Marketing – Custom Concessions http://www.customconcessions.com Mon, 12 Apr 2021 20:25:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8.1 http://www.customconcessions.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/cropped-Fav-32x32.jpg Marketing – Custom Concessions http://www.customconcessions.com 32 32 5 Creative Ideas for Marketing a Food Truck http://www.customconcessions.com/5-creative-ideas-for-marketing-a-food-truck/ Mon, 10 May 2021 06:00:00 +0000 http://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13622 The food truck industry is competitive and challenging to break into. You must have a solid business plan, a good brand identity, and proper advertising. You need to learn how you can stand out. Keep reading for 5 cool and creative ideas for marketing a food truck.  1. Launch a […]

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handwritten text that reads "marketing strategy" on chalkboard with glowing light bulb

The food truck industry is competitive and challenging to break into. You must have a solid business plan, a good brand identity, and proper advertising. You need to learn how you can stand out.

Keep reading for 5 cool and creative ideas for marketing a food truck. 

1. Launch a Social Media Campaign 

In our digital age, you really should have an online presence. However, simply having a Facebook page or posting a few photos to Instagram isn’t going to make your business boom. You need to have the right strategy and launch a social media campaign.

Look into what your competitor’s social media sites are like to gather marketing ideas. What is their brand style? Do they actively engage with their customers often?

From here, you can build your own strategy and think about the content you want to produce. Make sure it is unique and engaging. Monitor your posts and see what works and what doesn’t. 

2. Establish Your Brand Identity 

No matter how good your food is or how well you treat your customers, you’ll just blend into the background if you don’t have a good and memorable brand identity. Use vibrant colors that will help you stand out and get a simple yet unique logo designed. Be careful you don’t go too over to the top and make your menu or advertisements unreadable or unclear.

Once you have your brand established, you can sell or give away promotional items like t-shirts, cups, metal straws, bottle openers, etc. 

3. Hand Out Loyalty Cards and Win Return Customers 

How can you make sure your customers will come back? Hand out loyalty cards. Loyalty cards, such as a “Buy 5, Get 1 Free” promotion, will encourage folks to buy more and to return to your food truck until they complete their card.

You can even use a digital loyalty reward system if you don’t want to hand out physical cards. It’s highly customizable, so you can change your strategy often. It won’t affect your bottom-line. In fact, it will increase your sales and profits. 

4. Get In Ahead of Popular Food Trends 

The video-sharing app TikTok has popularized certain food trends like dalgona coffee, White Claw slushies, and strawberry milk. There’s no shortage of new fads on the rise. While you may not want to base your whole food truck business around one of these, it can certainly be a part of your menu.

There are always new innovations in coffee. This high-in-demand beverage is a good addition. 

5.  Follow National Food Holidays

No, we don’t mean Thanksgiving. There’s a lot of fun food holidays you can celebrate to promote your business and draw in new customers. February 9th is National Pizza Day, and November 1st is World Vegan Day.

You can advertise on social media about these holidays and celebrate with your customers with a fun menu change. 

Marketing a Food Truck Made Easy 

When operating and marketing a food truck, you need to know how to stand out. Launching a social media campaign will help you get the word out about your business. Look at your competitors for inspiration. Learn about what’s popular and follow the trends—and possibly even make your own.

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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How to Use Instagram As a Marketing Tool: A Guide for Food Truck Owners http://www.customconcessions.com/how-to-use-instagram-as-a-marketing-tool-a-guide-for-food-truck-owners/ Mon, 22 Feb 2021 06:00:00 +0000 http://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13548 Thousands of people get lost in the infinite Instagram scroll. We follow friends, family members, and influencers we like on daily basis through the power of social media. It seems like Instagram has taken over the social media world, and it’s become of the most popular apps for our phones. […]

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photo of a person scrolling through food photos on Instagram

Photo by ready made from Pexels

Thousands of people get lost in the infinite Instagram scroll.

We follow friends, family members, and influencers we like on daily basis through the power of social media. It seems like Instagram has taken over the social media world, and it’s become of the most popular apps for our phones.

Because of its popularity, Instagram can be a powerful tool for marketing your food truck. Seeing photos of your delicious dishes and fire graphics wrap is sure to tempt potential customers.

Below is a quick guide for food truck owners on how to use Instagram as a marketing tool. Keep reading, and get ready for a business boost.

Know the Features

Before getting into the details, it’s important to know how to use Instagram. 

Most importantly, know how to use the posting feature. Regularly create posts with witty captions and strategic hashtags

Next, make sure you follow other accounts. Follow other food trucks you like, local businesses, and some of your favorite customers.

You’ll also want to explore the Instagram stories feature. Instagram stories are up for 24 hours at a time. You can create boomerangs, make polls, share music, tag other people, and post pictures. For food truck operators, the story feature can be where you share your current location so customers will know where to find you.

