Category: Blog

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

The simple combination of grilled bread and cheese has been sustaining us for centuries. Grilled cheese and all of its delicious variations are enjoyed by cultures around the world, from the Croque monsieur (grilled ham and cheese) served in cafés and bars in France to the $1 sandwiches sold in the parking lots of every Phish show.

An American Staple

Nothing beats the traditional grilled cheese of our childhoods, of course – Kraft singles on white bread. The origin of this American classic can be traced back to the 1920’s when an Iowa man invented a bread-slicing machine and became “the father of sliced bread”. Grilled cheese became a humble staple, a Depression-era standby and a common meal for soldiers during World War II. Today it remains a common treat enjoyed by schoolchildren and drunk party-goers alike. We celebrate this wonder of grilled cheese and bread every year on April 12th. But this delicious treat should be celebrated every day of the year.

Enough Cheese for the Masses

It ain’t easy being this cheesy. America is one of the top producers of cheese worldwide, making 5 million tons of cheesy goodness each year. We eat plenty of it too: Americans eat approximately 2.2 billion grilled cheese sandwiches annually. 13 of those sandwiches helped Takeru Kobayashi set a world record for the most grilled cheese sandwiches eaten in a minute. Please save some of those for the rest of us!

The Perfect Grilled Cheese

In 2013, the Royal Society of Chemistry and the British Cheese Board announced that they had calculated the formula for a perfect grilled cheese. They concluded that a cook time of 4 minutes produced a grilled cheese with the perfect consistency and taste. They also tested the effects of cook temperature and the thickness of cheese and bread. Even without using these precise proportions, a delicious grilled cheese is hard to mess up. If you want to leave the cooking to a professional or try out a more gourmet, unique take on the classic, check out one of our favorite food trucks grilling up the perfect grilled cheese for you.

 

• Cheese Love Grill (Denver/Boulder)
• Rocky Mountain Cheesery (Denver)
• What Would Cheesus Do (Denver)
• Happy Grilled Cheese (Austin)
• Burro Cheese Kitchen (Austin)
• The Grilled Cheese Grill (Portland)

A final fun fact for you grilled cheese lovers: a 2015 survey found that grilled cheesers are more likely to be charitable than those who don’t like grilled cheese.

So pat yourself on the back and go get yourself a delicious grilled cheese!

 

Established during the 1800s, Boise is Idaho’s capital and most populous city, full of outdoor and cultural attractions that are no small potatoes (pardon the pun). Here are the top ten tourist attractions in Boise, ID, that make locals proud.

Boise River Greenbelt

Stretching 25 miles along the Boise River, the tree-lined Boise River Greenbelt runs through the city center while linking to the Lucky Peak State Recreation Area, Kathryn Albertson Park, Julia Davis Park, and attractions including the Boise State University campus. The city even has a scavenger hunt and map on its website that encourages viewers to explore the trail, whether on foot, in-line skates, or bicycles.

Old Idaho Penitentiary

Called “Old Pen,” this prison on the National Register of Historic Places housed more than 13,000 inmates over its 101 years of operation before closing in 1973. Visitors can see the Gallows, the solitary confinement area, and other educational exhibits, plus take in a cemetery tour or paranormal investigation. (2445 Old Penitentiary Road)

Idaho Botanical Garden

An Old Pen prison yard has been transformed into a gorgeous landscape. Established in 1984, the Idaho Botanical Garden occupies more than 30 acres with 14 specialty gardens themed around succulents, native Idaho plants, vegetables, herbs, meditation, and roses. (2355 Old Penitentiary Road)

Basque Museum and Cultural Center

The Basque community of northern Spain has close ties to Boise, thanks to Basque sheepherders who first settled here in the late 19th century. Learn about their unique culture both abroad and in Idaho through oral history archives, a replica sheep wagon, traditional music, and other artifacts and photographs housed in the historic Cyrus Jacobs/Uberuaga house, one of the few existing examples of a Basque boarding house. (611 Grove Street)

Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial

Anne Frank, the Jewish teenager whose diary offered a personalized view into World War II, receives a place of honor in this memorial’s “Attic,” but the memorial and gardens contain more than 60 quotes from and tributes to human rights leaders throughout history. (777 S. 8th Street)

Julia Davis Park

A scenic spot with rose gardens, lagoons, and a duck pond, Julia Davis Park also houses several Boise attractions, including the Discovery Center of Idaho, Zoo Boise, the Idaho Historical Museum, the Idaho Black History Museum, and the Boise Art Museum. (700 S. Capitol Boulevard)

World Center for Birds of Prey

Meet eagles, condors, falcons, and other majestic feathered residents whose young are released into the wild. The center hosts live presentations, educational exhibits, and a quarter-mile nature trail for spotting raptors in the wild. (5668 West Flying Hawk Lane)

Idaho State Capitol Building

Extensively restored in 2010, the Idaho State Capitol Building has several self-guided displays and exhibits. It originally was completed in 1920 using locally sourced sandstone and marble from Vermont, Georgia, Alaska, and Italy. Atop the dome is a five-foot-high statue of a golden eagle. (700 W. Jefferson St.)

Downtown Boise

Near the Idaho State Capital Building, Boise’s central business district is a vibrant place to dine and shop, plus enjoy the nightlife and sporting events, such as Boise State Broncos football games at Albertsons Stadium. The city’s calendar has an ever-changing lineup, along with staples such as two farmers markets operating from spring to winter. And when you get hungry, be sure to check out all the best food trucks in Boise, as well as the top restaurants!

