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.

The post Small Town Business: How To Succeed With Your Food Truck appeared first on Custom Concessions.

Photo: Freepik

Last year, the food truck industry was worth a billion dollars. While current circumstances have halted many restaurants, food trucks are still—well—truckin’. 

Today, there are 25,476 food trucks wheelin’ around unique eats and experiences to communities worldwide. While business has slowed for many, it hasn’t stopped for food trucks.

The value of food trucks may spike this year due to current conditions. Food trucks are apt for social distancing and can abide by safety guidelines.

For consumers missing the dining experience, food trucks are the best bet.

Social Distancing Made Easy

Food trucks epitomize a dine-in-dine-out fusion. If you can’t dine-in and don’t want take-out, food trucks are the latest social distance solution.

Here’s how you can encourage potential customers to support local businesses and also honor social distancing guidelines.

1. They’re Outside

Food trucks were always an outside operation. But now, you can get even more creative with your setup.

Before, it was easy for food trucks to have crowds of people waiting around the truck with no dining area. Now, food trucks can set up designated seating and socially distanced lines.

Even on hot days, your food truck’s social distancing set-up can work to take care of your customers. Providing umbrellas or serving by shaded parks will encourage more people that your food truck is worth the wait.

2. Social Media Presence

A lot of food trucks rely on social media for a following. If this is already a marketing channel you use, it will be that much easier to let customers know what social distancing guidelines your truck and your local government have put in place.

That way, customers know what to expect when they show up. Communicating through social media also limits in-person reminders and allows for more enjoyment.

3. Mobile Apps

Some food trucks take advantage of this tech-focused, social-distancing era with mobile apps. Staying in touch on apps allows you to offer coupons and discounts on your food truck’s fan favorites. 

Being on mobile apps is another way you can keep customers in the know about your truck’s social distancing methods. 

4. Encouraging the Support of Local Businesses

Operating a food truck means getting to know your neighbors and community in a more intimate way.

In a time where people are conscious of where they spend their dollars, why not remind customers that food trucks in your area are local small businesses?

5. Promoting Safe Gatherings

Food trucks are used to being able to set up shop in a variety of locations. But things are different now.

Some have limited their travels and stay in one spot for their loyal customers. Others visit nearby neighborhoods during socially distanced block parties.

Either way, food trucks are tokens of connection. Remind your customers that having a socially distanced meal from their local food truck would be a great way to reconnect with friends they’ve missed while being able to gather safely.

Social Distancing Food Trucks for the Win

Amidst the current social distancing protocol, food trucks remind us of the constants: good food and good people.

Food trucks are providing a new eating environment. Though parking lots may not have fancied you before, more and more places are giving food trucks flexibility as restaurants remain closed in some locales.

Food trucks are flexible, adaptable, and creative. Customers are catching on, which makes social distancing easier. Through it all, it’s obvious the human spirit’s still shining bright.

Interested in opening your own food truck? Call us today to get started on your food truck journey.

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 5 Ways Food Trucks Help With Social Distancing appeared first on Custom Concessions.