When you’re hosting a large event, catering can easily become one of the most, if not the most, expensive costs. Cue the humble food truck. Because of its lower barrier to entry for would-be restauranteurs, they often offer a chance for guests to try fresh, local foods they wouldn’t otherwise have access to, and also just offer a great way to sample food from restaurants in the community. Because of their mobile and self-contained nature, food trucks tend to be cheaper to run, so those cost savings get passed on to you.
Below, we break down what you can expect to pay and a few places you can check out for your next event.
What Will It Cost?
Online platforms like Cater Cow Food Truck calculator provide a personalized estimate of the cost of your event. The platform’s general recommendation is one food truck for every 150 guests.
When comparing pricing models of different food trucks to determine the best deal for you, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Find out if the food truck charges by person, by hour or a combination of both. Some will even offer a fixed rate for events.
- Make sure to find out what services are included, and if they charge extra fees for staff and/or for permits.
- Don’t forget to budget for potential extra costs that may arise, including travel fees, minimum spend requirements, and rental equipment.
Here’s a rough estimate of what you might expect for food truck rentals in Marin:
| Event Type | Estimated Cost Range |
| Smaller Casual Event | $10–25 per person (e.g. tacos, burgers) |
| Moderate Casual Party | $15–25 per person (BBQ, pizza) |
| Premium/Specialty Event | $35–45 per person (lobster or gourmet) |
| Hourly Rental | $100–300/hr |
| One-Day Fixed Rate | $1,000–3,500+ |
| Mid-Level Event (Marin) | Likely $1,500–2,500+ for full service |
| Festival or Large Event | $2,000–5,000+ daily estimate |
Top Local Food Trucks
Marin has options for those looking for local cuisine on wheels. Here are a few local favorites:
Casablanca Moroccan & Mediterranean Food Truck
Casablanca Moroccan & Mediterranean Food Truck serves gourmet Mediterranean fare, including falafel, shawarma, kabob wraps and couscous across Marin. It is a local go-to with more than 17 years catering experience.
Roli Roti Gourmet Rotisserie
Roli Roti Gourmet Rotisserie is a regular at the Marin Farmers’ Market and is known for its herb-roasted free-range chicken, rosemary fingerling potatoes, and tasty porchetta sandwiches. praised for using fresh, local ingredients.
Tommy’s Salsa Taco Truck
Tommy’s Salsa, a highly-rated Mexican restaurant in Novato, has a taco truck! The truck is available for rent for parties of all occasions throughout Marin County and the Bay Area.
Yanira’s Salvadorian Food Truck
Based in San Rafael, Yanira’s Salvadorian Food Truck is a popular local food truck that serves pupusas and other authentic Salvadoran street food.
El Yucateco Taco Truck
El Yucateco taco truck is a popular food truck in San Rafael that is known for its tacos with Yucatecan flair and devoted local following.
