Halloween is just around the corner. And while it might seem like a less-important holiday for food trucks compared to Christmas or the Fourth of July, it can be an equally profitable holiday if you know what you’re doing.
Keep reading to learn 6 simple ways food truck vendors can maximize sales during Halloween.
1. Add a Few Special Treats
Customers love getting into the mood of different holidays and seasons with special treats and drinks. Take for instance the famous pumpkin spice latte that pops up at nearly every coffee shop each fall.
Adding some Halloween food or seasonal treats to your menu is a great way to draw in sales.
You don’t even need to come up with any crazy new menu items. You can simply make tweaks to existing favorites to make them more appropriate for Halloween.
2. Theme Your Menu
While changing a few signature items to make them Halloween-themed is a great way to add some fun to your menu, it’s far from the only way.
If your food truck features a changeable menu that you use to list specials, you can also use it re-name some of your menu items for Halloween.
This doesn’t require any recipe changes; just some creativity. Macaroni and cheese can become “brains.” Hot dogs can become “mummies.” And any of your menu items can be described as “ghoulishly good.”
3. Decorate Your Truck
Wherever you set up your truck this Halloween, take a few minutes to add some decorations.
Decorating for the holidays is the perfect way to grab visitors’ eyes as they walk by, and get them in the mood for the holiday. Whether it’s adding some orange and purple string lights, draping spooky cobwebs, sticking on some scary (removable) decals, or going all out with multiple forms of décor, customers are sure to enjoy your take on the holiday.
4. Set up at Trunk-or-Treats
One great spot for local food truck vendors to set up this season is at trunk-or-treating events.
These fun gatherings draw a crowd because they offer a safe space for trick-or-treating. They are also a great option for families that may live too far from their neighbors.
All that walking around collecting candy, coupled with the time of day these events usually take place, means that families will be looking for some filling food, making it a great spot for your truck.
5. Give Out Candy
If you’re participating in a trunk-or-treat, don’t forget to bring your candy! When little ones get close for a treat, so will their parents.
One look at your menu might be all it takes to get them to hop in line and grab a snack. Having a few quick serve items that people can enjoy with one hand will play to your advantage—think donuts, sliders, egg rolls, etc. And be sure to include a few hot drinks, like spiced cider or hot chocolate, for when people are looking to warm up.
6. Offer Discounts or Run a Costume Contest
Another great way to boost sales at a trunk-or-treat event (or anywhere else you might set up this Halloween) is to run your own costume contest. Pick a time, and have competitors—either just kids or kids and adults—line up for the judging.
If you aren’t setting up at Halloween events, you can offer a small discount for anyone who dresses up to visit you. Or, run a social media costume contest, with competitors submitting photos for you to judge. And of course, don’t forget to make the prize a gift card or free meal from your truck.
How Food Truck Vendors Can Take Advantage of Halloween
Whether you mix up your menu or run a costume contest, food truck vendors can take advantage of these tips to maximize sales this Halloween season.
For more tips on boosting sales, check out these social media tips next.
Want more food truck advice? Check out more blog posts here!
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