Food Truck Owner Archives - Custom Concessions https://www.customconcessions.com/tag/food-truck-owner/ Mon, 02 Aug 2021 17:36:59 +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 Owner Archives - Custom Concessions https://www.customconcessions.com/tag/food-truck-owner/ 32 32 How to Make Your Vehicle Stand Out at a Food Truck Festival http://www.customconcessions.com/how-to-make-your-vehicle-stand-out-at-a-food-truck-festival/ Mon, 02 Aug 2021 17:36:06 +0000 https://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13851 As of 2018, there were almost 6,000 food truck establishments. That number has doubled since 2013! Are you thinking about offering your food at the next local food truck festival? Then you’ll want to know how to make your vehicle stand out from the crowd. Read on for our best tips! Make Sure […]

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mini food truck selling frozen yogurt

As of 2018, there were almost 6,000 food truck establishments. That number has doubled since 2013!

Are you thinking about offering your food at the next local food truck festival? Then you’ll want to know how to make your vehicle stand out from the crowd. Read on for our best tips!

Make Sure Your Branding Is on Point

When you think of major food brands, what pops into your mind? With McDonald’s, it’s the golden arches—with Wendy’s, it’s their red-haired mascot.

Having strong branding means people will quickly recall your business name and image. What does this mean for you? You need to make sure the branding on your food truck is on point.

Often, the best thing is to keep things simple but striking. This strategy gives you maximum impact and also minimizes confusion.

Use a Vehicle Wrap to Attract Attention

A vehicle wrap is an excellent way to not only attract attention, but also to bring your branding to life. You’ll want something that stands out, but make sure you keep it in line with your branding to form a cohesive message.

Lettering on the vehicle wrap should be large enough to see in a crowd or from a moderate distance. The text might look plenty big when you’re standing right next to it, but take into consideration how big it needs to be for someone to see from a good ways. That way, you’ll draw in more potential customers.

The same goes for any images you use. If you have an exterior TV menu with food photos, make sure they are large enough for people to see from farther back in the line.

Perk up the Front of Your Food Truck Area

People don’t just attend food truck festivals to stuff their faces. They go for the overall experience, which is why you’ll often find entertainment such as bands, piano players, and more at the best food truck festival in town.

To add to this atmosphere, you might want to consider sprucing up the area right around your food truck.

For example, if you’re selling lobster rolls, you can expand on this theme by placing beach chairs and umbrellas up front. For an extra touch, you can even put a few beach balls around and have a sprinkle of sand on the ground.

The sky is the limit, just make sure any extra flair you add complements your branding, and that it’s allowed per festival rules.

Stand Out at the Next Food Truck Festival

Now know what you can do to make your vehicle stand out at your next food truck festival!

While it’s true that your food should speak for itself, good marketing is a way to snag first-time customers. Otherwise, your food won’t even get the chance to reach people’s palates. Branding piques their interest; your amazing food is what keeps them coming back again and again.

Looking to upgrade your food truck? Get in touch with us now!

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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7 Reasons You Should Open a Food Truck http://www.customconcessions.com/7-reasons-you-should-open-a-food-truck/ Mon, 07 Jun 2021 06:00:00 +0000 http://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13675 There are thousands of food trucks in America doing roughly $2.7 billion worth of business per year. Food trucks have become a growing fad, often found on busy street corners, at special events, and more. Wondering whether it’s too late to join in and open a food truck? We can safely say […]

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Close-up of a hand picking up meatballs from a food truck

There are thousands of food trucks in America doing roughly $2.7 billion worth of business per year. Food trucks have become a growing fad, often found on busy street corners, at special events, and more.

Wondering whether it’s too late to join in and open a food truck? We can safely say that’s not the case! First-time restauranteurs will have an easier go of this type of mobile business, and it’s a great way to get started in the culinary world. Check out these 7 reasons to open your own food truck.

1. Low Initial Investment

Unlike a traditional restaurant, a food truck can be a great option for anyone who doesn’t want to put down a hefty lump sum. The main cost, as you might expect, is when you purchase a food truck—which is still significantly cheaper than paying for a large indoor space!

This means you can put more of your money toward what matters, like marketing your business or crafting the perfect menu.

