food truck menu Archives - Custom Concessions https://www.customconcessions.com/tag/food-truck-menu/ Mon, 22 Nov 2021 20:18:15 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 http://www.customconcessions.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/cropped-Fav-32x32.jpg food truck menu Archives - Custom Concessions https://www.customconcessions.com/tag/food-truck-menu/ 32 32 How to Upsell in Your Food Truck Business—Without Pestering Customers http://www.customconcessions.com/how-to-upsell-in-your-food-truck-business-without-pestering-customers/ Mon, 22 Nov 2021 20:10:02 +0000 https://www.customconcessions.com/?p=14462 Sales—even food truck sales—are all about probability. The probability of selling to a new customer is 5-20%, while the probability of selling to an existing customer is 60-70%.  This is why upselling is so important.  Upselling is the art of convincing your customers to upgrade their order to a better, more expensive, […]

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food displayed on food truck window

Sales—even food truck sales—are all about probability. The probability of selling to a new customer is 5-20%, while the probability of selling to an existing customer is 60-70%. 

This is why upselling is so important. 

Upselling is the art of convincing your customers to upgrade their order to a better, more expensive, higher quality option. If done right, it can increase your profits, and enhance the customer experience. If done wrong, it can be seriously annoying.

This article will teach you all you need to know about how to upsell in the food truck business, without pestering your trusted customers. 

An Offer They Can’t Refuse 

The first thing to remember is that you have to make sure your upselling will enhance your customer’s dining experience.

Your customers probably won’t want to buy whatever you’re upselling if it doesn’t sound appetizing. If you upsell a loyal customer something they don’t like, they probably won’t order it again. You might even lose their business. 

It’s extremely important to focus on the customer’s experience rather than your profit. Focusing on your profit will work for a little while. But it will only hurt you in the long run if it doesn’t benefit the customers. 

So make them an offer they can’t refuse. 

Teach your service staff how to make your products sound delectable. Make sure they know all the menu items intimately, so they can make adjustments on the fly. A good employee should be able to recognize regular customers and offer them products—like side dishes—that they know the customers will enjoy. 

As long as the customer comes first in your mind, your upselling will enhance the customer’s experience rather than hindering it. Look at the successful example of the Dollar Shave Club. They provide enticing, quality options for customers to add at their leisure, without harassing them.  

Get Specific 

Okay, so we realize that you’re probably not out there trying to upsell by asking—would you like more food with that? But are you getting specific enough? 

Specificity sells. You have to remember that the more particular you get about a product, the more likely you are to get customers. 

A food truck is something people go to on the fly, usually as a treat. They enjoy the experience of getting high-quality food out of a vehicle that looks clean and professional. 

Customers are coming to your food truck for a positive, food-loving atmosphere, so if your employee smiles and offers them something refreshing and cold on a hot day, you’re very likely to get that upsell. 

Teach Your Employees How to Upsell 

In business, profitability is all about probability—and you have a higher probability of selling to people who are already buying from you. In other words, you don’t necessarily need to grow your business by attracting other customers, you can start by selling your current customers more.

Once you’ve learned to make your customers an offer they can’t refuse and get specific, you’re well on your way to learning how to upsell. 

Looking to start your first food truck? For more information, contact us today. 

Want more food truck advice? Check out more blog posts here!

Thinking about starting a food truck? Request a free custom quote and one of our food truck specialists will help you design the truck of your dreams.

Stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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4 Valuable Summer Season Preparation Tips for Your Food Truck Company http://www.customconcessions.com/4-valuable-summer-season-preparation-tips-for-your-food-truck-company/ Mon, 14 Jun 2021 06:00:00 +0000 https://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13790 The summer season is potentially the most profitable time of year for a food truck company. There are more outdoor events, and people naturally spend more time outside in the hot and sunny weather. However, if you are unprepared, you could miss out on huge business opportunities. Fortunately, you can […]

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white food truck parked on city street

Photo by Rachel Claire from Pexels

The summer season is potentially the most profitable time of year for a food truck company. There are more outdoor events, and people naturally spend more time outside in the hot and sunny weather.

