Category: Blog

You booked a food truck to cater your event, yay! But now you’re concerned that people may be stuck in line instead of mingling, dancing, enjoying overall merriment. Fear not! We have several tips on how to feed your guests faster and avoid lines at food truck catered events!

Limit the menu options

Limiting the menu can drastically reduce ticket times. Choose your favorite 2-5 menu items (or ask the truck which items they suggest) to cut down on the decision factor and help trucks expedite food faster. 

Buffet setup

Instead of a typical ordering service, have your truck set up a partial or full buffet of food options. This ensures fast service and also puts some of the work on the guests, which makes the time going through the buffet more entertaining than simply waiting to be served. If you’re looking for extra speedy service, you can consider a double-sided buffet as well.

Individually pre-packaged meals

This has become more common to adhere with various COVID restrictions and allows trucks to quickly pass out meals to guests. We recommend ordering a certain amount of each meal, or be prepared to purchase a few extra meals than number of guests attending so that one option doesn’t run out.

Control the flow of people

Send people for food in intervals to avoid a crowd overwhelming your truck all at once. 

Bonus tip : Use songs as table numbers and have guests approach the truck when their song is played! 

Add another truck

This will increase the cost, but could make the event run more smoothly and provide a variety of options to your guests.

Other questions about how to avoid lines at food truck catered events or other food trucks related questions? This is what we do. Contact us directly or submit a general catering request to get started.

The number of guests attending, the amount of time for food service, the style of service, the cuisines you choose, your catering budget and the atmosphere you want to create all have an impact on how many trucks you should hire.

If you have a large guest list, consider hiring an additional food truck to ensure no one is waiting for too long to eat. Read on for some other points to consider.

Service Considerations

Multiple trucks will provide food choices and dietary options for everyone!
If you want everyone served at the same time, multiple trucks will be able to serve simultaneously to a large party. If your wedding isn’t a seated dinner and people can order and eat at will, then one truck can handle more guests.

Buffet service can be prepared in advance and one truck will be able to feed a larger group of people faster.

For a seated dinner, one or multiple trucks could be an option, however not all trucks offer this service style.

Cuisines

What type of food are you looking for? Certain cuisines are faster to serve than others. A burger that is grilled to order will take longer than a pulled pork sandwich that was smoked earlier that day.

Cost

Each food truck will have its own rental costs in addition to food service. You will have to pay a premium for each truck, however this is similar to other catering services when you want additional options. Multiple food trucks may cost a little more, but are still likely to be more affordable than a formal catering option (Plus way more fun + memorable!)

Truckster tip : Consider booking a truck for each course! We suggest tapas for an appetizer truck, burgers or pizza for a main course and of course a sweets truck for dessert!

Don’t worry about tracking down trucks that complement each other or negotiating several proposals. Truckster makes it all easy! Fill out our catering inquiry form to get started!

Nobody likes a catfish – unless it’s deep-fried or Deleesa from the Circle. In 2017, dating app Bumble launched its photo verification feature to deter catfishing. To promote the new feature, Bumble took to the streets with a bright yellow food truck serving catfish themed dishes.  Continue reading “Food Truck Marketing : On the Hook with Bumble”

Hello from the Truckster World Headquarters (aka our home office covered in paperwork, coffee mugs, and whiteboards with illegible scribbles)!

We are thrilled to announce our First Annual Summer Scavenger Hunt! Time to get out your treasure maps (ahem, Truckster apps) and channel your inner-Nicolas Cage.

The hunt will last May through September, with participants earning badges towards monthly prizes, swag, and entry for this season’s grand prize. It felt like a great way to help our users expand their horizons, while gaining more exposure for some of our favorite trucks.

How to Participate

We’re starting out our first challenge this year in Austin and Denver, where we have our highest concentration of app users, and expanding to more locations in 2022. Each city has 5 featured trucks per month for consumers to track down (think local breweries, neighborhoods, festivals, …). When consumers place an order on Truckster with one of the 5 highlighted trucks, they earn a scavenger hunt badge. Earning all 5 badges wins that month’s challenge. We will send out Truckster swag and other goodies to our monthly winners, and each month’s winners will be entered to win additional prizes. And, we’re going big here, consumers who hit all five trucks May through September will be eligible to win our season’s grand prize! Stay tuned for hints as to what that will be (trust us, you want it).

