chefbuba, I agree that it is the HD in you vending location(s) that matters. If I decide I want to vend at an event in NY state,  CT, or anywhere, maybe that would be different. I’m wondering what peole have come across with HDs or if drainboards are good to have regardless. I like the idea of a shelf above, like a metro shelf with pot hooks. 
 
Thanks!

Hi, I’m Sadletan in Western Massachusetts. I have been working on setting up a food truck that will serve tasty marnated meat sandwiches (2-3 kinds), winter soup/chili, and fruit smoothies. I will probably add specials and other stuff as I go.  
 
I have been reading and searchng, and have found some great info. I have also talked to a few HDs in my target markets. Some have been helpful, but they are only there to look at your operation when it is ready to roll. I want to do concerts and festivals as well.
 
I obtained a GMC deisel step van with 35k miles for a steal, it has a 10ft x 6.5ft cargo area, which is not huge, but will work. I have been a construction contractor and designer for 15 years, with a lot of restaurant construction experience, but I’m burned out on constructon and am not making any money lately. I’m a great cook, have previous restaurant kitchen experience, and currently work as a line cook…my boss is very supportive and may be my commissary.
 
My first question is: What are your thoughts on sink drain boards? I have found that some places allow a drain shelf above, or maybe one DB. As far as I can tell, I am not required to have them. I will be talking to my HD official again soon with detailed questions, my dad’s wife works in the HD.
 
Thanks fothe help and support!
 

localnet, a bigger truck would have been great, and easier to design,  but I’m happy with what I have. The truck is in fantsastic mechanical condition. I have owned a lot of crappy used vehicles, so the piece of mind goes a long way.
 
I have made some great progress with my build. Springfield HD is not a pain to deal with. I’m really lucky to not have to deal with a lot of BS the first time around. My truck is going to be much nicer than what they would require/pass.
 
I stripped out most of the wall board material that was there, in one area I went over it because it is “insulated” with fiberglass. Foam board over that will provide the primary insulation. So far I have insulated the floor, walls, and installed a serving window. For the floor I installed 3/4 inch XPS foam insulation (pink- R5 per inch) with a 3/4 inch Advantek subfloor over that. I have some VCT to install over that. The walls got 1-2.5 inches of EPS foam (white- R4 per inch) that was left over from insulating my basement, and in some areas Polyisosyanurate foam (foil- R6.5 per inch). Everything is foam sealed, which makes a HUGE difference. I even foamed into the high hat channels. Behind the hood got 1 1/2 steel studs and rock wool insulaton (R-4 per inch- non-combustible).
 
I have plenty of refrigeration (prep frig and soda frig, both NSF/ETL listed), a three bay NSF sink on the way (no DBs), electrical panel, ariston water hater, 12v demand pump (thanks dave!),  a genny (7250w cont.), trailer hitch (thanks dave!), cargo platform for genny, serving table (4’x20″ ss over shelf), 36″ flat top, and I can use a gas grill for now! I picked up a nice used SS pro style hood, which the HD is fine with. I figured I could either charge $1600+ for something that will not be required initially, or buy a $225 hood that will work fine for now for cash. I think it was a good choice. I planned for a 20 gal H2O supply tank and 30 gal waste.
 
I picked up a coffee 3 gallon coffee urn used. It is  220v model. It draws a lot of current, but the generator can run it – at least by it self. I don’t know if it draws that much all the time or only when brewing or on high? If it doesn’t work out I’ll sell it for a profit or trade it, I stole the thing (not litterally).
 
I have collected/saved laminates, corian, and commercial cabinet parts from years of commercial construction, so the finishes will be nice, and look like a  m**** convenience store!  I built a sink cabinet with a corian top for the 3 bay and hand sinks, and have designed cabinets for above the countertops to use enery bit of space for storage or production. The cooking area will get a brushed aluminum laminate backsplash today, also saved from the dumpster and squrilled away. 
 
Observations/lessons/advice:
-a bigger truck is easier to design
-buy used equipment from individuals
-do a lot of research, planning, and layouts before you commit
-insulate well (makes a difference in hot climates too if running AC)
-building is worth it if you are a good carpenter, but maybe not for  novice
-pay your carpenter/electrician/plumber friends to help you, it’s worth it
-allow for changes, upgrades, and reconfiguration in your design, it may pay off later when you grow or have more money