This past summer was tough for many businesses, including ice cream trucks. Kids missed seeing them around at the beginning of summer, but even as the weather cools we’re starting to see a surge of portable ice cream!

Keep reading to learn how your local ice cream truck is making a comeback, and how you can safely support them!

Technology Boosts Ice Cream Truck Sales

When we were kids we had to wait to hear the iconic song that told us the truck was near. Now, you can look the schedule up online and see where they are. Not only that, but you can also follow them on social media and even text them in some cases to find out when they’ll be near. 

It doesn’t matter that they’ve changed the tune nowadays, it’s no longer needed to find your favorite truck.

Technology has also helped amidst the coronavirus pandemic. Mobile businesses like ice cream trucks can inform people how to safely purchase goods from the truck before they get there. You can post the CDC guidelines so people know how to enjoy their treat while protecting themselves.

Food trucks have been shown to help with social distancing as long as you follow the regulations.

Better Trucks

The trucks used today are much more efficient compared to the trucks of 20 years ago. They’re able to keep food frozen longer, store more ice cream, and offer more ways to serve customers safely. 

More recently, they’ve also been outfitted to comply with local and federal social distancing guidelines. With more windows, you can designate one for paying and one for picking up, meaning you’re able to keep people further apart.

The Rise of Food Delivery

Of course, before the pandemic, we had food delivery services, but that hardly compares to how much food we get delivered now. There are more Americans getting food delivered during the pandemic than any other time period.

It makes sense too, if you can’t leave your home you need to get food delivered to your house. That means sometimes forgoing treats like ice cream or snacks.

However, thanks to ice cream trucks you can get treats right to your home. This is especially great for parents with young children. They don’t really understand what’s going on right now and just want to go out and have fun. 

Thinking of Starting an Ice Cream Truck Business?

It can still be profitable to start an ice cream truck business. If you’ve been thinking about starting one, don’t let the pandemic hold you back from your dreams.

You can get food truck financing to get a beautiful truck fairly easily. Even in the fall, you can be successful with your business if you put your passion in to your work. 

Enjoy Your Treats Today

If you’re craving ice cream now then check out your local ice cream truck today! Be sure to check out our blog for more content.

Want a quote on a truck to start your own ice cream business? Request a free one 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.

The post Is the Neighborhood Ice Cream Truck Making a Comeback? appeared first on Custom Concessions.

There are tons of food truck appliances out there to choose from. Wondering which ones you’ll need? Not to worry! In this guide, we’ll go over how to kit out your truck for your new business.

Food Truck Appliances

Consider a range if you will need to boil, simmer, sauté, or pan-fry any food. A charbroiler is a handy appliance if you want to get those gorgeous grill marks on your protein and vegetables.

Some people buy a microwave so they can warm up side dishes fast or steam vegetables. Only get a griddle if you’re cooking burgers, eggs, or vegetables.

If you are going to sell sandwiches, consider buying a toaster. You can get the perfect texture on your bagels, bread, or English muffins.

One of the most popular items is a fryer. This is an essential appliance. You can cook items like onion rings, chicken tenders, and french fries to start, and then branch out and try more adventurous fried options as you get used to using it.

For any fryers, grills, and commercial ovens, you’ll need ventilation, like an exhaust hood with a fan. These get vented to the outdoors so you and your employees aren’t breathing in fumes. You’ll also want a sprinkler system for your stovetops in case of fire. 

Warming Equipment

If you want to keep your menu items warm for your customers, invest in holding equipment like a holding cabinet or countertop warmer. Holding cabinets will keep your food at a safe temperature, while countertop warmers are good for items like vegetables, pasta, or casseroles.

You could also look into getting a fry dump station. This will keep your fries warm after they’ve finished cooking in your fryer.

What About Food Prep Tools?

When setting up your food truck, you’ll need areas for storing and prep work. You won’t have a ton of space, so you’ll need to get creative. Think about what kind of food you will prepare.

You may need a separate area for preparing bulk food like pasta or soups. If you’re making individual portions, like fried food baskets, pizza or sandwiches, you’ll need more space.

Consider getting a stainless steel work table. You’ll use this a lot for when you’re prepping food.

Pick up cutting boards and knives. Don’t forget to get a food processor, thermometer, and a french fry cutter.

Refrigeration Equipment

You’ll most likely need have a fridge, and depending on what you plan to serve, you might also want a freezer or a drink cooler. These types of large appliances will be bolted in place to keep you and your employees safe.

Another good option is an under-counter refrigerator. These serve a dual purpose as food storage and another work surface.

If you sell a lot of salads or sandwiches, consider getting a prep table refrigerator. This way, you’ll have individual compartments dedicated to all the toppings, sauces, and condiments you need.

Contact Us Today

We hope you found this guide on appliances helpful. Consider what you will be cooking and selling at your truck—this will help you pick out what food truck appliances you’ll need. And don’t forget to install and understand some of the safety equipment you’ll need for your 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.

The post Food Truck Appliances 101: A Handy Checklist appeared first on Custom Concessions.