Buying a coffee truck in Michigan comes down to two things: acquiring the right build and clearing state/local approvals fast. Prioritize a used step van or trailer already licensed in a Michigan county, then verify NSF/ANSI equipment, a 3-compartment sink plus hand sink, 30–50 gal fresh/grey tanks, 2-group 240V espresso machine (≈3.5–5 kW), quiet 8–12 kW generator or 48V inverter system, GFCI outlets, and right-side service window. Before paying, load-test all appliances simultaneously, pressure-test plumbing, confirm UL/ETL labels, and check for a commissary agreement. Licensing: register your entity with LARA, get a Michigan Sales Tax License (Treasury MTO), title/register the vehicle with the Secretary of State, secure commercial auto and general/product liability insurance, and obtain a mobile food license from the local health department where your commissary sits; choose an STFU license if you’ll vend across multiple counties. City permits vary—Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor require separate mobile vending permits and fire inspections (expect Class K and 2A:10BC extinguishers; hood/suppression only if producing grease vapors). Winterize for Michigan: insulate lines and tanks, add heat pads, and spec a hydronic/air heater for subzero service. Typical budgets: $45k–$150k used; $90k–$200k custom. Secure locations via contracts with factories, campuses, and hospitals, offices.