However, if you are unprepared, you could miss out on huge business opportunities. Fortunately, you can take several key steps to ensure you work efficiently and maximize your profits.

Read on for 4 essential summer season food truck tips and tricks.

Prepare for the Season

Because the weather is more favorable, you could be attending events and posting up at outdoor locations every day during summertime. It’s important to look after your health by keeping your air conditioning unit in good mint. 

Also, you can’t afford for fridges or ice makers to stop working in the heat. Food could go off more quickly, in which case you might have to leave a busy location early. You don’t want to miss out on those potential sales! It’s important to check these appliances before and after every use.

Cleanliness is vital for a food truck business. While it’s crucial for your appearance, it’s even more important for food safety. Use a food truck cleaning list to ensure you don’t miss any areas, and give your truck a deep clean before the busy season. 

By keeping a regular maintenance routine, you can make sure your truck is ready for the whole season.

Look Out for Events

There are endless opportunities to attend music concerts, sporting events, outdoor cinemas, and other popular events in the summertime.

Try to free up some time each week to go onto Facebook groups, local authority websites, and even check on shop noticeboards. Form relationships with other business owners who can keep you in the loop about local events.

If you can find an opportunity your competitors don’t know about, you could make a healthy profit and boost your reputation within the local community.

Seasonal Menu for your Food Truck Company 

Choosing a menu isn’t quite as simple as offering what you think customers might like in warmer weather. You also need to consider current popular trends! And you might want to keep in mind that summer is also diet season for some people. 

Look online to see what’s popular. You may find a new juice drink or a popular type of Mediterranean salad that is all the rage.

You can install new equipment for different foods and beverages before it’s time to meet your hungry customers. This can give you an edge over your competition. 

Connect With Customers

An important step when connecting with the modern-day customer is to advertise on social media. Regularly take high-quality photographs of your food and post them on multiple platforms.

Many businesses think this is enough, but the best food trucks take it further. Post questions about what people want to eat to get engagement. If you offer healthy meals, explain why it is good for the customer.

The more detailed information you provide, the more likely a customer will choose your food truck for their needs.

Don’t Get Beat by the Summer Heat

Don’t let summer go by without taking advantage of the benefits it holds for your food truck company. 

Want to expand your food truck fleet or open your first truck? Contact us for a free quote on your custom truck!

Want more food truck advice? Check out more blog posts here!

Thinking about starting a food truck? Request a free custom quote and one of our food truck specialists will help you design the truck of your dreams.

Stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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Get Your Food Truck Ready for Summer In 6 Easy Steps http://www.customconcessions.com/get-your-food-truck-ready-for-summer-in-6-easy-steps/ Mon, 24 May 2021 06:00:00 +0000 https://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13758 Summer is the busiest season in the food truck industry, so make sure you’re prepared to handle the rush and take advantage of maximum profits. Before the summer kicks off it’s important to get your food truck in good shape, plan a seasonal menu, and strategize your marketing efforts.  Follow […]

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glass of ice water on a picnic table in the sun

Photo by picjumbo.com from Pexels

Summer is the busiest season in the food truck industry, so make sure you’re prepared to handle the rush and take advantage of maximum profits. Before the summer kicks off it’s important to get your food truck in good shape, plan a seasonal menu, and strategize your marketing efforts. 

Follow these six tips on how to get your food truck ready for summer to have the biggest season yet.

1. Get Your Food Truck Maintenance Done Early

Before summer kicks off, make sure your food truck is in top shape so you don’t have to slow down for repairs and maintenance during the busy season. Take care of the oil change, check the tires, fill up the fluids, flush holding tanks, and get any other needed repairs done.

2. Keep Your Truck Cool

Make sure your food truck’s AC is operating smoothly before the long summer days start. The last thing you want is for food to go bad or to overheat your employees working all-day outdoor events. 

Stock a fridge with drinks and refreshments just for your employees to help keep them cool for their entire shift. To keep your food safe, be sure and keep items within recommended temperature ranges.

