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Food trucks are the “it” thing right now. Almost everyone has bought some type of food from a food truck while on their way to work or just out running errands. There are even television shows dedicated to food trucks! The old conception that the food that comes out of these trucks is pre-packaged and bland tasting is no more. Food trucks have come a long way with making delicious, fresh food that actually tastes great! It looks like food trucks are here to stay for a while at least.

Food trucks are changing the way we think about eating. Going to a restaurant and sitting down while having your meal is not the only option in dining. Food trucks have changed that, and people seem very excited about it. Not only are they getting delicious, fresh food, but it is often times less expensive than the traditional fast food restaurant. However, it isn’t as easy to get starting running a food truck as many may think.

A Few Tips to Remember before Starting a Food Truck Business

Below are a few facts and tips every potential owner should know about food trucks:

Fast Food VS. Food Truck Dining is probably where the competition is. Most people who frequent a food truck are looking for a better tasting alternative to the traditional fast food restaurant chains. They know that the people running the food truck are passionate about food and what they are doing, and they also know that most of the time the food is different and delicious.

It takes a lot of dedication to run a food truck. It’s not just creating recipes and making them taste great, but there is also the business aspect to consider. There are permits and licenses to obtain, as well as knowing where you can park your truck. Many cities have rules that a food truck cannot be parked within 500 feet of a restaurants front door. These challenges along with the rising price of gas, makes it very challenging for the owner of the truck.

Social media has played a large part in the success of the food truck. If a customer has just had an amazing meal at a food truck, it’s easy to get the word out by social media. They can post something on Facebook or Twitter, or simply take a photo of their meal and post it on Instagram. Many food trucks have gotten tons of business by serving happy customers. Social media is a powerful tool which can do wonders for your business.

Getting and keeping business for a food truck is the major hurdle for the owner. Of course it is imperative that they make great tasting food, but it’s also important for them to hire friendly, knowledgeable people that can relate to the “man on the street”. Friendly service has taken on a new meaning in this business. The customers who frequent food trucks want to feel like a friend to the people working in the trucks. It is helpful to recognize people and chat with them.

It looks like food trucks are becoming a main stay in society giving fast food restaurants healthy competition. It takes time and dedication to start up a successful restaurant whether it is in a stationary location or if it’s on wheels. Food truck owners are real “foodies” who love what they are doing, and don’t mind all the challenges that come from running their truck. If you are thinking of starting your own food truck business, do your homework and enjoy the process. Food truck owners are special people with a special passion towards food. Keep on truckin’!

About The Author:

Jackie White is a professional blogger that writes on a variety of topics including San Francisco restaurants. She writes for Restaurants.com, a leading directory of restaurant ratings.