High Diesel Prices Have Strained Colorado Food Trucks
Rising diesel costs have forced Colorado food truck operators to adjust their business models and daily operations.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Trucks
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Record-high diesel fuel prices have significantly increased operating costs for food truck businesses across Colorado. Owners are facing weekly fuel expenses of hundreds of dollars as they travel between cities to reach events.
Why it matters
Fuel represents a major portion of overhead for food trucks that rely on diesel-powered vehicles to transport their mobile kitchens. These elevated costs threaten the financial sustainability of small businesses that operate on tight margins.
Diesel prices recently reached an average of $6.04 per gallon. Johnny Boy Eatz reports weekly fuel costs of $900, requiring three fill-ups at $300 each to maintain operations.
The players
Machetes Gourmet
A Colorado-based food truck establishment that launched in 2020.
Johnny Boy Eatz
A food truck operator in Colorado that started business in 2021 and faces high weekly fuel expenses.
The details
Food truck operators in Colorado are managing the impact of fuel prices by adjusting their driving habits and logistical planning between hubs like Denver and Colorado Springs. Some owners have even switched to using gasoline-powered generators to offset the high costs of running their diesel-powered kitchens.
Timeline
2020: Machetes Gourmet opened for business.
2021: Johnny Boy Eatz began operations.
September 2026: Record high diesel prices were recorded.
Roadmap
The food truck industry has historically relied on the mobility of diesel-powered units to capture revenue at dispersed events. This current price surge represents a shift in operating feasibility that forces owners to re-evaluate their reliance on heavy-duty diesel engines.
Consumers may notice changes in food truck availability as operators reduce travel to distant events to manage fuel spending. Operators are also exploring logistical changes, such as moving to gasoline generators, which could affect local business service models.
The takeaway
Small business owners can mitigate rising overhead by optimizing their transit routes between major service areas like Denver and Pueblo. Diversifying power sources for onboard equipment may also provide a buffer against fluctuations in the diesel market.
Further reading
For more on the operational challenges facing mobile businesses, visit the Trucks section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
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