3. Switch Up Your Menu

No matter what style of food you serve, you should start offering menu options that play off the summer season. Think about cool drinks, refreshing snack options, and frozen desserts to beat the heat. A seasonal menu will keep your customers’ attention and leave them wanting more.

4. Build Community Through Your Social Media

Summer is a great time to build a community around your food truck since you’ll encounter the most customers during this season. Before it starts, post fun challenges on your social media pages and offer coupons for customers who complete the challenges. When summer rolls around, they can use those coupons at one of your events. 

For the challenges, you can have your followers share your social media pages with friends so you get more exposure.

5. Invest in Promotional Swag

You’ll be in front of more customers during the summer months than any other time of year, so take advantage of promotional swag to spread brand awareness. Stickers and pens are great options to giveaway to customers for free, and make sure you outfit your staff with crisp new t-shirts for summer. 

6. Plan a Summer Kick-Off

Memorial Day is typically seen as the start of the summer season, so make sure you have events lined up for Memorial Day weekend. Promote it as your food truck’s “kick-off” to the season with special discounts and incentives to increase customer turn out. Make it a party and set the tone for how the rest of the season will be so that your customers will want to keep coming back all summer long.

Get Your Food Truck Ready for Summer

Your business will have a successful and memorable season with these ideas to get your food truck ready for summer. For more tips on running your food truck business all year round, check out the rest of our blog.

Want more food truck advice? Check out more blog posts here!

Thinking about starting a food truck? Request a free custom quote and one of our food truck specialists will help you design the truck of your dreams.

Stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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Food Truck Cuisine: The Best Foods to Add to Your Menu http://www.customconcessions.com/food-truck-cuisine-the-best-foods-to-add-to-your-menu/ Mon, 17 May 2021 06:00:00 +0000 http://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13679 Keep on trucking.  The food truck industry is growing rapidly. It is valued at more than one billion dollars, with nearly 25,000 businesses on the road.  If you want to run an affordable and fun restaurant, a food truck is perfect for you. But you are going to have a […]

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burger in a to-go basket

Keep on trucking. 

The food truck industry is growing rapidly. It is valued at more than one billion dollars, with nearly 25,000 businesses on the road. 

If you want to run an affordable and fun restaurant, a food truck is perfect for you. But you are going to have a lot of competition. How can you stand out? 

Here is a guide to the most popular foods in food truck cuisine. 

Burgers

Burgers are an all-American classic. They’re easy to make. Throw some beef on a grill, brown it on both sides, then slide it in between two pieces of bread. 

Yet there are thousands of street trucks selling burgers. To be successful, you will need to put a spin on your burgers. 

Use bison, ostrich, turkey, or lamb. These meats are healthier than beef, and far fewer trucks sell them. 

Top your burgers with interesting cheeses, like sharp cheddar, Swiss, or feta. Add other interesting toppings like bacon, avocado, and fresh-made sauces. Use potato rolls and French bread instead of white burger rolls. 

You’ll also want to have creative sides. Sell loaded fries, poutine, and baked potatoes. 

Pizza

Pizza is only second to burgers as the most popular street food. It’s also simple. Put some cheese and sauce on some dough and throw it in the oven. 

But people want more than Prego sauce and shredded mozzarella. Make your own tomato sauce. Infuse crushed tomatoes with onions, garlic, and fresh spices—or try something different to put a unique spin on your pies.

Spice things up a bit: try using freshly sliced buffalo mozzarella as your cheese. Top your pizzas with fresh meats and vegetables.

For best results, cook your pizzas in a wood-fired oven. Let your customers see you roll dough, prepare toppings, and bake their pizzas. The more authentic the pizza is, the more they will want to buy it. 

Curry

Curry is popular throughout Asia for its affordability and strong flavors. Few food trucks sell curry in the United States, so you will stand out all the more for selling some good ones. 

Stew chicken with ginger, turmeric, coriander, and other spices. Serve over Basmati rice, and side it with naan bread. 

