Food Trucks + Mobile Kitchens

Design from the menu and equipment schedule

Cooking method drives the build. Refrigeration, prep tables, sinks, handwashing, hot holding, cooking appliances, hood systems, fire suppression, water heating, dry storage, and point-of-sale equipment each need space and utilities. We begin with the operator’s intended menu and a dimensioned equipment list so counters, aisles, openings, and service windows support the actual work.

Separating raw and ready-to-serve work, protecting clean items, and giving staff an unobstructed cleaning path are essential planning goals. The FDA Food Code provides a widely used model, but state and local health departments establish the requirements that apply to a specific operation.

Coordinate ventilation, power, water, and waste

Commercial cooking loads can exceed what a generic container conversion can support. Electrical service, gas, exhaust, makeup air, fire suppression, water supply, hot water, wastewater, grease handling, and equipment clearances must be developed as one coordinated system. Roof and wall penetrations also require reinforcement and weather detailing.

A mobile or seasonal unit needs practical connection points and shutdown procedures. Protected exterior service panels, labeled connections, accessible valves, and equipment that can be serviced without dismantling the kitchen reduce operating friction.

• Menu-based equipment layout
• Dedicated handwashing and warewashing
• Hood and makeup-air coordination
• Lockable customer service openings

Build for service speed and a strong customer presence

Service-window height, order and pickup positions, menu zones, exterior lighting, weather protection, queuing, and accessible counters shape the customer experience. Inside, the sequence between cold storage, preparation, cooking, finishing, and handoff should minimize crossing and wasted motion.

Health, fire, fuel-gas, plumbing, electrical, accessibility, vehicle, and zoning requirements vary by location and whether the unit is mobile or fixed. Operators should obtain plan review from the applicable agencies before fabrication. We build the approved scope with durable finishes and the Mod Shop’s black-and-orange brand language.