Starting a food truck business can be exhilarating for culinary entrepreneurs. Learn the steps to take, licenses and equipment needed, marketing tips and more.

Stacker has compiled a list of the easiest metro areas for starting a food truck, using a ranking by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Food Truck Nation, which surveyed hundreds of food truck owners. The metro areas are ranked by an index that factors in the cost to start, restrictions on location, and the regulatory cost to operate food trucks.

Let’s explore 33 of the most profitable food truck items so you can make sure your menu is optimized for profits. 1. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. Grilled sandwiches with melted cheese are a customer favorite for their satisfying taste, texture, and convenience.

When acquiring a food truck vehicle and equipment, carefully weigh the options between buying, leasing/renting. Consider the necessary food truck licenses and permits required to operate your food truck legally, along with investing in cooking equipment to prepare your menu.

We asked 50 food truck owners, “What do you wish you’d known before you started your food truck?” Here are their answers.