2. Low Operating Costs

Even after you start your food truck business, you’ll find that the low overhead allows you to keep more of what you make. Food trucks require a small staff, and your expenses are typically limited to ingredients, supplies and equipment, and gas. Don’t forget about the lower (and easier) taxes!

3. Freedom to Move

This is one of the most obvious benefits of a food truck business. When you aren’t attracting customers in your current location, when you want to follow the crowds to a local event, or when you want a change of scenery, all you need to do is drive away!

4. Customer Connections

Food trucks create a casual, interactive experience. This lets you connect with customers directly, rather than having them interact with a server only. This (in addition to your mouthwatering food) can help you convert customers into true fans, prompting them to recommend you to friends.

5. Effortless Branding

Whether you’re extending an existing restaurant business or starting a new brand of your own, you can’t go wrong with a mobile food truck. As you drive around from place to place, your truck will act as a moving billboard, advertising your company, and increasing brand awareness in your community.

6. Fewer Employees

With most business opportunities and restaurants, you’ll have to hire, train, and manage a full staff. This can be a huge drain on your time, and it can make it difficult to catch employee mistakes. However, a small team is easier to train. You can spend more time with them, and the time you’ll need to manage them is much less than it would be with a full staff.

7. Follow Your Dream and Work With Food

One of the great points about owning your own food truck? You get to spend all day being creative with food! If you consider cooking to be your passion, you’ll get to follow that dream every day you open for business.

Get on Track to Open a Food Truck Today

If you want to make great food, own your own business, and connect with your community, there are few better ways than a food truck! Once you’ve decided to open a food truck, don’t forget to keep us in mind as you consider your next steps. We offer a huge range of food trucks for a spectrum of industry needs, so check out what we offer.

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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Should I Stay Or Should I Go: 4 Food Truck Safety Tips http://www.customconcessions.com/should-i-stay-or-should-i-go-4-food-truck-safety-tips/ Mon, 31 May 2021 06:00:00 +0000 https://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13745 The food truck industry has surprisingly grown by 7.9% from 2019 to 2020. This might seem surprising, considering the hard hit that COVID-19 dealt the restaurant industry, but food trucks are a whole different game. The fact that they can easily accommodate social distancing protocols may be one factor contributing to their popularity. With […]

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exclamation mark warning sign painted on an orange wall

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash 

The food truck industry has surprisingly grown by 7.9% from 2019 to 2020. This might seem surprising, considering the hard hit that COVID-19 dealt the restaurant industry, but food trucks are a whole different game. The fact that they can easily accommodate social distancing protocols may be one factor contributing to their popularity.

With that in mind, food truck safety has never been a more pressing or important issue. What can you do to keep yourself and your customers safe?

Keep reading to find out!

1. Fighting the Weather

Food trucks and bad weather are a combination no business owner or customer wants to see, but it’s a cold (and wet) reality. Food trucks receive exposure to even more of mother nature’s bounty than permanent structures. This can include strong gusts, hail, snow, heavy rain, and even lightning.

As the owner of a business that will be significantly impacted by adverse weather, you should always be up to date on the latest forecast.

Some excellent resources for weather include:

If your local area sees heavy snow in winter, make sure to winterize your truck. Even if your local weather isn’t severe during the colder months, you’re not off the hook. If you plan to travel to colder climes for winter festivals you’ll still need to do some winterizing research. Not planning in advance could cost you a lot of time and money in repairs until your business is ready to reopen.

2. Make Sure to Legally Cover Yourself

If you plan to feed protesters, law enforcement, employees on strike, or “permanent replacements,” make sure you have covered yourself—legally, and otherwise.

Feeding protesters is a form of activism. It could even be considered a promotion of human rights—though it can open you to legal problems and risk personal safety. For example, the Black Lives Matter movement that escalated throughout 2020 saw several food truck operators get arrested while distributing meals.

Of course, it’s entirely up to your own discretion to decide how much risk you are willing to take, and what causes you are willing to support with your food truck activism. Just remember: any time you take a risk, there could be unintended or unforeseen consequences.

