In-N-Out Catering Truck Prices & Booking Guide 2026
In-N-Out catering is real, and it’s called the Cookout Truck — a fully staffed mobile kitchen that comes to your event and grills fresh burgers made to order, right in front of your guests. If you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, birthday party, or school function, this page covers everything: the 2026 catering menu with prices, how much the truck actually costs, which states it operates in, how to book it, and what to expect on the day. Prices here are sourced directly from In-N-Out’s official Cookout page for 2026.
What Is In-N-Out Catering?
In-N-Out catering is a mobile cookout service where a full-size truck comes to your event location and serves burgers, drinks, and chips made fresh on-site. It’s not a drop-off service — trained In-N-Out associates run the grill and handle everything from cooking to serving.
The service has been running since 1974. You pre-order the food before the event, guests line up at the truck window, and everything is cooked to order the same way it is in the restaurant. The truck is self-contained — it has its own generator, equipment, and staff. You don’t need to provide anything except the space.
This is the only official way to get In-N-Out catering. There are no tray packs, no bulk take-out catering orders, and no delivery options. It’s the Cookout Truck or nothing.
In-N-Out Catering Menu With Prices 2026
The 2026 catering prices are higher than in-restaurant prices because you’re paying for the truck, staff, travel, and on-site cooking. These are the official per-item prices from In-N-Out’s website:
Important: French fries and milkshakes are NOT available on the standard Cookout Truck. Only the Fry Truck (Southern California only) serves fries. See the truck types section below.
You can customize burgers the same way you would in the restaurant — Animal Style, Protein Style, extra spread, no onions, etc. Just let the associates know when guests order at the window. See the secret menu page for all customization options.
How Much Does In-N-Out Catering Cost?
The total cost depends on how much food you order, how long the event runs, and how far the truck needs to travel. Here’s how the pricing works:
Minimum charge: The standard Cookout Truck has a minimum charge of $3,250 + tax in 2026. That minimum covers 177 meals (mix of Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, Double-Doubles, Chips, and Drinks) with 1.5 hours of service time. Even if your guests eat less than that, you pay the minimum.
The Fry Truck (SoCal only) has a higher minimum: $3,750 + tax, which covers 150 meals including fries.
Trip charge: There’s a flat $800 trip charge per truck, on top of the food minimum. This is separate — it gets added to your total regardless of how much food is ordered.
Overtime: The standard service window is 1.5 hours. If your event runs longer, overtime is charged at $250 per half hour beyond that.
Out-of-area fee: If your location is outside the standard service area, an additional distance fee may apply.
| Cost Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Food Minimum (Standard Truck) | $3,250 + tax |
| Food Minimum (Fry Truck, SoCal only) | $3,750 + tax |
| Trip Charge (per truck) | $800 |
| Overtime (per 30 min after 1.5 hrs) | $250 |
| Out-of-area fee | Varies |
Estimated total for a basic 1.5-hour event (standard truck): Around $4,050–$4,500+ depending on your food mix and location. For larger events or longer run times, costs can reach $7,000–$10,000+.
The truck can produce up to 200 burgers per hour, so for events with 150–300 guests, one truck is usually enough.
Payment rules: Money is not collected at the truck. You’re responsible for pre-selling tickets or having someone collect payment from guests before the event. Final balance is due at the end of the event by check, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. A signed contract and deposit are required to lock in your date.
Types of In-N-Out Cookout Trucks
In-N-Out currently operates four types of trucks, though availability varies by state.
Standard Cookout Truck
This is the most common option. It grills burgers, serves chips, and handles fountain drinks. Fries are not available. You choose which burger types to serve (Hamburger, Cheeseburger, Double-Double, or any combination), and pick from Full Meal, Burgers & Chips, Burgers & Drinks, or Burgers Only packages.
Minimum: $3,250 + tax | 177 meals | 1.5 hours
Fry Cookout Truck
The Fry Truck has an actual fryer on board, so it can serve French fries alongside burgers and drinks. These are rare — only available in Southern California — and availability is limited. Pricing is higher, and you need to call for a quote.
If fries are important for your event, ask specifically for this truck when you contact the Cookout Department. Don’t assume the standard truck comes with fries.
Esther Snyder Truck
Named after In-N-Out’s co-founder, this is a specialty truck that serves mini versions of the burgers — Mini Double-Double, Mini Cheeseburgers, Mini Hamburgers, and Mini Fries. It costs 15% more than the standard rate, and that extra 15% is donated to the In-N-Out Burger Foundation. Availability is very limited. Call for pricing.
Guy Snyder Fry Truck
A newer addition honoring the late CEO. Similar to the Fry Truck setup. Call for pricing and availability.
Where Is In-N-Out Catering Available?
The Cookout Truck only operates in states where In-N-Out has restaurants — and even within those states, coverage is limited to certain regions. Here’s what’s currently available:
| State | Service Area |
|---|---|
| California | Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County (limited), San Bernardino (limited), San Diego County (limited), Ventura County (limited) |
| Texas | Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex |
| Colorado | Denver Area, Colorado Springs |
| Nevada | Las Vegas |
Note: Arizona, Utah, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho are NOT listed as catering service areas on In-N-Out’s official site, even though In-N-Out has restaurants there. The Cookout Truck program is separate from the restaurant footprint. If you’re in one of those states, contact the Cookout Department directly at 888-700-7774 to ask about availability. For restaurant locations by state, see Texas menu page and Arizona menu page.
Space Requirements for the Truck
The Cookout Truck is large, and the setup has specific requirements. Before booking, make sure your event location can accommodate:
| Requirement | Spec |
|---|---|
| Parking length needed | 75–85 feet |
| Overhead clearance | 14 feet minimum |
| Width clearance | 14 feet minimum |
| Departure clearance | 28 feet of clear width |
| Surface type | Firm, level ground only |
The truck cannot park on driveways, dirt, or grass because of its weight. Parking lots, paved areas, and level concrete are fine.
