'll know what kind of power you'll require before building out your coffee bar and buying your coffee equipment.

7. Write Your Coffee Truck Business Plan.

Having a well-written mobile coffee business plan will make life easier for you as you move forward with your mobile coffee business. Now that you have the information from our tips above, you should be ready to write your coffee business plan down. 

Your investment in time and effort to write your business plan will certainly pay off – likely saving you money, time, and future headaches.

8. Coffee Truck Health Department Regulations.

Illinois will have health code regulations you need to abide by. Knowing the requirements mandated by your local health department is something you need to determine long before you decide which coffee truck to buy and certainly before you build it out.

Our strong recommendation is that before you buy your new or used coffee truck, you should also review the regulations of your local health department in the jurisdiction you plan to do business in. Unfortunately, it's quite common to invest a lot of money in your setup only to have it unable to pass inspection.

9. Get Your Mobile Coffee Truck.

Getting your mobile coffee truck is the exciting part! Now that you have written your plan, develop your budget and consider your funding. Then, it's time to procure your coffee truck.

You have a few options to set up your coffee truck for your business. You can either refurbish or retrofit an existing truck, or you can buy a coffee truck or coffee trailer.

There are plenty of options to find used trucks on sites like Craigslist, where you can buy a used truck. There are also food truck manufacturers that can produce a coffee truck to your specifications. 

10. Get Barista Training.

Serving great coffee to your customers is a must. If you have not been a barista, it might be helpful to get barista training. Most likely, you will be the primary person serving coffee. That is, until you hire someone. In this case, your responsibility for training your employees will be an essential part of your job.

Even if you have had experience as a barista, refreshing your barista skills will improve your overall coffee business. It will enhance customer experience, as well as eliminate waste. If you decide to hire baristas, one of your main jobs as a coffee shop business owner is to hire amazing baristas. They will ultimately be the face of your business and will either drive or hurt sales.

Open a Mobile Coffee Business in Illinois

11. Your Coffee Truck Marketing.                                   

Coffee can be a competitive business. You need to stand out. So, as you start your coffee truck business, you'll want to have a marketing plan to help generate buzz.

The basics of a marketing plan require you to develop a brand, logo, and position in your niche. You want to support your brand with a coffee business website, cards, and social media accounts. Face-to-face networking and community outreach are also important.

How to Start a Coffee Truck in Illinois

Understand Your Requirements and Permits Needed

Before your mobile coffee business can serve any coffee in Illinois, you must get a permit through your local or county agencies.

Depending on your location, this process could be more cumbersome in some locations.

For starters, I would recommend working with agencies in the locale you are planning to do business in – and not necessarily the city where you live (unless, of course, you are also planning to do business there).

If you plan on working in several cities or counties, you should decide where exactly you will be early on in planning your coffee truck business. Once you determine where you operate your mobile coffee business, you'll need to determine all the requirements you'll need to satisfy before you are issued permits and licenses.

Establish Your Business in Illinois

You’ll want to set up your coffee truck or coffee trailer business as a legal entity in your state. This is usually done through the Illinois Secretary of State's office.  While you will have several options, it's our observation that many coffee businesses appreciate the benefits of establishing an LLC.

Start a Coffee Truck in Illinois

Illinois State Business Links

Setup Your Business Structure in Illinois 
Illinois Business Formation

Register Your Business in  Illinois
Register your Illinois Business

Illinois Food Handler’s Card
Illinois Food Handler's Card

Food Truck Association of Illinois
FB Illinois Food Truck Association

Further Reading: How to Open a Coffee Shop in Illinois

Best Locations to Operate a Coffee Truck in Illinois

Illinois offers a mix of urban centers, suburban commuters, and rural communities, making it a great state for a mobile coffee business. Here are some of the best locations to set up your coffee truck:

• Downtown Chicago & Business Districts – The Loop, River North, and West Loop are prime locations for serving office workers who need their morning caffeine fix.
• College & University Campuses – Schools like the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign), Northwestern University, University of Chicago, and DePaul University have thousands of students and faculty who rely on coffee.
• Commuter Hubs & Train Stations – Union Station, Ogilvie Transportation Center, and Metra stations serve thousands of daily commuters traveling between the suburbs and Chicago.
• Tourist Attractions & Events – Locations near Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Willis Tower, and the Magnificent Mile can draw steady foot traffic.
• Farmers Markets & Food Festivals – Markets like the Chicago Green City Market, Daley Plaza Farmers Market, and Springfield Old Capitol Farmers Market provide strong weekend sales opportunities.
• Sporting Events & Stadiums – Setting up near Soldier Field (Chicago Bears), Wrigley Field (Chicago Cubs), and the United Center (Chicago Bulls & Blackhawks) can bring in high event-day sales.
• Suburban Office Parks & Business Centers – Many professionals in Naperville, Schaumburg, and Oak Brook need a convenient coffee option before heading to work.
• State Parks & Outdoor Recreation Areas – Locations near Starved Rock State Park, Shawnee National Forest, and the Lake Michigan shoreline attract nature lovers who appreciate a good coffee before an adventure.

Since Illinois has strict mobile food vending laws, check Chicago city permits and county-specific health regulations before choosing a location to operate.

Seasonal Considerations for Running a Coffee Truck in Illinois

Illinois experiences all four seasons, so adjusting your coffee offerings and locations is crucial for year-round success.

• Winter (December–February)
  • Hot drinks dominate—lattes, mochas, and chai teas are essential in the cold months.
  • Set up near commuter hubs, downtown business districts, and winter festivals like Christkindlmarket in Chicago.
  • Offer holiday-themed drinks like peppermint mochas, gingerbread lattes, and cinnamon-spiced hot chocolate.
• Spring (March–May)
  • As the weather warms up, balance hot and cold drink offerings to match unpredictable spring temperatures.
  • Farmers markets and outdoor events start up again—target locations near college campuses, spring festivals, and outdoor shopping centers.
  • Offer light, floral flavors like lavender lattes and honey vanilla cold brew.
• Summer (June–August)
  • Iced coffee, cold brew, nitro coffee, and fruit-infused teas will be the biggest sellers.
  • Set up near beaches (North Avenue Beach, Montrose Beach), music festivals (Lollapalooza, Pitchfork Music Festival), and state fairs.
  • Late-night vending near bars, breweries, and food truck festivals can be profitable.
• Fall (September–November)
  • Pumpkin spice, cinnamon mochas, and maple cold brew are seasonal favorites.
  • Target football games at Soldier Field and college stadiums for high weekend sales.
  • Set up near apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and fall festivals like the Morton Pumpkin Festival to capitalize on autumn events.

By adapting your menu, location strategy, and marketing to Illinois’ seasonal shifts, your coffee truck can maximize profits throughout the year.

Other CSSU Articles:

Start A Coffee Truck in Illinois

Steps to Start a Coffee Truck Business

1. First, Decide on a Coffee Truck Concept.
2. Next, assess your current financial resources.
3. Consider who your customers are.
4. Develop your budget around your coffee truck concept.
5. Consider which coffee trailer equipment you will need.
6. Consider your power needs.
7. Write your mobile coffee business plan.
8. Understand local health department regulations.
9. Get your mobile coffee truck.
10. Get barista training.
11. Develop your mobile marketing plan.

Mobile Coffee Business Coaching

Starting a coffee truck is a great option for many would-be coffee entrepreneurs. Yet, starting a coffee truck requires you to consider several important factors before spending significant money.

We offer you an affordable mobile coffee consulting service that can help get your coffee truck off the ground. To get a consultation, contact us at contact@coffeeshopstartups.com.

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