Location, location, location. It’s an old saying that applies to…well, quite a few areas of life when you really think about it. Food trucks are included here since location is such a big factor in your truck’s success or failure.
Where you park your food truck is a major decision that you shouldn’t take lightly. No matter how good your food is or how exciting your menu might be, none of it will matter if no one can find your truck. If you’re operating a food truck and aren’t sure where to start (or stop, as the case may be), here’s our complete guide on the best locations to park for business success.
Gas Stations
While we’ve all had those midnight cravings for a gas station burrito, no one goes to a place like that looking for a good meal. Parking your food truck near a gas station automatically makes your menu look better by comparison. That’s to say nothing about the huge amount of traffic you’ll get from people looking to fill their tanks.
College Campuses
College students are always hungry, so having a place to get a decent meal on campus for a fraction of the cost of takeout is a major plus. Parking on or near a campus gives you access to tons of hungry mouths, many of whom would be open to more interesting or experimental dishes that really let you flex your culinary skills.
Events
Popular events of any kind draw huge crowds, which means plenty of people looking for a hot meal. Parking outside a major event like a ballgame, convention, or similar can net you a ton of business. Even venues that have catering or food stalls of their own aren’t an issue, since plenty of people will still be interested in checking out what you have to offer as another option.
Beaches
Beaches are a great place to park a food truck. People tend to spend all day out in the sand and surf, which inevitably means they’ll need something to eat. When their sad sandwiches kept in a soggy cooler aren’t satisfying, they’ll turn to your truck for something with a little more substance. Be on the lookout for beaches that are more remote and don’t already have their own restaurants or huts selling food, since you’ll be able to attract a lot more customers with less competition.
Location Factors to Remember
Picking a location isn’t all about maximizing profits. There are a few things to consider before you set up shop in any spot, like:
- Do you have the proper parking and food service permits to operate your truck?
- Did you remember to get gas before you headed out?
- Are there any laws you need to be aware of that might get your truck in trouble?
- How much competition is in the area?
- What kind of events or announcements might affect the amount of business you’ll get at a specific place?
- Is there anything at a certain location that might run afoul of your insurance?
Get a Custom Food Truck from Legion Today
Where you park your food truck is just as important as what you’re serving. If you can remember some of these prime locations to set up shop and the different factors for determining what’s right for you, you’ll be well on your way to success.
To learn more about starting out, building your truck, the costs and behind-the-scenes work needed to run a truck, and so much more, contact Legion today.