Build Engagement

People love a responsive, engaged business. You’ll be able to connect with locals through the magic of social media. (Tip: Use social media to connect people with your mobile business app.)

Make sure to always tag your location so people can easily find your truck. You can even put your location in your bio section on your profile. Use the story option to update people daily on your location and hours if it changes. 

It’s important to either check your account regularly or turn on your notifications, so you’ll know if a customer tags you in a post. You can share these, if they’re positive, to showcase your customer satisfaction. If a customer posts something negative, it gives you a chance to respond, rectify the situation and possibly gain a loyal patron. 

A great way to engage customers is by creating polls in your stories. Ask people whether they prefer deep dish or thin crust pizza, curly or waffle fries, or sweet tea or lemonade. Polls are a great way to get feedback about your menu or decide on weekly specials.

Create Incentives

Create small incentives like giveaways and rewards for tagging your business. For example, if someone posts a picture of your food truck on Instagram and tags you, give them a coupon or a free food item.

You can also ask followers to share your posts. Make it a contest and randomly draw a lucky winner to receive free meal. Some food trucks have even been creating virtual scavenger hunts by hiding small free meal tickets in their area. They give clues on social media to get people to try and find them.

By creating fun opportunities, you’ll bring in new customers and cement your popularity with loyal diners.

Successful Food Truck Owners Use the Power of Instagram

All food truck owners should be using Instagram to attract customers. It’s simple and effective.

Make sure you know all the features of Instagram and take time to explore them. Build engagement on your profile, and take the time to answer questions and comments. 

Ready to start your first food truck? Check out some of our recent projects to get some ideas. And when you’re ready, request a quote for 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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How to Maximize Holiday Food Truck Sales http://www.customconcessions.com/how-to-maximize-holiday-food-truck-sales/ Fri, 20 Nov 2020 18:07:58 +0000 http://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13464 Photo by Jill Wellington from Pexels Food trucks are more than a trend—they’re a mobile food movement. There’s a place for mobile kitchens and brick and mortar restaurants, but food trucks are gaining momentum. Though thousands of food trucks exist today, they’re not without obstacles. Operators must stay on their toes to keep food truck sales up […]

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festive holiday photo of hot chocolate on a table with gingerbread, ornaments, and a winter hat

Photo by Jill Wellington from Pexels

Food trucks are more than a trend—they’re a mobile food movement. There’s a place for mobile kitchens and brick and mortar restaurants, but food trucks are gaining momentum.

Though thousands of food trucks exist today, they’re not without obstacles. Operators must stay on their toes to keep food truck sales up during the holidays.

There are only 10 federal holidays a year, but every day’s a holiday to someone. Where there are holidays, there’s a food truck opportunity.

If you’re looking to rev up your food truck sales during the holidays, here’s what you need to know.

Food Truck Sales During Holidays

If you own a food truck, holidays can mean one of two things for you. For some, you’ll see an opportunity to sport your food truck around town. For others, you might fear less traffic and that your food truck sales will suffer.

There are two approaches you can take to make sure you stay successful. 

1. Food Truck Festivals

What better time to market yourself than the holidays? Pairing up with other local food trucks is a smart strategy. Depending on the holiday, bother winter and summertime can be hubs for food truck fiestas!

Food truck marketing tip number one: success doesn’t come from being the only food truck in town. Encouraging potential customers to support the food truck community and visit different food trucks nearby boosts traffic and your exposure.

2. Cater Events

If you can’t find a way to lean into the holiday happenings, consider catering specific events. While you may not serve the masses, you’ll make relationships and have high-volume orders to steady your sales.

You can choose to expand your horizons or hone in on niche markets. Before you choose, consider the following strategies.

Holiday Food Truck Strategies

Before you can take on the holidays, you’ll have to know the type of holiday. There are three: federal holidays, societal holidays, and self-made “holidays.”

How you approach Memorial Day—a federal, known, popular outdoor holiday—will vary from a self-declared holiday like Food Truck Friday. Something like Valentine’s Day is a societal holiday—well known, but not official.

Federal holidays need less food truck marketing than self-declared holidays. Food Truck Friday celebrationsare like self-crafted campaigns. You’re in charge of spreading the word from start to finish.

Food truck folk are no strangers to social media, so holiday marketing can be a breeze. Consider how you might up your social media game for these occasions.

Will you make a mobile app? Pass out coupons and flyers? You might even make a food truck finder game on social media to incentivize folks to locate you.

Holidays have playful energy. Make fun out of your food truck strategy!

Every Day is a Holiday With Food Trucks

You’re in full control of your food truck sales. It’s not the holiday that determines your success, but how you relate to it.

