Mobistro

Overview

Mobistro is operations software for food trucks, market stalls, mobile bars, and event caterers. It is best for solo operators and small teams coordinating event work, preparation, stock, and vehicles. Its value is linking event plans to prep and packing, while checkout and accounting stay with other tools.

Key features

Events can be viewed as a calendar, list, or map, with statuses, times, head counts, crew, and vehicle assignments. That combination helps operators see both the event schedule and the people and vehicles committed to it. Recipes and planned servings calculate preparation quantities; operators can choose whether to transfer those quantities to a vehicle packing list. The manual handoff gives teams control over what gets loaded, though it makes packing a deliberate step rather than an automatic consequence of a recipe plan.

Inventory covers consumables and equipment, minimum stock levels, and locations in vehicles or storage. Mapped CSV imports offer a route for bringing existing inventory data across. Operators can plan event revenue and costs, then compare the plan with actual results after wrap-up. These tools support operational planning and review, but Mobistro is not accounting software and does not replace POS reporting.

Vehicle records cover inspection and service dates, cleaning dates and types, and damage reports with photos and status. Menu and recipe management and event execution tools are also included. Mobistro complements an existing POS; it does not process checkout, and no specific POS integration is named. An iPad app for offline packing-list checks, leftovers, and photo reports is described as coming with the first release, so operators who need offline use now should not rely on it.

Pricing

Selected operators in the US, UK, Switzerland, and Europe can request beta access for free. Beta access requires no credit card and does not automatically convert into a paid subscription. The team usually replies to pricing or beta questions within two business days.

After beta, the smallest plan starts at $22.99 a month, billed per business per month. Its scope is to be explained before paid plans begin, so this starting price does not establish which capabilities or usage limits the plan includes. Businesses should confirm the scope before budgeting around it. There is no stated trial term; the free access described is beta access rather than a permanent free tier.

Platforms

Mobistro is available on the web. The maker describes an iPad app for offline packing checks, leftovers, and photo reports as coming with the first release, which is not the same as current web availability.

Who it's for

Mobistro is a fit for food trucks, drink stands, market vendors, and event caterers who need to coordinate events, recipes, inventory, event costs, and vehicle upkeep around an existing POS. Its event-to-prep workflow is particularly relevant when planned servings need to become a vehicle loadout. It is a weaker fit for businesses looking for checkout, accounting, or POS reporting in one system.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Event details, crew, vehicle assignments, recipe quantities, and packing lists connect planning with preparation work.
• Pro: Inventory can cover both consumables and equipment across vehicle and storage locations, with minimum stock levels and mapped CSV imports.
• Pro: Cost planning can be compared with actual event results, while vehicle records include service, inspection, cleaning, and damage tracking.
• Con: Mobistro does not handle checkout or replace accounting and POS reporting, so operators need separate systems for those jobs.
• Con: The offline iPad workflow is described as forthcoming, limiting its present usefulness for teams that need offline checks.
• Con: The $22.99 a month starting plan has no stated scope yet, making it difficult to assess fit beyond the entry price.

Alternatives

Eventifood is worth considering if a free plan across mobile, desktop, and web matters, or if its Pro Max PAYG model—£0/month plus a 3.0% platform fee and Stripe processing—fits better. BanquetsCRM may suit teams prioritizing a forever-free CRM for events, leads, customers, invoices, venues, menus, and team management, with a free trial also offered.

CartFlow is an option for operators who can work within a free tier capped at three events monthly, 20 sales records, 10 products, three recipes, 15 stock items, and one saved venue. Catertoo may be preferable when proposals and e-signatures are central: its free plan supports up to three events a month and unlimited users and clients.

SendOrder is another freemium choice, with a free Starter plan covering setup, food costing, preparation conversion, inventory, recipes, orders, and expenses. Traqly offers a free Essentials tier for up to eight clients and four proposals per month, making it a different option for proposal-led work. FoodStorm and Spoonfed are paid alternatives with pricing tailored to a demo or business requirements.

For a broader comparison, see Event Catering Software.

Verdict

Mobistro is a strong candidate for small mobile food and drink operators who need event planning tied to prep, inventory, and fleet records while keeping their existing POS. Choose it for that operational link; look elsewhere if checkout or accounting must be built in, or if you need confirmed paid-plan scope before committing.