3. Keep Clear of Risky Driving

Just because everyone loves food trucks doesn’t mean that you don’t need to be safe on the road. Last year, over 40,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes.

As a larger vehicle that has less capability to react quickly in a sticky traffic situation, you carry more risk. Not to mention your livelihood is wrapped up in the integrity of your vehicle.

Identify blind spots, get to know the dimensions of your vehicle intimately, know where and when you can set up, and get proper permits and licenses.

4. Kitchen Risks in a Truck

While your food truck is first and foremost a vehicle, everyone also knows you’ll have to struggle with all the same issues any kitchen does.

Keeping proper food truck safety standards regarding the quality and integrity of your food is a given.

However, safety precautions for normal kitchens should also be assessed. Things such as smoke inhalation, preventing cuts and burns in a small space, and identifying slip-and-fall zones, should all be priorities. Add to that heat-stroke and cold-weather exposure risks. You have a lot to think about as far as safety is concerned.

Make sure to have first-aid kits at the ready and a plan for putting out electrical or oil fires.

Food Truck Safety: On the Go

Be sure that food truck safety for you and your customers is number one. All the success in the world can’t protect you from being unprepared for the whole realm of food truck hazards.

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 to Make Your Food Truck Stand Out From the Crowd http://www.customconcessions.com/how-to-make-your-food-truck-stand-out-from-the-crowd/ Mon, 19 Apr 2021 06:00:00 +0000 http://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13670 You can’t afford to blend into the crowd. With the growing popularity of food trucks, it can be difficult to cut through the static. There’s no reason to worry because there’s plenty you can do to stand out from the crowd. Keep reading below to learn how to set yourself […]

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man and woman buying food from a food truck

Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels

You can’t afford to blend into the crowd.

With the growing popularity of food trucks, it can be difficult to cut through the static. There’s no reason to worry because there’s plenty you can do to stand out from the crowd.

Keep reading below to learn how to set yourself apart in the food truck industry. Use these tips as your guide!

Create a Cohesive, Consistent Brand

To establish a successful food truck business, you’ll need to first create a brand. Think about what kind of food you want to serve, what mood you want to create, and who you want to sell the food to.

Make sure you have a catchy business name, and you can even come up with your own tagline to promote your food. Work with a graphic designer to come up with a logo, and get it put on your truck with a nice wrap. 

Once you create your brand, make sure it looks like it flows well between your physical truck, business cards, and social media. No matter where you pop up, you want to be instantly recognized every time. You can’t switch things up on people. 

Grow a Social Media Following

Advertising on social media is crucial. Make regular posts highlighting your dishes, and create fun Instagram stories advertising your location and hours for each day.

You want to make sure people are able to quickly find out where you’re located for the day. 

Make Your Food Truck Approachable

Think of fun ways to bring people to your truck. You can do this by incorporating fun colors, propping up signs, and playing music. You could also think about stringing up lights for some ambiance.

Make sure to treat your customers like family. They’ll feel comfortable each time they come back, and they’ll be sure to refer other friends to you. 

If you feel the business has been a bit slow, create a special of the day to advertise on a sign on a nearby sidewalk. Make sure to write clearly with bold colors. 

Stand Out From the Crowd: Food Truck Edition

You can’t afford to sink back into the crowd. Stand out from the crowd with your new and improved food truck.

Make sure to create a cohesive brand, including a memorable logo. Utilize social media as much as possible, and always update your followers on your location each day. No matter where you are, keep the truck exciting and approachable.

Are you inspired to own a food truck? Check out our site to get your own truck today. Contact us today with any questions.

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 Ways for Food Truck Owners to Deal With Upset Customers http://www.customconcessions.com/5-ways-for-food-truck-owners-to-deal-with-upset-customers/ Mon, 05 Apr 2021 06:00:00 +0000 http://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13575 Upset customers are inevitable no matter what part of the foodservice industry you work in, including if you own a food truck. How you deal with them is key to your success as a business owner. Do you own a food truck? Are you thinking of buying one or entering […]

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black and white photo of people holding upset emojis over their faces

Photo: Rawpixel

Upset customers are inevitable no matter what part of the foodservice industry you work in, including if you own a food truck. How you deal with them is key to your success as a business owner.