Sprinkle in a few self-proclaimed holidays with national ones. Be sure to space things out enough to communicate with your following and build momentum!

So long as you’re forward-thinking, you’ll have no problem tackling holidays the food truck way.

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 Food Truck Success Tips for This Winter http://www.customconcessions.com/5-food-truck-success-tips-for-this-winter/ Fri, 06 Nov 2020 19:48:59 +0000 http://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13451 It’s normal for niche markets to have off-seasons. Like outdoor sports and tropical vacations, there’s a time for everything. It’s easy to assume winter would be a food truck’s off-season—but it doesn’t have to be if you use these winter food truck success tips. Food truck operations are unique both in […]

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black and white photo of a snowy winter scene on urban street with pedestrians and cars

It’s normal for niche markets to have off-seasons. Like outdoor sports and tropical vacations, there’s a time for everything. It’s easy to assume winter would be a food truck’s off-season—but it doesn’t have to be if you use these winter food truck success tips.

Food truck operations are unique both in their food as well as how they serve it. Food truck folk are no strangers to change, so don’t let seasonal changes hurt your business.

Though food trucks rely on the outdoors for sales, winter encourages new strategies. While some might close, others switch gears.

Follow these food truck success tips to keep your winter service a warm one.

Food Truck Success Tips

First thing’s first. Winter’s not the time for record-breaking food truck profits. It’s best to go into the season with realistic expectations.

That said, consider it a chance to experiment. Do you want to stay on brand, or venture out a bit? 

Your answer can influence how you relate to these food truck tips.

1. Consider Catering

Food trucks offer made-to-order food, but catering could be good for winter. Instead of serving on the spot, box up those orders and deliver! While customers usually go to you, winter’s the perfect time to return the favor.

2. Boost Your Online Presence

To combat people assuming you’re out for the season, use social media to communicate! Your followers will be happy to hear you’re adjusting and they won’t have to wait for months to eat your food again.

Keeping customers engaged keeps them loyal.

3. Consider Your Concept

Food truck chefs love innovation. For that reason, winter’s no monster. If you want to embrace your cold food in winter, more power to you!

There are those people who love cold foods like ice cream in winter, but you might want to consider a switch to more warm and hearty fare.

If you choose to flip your concept towards hot food, what works with your customer base?

Following food truck chef tips means using your concept and your customers to your benefit.

4. Consider Your History

How long have you been operating your food truck? Your winterizing decisions may depend on how long you’ve been around.

If you’re learning tips for starting a food truck, know that your winter-born concept can dictate what you serve the rest of the year.

5. Up Your Community Partnerships

There’s no better time than wintertime to up your professional network. Reach out to organizations, restaurants, and other trucks you could work with. 

Teamwork makes the dream work, as they say.

Food Truck Tips Gone Right

There’s no reason for the winter blues with these food truck success tips. The food truck thrill lives in its constant evolution. No two days—or seasons—are the same.

Consider winter another food truck adventure. Imagine how it could change your business for the better—perhaps with new traditions. The right menu, equipment, and marketing will make your winter food truck unstoppable.

Don’t wait for winter to get winter-ready. Start organizing your winter food truck plan 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 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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Can You Finance A Food Truck? How To Get Food Truck Financing http://www.customconcessions.com/can-you-finance-a-food-truck-how-to-get-food-truck-financing/ Tue, 25 Aug 2020 15:56:00 +0000 http://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13347 Starting a food truck, just like any other business, requires a start-up investment. You need money to purchase your truck, get permits, and buy kitchen and food supplies. There are several ways to raise the money to get your food truck venture off the ground. You can find investors, you […]

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close up photo of a pen, calculator and financial charts

Starting a food truck, just like any other business, requires a start-up investment. You need money to purchase your truck, get permits, and buy kitchen and food supplies.

There are several ways to raise the money to get your food truck venture off the ground. You can find investors, you can use cash on hand, or you can save up the money over time. For many owners though, the most convenient way to get a food truck going will be via a business loan.

Keep reading to find out how to get food truck financing.

1. Start With Market Research and a Business Plan

Before starting any business, you need to do your homework. You need to understand the local market in terms of competition, demand, pricing, costs, regulations, and more. You need to determine if your business idea is viable and what your opportunity will be for growth and success.

Then, you can build a business plan. This is an essential document that lenders or investors will look at to judge the credibility of your future business. 

Fortunately, there’s much less risk involved with a food truck than a traditional restaurant. Your overhead costs will be far cheaper, you’ll have fewer employees, no dining room, etc. This will make it easier to get financed.

2. Small Business Loans

Can you finance a food truck through a traditional bank or SBA loan? The answer is yes, assuming your business plan is well-written and you have an acceptable credit score.

First, you’ll need to come up with a dollar amount of how much startup money you will need. Then, do some research on the various types of loans available and figure out which one will best meet your needs. 