Curry is also a great option if you want to sell vegetarian foods. Stew chickpeas in coconut milk and diced tomatoes. Stir in ginger, cayenne, and lime juice. 

Experiment with sweet potatoes, green beans, and carrots. Curry takes longer to cook than other dishes, but it has rich flavors unmatched in those dishes, and it’s a big crowd pleaser.

Falafel

Falafel is another popular street food in the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia. Like curry, falafel has flavors not found in most American dishes. 

Soak chickpeas in water until they loosen. Dry the chickpeas, then mix them with garlic, onions, and herbs in a food processor. Form them into small balls and deep fry them. 

Serve falafel with tahini sauce and fresh vegetables. Wrap them in a pita for easy transportation. 

Go to the Experts on Food Truck Cuisine

Food truck cuisine is ever-evolving. Keep up with demand by standing out in your marketplace. 

Make burgers made from different meats. Use fresh and premium ingredients in your pizzas. Serve non-American street foods, like curry and falafel. 

Keep searching for new food menu ideas, but be sure and talk to mobile food truck experts before launching any food truck. To get started on your own truck today, contact us for a free quote. 

Want more food truck advice? Check out more blog posts here!

Thinking about starting a food truck? Request a free custom quote and one of our food truck specialists will help you design the truck of your dreams.

Stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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5 Tips to Survive the Unexpected as a Food Truck Owner http://www.customconcessions.com/5-tips-to-survive-the-unexpected-as-a-food-truck-owner/ Tue, 23 Mar 2021 19:25:29 +0000 http://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13650 Did you know that in only three years food truck revenue increased 300% industry-wide?  Food trucks are more popular than ever and owners are making smart decisions to earn money all year long, especially when it comes to preparing for the unexpected. Below we’ve compiled this list of five tips to never get […]

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patrons getting food from a yellow food trailer

Photo by Karen Zeng on Unsplash

Did you know that in only three years food truck revenue increased 300% industry-wide? 

Food trucks are more popular than ever and owners are making smart decisions to earn money all year long, especially when it comes to preparing for the unexpected.

Below we’ve compiled this list of five tips to never get caught off guard. Keep reading to learn more. 

1. Always Have a Back-up Plan for Bad Weather

As the owner of a food truck, you need to stay on top of the weather forecast. Watch local television reports and download a reliable weather app on your smartphone.

Not every forecast is 100% accurate but you should always have a back-up plan to avoid losing business.

2. Develop Business Partnerships To Survive the Unexpected

Always keep an open mind when it comes to expanding your business. One thing you can do is reach out to a major company in your community to see if they will reserve a spot for you. 

This could help develop a steady revenue stream and increase your customer base. Customers will start to expect to see you at that location on certain days.  

3. How Food Trucks Survive the Off-Season With Seasonal Menus

Meal preferences change throughout the year. Customers may love salads or tacos during the summer months but once it gets cold they’ll be desiring soups, casseroles, and hot drinks like coffee or tea. 

You should start switching up your seasonal menus to ensure you’re filling customer demand. It could be as simple as using more seasonal flavors like pumpkin or mulling spices. 

4. Try Catering Local Events During the Winter 

Wondering how to survive the off-season? Many food truck owners will cater over the winter months. They do it on their own or partner with another local business. This is perfect for customers who crave your food all year long.

If you start taking orders, there are a ton of food delivery services to use: Grubhub, Uber Eats, or Doordash. Trying to cater or deliver your food will ensure you don’t lose revenue in the slow months. 

5. Develop Winter Marketing Ideas To Attract New Customers

Every successful business embraces marketing. This is true for food trucks as well. You’ll need to switch up your marketing several times throughout the year to address customer behavior.

Winter is the best time to offer seasonal sales, ramp up your online presence, or expand your business into other areas. 

Marketing tools you should be using include social media apps, an SEO optimized website, local online listings, online ordering, an e-newsletter, and a brand loyalty program. 