Do you own a food truck? Are you thinking of buying one or entering the service industry in another capacity? You will need to know how to handle these situations.

Remember, word of mouth is key to growing a new business. If you are rude to unhappy customers, you will garner a business-damaging reputation.

Read on for five ways to deal with angry customers.

1. The Customer Is Never Wrong, Right?

Customer service is as important as any other aspect of the food service business.

The common phrase is that the customer is always right. A better way to think about this when dealing with upset customers in foodservice is that rather than always being right, the customer is never wrong.

Every customer has different tastes and expectations. If they think your food is salty, under or overcooked, they are not wrong. It’s how they feel or what they think.

Understanding this key difference will give you the right mindset to succeed in customer satisfaction.

2. Drop Your Defenses

You may have spent hard hours planning your menu, prepping, and preparing the food you serve on any given day. Because of this, you may take a customer complaint personally.

Don’t fall into this trap. While you should be proud of the food you serve, you need to drop your defensiveness when dealing with an angry customer.

These interactions, like interactions you have with happy customers, are business transactions.

3. Really Listen

Food truck customer service is like any other form of customer service. When people have a complaint, they want to be heard.

To effectively deal with angry or upset customers, brush up on your listening skills.  Diffuse an antagonistic situation by looking someone in the eyes to let them know what they say is important to you.

4. Own the Complaint

Whether you feel you are actually responsible for a customer complaint doesn’t matter. The customer has come and complained to you.

As the owner of a food truck business, the buck stops with you no matter the nature of the complaint.

The best way to own a complaint is to offer a sincere apology. Apologizing is a huge step toward resolving any issue.

5. Offer a Solution

In foodservice, the de-escalation of an upset customer comes down to a solution. After you’ve listened and apologized, you need to be willing to offer a solution to the problem, and quickly.

Sometimes this means preparing a new dish. This may not be possible in the tight confines of a food truck where many dishes have been prepped and batched for service.

In this case, if an alternative is available, offer it at no additional cost.

Sometimes neither of these solutions will appease an angry customer. If so, you must give a refund.

Upset Customers

Upset customers are inevitable in the foodservice business. How you deal with them plays an important role in the success of your food truck.

There are plenty of food truck businesses that offer great food. To set yourself apart, make sure you treat your customers with respect.

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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Tips for Starting a Food Truck in 2021 http://www.customconcessions.com/tips-for-starting-a-food-truck-in-2021/ Fri, 02 Apr 2021 19:27:09 +0000 http://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13664 Did you know that 19% of Americans have reported eating more junk food than they should? We live in a world driven by convenience, so it’s no surprise that Americans turn to fast food and junk food for meals. However, food trucks give diners the option of a fast, well-cooked meal. Starting […]

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two people buying food from a food truck in the city

Did you know that 19% of Americans have reported eating more junk food than they should?

We live in a world driven by convenience, so it’s no surprise that Americans turn to fast food and junk food for meals. However, food trucks give diners the option of a fast, well-cooked meal.

Starting a food truck can be overwhelming to new business owners though. Luckily, there are a few tricks that can streamline the process!

Keep reading our guide below for five of the best food truck tips for 2021!

1. Food Truck Networking: Connect With Your Community

The easiest way to establish yourself in the food truck market is to connect with your community. Through meaningful in-person conversations and friendly social media outreach, communication with others is key to building your reputation.

Reaching out to your community also opens you up to a plethora of new opportunities. You may find the chance to move into the catering sector by networking with community leaders. You can also learn about potential events hosted by business professionals requiring food services.

2. Give Yourself a Buffer Budget

Many people only provide enough cushion room to last for the first few weeks or months of their food truck business. To stay afloat, it’s wise to prepare enough funding to last you through your first year in business.

Unexpected costs often catch food truck owners off guard. For example, it’s nearly impossible to buy in bulk because you won’t have the room to store your product. Many food truck owners also have to rent out space in a commercial kitchen to do meal prep, which can come at an unexpected cost.

3. Marketing Food Truck Tips: Build Your Brand

The best way to develop more consistent relationships with your customers is by building your brand. Claim an identity and continue to develop it.

