Question 1

How do I book a food cart?

Accepted Answer

Booking a food cart with SFFTA is easy! Simply select your service, tell us a little bit about your event or branded promotion, and select your food cart. One of our members will reach out to you ASAP to finalize the details.

Question 2

Do I tip the food cart staff?

Accepted Answer

Our vendors work so hard to ensure that your event is spectacular in any way. Any tips and gratuity will be greatly appreciated.

Question 3

Is SFFTA a State Department of Education vendor?

Accepted Answer

Yes, SFFTA is a licensed vendor with the Maryland State Department of Education.

Question 4

Can I reserve a rain date?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, we cannot schedule rain dates as trucks have to pass up other opportunities and purchase food for the event.

Question 5

Can a food truck park in public parks and spaces?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for an additional cost depending on the location, SFFTA can help you host your event in a variety of parks around San Francisco. For smaller events, we are able to park very close to the Public Park (across the street or nearby street) but would not be able to park directly on them without permission through the parks department.

Question 6

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Given the nature of food products and other forgone opportunities by the truck, any cancellation of this contract will incur a 50% cancellation fee (based on the total contracted amount) if the cancellation occurs 14 days prior to the event. If the event is canceled within fourteen (14) days prior to the event for any reason the client will be responsible for the full amount of the contract.

Question 7

Can you provide a COI (Certificate of Insurance) for my event venue?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are able to provide a COI and you just need to provide us with the name and address of who you would like listed on the policy.

Question 8

Where will the food truck park?

Accepted Answer

Unless you are able to secure a location for the truck, they will park as close as possible to your desired location. If you need the truck to be in a very specific location and are unable to secure a parking spot, you can speak to us about our spot holding services ($1,000-$1,500) which can be added to your booking and will ensure a specific spot is available. Depending on the location, a special event parking permit might be required through the city and we would be able to handle that as well ($5,500). The special event parking permit would be able to fit about 4 trucks.

Question 9

What type of payments do you accept? When do payments need to be made?

Accepted Answer

We can process payment via Check or ACH for no additional fee. We can also accept credit card payments but those would be subject to a 3.5% convenience fee. We require that contracts be paid in full upon signing. Our Food Truck vendors are reserving dates (in favor of other opportunities) and arrangements are immediately set in motion upon signing.

Question 10

How long is my truck booked for?

Accepted Answer

Typically, each booking comes with a 3-4 hour serving window. If you need the truck for an extended period of time, there could be an additional fee depending on the total portions.

Question 11

How does the booking process work?

Accepted Answer

Once we agree on the truck(s) selection and pricing, we will send over an event portal for you to review the booking and sign off in order to confirm. After that you are all set and an invoice will be sent over.

Question 12

How does payment work?

Accepted Answer

Depending on your event, payment can be structured in one of two ways: Private event buyout: Event host covers the cost of the catering and food trucks services directly, and there is no charge for the guests. Prices are estimated at a per-person and time-based rate. Private event sales: The hired food truck accepts cash and credit card sales on-site. There is typically a minimum sales guarantee required.

Question 13

What size are the vehicles?

Accepted Answer

We offer different vehicles of different sizing, but our standard food truck is 20 ft long X 8.5 ft wide X 9 ft tall.

Question 14

How many hours can you utilize the truck for?

Accepted Answer

You can use one of our vehicles for up to 6 to 8 hours of service per day.

Question 15

Does your team handle parking permits?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our team is equipped to handle all the logistics of your mobile food experience, including parking permits.

Question 16

How many food trucks should I book for a large event?

Accepted Answer

This decision is ultimately yours, but we do recommend multiple food trucks for large events. When cooking and meal prep is involved, the average food truck can serve roughly 100-150 people per hour, so given that estimate, you might want to consider booking multiple vehicles.

Question 17

How many people can a food truck serve?

Accepted Answer

The number of people a truck can serve depends on the menu offerings, but on average, it can serve 100-150 people per hour when cooking and other preparation is involved. If you have a large number of guests in a short time window, we can have trucks pre-package meals to expedite the process significantly and serve a great number of people.

Question 18

What is the average cost for a food truck to cater a wedding?

Accepted Answer

The average cost of a food truck is $2,500 plus tax for a 100 person event with a duration of 3 to 4 hours.

Question 19

Should I book more than one food truck for my wedding?

Accepted Answer

This decision is ultimately yours, but we recommend multiple food trucks depending on the size of your wedding. Rest assured that our team is able to source many vendors to meet your needs!

Question 20

How far in advance should I book a food truck for my wedding?

Accepted Answer

You may book a food truck at any time, but we recommend 4 to 6 weeks prior to your special day.

Question 21

What is the average cost to book a food truck?

Accepted Answer

The average cost of a food truck is $2,500 plus tax for a 100-person event with a duration of 3 to 4 hours.

Question 22

Should I have multiple food trucks at my corporate event?

Accepted Answer

The decision is ultimately yours, but we recommend multiple food trucks depending on the size of the event. When you discuss your event in more detail with a member of our team, they can help you select the ideal number of food trucks.

