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When it comes to this mobile foodie trend, there used to be a massive novelty to it years ago, about a decade ago. It was different, wacky, and overall, super unique to have a food truck business. Getting your food straight from a truck just wasn’t a thing, well, with the exception of ice cream trucks. But with that said, there’s not much of a novelty to this anymore.
Nowadays, the food truck market is becoming more competitive; how do you make your mobile eatery stand out? It’s all about bringing novelty to the table—or, in this case, to the window!
People still go to food trucks not only for cheap eats but for that novelty experience too, the unique flavors that a restaurant or cafe just isn’t going to give them, that fusion of flavors that they can’t get anywhere else. You have to keep in mind that when you start a food truck business, it’s not just about having a good location to park, but it’s the food you sell. If it’s not unique and phenomenal, then what’s the point? So, with that said, here’s how you can add some novelty to it!
Go with a Theme
Themes and novelty go together beautifully, so why not do something like this? Generally speaking, themes can transform your food truck into a memorable brand. For example, you can choose a retro vibe, a pop culture theme, or something whimsically futuristic. These can all make the food feel a tad more novelty-like.
But on top of that, just make sure it resonates with your cuisine and your personality. You can’t have a “themed Hawaiian food truck,” and then the food isn’t Hawaiian in the slightest; that just won’t make sense. This can extend from the truck’s decor to the staff uniforms and even to the packaging.
Have a Menu That Tells a Story
Why not go beyond serving food? Instead, serve some stories, too. A lot of businesses tie their food and their menu around a certain narrative, and it can work, but there’s still some novelty in this, too. For example, you could offer dishes that are all derived from your grandmother’s recipes, or every item on the menu is inspired by a different country’s street food. This can potentially open up some conversations.
Limited-Time Offers
It’s all about creating urgency, as this can drive interest like nothing else. So, it’s going to be a good idea to just rotate special items that are only available for a limited time. This keeps your regular menu exciting and gives regular customers a reason to come back often to try the latest offerings before they’re gone. For example, you might want to consider seasonal ingredients, holiday-themed dishes, or cross-promotions with local events that can all inspire these timely treats.
Try Some Entertainment
Again, it’s all about the novelty! Besides, who says food trucks are just about food? Depending on your location and the event, offering live music, performances, or even screenings can make dining at your truck an event in itself. If space or logistics is an issue, even having a great playlist or themed movie nights projected on the side of the truck can enhance the atmosphere immensely. But it’s definitely a good idea to try to pick out a location that works with you and your business!