3. Private Investors

If you get turned down for a small business loan, you can seek private investors for food truck financing. There are multiple options here. 

First, you can try to find an angel investor. They will provide the startup funds you need in exchange for equity in the business. They may also allow you to pay back your debt over time instead of taking equity.

There are also peer to peer investors. These are organizations that invest in small businesses they see potential in. They basically provide loans like a bank but aren’t a bank. 

4. Crowdfunding Campaigns

Another option for food truck and food truck equipment financing is crowdfunding campaigns. This provide a great way to make money if you’re turned down by the bank and traditional investors. Crowdfunding relies on larger groups of investors all contributing small amounts to pool together the necessary funds.

Contributors can be rewarded with stock in the company, free products, etc.

5. Friends and Family

Can you finance a food truck without applying to banks or investors?

Yes, you still have options. Consider getting funds from people in your personal life. These include friends, family members, neighbors, and co-workers. 

You should still provide a business plan to show them how serious you are and that their investment won’t be wasted. This may mean you need to finance a smaller or more modest food truck instead of the huge truck that costs more, or cut startup costs elsewhere.

So, Can You Finance a Food Truck?

Are you ready to start a food truck restaurant? If so, we can help. Now that you know the answer to financing your food truck, let’s talk about getting you on your way. Contact us today for a custom 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 Ways Food Trucks Help With Social Distancing http://www.customconcessions.com/5-ways-food-trucks-help-with-social-distancing/ Wed, 19 Aug 2020 06:00:00 +0000 http://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13337 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 […]

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Close up photo of a food truck vendor with gloves on handing a customer two hot dogs.

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.

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Mobile Business Apps: Why You Need a Mobile App for Your Food Truck http://www.customconcessions.com/mobile-business-apps-why-you-need-a-mobile-app-for-your-food-truck/ http://www.customconcessions.com/mobile-business-apps-why-you-need-a-mobile-app-for-your-food-truck/#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +0000 http://www.customconcessions.com/?p=13297 Now that your food truck is ready to roll, you are wondering how to bring in those customers. In the age of technology, almost everyone has access to a smartphone. And smartphones have a knack for installing mobile apps. How does this help today’s food truck owner? Mobile business apps help […]

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photo of a man looking down at his smartphone and smiling

Now that your food truck is ready to roll, you are wondering how to bring in those customers. In the age of technology, almost everyone has access to a smartphone. And smartphones have a knack for installing mobile apps.

How does this help today’s food truck owner? Mobile business apps help to keep current customers up-to-date on your whereabouts. They help potential customers get a feel for what to expect when they visit your food truck business. And you can even have the option for customer to order online through your app.

Continue reading to learn more about apps for food trucks and why you need one.

Show Off Your Brand

Being one of the 23,873 active food truck businesses in the U.S. isn’t going to be easy, so you will have to do everything that you can to stick out from the rest. An app will allow you to promote your brand and draw in more customers.

Once you have your mobile kitchen up and running, an app for your food truck is a great way to promote your brand. Apps are customizable to your business colors/logo to catch your customer’s eye.

An app is a perfect opportunity for you to try out new things and advertise daily lunch specials. 

You can tell your story on the app as a way to connect with your customers on a personal level. You sell amazing food creations every day, but what do you do when you aren’t catering to the public? Where do you get inspiration for your specials? Your customers want to know more about the person running the food truck.

This becomes your brand. 

Location

Mobile businesses are well-known for moving from one location to another. A food truck is not always going to be in a singular place. Depending on the time of day or day of the week, you may be in a different location in an attempt to bring in more customers.

It might be ideal for you to be in the business district during lunchtime on a Tuesday. While it would make more sense for you to be near the park entrance on a Saturday afternoon. Location is all about where the money is.

If you are going to be moving around your city to different places, your app is a place where people can stay up to date on where you will be on which days.

Coupons, Freebies & More

An app is a great place for you to advertise coupons or freebies for your customers. If your customers want to sign up for a loyalty program, this is where they could do so.

Other Alternatives

If creating an app for your food truck business isn’t something that you can do right now, you have other options. There are apps already out there that allow you to advertise your business on them, but that may entail paying a membership fee or advertising costs.

There are different apps available depending on where you’re located. Apps like, Roaming Hunger or Street Food Finder can get your mobile business off the ground.

Once your food truck has a decent following, you will be in a better position to create your food truck’s app. This will help you reach that next level.

Mobile Business Apps: The Next Step

Now that you are thinking about mobile business apps, you are ready to take that next step.

Create the app for your food truck and you will be ready to take on the world. Or at least you’ll be ready to take on the streets of your city.

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.

The post 5 Pro Tips for Creating a Unique Food Truck Menu appeared first on Custom Concessions.

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