Don’t Let the Unexpected Hold You Down

This article should provide you with more ideas on how to survive the unexpected. Besides partnering with local businesses in the bad weather, you can also use social media apps or food delivery services to keep earning when it’s slow. 

Want more food truck advice? Check out more blog posts here!

Thinking about starting a food truck? Request a free custom quote and one of our food truck specialists will help you design the truck of your dreams.

Stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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7 Food Truck Prep Tips For Spring 2021 http://www.customconcessions.com/7-food-truck-prep-tips-for-spring-2021/ Mon, 01 Mar 2021 06:00:00 +0000 http://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13586 Owning a food truck is an exciting venture, but it comes with its challenges. If you own a food truck in a place with harsh winters and shut down or have reduced sales during the off-season, one of those challenges is preparing to restart operations in the spring.  Spring will be here […]

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photo of a worker setting items on a food truck's fold down shelf

Photo by Kampus Production from Pexels

Owning a food truck is an exciting venture, but it comes with its challenges. If you own a food truck in a place with harsh winters and shut down or have reduced sales during the off-season, one of those challenges is preparing to restart operations in the spring. 

Spring will be here before we know it, so make sure your food truck is prepared for maximum growth. Bring your business out of hibernation effectively so you can serve more customers without skipping a beat.

Let’s breakdown seven food truck prep tips for Spring 2021. 

1. Amp Up Your Menu

If you offered a limited selection during the winter slow time, now’s the time to surprise and delight your customers with new options. Get creative and try to offer seasonal foods that will become a staple of springtime.

2. Hit Social Media Hard

If you stepped back on social media because there wasn’t as much going on, now’s the time to boost your online presence so your customers know you’re back in business. Utilize tools that engage with your audience, like polls and question boxes on Instagram.

3. Target Spring Breakers

If hungry spring breakers descend in throngs on your town every March, make a plan to serve them. You could offer special prices and menu items just for spring break, or offer a coupon if they post a picture with your truck on social media.

4. Plan Ahead for Summer

You should start seeing more sales in the spring, but it most likely won’t be up to summer levels yet. Use your time wisely throughout the spring to plan your summer strategy, and start booking outdoor events and festivals coming up in the summer months now. 

5. Offer Seasonal Drinks

Your customers are ready to shake off their winter coats and enjoy warm weather again, so offer them something cool and refreshing to drink. Make it tropical with spring flavors, like cherry, pineapple, or mango. 

6. Sweeten Up Your Menu

Add new dessert items that your customers have been craving all winter, like ice cream sandwiches or gourmet popsicles. They’ll jump at anything that reminds them that summer is coming.

7. Have Fun Experimenting

Things are picking up again, but you won’t be as slammed in spring as you will be in summer. This is a time to test drive menu options and see what works. If there are things you’ve always wanted to try but you weren’t sure how they’d sell, add them to the rotation in the springtime. You may have new hits or you’ll learn what doesn’t work, but either way, it will be fun to experiment before you get too busy.  

Springtime Food Truck Prep Tips for Success

Food truck seasonal challenges are nothing new in this industry, but with a little prep and creativity, your business can thrive during the spring. Have fun trying new things during these months, and don’t forget to take advantage of spring breakers. 

It’s also the perfect time to do food truck prep for your busiest season coming up, summer. For all the tips you need to help your food truck business thrive year-round, check out our blog.

Want more food truck advice? Check out more blog posts here!

Thinking about starting a food truck? Request a free custom quote and one of our food truck specialists will help you design the truck of your dreams.

Stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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How Do Food Truck Chefs Plan Their Menus? http://www.customconcessions.com/how-do-food-truck-chefs-plan-their-menus/ Tue, 22 Sep 2020 20:53:02 +0000 http://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13382 Are you an aspiring food truck chef?  If so, you might be wondering how these mobile eateries select their themes and plan their menus.  In this article, we’ll share our top tips for planning and preparation. And, we’ll help you decide what to serve! Keep reading for more information. Incorporate Familiar Foods […]

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food truck chef preparing tortillas filled with rice and meat on a griddle

Are you an aspiring food truck chef? 

