I successfully completed the retrofit and restoration of a 1950 RTL double deck bus with commercial kitchen and restaurant on board. I did most of the work myself minus electrical, welding and cabinetry and had to spend over $40,000+. Major cautions to any who think they can simply buy a bus and open it – you would be dead wrong. Most states and countries have regulations you need to follow for permits, so examine them and know them well before starting. Our government is careless and quite behind the times in creating realistic codes for these types of adventures, they only have codes in smaller towns and smaller cities for businesses like brick mortar restaurants, not food trucks and carts. Be prepared to fight on many levels. Don’t even consider fryers on board, hood ventilation with fire suppression is mandated everywhere I know of. Add another $10-12,000 for that if installed along with ruining the look of the bus. Anyone wanting to see a photo gallery of the restoration process of the bus I completed, visit my gallery of photos here:

A comprehensive timeline gallery can be seen here:

I sold the bus to a local diesel mechanic and the bus now operates in the Portland, Oregon area. Email me with questions if you are a serious builder.