Starting July 1st, earn your July badges by ordering from:
Austin Trucks
Bluebonnet Brews
El Xolo Tacos
Hands Off My Funnel Cakes
Hungry J’s
The Evil Wiener

Denver Trucks
Rocky Mountain Slices
Dem Boys
Laziz Ya Lebanese
5280 Burger Bar
Arepas Caribbean Food

Starting August 1st, earn your August badges by ordering from:
Austin Trucks
Hands Off My Funnel Cakes
Hungry J’s
Just Like Mama’s Soul Food
Pepe’s Tacos
Tacoly Moly

Denver Trucks
Farm to Truck
Mu Denver
Seb’s Pizzas
TacosTao
Waffle Cakes

Why We’re Doing It

After a year where everything has felt so serious and heavy, we sought out to create some lighthearted fun for our community. Watching friends forced to shutter their businesses, being separated from loved ones, and social injustice and violence plaguing our country, we have leaned into our community of small business owners and fun-loving foodies as a refuge. We wanted to take the opportunity to thank our fellow Truckster’s and reward them with a bit of fun, leading us to gamifying Truckster and creating the scavenger hunt. Let’s support our local entrepreneurs and make a game out of it.

Thanks for listening. We hope you participate with us!

Cheers,
Connor & Molly
Truckster Co-Founders

Whether you are going on vacation or looking to move, Portland, Maine, is a superb option. There are many fun, informational things to do in this historic town.

About 40% of Maine’s residents live in the Portland metropolitan area, making it a hub for museums and entertainment. Also, strips of restaurants, clubs, and bars dot the city.

If you are visiting, read over our favorite things to do in Portland, Maine.

Portland Brewery Tours

If you ask anyone to recommend things to do in Portland, Maine, they will suggest visiting one of the many breweries. Portland is known to be one of America’s top beer cities thanks to the array of local brewers. The area holds over 20 microbreweries, which is a lot for the city’s population.

Allagash is one of the more well-known breweries in Portland. The brewery stands out for its Belgian-style drinks. The Allagash tour is free, and it includes tastings. Another popular option is the Shipyard Brewing Company, which is known for its English-style beverages, or Sebago, which produces their brew with the water from Sebago Lake State Park.

Cape Elizabeth

One of the fantastic things about visiting Portland is that you can visit Cape Elizabeth for free. This stretch of beaches is about nine miles south of Portland, but the breathtaking views make it worth it.

Cape Elizabeth is most well known for its lighthouses. This one mile stretch of beach has multiple lighthouses, gently flowing water, a nice sized shoreline, and flowery dunes depending on the time of year.

While visiting, you can check out Crescent Beach State Park. There is a snack bar, some picnic tables, restrooms, and a lifeguard during the summer for safety.

The Old Port

Once you arrive in Portland, you have to stop at the Old Port. There is no other transatlantic port in the United States that is closer to Europe than the Portland port. It is also the 20th largest fishing port in the country.

The Old Port is the most massive foreign inbound transit tonnage in the United States. You can walk along the port admiring the buildings, the boats, and the ocean. You can also stop at one of the many bars and restaurants that overlook the water.

Peak’s Island

If you are looking to spend a stress-free day, you can hop on the ferry and visit Peak’s Island. The ferry takes about 20 minutes, and it brings you to a small island where around 1,000 people reside.

There is so much to do once you arrive at Peak’s Island. You can rent golf carts to see the island, but more adventurous folks might opt for kayaks and bikes. There is fresh seafood available from all the local shops to eat for lunch, and you can end your day by seeing one of the beaches or museums.

Portland Museum of Art

Visiting the Portland Museum of Art is the last of our top things to do in Portland, Maine. This unique exhibit features over 18,000 pieces of American and European Art. According to its website, it would take you nearly ten years of constant gallery rotations to see every part.

The museum has new and older art pieces, including paintings, photos, sketches, furniture, ornate silverware, pottery, and sculptures. The Portland Museum of Art is typically open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday on Friday.

Besides looking at the exhibits, the museum also offers various tours, family activities, talks, movies, and other special events. It is an excellent visit for everyone!

In light of the fact that Idaho boasts close to 25,000 farms and ranches, it’s no surprise that its capital city of Boise should have a thriving vegan food scene. Thanks to their commitment to supporting the state’s agricultural reputation by sourcing sustainable, local produce, Treasure Valley restaurants offer an abundance of vegan and plant-based options for foodies in Boise.

Here are Truckster’s favorite vegan restaurants in Boise.