Question 23

What is the average cost to book a food truck for a corporate event?

Accepted Answer

The average cost of a food truck is $2,500 plus tax for a 100 person event with a duration of 3 to 4 hours.

Question 24

How far in advance do I need to book a food cart?

Accepted Answer

You should book your food cart at least a week in advance to allow our vendors to properly prepare, schedule, and execute your event to perfection.

Question 25

What is the average price for a food cart in San Francisco?

Accepted Answer

Booking a food cart can cost roughly $3,000-5,000 in San Francisco, CA.

Question 26

Can staff from the food truck bring food from the truck indoors?

Accepted Answer

The food truck staff is not able to bring food indoors but we can add an additional staff member specifically as a runner/buser if needed (~$300-$500 per person).

Question 27

Can we provide our own cutlery and/or packaging for the food trucks to serve with?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the trucks can serve the food with what you provide for them at the event.

Question 28

What happens if we need to go over the number of portions originally ordered?

Accepted Answer

Trucks will typically bring about 15-20% buffer of food. The trucks will seek your approval before going over any prepaid portion amount as to prevent unexpected charges after the event. Certain options of food can eventually run out if the prepaid portion was too low in comparison to the number of guests at the event.

Question 29

How big is a food truck?

Accepted Answer

Trucks can vary in size but typically they are 20-24 ft long x 8.5 ft wide x 10ft tall. Certain vendors also have a food cart option which allows for a more compact setup indoors or out.

Question 30

Can the staff working the food truck get Covid tested before the event?

Accepted Answer

Due to their busy schedules, the truck cannot get PCR tested at a testing facility. However, food trucks can come early to your event if you are able to provide on-site tests beforehand.

Question 31

Can you schedule a tasting?

Accepted Answer

Tastings can be difficult to schedule since most vendors are booked for private events and not regularly operating street sales. Sometimes they can be arranged with advanced notice but they are not guaranteed.

Question 32

Will the food truck have any buffer food if they run out?

Accepted Answer

Typically, trucks bring a 15-20% buffer of food and can go over the prepaid portions slightly if needed on the event day. However, trucks can run out of certain options and food altogether if the prepaid portions are too low for the number of guests at the event.

Question 33

Are all the menu options included for my event?

Accepted Answer

On our website, you can see our individual members' pages and their menus. For most events, we will need to limit the options to 3-4 main dishes of your choice (sides and drinks are optional and would cost extra per person). This is done in order to expedite service and to limit food waste for the vendors. If you have any special menu requests, please let us know and we will try to accommodate your needs.

Question 34

How many servings can the trucks prepare?

Accepted Answer

If the trucks are cooking to order they can serve approximately 100-150 guests per hour. For much larger events we can recommend trucks that are able to do pre-packaged meals in order to expedite service time significantly.

Question 35

How far will food truck members travel for an event?

Accepted Answer

All of our members will generally travel within the San Francisco area, depending on location. Additional fees may apply for events located outside of city limits.

Question 36

What if more people show up to an event than expected?

Accepted Answer

Food trucks come prepared to serve the number of people agreed upon in the contract. Depending on each truck's storage capability, our members typically bring 10% more product to serve additional portions at an additional per person cost, which is specified at the time of booking.

Question 37

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my event?

Accepted Answer

We understand that unexpected things happen. If you need to reschedule your event date or time, we will make our best effort to accommodate your request. If you need to cancel your event, you are subject to our cancellation policy, which will be discussed upfront at the time of booking.

Question 38

Can food trucks operate indoors?

Accepted Answer

Many of our members have trucks and/or carts that can be powered by electric and operate indoors.

Question 39

Can I rent multiple food trucks for my event?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! SFFTA can source as many vendors as needed for your event, from a single cart to dozens of food trucks.

Question 40

How many staff members come with a food truck for a large catering event?

Accepted Answer

We usually staff 2 to 3 people to serve food per truck.

Question 41

How far in advance should I book a food truck for my private event?

Accepted Answer

You can book a food truck at any time, but we recommend 4 to 6 weeks before the day of the event.

Question 42

What is the average price for a food cart rental?

Accepted Answer

Booking a food cart can cost roughly $3,000 due to a lower availability of options and additional necessary insurance measures.

Question 43

How far in advance should I book a food truck for my corporate event?

Accepted Answer

You can try to book a food truck at any point, but we recommend 4 to 6 weeks from the day of the event.

Question 44

Can we customize the food truck for our event?

Accepted Answer

It is possible to add some small signage/decorations onto the truck that can be easily removed after the event without damaging the vehicle. We would recommend using command strips and there would not be any additional charges. If you are looking for a fully branded truck, the price for this service is expensive and begins at approximately $20,000-$25,000. We handle those events through our sister company, Food Truck Promotions. Please feel free to contact them at info@foodtruckpromotions.com for more information.

Question 45

How much does a branded promotion cost?

