Food trucks have come a long way from selling pre-packaged sandwiches and bad coffee to working-class people looking for cheap and convenient meals. Nowadays, these moving restaurants offer a wide variety of special dishes, like freshly caught seafood, fancy burgers, sandwiches for people with specific dietary needs (gluten-free and vegan), as well as sides and desserts. As a result, they have become really popular. Technomic, a company that studies the food industry, says that sales in the food truck business, which is mostly made up of independent owners, are growing at a rate of about 15 percent every year. In comparison, sales in regular restaurants are only growing at a rate of 5 percent.
The Rise Of Food Trucks
Food trucks became popular after the economic downturn when people who lost their jobs in big companies decided to start their businesses. Brett Lindenberg, the person who created Food Truck Empire, a website all about food trucks, explains this. These moving restaurants are a cheaper option compared to regular restaurants (according to Technomic, a new food truck can cost between $150,000 and $200,000, while opening a regular restaurant can cost nearly $1 million). Also, because they can serve a lot of customers, food trucks can make $400,000 or even more in a year.
The Food Truck Revolution
The food truck industry, often called the “food truck revolution,” has reshaped how we enjoy meals on the go. Gone are the days of uninspiring pre-packaged sandwiches; today’s food trucks offer a culinary experience that rivals traditional sit-down restaurants. This revolution has been fueled by passionate entrepreneurs and chefs who serve high-quality, innovative, and delicious food.
Diverse Menu Offerings:
Food trucks have diversified their menus to cater to various tastes and dietary preferences. There’s something for everyone, from freshly caught seafood to gourmet burgers and vegan options. These mobile kitchens have become synonymous with culinary innovation and creativity.
Economic Resilience: The rise of food trucks can be traced back to the aftermath of the economic downturn. Many individuals who lost their jobs in more giant corporations embarked on entrepreneurial journeys by launching their food truck businesses. Compared to opening a traditional restaurant, the lower startup costs made it an attractive option. A new food truck can cost between $150,000 and $200,000, a fraction of the investment required for a brick-and-mortar restaurant, which can cost nearly $1 million.
Profitability: The profitability of the food truck industry is evident in its remarkable growth. In 2020, the food truck business generated an impressive $1.1 billion in sales, surpassing the consumer goods and services industry. This financial success has enticed newcomers and seasoned restaurateurs to explore the lucrative world of food trucks.
What Is The Profitability Of Food Trucks?
In 2020, the food truck business made $1.1 billion in sales, which is more than what the consumer goods and services industry made. This has caught the attention of both new and experienced restaurant owners who want to get into the profitable world of food trucks.
Even though experts expect the food truck industry to keep growing, the amount of money individual owners can make can be very different. It depends on the rules and regulations set by each city. It’s really important for people who want to own a food truck to check if their city is friendly towards food trucks before they invest their money.
Top Food Truck In The USA
If you’re curious and feeling hungry, here’s a list of the top ten food trucks in the United States that will surely pique your interest.
The Grilled Cheeserie In Nashville, Tennessee
This food truck from Music City started operating in 2010 and has a really impressive culinary history. Crystal De Luna-Bogan, one of the owners, is a chef who trained at Le Cordon Bleu and worked at fancy restaurants like Napa Rose in southern California and the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills. Crystal and her husband Joseph started this business in Nashville intending to make delicious grilled cheese sandwiches using ingredients that are good for the environment. They now have two trucks in Nashville.
The menu at this food truck offers different types of special grilled cheese sandwiches. They have options like the B&B of Tennessee, which has buttermilk cheddar cheese and bacon, and the Pimento Mac & Cheese, which has pimento cheese cheddar, macaroni, and bacon bits. Customers can also make their own grilled cheese sandwiches by choosing from a variety of cheeses, including vegan cheddar, and types of bread. In January, the owners opened their first actual restaurant outside of Nashville. They now serve a bigger menu of grilled cheese sandwiches and milkshakes at that location.
Hoboken, New Jersey, The Taco Truck
Back in 2009, Jason Scott and Chris Viola started their food truck adventure in Hoboken, New Jersey. They chose a simple name for their truck, but don’t let that fool you. The Taco Truck specializes in serving real Mexican street food that will make your mouth water. They have delicious dishes like Al Pastor Tacos, which have marinated pork, onion, cilantro, pineapple, and fresh green salsa. They also serve Aguacate Tacos, which have crispy avocado, black beans, sesame seeds, pickled onion, tortillas fritas, and chipotle salsa. Another tasty option is the Barbacoa Burrito, which has braised beef, onion, cilantro, roasted red salsa, red rice, black beans, and crema. These are just a few examples of the great food they offer.
After finishing college, both Jason and Chris got the chance to spend some time in Mexico. They learned a lot about the food there and even got help from local chefs to create their menu. You can find The Taco Truck at different places in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. They also have four actual restaurants in Hoboken, Princeton, and Morristown, New Jersey, as well as at the King of Prussia Mall in Pennsylvania.
The Mac Mart Truck, Located In Philadelphia
When it comes to comforting food, mac, and cheese is hard to beat. Marti Lieberman, who had recently graduated from Drexel University in Philadelphia, started her Mac Mart Truck in 2013. She wanted to be her own boss and had a fantastic recipe for mac and cheese. Lieberman tested her recipe many times before getting her food truck. The menu at Mac Mart offers not only the classic seven-cheese mac with a delicious potato chip panko topping but also tempting options like BBQ in a Bowl, which has mac and cheese with BBQ chicken, cornbread crunch, and a BBQ drizzle. Another tasty choice is the Crabby Mac, which has mac and cheese topped with cream cheese and jumbo lump crabmeat dip, and it’s finished with an Old Bay potato chip panko topping.
