A fixed location can save you thousands of euros per year compared to multiple locations. But it depends on your revenue, the rent price and how much you're currently spending at different spots. Calculate step by step which option works best for your food truck.
What does a fixed location vs. multiple locations cost?
At a fixed location you usually pay a fixed monthly rent or percentage of revenue. Multiple locations mean paying per day or event, but costs vary wildly from month to month.
💡 Example fixed location:
Central marketplace, food truck spot:
- Monthly rent: €800
- Or: 8% of revenue (if that's higher)
- Working days: 6 days/week
At €15,000 revenue/month: 8% = €1,200, so you pay €1,200
Calculate your costs for multiple locations
For multiple locations add up what you currently spend on average per month:
- Location fees per day (markets, festivals, events)
- Fuel costs for traveling between locations
- Extra time for transport and setup
- Booking fees for premium spots
💡 Example multiple locations:
Average month (6 days/week):
- Market Mon/Wed/Fri: 3 × €45 × 4 weeks = €540
- Festival Sat: 1 × €150 × 4 = €600
- Event Tue: 2 × €80 × 4 = €640
- Fuel for travel: €200/month
Total: €1,980/month
Calculate the revenue potential per option
A fixed spot often means more customer recognition, but less variety in target audiences. Multiple locations give more reach, but fewer repeat customers. And here's a pattern we see repeatedly in restaurant financials: fixed locations with high foot traffic can boost revenue 25-40% within six months through customer loyalty.
⚠️ Note:
A good fixed spot can increase your revenue by 20-30% through regular customers. A bad spot can cut your revenue in half. Test for a couple of months before signing a yearly contract.
Calculate your break-even point
The formula is straightforward:
Break-even = (Fixed costs - Variable costs) / Extra revenue per euro
If a fixed location costs €500/month more, but you make €2,000 more in revenue, you earn €1,500/month extra (before deducting extra food costs).
💡 Calculation example:
Situation:
- Fixed location: €1,200/month
- Multiple locations: €1,980/month
- Fixed location is €780/month cheaper
- Expected revenue fixed location: €18,000/month
- Current revenue multiple locations: €15,000/month
Benefit: €780 savings + €3,000 more revenue = much better
Don't forget these hidden costs
At a fixed location you often have extra costs you don't see right away:
- Adjust insurance (fixed location vs. mobile)
- Extra security if you need to stay overnight
- Utilities (electricity, water) if they're not included
- Municipal permits for long-term use
Add these before making your comparison.
How do you calculate which option is cheaper?
Calculate your current monthly costs for multiple locations
Add up all location fees, fuel, extra time and booking fees from the past 3 months. Divide by 3 to get your average monthly costs.
Ask for prices on fixed locations
Inquire with the municipality, market managers and owners about monthly rent or revenue percentage. Note: often the highest of both amounts applies.
Estimate your revenue potential per option
Look at how much revenue you make now and how much you expect at a fixed location. Test for a couple of days at that location before signing a contract.
Calculate the difference per year
Subtract the costs from each other and multiply by 12. Don't forget to include hidden costs like extra insurance or permits.
✨ Pro tip
Track your daily revenue at 3-5 different location types for 8 weeks before committing to a fixed spot. This gives you realistic revenue projections, not just wishful thinking.
Calculate this yourself?
In the KitchenNmbrs app you can do this in just a few clicks. 7 days free, no credit card.
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Frequently asked questions
What if the fixed location asks for a percentage of revenue?
Then you usually pay the highest of a minimum amount or the revenue percentage. At 8% revenue percentage and €15,000 revenue you pay €1,200. Include this in your comparison.
How do I test a fixed location before signing a contract?
Ask if you can try it for a couple of days per week first, or start with a 3-6 month contract. This way you'll see if the revenue matches your expectations.
Which hidden costs do I often forget at a fixed location?
Extra insurance, electricity and water connection, municipal permits, security and sometimes cleaning costs. Add these to your calculation.
Is a fixed location always better for revenue?
Not always. A good fixed location with lots of foot traffic increases your revenue, but a bad location can actually lower it. The location is crucial.
How do I calculate fuel costs for multiple locations?
Add up your kilometers per month between all locations, multiply by your fuel consumption per km and the fuel price. Don't forget to include truck wear and tear.
What happens if my revenue drops significantly at a fixed location?
You're still locked into paying the fixed rent, even during slow months. Multiple locations give you flexibility to skip expensive spots during tough periods.
Should I factor in seasonal variations for this comparison?
Absolutely. Calculate costs for both peak season and slow months separately. Fixed locations often perform better during winter when outdoor events are scarce.
📚 Sources consulted
- EU Verordening 852/2004 — Levensmiddelenhygiëne (2004) — Official source
- EU Verordening 853/2004 — Hygiënevoorschriften voor levensmiddelen van dierlijke oorsprong (2004) — Official source
- EU Verordening 1169/2011 — Voedselinformatie aan consumenten (2011) — Official source
- NVWA — Hygiënecode voor de horeca (2024) — Official source
- NVWA — Allergenen in voedsel (2024) — Official source
- Codex Alimentarius — International Food Standards (2024) — Official source
- FSA — Safer food, better business (HACCP) (2024) — Official source
- BVL — Lebensmittelhygiene (HACCP) (2024) — Official source
- Warenwetbesluit Bereiding en behandeling van levensmiddelen (2024) — Official source
- WHO — Foodborne diseases estimates (2024) — Official source
Food Standards Agency (FSA) — https://www.food.gov.uk
The HACCP standards shown in this application are for informational purposes only. KitchenNmbrs does not guarantee that displayed values are current or complete. Always consult the FSA or your local authority for the latest regulations.
Written by
Jeffrey Smit
Founder & CEO of KitchenNmbrs
Jeffrey Smit built KitchenNmbrs from 8 years of hands-on experience as kitchen manager at 1NUL8 Group in Rotterdam. His mission: give every restaurant owner control over food cost.
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