The truck is self-powered — it has its own generator, so you don’t need to provide electricity. In-N-Out provides two tables and two trash cans. Tables and chairs for guests are your responsibility.
If your venue is in a public area, you may need a permit. In-N-Out will tell you upfront if that applies, but it’s your responsibility to obtain it.
How to Book In-N-Out Catering
Booking is done directly through In-N-Out’s Cookout Department — not through a third-party site or app. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Check your date early. Trucks are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, up to a year in advance. Weekend dates fill up fast. For weddings and large corporate events, booking 6–12 months ahead is common.
Step 2: Contact the Cookout Department. Call (888) 700-7774 or email through the contact form at in-n-out.com/contact/cookout. Have your event date, location, estimated guest count, and preferred truck type ready.
Step 3: Use the Cookout Calculator. The official website has a cost calculator where you enter your date, number of meals, event duration, and meal type — it gives you an estimated total before you commit.
Step 4: Sign the contract and pay your deposit. Once you agree on details, In-N-Out will send a contract. They ask for a signed contract and deposit within 5 days of receiving it. Without both, your date isn’t locked in.
Step 5: Finalize your order 7 days before the event. If you need to change the burger count or meal type, do it at least a week before. Address or time changes require even more notice. If you cancel within 2 weeks of the event, you lose your deposit.
Step 6: The truck arrives 30–60 minutes early. Setup is not charged to you — you only pay for serving time. An In-N-Out manager calls you 1–3 weeks before the event to go over final details.
Day-of: Money is not handled at the truck. Guests need to have pre-paid tickets or you need someone collecting payment at the event. The final balance is settled at the end of the event.
In-N-Out Catering for Weddings
The In-N-Out catering truck has become a popular option for wedding receptions — particularly in California. It works well as a late-night food station after dinner, or as the main food service for casual outdoor weddings.
A few practical things to know if you’re using it for a wedding:
The truck serves from a window, not table-side. Guests walk up and order. It works fine for a casual setup, but if you’re envisioning servers circulating with mini burgers, that’s not how it operates.
The Esther Snyder Truck with mini burgers is a popular choice for weddings that want something more event-appropriate. It costs 15% more, and availability is very limited — book it early.
Venue logistics matter. Your venue needs to be able to accommodate the truck’s size requirements. Check with your venue coordinator before booking.
Budget-wise, even a modest wedding catering setup will run $4,000–$6,000+. It’s not cheap, but it’s a memorable experience and the food is consistently good.
FAQ
Does In-N-Out do catering?
Yes, In-N-Out offers catering through its Cookout Truck program. A staffed mobile kitchen comes to your event and serves fresh burgers, drinks, and chips made to order. The service is available in California, Texas, Colorado, and Nevada. You book directly through In-N-Out’s Cookout Department at 888-700-7774.
How much does In-N-Out catering cost?
The minimum cost for a standard Cookout Truck is $3,250 + tax in 2026, which covers 177 meals and 1.5 hours of service. On top of that, there’s an $800 trip charge and $250 per half hour of overtime. A typical event for 150–200 guests runs $4,000–$6,000+, depending on food mix and location.
How much is the In-N-Out catering truck per person?
At the minimum rate of $3,250 for 177 meals, that works out to roughly $18–20 per person before the trip charge. For smaller events where you hit the minimum quickly, per-person cost goes up. For larger groups, per-person cost comes down as you move beyond the minimum.
Does In-N-Out catering serve fries?
Standard Cookout Trucks do not serve French fries. Fries are only available on the Fry Truck, which is limited to Southern California and has limited availability. If fries are important, ask specifically about the Fry Truck when you call 888-700-7774.
How do I book an In-N-Out catering truck?
Contact the In-N-Out Cookout Department at 888-700-7774 or through in-n-out.com/contact/cookout. You’ll need to provide your event date, location, and estimated guest count. After that, you’ll receive a contract — you have 5 days to sign and return it with a deposit.
How far in advance do I need to book In-N-Out catering?
Trucks can be booked up to a year in advance. For weekend events and popular dates, longer lead times are strongly recommended. Some people book 6–12 months ahead for weddings and large corporate events.
What states offer In-N-Out catering?
The official catering service areas are California (most of Southern California), Texas (Dallas-Fort Worth area), Colorado (Denver and Colorado Springs), and Nevada (Las Vegas). Other states where In-N-Out has restaurants — like Arizona, Utah, and Oregon — are not listed as Cookout Truck service areas. Call to confirm for your specific location.
Can you customize burgers at an In-N-Out catering event?
Yes. The associates at the truck cook to order, so guests can request the same customizations available in the restaurant — Animal Style, Protein Style, extra spread, grilled onions, no tomato, and so on.
Does In-N-Out catering do weddings?
Yes, weddings are one of the most common event types for the Cookout Truck. The Esther Snyder Truck, which serves mini burgers and fries, is a popular option for weddings. Book early — it has limited availability.
What is the minimum number of guests for In-N-Out catering?
The minimum isn’t defined by guest count — it’s defined by a minimum charge of $3,250 + tax. That covers 177 meals. If you have fewer guests but still want the truck, you’ll pay the minimum regardless. The truck can serve up to 200 burgers per hour.
If you’re planning an event in California, Texas, Colorado, or Nevada, the In-N-Out Cookout Truck is one of the few fast food catering options that genuinely works at scale. For full menu pricing at a regular location, see homepage. For hours at your nearest In-N-Out, see hours page.