If so, you might be wondering how these mobile eateries select their themes and plan their menus. 

In this article, we’ll share our top tips for planning and preparation. And, we’ll help you decide what to serve! Keep reading for more information.

Incorporate Familiar Foods

Not every guest at your eatery will be looking for fun and trendy menu items. Some people will be looking for basic foods and classic menu items that they recognise. 

Simple dishes like a sandwich, a burger and fries, chicken fingers, or a garden salad might appeal best to these clients. Of course, you’ll want to add your own creative twists to the dish, but don’t go crazy!

Having one meal that appeals to picky eaters and kids is an excellent idea.

Think Outside the Box

Don’t be afraid to add an item to your menu, just because it doesn’t fit in with your theme. Instead, introduce these dishes as specials or limited-time offerings.

It’s ok to color outside the lines from time to time, and if a menu item doesn’t sell well as a special, you can easily remove it from the list. 

You can also consider fusion cooking—the combination of multiple culinary backgrounds to create a totally unique dish. 

Seasonal Eating

If you want to attract customers all year round, you might want to create a seasonal food truck menu. 

For example, you might want to serve a pumpkin spiced dish or two during fall months. Or, add a comforting cup of soup to the menu during wintertime.

Seasonal eating is more than just a trend. Serving each month’s produce at its peak ripeness is healthy, sustainable, and will keep your menu sounding fresh to new guests during every season. 

Add a Unique Twist

If you’re running a classic eatery like a sandwich food truck, you’ll need to make your menu stand out from the competition.

Consider using some interesting or exotic ingredients to spice up basic menu items. This could be something small—like adding an unexpected garnish or sauce. Or, a far-out idea that takes food truck food to the next level!

It’s your restaurant, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

Bottoms Up

Even if your main food truck themes focus on food, you’ll need to add a few beverages to your menu. That way, guests can enjoy a complete meal at your eatery, rather than going elsewhere for a drink.

Consider your climate, location, and client base before adding a drink menu.

In some places, you might need special permitting for drinks like beer and wine. And, depending on the weather in your area, you might be better off serving hot drinks like coffee and tea. 

Think Like a Food Truck Chef

Now that you’ve got some menu inspiration, it’s time to think like a food truck chef and start planning that menu!

And, if you haven’t purchased your truck yet, now is the perfect time to contact us for a free quote request. Our team of industry experts is standing by to help!

Want more food truck advice? Check out more blog posts here!

Thinking about starting a food truck? Request a free custom quote and one of our food truck specialists will help you design the truck of your dreams.

Stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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Small Town Business: How To Succeed With Your Food Truck http://www.customconcessions.com/small-town-business-how-to-succeed-with-your-food-truck/ Tue, 15 Sep 2020 06:00:00 +0000 http://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13374 Photo by Mansoor Del on Unsplash Often times when you hear of someone starting a food truck, they either live in a big city, or they’re planning to move there and make a go of it. But a food truck business can operate successfully in smaller cities and towns as well; […]

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silver food truck parked near a field at sunset

Photo by Mansoor Del on Unsplash

Often times when you hear of someone starting a food truck, they either live in a big city, or they’re planning to move there and make a go of it. But a food truck business can operate successfully in smaller cities and towns as well; you don’t necessarily need to make that big move if you like the small-town atmosphere better.

Read on for a comprehensive guide to making the most of your small town business food truck.

Location

Your food truck’s location is critical to generating repeat sales and overall success. You cannot expect to see enough customers if you are off the beaten path.

Instead, find a main road that town residents often visit. Perhaps near a popular shopping center, in the downtown historic district, or near a major highway for commuters.

Each town has different rules for zoning regarding where you can set up shop. When doing the research to select your location, reach out to your local government to get clearance.

Create a Unique Menu

Each small town has a set of dining staples. It is hard to compete against local spots with a great reputation and a loyal customer base.

One way start building your own customer base is by offering a unique menu. If you offer exciting food items that are not available anywhere else nearby, customers are more likely to come. Since small towns tend to have fewer different types of food on offer, if you bring in something completely new people are bound to be curious and give your treats a try.

