Food Trucks — Fasted Growing Food Segment in the United States

Within the U.S. food industry, food trucks are the fastest growing segment. Between 2008 and 2016, the industry reached $1.2 billion. (The Economist)

As of 2017, in the United States, counties that have experienced higher growth in mobile-food services have also had a quicker growth in their restaurant and catering business. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Between 2005 and 2016, In Portland, OR, the share of food trucks per person in a metropolitan area grew from less than one to close to five. By comparison, over the same period, that share remained under one in Chicago, IL which has some of the strictest food truck regulations. (U.S. Census Bureau)

As of 2017, despite being home to more than 7,000 restaurants and 144 craft breweries, Chicago, IL, has just 70 food trucks.  (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

As of 2017, in New York, a food truck operator must obtain a two-year permit that comes with a 15-year waiting period — or rent one on the black market for as much as $25,000. (The Economist)