With the summer just around the corner, it’s a time for enjoying nice weather and outdoor activities. Visiting food trucks is becoming a popular option for people who are opting for a less traditional way of eating out. Over the last few years, the food truck industry has skyrocketed past 300% growth with billions of dollars in revenue. The demand is growing for food trucks that offer customers unique food items and convenience. It’s a refreshing new way of grabbing a bite to eat.
Why are Food Trucks the Latest Trend?
Food trucks are authentic. They are small businesses that aren’t anything like a franchised restaurant or corporation. These meals on wheels businesses sell directly to their customers, which makes for meaningful interactions. We are also seeing food trucks promote organic food choices. Each food truck has their own unique menu and many of them are including these kinds of options.
The convenience is also a major benefit of food trucks. While we faced limitations eating indoors over the past year, food trucks set up shop in parking lots and public parking areas. It’s much easier to make a stop at a food truck than it is to sit down at a restaurant in 2021. No reservations are required and the prices are generally fair.
Successful Food Truck Setups Across the Country
The food truck partnerships are mutually beneficial because they are an attractive option for many customers. For example, Connecticut has seen a big surge in breweries over the last few years. While many breweries choose to serve just beverages rather than food, it’s not a limitation. This is because breweries in Connecticut are partnering up with food trucks everywhere.
Successful Technology Trends
The food truck industry is taking advantage of wildly popular technology trends to market themselves, particularly on social media. Platforms such as Facebook and Instagram give users the ability to tag exactly where their geographic location is within a post. The personable approach food trucks use will make it easy for customers to post content. Customers are taking pictures of the menu, cuisines, and the food truck itself (which is usually branded anyway).
Since 39 percent of millennials have already used technology to order food, it’s a no brainer for food trucks. They use technology trends to both increase exposure, and create a convenient ordering process for new customers.
How Companies Can Bring their Brand Beyond Brick and Mortar to Food Trucks
While small businesses are thriving from the food truck trend, there are hoops you have to jump through to start. For companies looking to bring their brand beyond brick and mortar to food trucks, these are some challenges to keep in mind.
Regulations: There are lots of regulations that potentially slow the rapid growth of food trucks. Brick and mortar businesses need to look into a seller’s permit, health department certification, truck permits, inspections, and liability insurance.
Upfront Costs: Besides just getting a truck and serving food, costs upfront could add up quickly. The cost of inspections, licenses, and permits could rack up tens of thousands of dollars in the U.S.
Active Inventory: With limited space, you’ll have to plan for minimal food storage. This means you have to be accurate when ordering your inventory while restaurants in traditional buildings have the space for extra.
Weather Planning: Since you rely on the benefits of the outdoors, you have to account for bad weather too. Less people will want to wait in line during a steady rainfall. Make sure you plan your inventory accordingly with the weather forecast!
Drew Thomas
Drew Thomas is a graduate of Georgia College & State University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in English Literature. He is an expert in brand marketing and has experience in freelance writing on topics ranging from sports to music reviews. He has also spent time as an editor, having revised website copy and press releases for local businesses. In his free time, Drew enjoys performing music, reading, hiking, and spending time with friends.