Use Digital Marketing

You cannot rely on location alone to attract customers. You need to get the word out in other ways. Social media and e-mail marketing are effective digital marketing measures to reach new and existing customers.

Platforms like Facebook and Instagram provide business owners with a valuable tool. You can generate buzz for your food truck online. Be sure to share high-quality images of your food to attract likes and shares.

Many successful food trucks ask their customers to follow them on social media. You can also collect e-mail addresses at the point of sale. This way, you can mass distribute coupons, specials, and exciting additions to the menu.

Price for Success

A key component to long-term success is finding the right price range for your menu. Of course, you do not want the menu to be overly expensive. Most people do not expect to spend a fortune at a food truck.

At the same time, you need to generate enough revenue to keep the business afloat. The cost of each menu item needs to reflect the labor required and the ingredients included. It is important that you find the right balance between profit and an attractive price.

Succeeding With Your Small Town Business Food Truck

Your food truck is the recipe for navigating these challenging times. Food trucks do not rely on indoor dining to bring in customers and you don’t have to be in a big city to operate one. Instead, you can generate revenue with unique menu items.

If you are interested in purchasing a food truck for your small town business, contact us today to speak with a sales associate.

Want more food truck advice? Check out more blog posts here!

Thinking about starting a food truck? Request a free custom quote and one of our food truck specialists will help you design the truck of your dreams.

Stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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4 Fall Food Truck Tips To Help You Sell More http://www.customconcessions.com/4-fall-food-truck-tips-to-help-you-sell-more/ http://www.customconcessions.com/4-fall-food-truck-tips-to-help-you-sell-more/#comments Thu, 10 Sep 2020 06:00:00 +0000 http://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13366 Photo by Ylanite Koppens from Pexels In the summer when the weather is hot, so are your food truck sales! Everyone knows that food truck sales are at their highest when folks are outside enjoying those beautiful sunny days. That being said, all good things do come to an end. As summer closes, the days will become […]

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decorative photo of assorted fall pumpkins

Photo by Ylanite Koppens from Pexels

In the summer when the weather is hot, so are your food truck sales! Everyone knows that food truck sales are at their highest when folks are outside enjoying those beautiful sunny days.

That being said, all good things do come to an end. As summer closes, the days will become shorter and cooler, and before you know it, fall will arrive. Cooler periods normally mean a dip in customers, and that’s something many food trucks simply can’t afford to have.

The good thing is that there are things you can do to combat that inevitable sales shortfall. What you need are some solid food truck tips and a bit of ingenuity to sell just as many items—or even more—during the cooler times as you did during the warmer seasons. This article goes into detail with what you need to know about navigating fall food truck madness. Read on to learn more!

1. Enter a Contest

A food contest may not sound like something you had in mind, but this is a great way to get your company name out there and make some impressive sales. Most food contests have an entry fee. However, chances are you’ll easily be able to make a return on the investment when you sell your goods at the event. Does your city or county have a chili cook-off? Or a pizza making extravaganza? Signing up to show off your skills will get your name out there, and it’s an even bigger bonus if you win! Consider making sample-sized items of a few of your menu favorites. That way contest-goers can purchase a variety of things to try from your truck. 

2. Take on Catering Gigs

Instead of waiting for the customers to come to you, why don’t you go to them? Catering gigs are becoming a very popular way for food vendors to distribute their goods. Often, food trucks charge a flat rate up front for an appearance at a private event, plus making money on whatever sales go above and beyond that. If you can get in on that big Halloween party in town, the sky is the limit!

3. Find Fall Festivals & Activities

Working a festival can be a great way for your truck to earn some extra income in the fall. You may need to branch out a bit from whatever town you are based in to find places nearby hosting fall events. Once you have secured your spot, think about tailoring your menu a bit to highlight whatever fall food is being celebrated. Working a maple syrup festival? Add a maple bacon burger or maple glazed donuts. 