Accepted Answer

The minimum cost to produce a branded promotion is $15,000, but pricing can vary depending on the scope of your project. Please fill out a form and a member of our team will be in touch to discuss your project in more detail.

Question 46

How does parking work for branded promotions? Do you supply permits?

Accepted Answer

Although street parking in San Francisco can be extremely complicated, SFFTA will work with you to find the perfect parking spot or obtain the necessary parking permit for your branded promotion.

Question 47

Do you provide brand ambassadors?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we believe that brand ambassadors can help create genuine interactions and meaningful moments for consumers interacting through the promotion. We work with a great roster of brand ambassadors who are bubbly and love sharing their passion for your product. We can provide you with as many brand ambassadors as needed for your event. Our brand ambassadors are highly trained with the latest data capture programs, so that once the activation ends, you can harness the valuable data and insight that has been collected.

Question 48

What kind of customization do you offer for branded promotions?

Accepted Answer

Every aspect of our branded activations are highly customizable. We handle everything from custom wraps, to interior/exterior fabrication, branded goods and packaging, and custom menus. Our in-house culinary team can create almost any food and beverage items imaginable for the tastiest interactive experience!

Question 49

How much lead time do you need for a branded promotion?

Accepted Answer

Typically about 2-3 weeks prior to the start of the activation, however, every project varies in scope of work and might require additional production time. We recommend filling out our Branded Promotions Form as soon as possible so a member of our team can discuss your project in more detail.

Question 50

How does the design process work for a branded food truck?

Accepted Answer

After finalizing which truck or cart would best suit your needs, our team will send you a template for your graphic designer to use when creating the graphics for your custom vinyl wrap. We are happy to design the wrap on your behalf, but additional fees will apply.

Question 51

How much do branded food truck promotions cost?

Accepted Answer

Branded food truck promotions usually start at $15,000, but the price may rise depending on your desired customizations and scope.

Question 52

What are branded food trucks?

Accepted Answer

Branded food trucks are a mobile experiential marketing platform. Through multi-sensory experiences, they are designed to promote targeted emotional engagement and make a positive impact on your brand or product's audience.

Question 53

Can I have a food truck sell food to guests at my private event?

Accepted Answer

Yes! While we typically operate on a fixed-cost model, we can certainly accommodate a point of sale (POS) event with any of our members.

Question 54

Are there eco-friendly food carts?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Food carts and food trucks are sustainably driven by less energy consumption and locally sourced ingredients. Many of our food carts and food trucks run on biodiesel, a fuel made from vegetable oil.

Question 55

Can your trucks accommodate food allergies?

Accepted Answer

Yes! After filling out our event catering form, an event coordinator from our team will reach out. Please discuss any allergies or restrictions with the event coordinator. All of our trucks have gluten and dairy-free options available.

Question 56

What are the dimensions of a food truck?

Accepted Answer

The average food truck ranges between 18-24 ft. long and 8 ft. wide. Food carts and trailers range between 9-24 ft. long and 5-7 ft. wide. Check out our members to view each vendor's truck and/or cart dimensions listed on their member page.

Question 57

Do all FTA vendors have health permits and insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we only work with food trucks that have health permits, insurance, and have been issued an 'A' letter grade from the Department of Health. Our members are personally vetted and carefully selected to ensure they meet the highest degree of food quality and hospitality. All certificates of insurance are kept on file and can be provided upon request.

Question 58

Do you secure health permits and vendor licenses?

Accepted Answer

We do not help food trucks secure necessary health permits and mobile food vendor licenses. We can, however, provide guidance for their acquisition and help in attaining parking permits depending on the event.

Question 59

Do you do custom build outs for food trucks?

Accepted Answer

We do not handle custom build outs for up-and-coming food truck owners. We only work with pre-existing food trucks that are registered with the department of health and are properly insured.

Question 60

What are the benefits of becoming an SFFTA member?

Accepted Answer

SFFTA will contact you about exclusive event listings, as well as additional branded promotions opportunities as they arise. You will gain access to our vast network of food truck owners and operators, as well as receive free marketing from the SFFTA on our social media channels. Additionally, we are always working to change the rules and regulations in favor of food truck owners, and as a member of the Association, we will fight on your behalf for these changes.

Question 61

What are the fees associated with being a member?

Accepted Answer

Membership to join the SFFTA is always free!

Question 62

How do I become a member?

Accepted Answer

If you are already an existing food truck, please complete our membership form and a member from our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Question 63

Can a food truck serve alcohol at my private event?

Accepted Answer

Yes, certain specialty vehicles can serve alcohol at your event, but the event needs to meet certain legal requirements (i.e. take place on private property). You are more than welcome to discuss the logistics and details of this further with a member of the SFFTA team!

Frequently Asked Catering Questions

What are the dimensions of a food truck?

Do all SFFTA vendors have health permits and insurance?

How does payment work?

Frequently Asked Catering Questions

What are the dimensions of a food truck?

Do all SFFTA vendors have health permits and insurance?

How does payment work?

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