High Note Cafe

High Note Cafe proudly offers 100% plant-based fresh food—no microwaves or freezers. The menu includes a gyro sandwich of grilled homemade seitan; a torta with spiced black bean puree, avocado, and mozzarella “cheese”; a horseradish cream melt of seitan and mozzarella; quesadillas; and street tacos. Also serves brunch featuring a breakfast burrito with scrambled organic tofu and High Note Potatoes scrambled with mushrooms, spinach, red bell peppers, pico de gallo, and avocado. (225 N. 5th St.)

Wild Root Cafe

Open Tuesday through Saturday, Wild Root Café has several à la carte vegan options including marinated tofu and sweet potato hash. It also has desserts such as vegan chia pudding, vegan shortbread, and a vegan matcha chocolate truffle. (276 N. 8th St.)

Lemon Tree Co.

This artisan eatery serves specialty lemonades, salads, soups, and oat dishes, plus vegan sandwiches such as the Massaman Curry Banh Mi, the Mushroom & Artichoke “Cheesesteak,” the Veggie Vinny featuring roasted yellow squash and zucchini, a Yam & Cheese with roasted garnet yams, and a Veggie Reuben with pastrami-spiced yams and apple-lime slaw. (224 N. 10th St.)

The Matador Boise

A downtown Boise favorite since 2010, the Matador Boise serves Mexican-inspired food and tequila including vegan dishes such as Butternut Squash Tostadas serviced with achiote-chile rice and black or refried beans, a Beyond Burger, and vegetarian enchiladas, tacos, and burritos. (215 N. 8th St.)

The Funky Taco

Originally cooking in the Funky Airstream One, this local staple since 2013 now has a brick-and-mortar location open Tuesday through Saturday. Vegan “nosh and noms” on the menu include “Flower Power,” featuring panko cauliflower and micro kale on smoked flower tortillas, and nachos with white corn chips, organic pinto beans, shiitake mushrooms, pickled jalapeno, and chipotle miso tahini. (801 W. Bannock St.)

RamaPong

This fun hangout offers a full bar along with vegan ramen options and ping-pong tables. Choose from several noodles—including gluten-free—broths such as sweet potato or charred onions and ginger. Ask for no soft-boiled egg and order a side of fried tofu instead. (204 N. Capitol Blvd., Suite 10)

Mai Thai

This Asian restaurant’s separate vegan menu includes sushi; pot stickers of mushroom, tofu, and eggplant; papaya salad; steamed bao buns with plant-based char siu; tofu and corn larb salad with sticky rice; vegan honey “duck”; and yellow curry. (750 W. Idaho St.)

Bombay Boise

Vegans can enjoy authentic Indian cuisine here including appetizers such as vegetable samosas and vegetable pakoras, as well as entrees such as Paneer Tikka Masala, Shahi Paneer, and Navrathan Korma. (928 W. Main St.)

Guru Donuts

Guru Donuts makes it tough to forget desserts with vegan treats such as apple fritters, a vanilla bean vegan cake donut, and vegan yeast donuts in Hipsterberry, Alice-in-Wonderland, and Sea Salt Chocolate flavors. (928 W. Main St. #100)

In addition to these fantastic brick-and-mortar restaurants, it’s worth noting that many of Boise’s food trucks also offer vegan dishes, as well as a variety of vegan cuisine. All of this can be seen as a part of the city’s mission to bring the freshest and healthiest foods to its residents while supporting local industry. The result is a delicious win-win for everybody.

If you’re looking for a place to say “I do” in Boise, Idaho’s capital city has several standout locations offering panoramic views where you can share your special day with family and friends. If you and your sweetheart love the city’s food scene, why not invite one of the many local food trucks in Boise that offer catering to bring their dishes your way? Here are a few Boise wedding venues where we at Truckster can imagine a food truck or two rallying to celebrate a happy couple.

The Boise Art Museum

Known as the Boise Gallery of Art when it opened in 1937, the Boise Art Museum now sits within Julia Davis Park, giving couples a sophisticated and unique Boise wedding venue. The museum’s sculpture court has space for up to 250 guests and features ample natural lighting, high ceilings, banquet and cocktail tables, chairs, an in-house sound system, podium, microphone, and a prep room for catering. (670 Julia Davis Drive)

Discovery Center of Idaho

True love has chemistry at its core. Couples seeking a fun wedding venue to highlight that chemistry need look no further than the Discovery Center of Idaho. The state’s only hands-on science center, the Discovery Center can accommodate up to 600 guests after hours and allows them to check out all the interactive exhibit spaces. A perfect way for relatives and friends to mingle while you take photographs—or share some laughs with you. (131 W. Myrtle St.)