You could also offer to set up at pop-up fall activities that only last for a limited time, such as your local farm’s corn maze or haunted forest. Nothing makes people hungry like being active out in the cold. Strike up a partnership with the hosts and offer them a percentage of the profits in exchange for the right to sell on their property. Be sure to have a variety of things to choose from, including meal items like soups or hot sandwiches, snacky foods such as popcorn and caramel apples, and hot drinks like apple cider, hot chocolate, or spiced lattes.

4. Add a Delivery Service

Food delivery has become increasingly popular in the last few years, so much so that there is an entire industry dedicated to delivering food to people. By delivering food to your customers, you make cash while also opening up another avenue for service. 

Fall Food Truck Tips

Now that you’ve got a few ideas to help you in the fall, you may have some other questions about the food truck industry! Check out our blog for even more food truck tips.

Want more food truck advice? Check out more blog posts here!

Thinking about starting a food truck? Request a free custom quote and one of our food truck specialists will help you design the truck of your dreams.

Stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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5 Pro Tips for Creating a Unique Food Truck Menu http://www.customconcessions.com/5-pro-tips-for-creating-a-unique-food-truck-menu/ Mon, 27 Jul 2020 06:00:00 +0000 http://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13293 The food truck industry is ready to take flight. Currently, the industry is valued at over $1 billion. However, food trucks hold a distinct advantage in the new normal created by the coronavirus pandemic. Food trucks do not rely on indoor dining to turn a profit. Instead, they can continue to […]

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photo of a lighted menu board at a food truck

The food truck industry is ready to take flight. Currently, the industry is valued at over $1 billion.

However, food trucks hold a distinct advantage in the new normal created by the coronavirus pandemic. Food trucks do not rely on indoor dining to turn a profit.

Instead, they can continue to operate without significant restriction. In addition, they park outdoors which is a safer environment for their customers.

These factors bode well for the continued growth of the food truck industry. With an appealing menu, your food truck business can seize the advantages of these circumstances.

Read on to learn 5 pro tips for developing a stellar menu that draws a crowd.

1. Find a Niche

There is a lot of competition in the food industry. This makes it difficult to break in when many of the most popular foods are covered. You can find good Italian or Chinese food nearly anywhere.

The most successful food trucks find a niche. This niche is a type of food that is not easily available in the local vicinity. For example, you may decide to feature Cuban foods on your food truck if the closest Cuban restaurant to your area is far away.

2. Put Your Own Twist on It

Now that you have a niche, you can build a menu around unique foods in that cuisine, like Cuban sandwiches and empanadas. Offering popular items, however, does not separate you from the pack.

If you want to generate buzz in the local community, try putting your own twist on it. Take a popular item and add a signature flavor or combine two popular items to create a unique mash-up.

3. Offer Homemade Condiments

One way in which you can stand out is by offering unique condiments. The average food truck is going to have the standard condiments like ketchup, mustard, and mayo.

However, there is much to learn from successful institutions like Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy in Orlando. The Boss of Sauce offers over 20 different dips for their chicken.

This variety is driving popularity and interest in the restaurant. People want to come back and try each different sauce.

4. Viral Menu Items

The dream is to create menu items that will go viral on social media. Then the internet will spread the word about your food truck for you.

For social media interest, usually bigger is better. A burger food truck may stack a multi-patty burger doused in cheese and other delicious toppings.

5. Menu Variety

You can build a unique menu by offering variety as well. This does not mean that you offer food items outside your niche.

Instead, start from the bottom up on a three-course meal. Variety means having both appetizers and entrees. If consumers want to try something, they can order something small and inexpensive, but if they want to have a whole meal, there’s the option for that, too.

How to Build a Unique Food Truck Menu

Food trucks are all the rage and only growing in popularity. By offering homemade condiments and Instagram-worthy food items, your food truck will be the talk of the town.

Want more food truck advice? Check out more blog posts here!

Thinking about starting a food truck? Request a free custom quote and one of our food truck specialists will help you design the truck of your dreams.

Stay up to date on everything Custom Concessions has to offer! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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