Mobile Food Services NAICS 722330

Oct 14, 2025 - Food Truck Freedom Act

• As of November 1, it will be easier for food trucks in Oklahoma to operate across city and county lines. Oklahoma’s Food Truck Freedom Act (FTFA), signed into law in July, aims to cut red tape for the state’s growing mobile food vendor industry by creating a streamlined, statewide licensing system for food truck operators there. The bill’s author, Rep. Derrick Hildebrant (R-Catoosa), said that too many food truck operators were being forced to shut down simply because they couldn’t keep up with the maze of local permits and fees. The FTFA allows any mobile food vendor with a valid state food establishment license to operate anywhere in the state, provided they follow local health and zoning regulations. Previously, food trucks were required to obtain separate permits for each city or county in which they operated. Similar laws have been enacted in Nevada, Arizona and Georgia.
• Younger consumers are cutting back on spending, with restaurants among the first to feel the impact, two new studies show. According to the semi-annual Taking Stock with Teens survey, teens’ annual spending has declined by 6% year-over-year and is 1% below the average spending levels from the past 10 years. And research from investment bank TD Cowen finds that consumers ages 18-34 are under more pressure than the average consumer. The pullback among younger consumers, who make up about 40% of all restaurant guests, has major implications for the industry, especially the fast-casual segment, which relies heavily on younger guests. Restaurants are attempting to “future proof” their positioning by rebranding or launching youth-focused loyalty, digital, or campus initiatives to maintain engagement with younger audiences. Operators may need to rethink marketing, menu pricing/value tiers, loyalty incentives, and targeting to shore up revenue during lean times.

• Food trucks can improve their visibility, grow sales, and build their brand by adding an illuminated roof mounted sign, Food Truck Operator (FTO) reports. Illuminated signs are attention-grabbing and more effective than a printed wrap, especially at night when potential customers may not see your truck. Roof mounted signs should reflect – literally and figuratively – your truck’s personality and cuisine, with vibrant colors for spicier fare or pastels and softer lighting for an inviting atmosphere for comfort food. A food truck without a lit sign is like a radio station without a signal. You might have great content, but if no one can find you, it doesn't matter, writes FTO. Illuminated signs act as a beacon, drawing customers from across a festival field or parking lot. Often the most successful trucks aren't the ones with the best recipes, but rather the ones people notice first.
• New tariffs on food and beverages imposed by the Trump administration threaten to drive menu prices even higher, according to a recent statement from the National Restaurant Association (NRA). The trade association cited popular food truck fare including coffee and hamburgers as examples of menu items under pressure from tariffs, notably a 50% tax on imports from Brazil, a major provider of coffee and beef. “Operating a restaurant is becoming increasingly difficult due to economic and regulatory pressure and a nearly 5% increase in wholesale food costs since last year,” CEO Michelle Korsmo said in a statement, adding “These new tariffs on food and beverage items will exacerbate the situation,” leaving many restaurants with no choice but to raise prices. The NRA notes that tariffs disrupt supply chains, drive up costs for restaurant operators, and ultimately lead to higher menu prices for consumers.