For those seeking an extra level of indulgence, Mac Mart has something special called the Return of the Mac. It’s classic mac and cheese sandwiched between two slices of buttered Texas toast with melted American cheese. People loved these incredible mac and cheese creations so much that Lieberman opened her first restaurant in Philadelphia last spring. The restaurant offers all the delicious dishes available on the food truck, along with a dozen or so extra toppings that customers can choose from to personalize their experience.
The Cow And Curd, Philadelphia
Philadelphia is known for its famous cheesesteaks, but now locals have a new favorite thanks to The Cow and the Curd food trucks: fried cheese curds. The idea came from the founder, Robert Mitchell, who used to be a teacher for 16 years. He got inspired while helping out at a friend’s food stand and realized he had a passion for the food industry. He wanted to come up with a unique concept, and that’s how The Cow and the Curd were born.
When Mitchell’s wife suggested using cheese curds, which are the early form of cheese before it becomes cheddar, made up of curds and whey, he got inspired to start something new in the culinary world. The Cow and the Curd take pride in offering these curds in their natural state, but they also take it a step further by expertly battering, frying and serving them with delicious sauces. For $8, customers can enjoy a serving of the classic curds along with three tasty dipping sauces: sriracha mayo, chipotle ranch, and smoked ketchup. Mitchell started his business with his first food truck in January 2013 and later added a second truck in 2014 to meet the demand of Philadelphia’s food enthusiasts. He also expanded to supply local bars and restaurants. Mitchell’s next goal is to establish a wholesale distribution business to introduce cheese curds to the rest of the country.
Miami, Ms. Cheezious
When talking about foods that make us feel good, it’s hard to argue with the popularity of the grilled cheese sandwich. This is especially true for the owners of Ms. Cheezious, a food truck company based in Miami. The company was founded in 2010 by husband and wife, Brian and Fatima Mullins, along with their friend M. Christian Dickens. They wanted to use their extensive knowledge and experience in cooking and running restaurants to start their own business. Brian’s love for cooking began when he was a kid in Long Island, New York, where his mother and grandmother inspired him. He later played a part in successfully opening more than 30 restaurants around the world.
Christian also had a long career in the food industry, where he successfully started nearly 30 Planet Hollywood restaurants. In December 2010, they opened their first Ms. Cheezious food truck in Miami. They wanted to give a modern twist to the classic grilled cheese sandwich. The menu had delicious options like grilled blue and bacon, made with crispy bacon, creamy blue cheese, and green onion on sourdough bread. They also offered the BBQ pulled pork melt, which had pulled pork and sharp cheddar cheese on Texas toast. For dessert, people could enjoy the s’mores melt, made with roasted marshmallows, salted chocolate hazelnut spread, and graham cracker crumble on sourdough bread. Fatima took care of the social media management for the Ms. Cheezious brand. Over time, they expanded and now have two food trucks and two regular restaurants in Miami and Coral Gables.
Factors Influencing Food Truck Success
While the food truck industry is on an upward trajectory, individual success can vary significantly based on several factors. Here are some critical considerations for prospective food truck owners:
Local Regulations: The profitability of a food truck often hinges on local regulations and ordinances. Each city may have rules governing where and when food trucks can operate. Prospective owners should thoroughly research and understand these regulations before investing their capital.
Customer Base: Building a loyal customer base is crucial. A food truck’s location and ability to attract repeat customers can significantly impact its profitability. Savvy owners carefully select their parking spots to maximize foot traffic and visibility.
Menu Innovation: Staying competitive in the food truck industry requires continuous menu innovation. Successful trucks offer unique and enticing dishes that set them apart. Customer preferences and trends evolve, so adapting the menu to meet changing tastes is essential.
Quality and Consistency: Maintaining the quality and consistency of food is paramount. Reputation matters in the food truck business, and delivering exceptional meals every time is the key to building a positive brand image.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I find food trucks in my city?
You can discover food trucks in your city by checking local food truck directories and apps, following their social media pages for updates on locations and schedules, or attending food truck festivals and events.
2. Are food trucks safe to eat from?
Food trucks are generally safe to eat from. To ensure safety, look for food trucks with clean and well-maintained kitchens, where food handlers wear gloves and follow proper hygiene practices. Additionally, check for health department permits displayed on the car.
3. Do food trucks cater to dietary restrictions like gluten-free or vegan options?
Many food trucks today offer various dietary options, including gluten-free and vegan dishes. It’s a good practice to inquire about specific nutritional needs with the food truck staff, and they often have opportunities to accommodate various preferences.
4. How do food truck owners choose their locations?
Food truck owners carefully select their locations based on foot traffic, visibility, and demand. They often research the best spots and may rotate sites to reach different customer bases.
5. Are food truck prices comparable to regular restaurants?
Food truck prices are often competitive and more affordable than traditional restaurants. However, pricing may vary based on the type of cuisine and location.
6. What is the best way to stay updated on a food truck’s menu and schedule?
Following a food truck’s social media accounts, checking their website, or using food truck-specific apps are excellent ways to stay updated on their menu, location, and schedule. Many food trucks actively use these platforms for communication.
7. Can I hire a food truck for a private event or party?
Many food trucks offer catering services for private events, parties, and gatherings. Contact the food truck owner well in advance to discuss your event’s details and menu options.
8. How do food trucks contribute to local communities?
Food trucks often play a role in community events, festivals, and fundraisers, contributing to the local economy. They can also introduce diverse culinary experiences and help promote small businesses and local food producers.