The Idaho Botanical Garden

Established in 1984, the Idaho Botanical Garden spans more than 30 lush acres in the base of Boise’s foothills, creating a stunning backdrop for any one of the themed gardens on the grounds. Some favorites include the English Garden, with its sandstone Summer House, Princess Diana Fountain, and more than 1,300 perennials, as well as the Meditation Garden, whose canopy provides respite from Boise’s hot summers while cooling the koi pond. In addition to a Boise wedding venue, the Idaho Botanical Garden is a stunning setting for rehearsals, receptions, or bachelor and bachelorette parties. Plus, you can rent the greenhouse if you’re concerned about rain in the forecast. (2355 N. Old Penitentiary Road)

Boise Depot

This beautiful historic Spanish-style structure with a 96-foot bell tower has been a prominent Boise landmark since 1925. Originally a Union Pacific railroad depot, it’s now operated by the Boise Parks and Recreation Department and serves as an elegant setting for weddings and other events. The Boise Depot has a remarkable view from its patio of the city’s skyline and foothills. Its Great Hall has six arched entrances, an airy 44-foot ceiling, and lovely natural light. The Boise Depot also includes Platt Gardens, a favorite wedding photo spot with a koi pond, a winding walkway, planter beds of seasonal flowers, and a monument of volcanic rock. (2603 W. Eastover Terrace)

Barber Park

Located along the Boise River, Barber Park has hosted outdoor as well as indoor weddings and receptions. More than 120 species of birds, including hummingbirds and bald eagles, nestle in the park’s large cottonwood forest. To share the warmth of your wedding indoors, the Event Center can hold up to 250 guests and has a cozy decor of wood and stone accidents, two fireplaces, large glass windows, and stained, stamped concrete floors. Rental includes tables, white wooden chairs, a sound system, projector and screen, access to the fireplaces, and a prep room for catering. (4049 S. Eckert Rd.)

Kathryn Albertson Park

Most of this special-use park spanning more than 40 acres is a wetland habitat for wildlife, but its walking paths, decorative fountain, and scenic lagoons create a luxuriant setting for a wedding or a reception. Rent one of two large gazebos among the flora and fauna for an intimate exchange of vows. (1001 N. Americana Blvd.)

An interview with Brittny Lowrey, one of the owners of the Happy Grilled Cheese ATX

Location: Austin, TX

The name “The Happy Grilled Cheese ATX” tells you all you need to know, I mean who can be sad while eating a grilled cheese sandwich? Those with dietary restrictions excluded, of course. But this truck is much more than its name.

Brittny Lowrey, one of the owners of the truck, has been cooking all her life. Her passion manifested itself into mouth watering masterpieces like their Daddy of the Mac sandwich (BBQ Pulled Pork, Mac and Cheese, and Grilled Onions- holy yum). The concept originally started as a truck in Jacksonville, FL, and now they have restaurant locations and their food truck in Austin. Read the origin story of her cooking journey below:

What’s your favorite food memory?

All of the Thanksgiving meals I’ve cooked with my sisters. We each excel at different things in the kitchen. Together, we can create one incredible meal.

What’s the best part of running a food truck?

The customers. Food truck customers are a very laid back and relaxed group of people who are seeking out fun food and the experience of eating at a food truck.

If you were on Chopped and given pickled onions and pork belly, what would you make?

Fried Pork Belly Tacos topped with a creamy avocado salsa and pickled onions on corn tortillas.

What’s your favorite sandwich?

Cheesy Jalapeno Popper from Happy Grilled Cheese!

What’s the story behind your food truck name?

We kept it simple! Having what you sell in the name is so important for branding, and grilled cheese is the ultimate comfort food for so many people which makes them happy. Combine all that together and we have The Happy Grilled Cheese!

Your must-read cookbook or food blog?

I love Kristen Cavalleri’s cookbook line for recipes for clean eating, and my favorite national food blog to follow is Eater and their subsidiaries.

What is your favorite part of using Truckster?

Getting to visit great new communities around the city!

View The Happy Grilled Cheese on Truckster to find upcoming events: https://gotruckster.com/food-truck/happy-grilled-cheese