Home › Tennessee › ZIP 38501

Food Truck Market: ZIP 38501

Opportunity Score

46 / 100 Fair

Based on walkability, population density, income levels, and food truck competition.

Market Profile

ZIP 38501 is a car-dependent suburban market. Walkability scores 9.4/20 — below the national average of 10.5. Most customers arrive by vehicle, so parking access matters more than foot traffic. Event catering and business park lunch routes outperform traditional street corners here.

Market Summary

ZIP 38501 is an suburban area with low foot traffic. with a population of 42,471 and household incomes near the national median ($52,145). The area has 108 restaurants and just 3 food trucks — low competition with strong demand signals.

Area Profile

42,471

Population

$52,145

Median Income

-30% vs. national

Suburban

Area Type

9.4/20

Foot Traffic

Very Car-Dependent

Median Age: 31.4 — mixed-age market, broad menu appeal.

College-Educated: 19.0% — value-focused market, keep prices competitive.

Competition

Food service establishments in ZIP 38501.

Food Trucks

Low competition — room to establish

0.7 per 10K residents

Sit-Down Restaurants

13.2 per 10K residents

Fast Food / Counter

12.2 per 10K residents

What this means: Food trucks are 2.7% of the food scene here (3 trucks vs. 108 restaurants). Mobile food is underrepresented — customers have few options.

Operating Costs

Local cost levels affect commissary kitchen rates, permits, and event vendor pricing.

$883

Median Gross Rent

$280 K

Median Home Value

Bank Branches

$2.8 M deposits

What to Expect Here

Go Where the Crowd Is

Low walkability means foot traffic isn't your friend. Farmers markets, corporate campuses, breweries with food programs, and private events are your revenue base. Get on Roaming Hunger or a local catering platform before you open.

Price for the Market

This is a price-sensitive ZIP. Operators who succeed here lead with value — generous portions, clear value signals, combo deals. A $15 entrée is a hard sell when the median income is $52,145.

Low Competition, Proven Demand

Only 3 food trucks registered here against 108 restaurants. Dining demand is proven and truck competition is minimal. This is a strong setup.