When promoting your business through social media, develop a brand voice, and stick with it across platforms. Whether it’s goofy or more professional, make sure your brand’s identity rings true to your company’s ideals.

4. Invest in a Good Truck

This may seem like the most obvious of food truck tips, but many people skimp out when it comes to buying a reliable food truck.

You’ll be spending most of your workday inside the truck, so you’ll want to purchase a reliable and functional model. Because you are relying on your truck to keep your business operation, reliability is a very important attribute to keep in mind.

5. Do Your Research

In order to secure as many customers as possible, you’ll want to do a fair amount of research before starting a food truck. It’s important to conduct market research specifically on the area and local food truck market.

Which types of foods are already being served via food trucks? Which areas get the most foot traffic?

These types of questions will help you develop an idea of which foods and locations will be most profitable. 

Hitting the Road

You’ll hit plenty of roadblocks when starting a food truck. However, that shouldn’t hold you back from pursuing this unique endeavor! The food truck tips above will help you flesh out the finer details of your business plan.

For more articles on the food truck industry, check out the rest of our blog! Looking for a high-quality truck of your own? Contact us for a 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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Top 6 Reasons Food Trucks Fail http://www.customconcessions.com/top-6-reasons-food-trucks-fail/ Wed, 13 Jan 2021 16:45:56 +0000 http://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13522 Photo by Jess Vide from Pexels Food truck businesses are still going strong even in the wake of COVID-19. However, that doesn’t mean mobile businesses are easy to run. To be successful, you need to be prepared. Keep reading to learn about the top 6 reasons food trucks fail and how to avoid them.  1. […]

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food truck with signs and surfboards parked underneath palm trees

Photo by Jess Vide from Pexels

Food truck businesses are still going strong even in the wake of COVID-19. However, that doesn’t mean mobile businesses are easy to run. To be successful, you need to be prepared.

Keep reading to learn about the top 6 reasons food trucks fail and how to avoid them. 

1. You Lack a Brand Identity

Major companies can be identified by a single logo or a three-word tagline. How? They built their brand identity from the beginning and stuck to it.

If you don’t have a solid idea of your brand identity, neither will your customers. It will be difficult for them to talk or post about you (word of mouth is the best form of advertising), and you won’t stand out against your competition. When planning your food truck business strategy, make sure you have a clear idea of your concept, style, and what you have to offer.

2. You Don’t Have a Business Plan 

We’ve all heard the statistics of how often small businesses fail. One reason why is having lack of direction and a good business plan. A business plan maps out the future of your investment and takes unexpected events into account.

You should draft a business plan with a professional and determine your goals. This will keep you focused and help you succeed.

3. You’re In Over Your Head 

You’ve decided to get into the food truck business because you’ve heard it’s a pretty profitable endeavor, and hey, who doesn’t like food? You did your research, have your grand opening, but you’re not seeing a profit. You could be in over your head. 

It’s easy to skip over crucial steps when planning to open a mobile business. If you went ahead with your idea without a business plan, understanding the demographics of your area, or preparing for inconvenient expenses, you’re setting yourself up for failure. 

4. You Don’t Know the Market

If you’re looking to break into the street food business, you need to know your market. Market trends fluctuate over time; people’s interests in food trends can change nearly overnight. You need to know what the demand is like in your area, as well as the market in general. 

Plant-based food surged in popularity in 2019, and CBD-infused food and drink dominated 2020. You’ll need to be aware of these trends, regardless of whether you chose to jump on the bandwagon or not. 

5. You Don’t Have the Right Employees

Your employees need to have the skills to work on your food truck, but they also need good customer service skills. Just like restaurants or stores, food trucks also have loyal customers. Hire friendly, well-trained people to represent your business. 

6. You Aren’t Consistent

Customers expect consistency in service as well as the quality of food. Even if your food truck has a basic menu, all cooks should know how to cook it the same way. One poor experience could turn away a loyal customer for good.

Avoid These Reasons Food Trucks Fail

If your dream is to open a mobile food truck business, you have a lot of planning to do. You need to make sure you have a solid brand identity, a business plan, and the right people working with you. Avoid these 6 mistakes and you will be on your way to success. 

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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