Ridge to Rivers

Although the Boise Foothills provide a stunning backdrop for the city, they also contain an interconnected network of roads and a 190-mile trail system for runners, hikers, mountain bikers, and families. Rent a bike from downtown and access the Cottonwood Creek Trailhead, east of the Idaho State Capitol Building. (3188 Sunset Peak Rd.)

When you visit Portland, Maine, you want to make sure you hit all the famous restaurants before you go. You might not have time to check the reviews before stopping to eat, so here are the top 10 restaurants in Portland, ME.

You may notice we included Portland, ME food trucks on this list. These are a great alternative to sit down style restaurants, perfect for when you are short on time or don’t want to be surrounded by many people.

1. Flatbread Company

Everyone loves to eat pizza. When you visit the Flatbread Company, you can expect great pizza while overlooking Casco Bay. The atmosphere and food are perfect.

There are a handful of seating options to fit the needs of their guests. You can sit in their spacious dining room and enjoy your food in the air conditioning. However, you will want to sit out by the dock if the weather is nice. It is the ideal place to eat flatbread pizza while gazing over the water.

2. Boda

Boda is the go-to place in Portland, Maine, for cocktails and Thai food. This exquisite restaurant features a wide variety of Thai dishes, including quail eggs, spicy wings, pad thai, and more.

Another great thing about Boda is that they are open late, so you can get their delicious food until 1 a.m. Whether you need to eat a quick lunch or want to enjoy a meal after a night out, Boda is the place to go.

3. The Back Bay Grill

The Back Bay Grill may be the perfect spot to go for a fancy evening out. This high-end restaurant is well known for its hand-rolled pasta and fantastic seafood dishes. Pop open a bottle of wine and enjoy an elegant dinner in low lighting for your next anniversary dinner in Portland, Maine.

4. Solo Italiano

Solo Italiano is one of the most beloved restaurants in Portland, ME to get Italian food. The menu here changes daily, but you will not be disappointed with the chef’s choices. Salads, pasta, or seafood, whatever you are craving, you can find at Solo Italiano.

Another significant aspect of visiting this restaurant is the wine list. They have an extensive array of all their best wines ready for their guests. Whether you’re in the mood for a glass of red or white wine, the staff at Solo Italiano can answer all of your questions and provide an excellent pairing.

5. Rose Foods

The bagels from Rose Foods are top of the line. You can’t visit Portland without making a stop and trying one of these bagels.

There are six different bagels available every day. There are always five classic flavors and one specialty that rotates out. You can order a dozen bagels to take home or choose from 11 handcrafted sandwiches for a fantastic breakfast.

6. Salvage BBQ

Not everyone is a massive fan of seafood, and that’s okay. Just because Portland, Maine is known for its lobster doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit. Stopping at Salvage BBQ is a must when you’re in town.

This restaurant serves up classic barbecue and plenty of hearty sides to go with your meal. They have trivia on Wednesdays, along with live music every Friday and Saturday. Come for the food or the environment; either way, you won’t be disappointed.

7. The Holy Donut

The restaurant name is fitting, considering the Holy Donut produces some of the best donuts on the East Coast. There are two locations in Portland, so you’re never far from these sweet treats. The donuts are slightly denser than your typical donut, but delicious regardless.

8. Bite into Maine

Bite into Maine has two locations in Portland, and they almost always have a line. Here you can get six different types of lobster rolls that are all under $20. Bite into Maine has a food truck next to the lighthouse at Cape Elizabeth, and it is worth the drive. You can order your food and explore Cape Elizabeth while enjoying your delicious lobster roll.

9. Artemisia Cafe

Artemisia Cafe is one of the top brunch restaurants in Portland, ME. You can find all of your classic brunch foods on the menu and feel at home in the environment. This little spot is beautiful to visit, and it opens a bit earlier than most places in Portland, so you don’t have to wait until 11 a.m. to get brunch.

10. Oxbow Blending and Bottling

Before you leave Portland, make sure to visit Oxbow Blending and Blotting. They have one location in Portland, with another about 10 miles away. You can find events often, but you’ll want to check it out either way. They have tons of brew and wine to try, as well as all your typical bar foods. The restaurant even has an art gallery that you can look through before you leave.

The Cost of Hiring A Food Truck

Food truck pricing can be complicated since it depends on a ton of factors like location, time of year, day of week, number of people, menu selections, cuisine types, and more. Try out our catering cost tool to get an estimate for your unique event, contact us with specific questions, or keep reading to learn more.

Are There Minimums?

Every truck we work with is different, but there are a few things that ring true for everyone. A truck will have a minimum amount they need to sell in order to reserve that date for you. The minimum is generally lower if you are looking to have the food dropped off, rather than having the food truck onsite to cater the event. If you do want the truck to attend, then the minimums required will depend on the day of the week, the time of year, the food you want to serve, length of service, and how in demand the truck is. Outside of minimums, the trucks typically start their quote with a cost per person based on the food items you select.

Does The Type of Truck Make a Difference in Price?

The other factors you will need to consider are the type of truck, for example a food cart might be less than a full size truck, and a dessert truck or coffee truck will have a different price per person than a savory truck. If the truck will need to travel an hour or more for the event, they will typically apply a travel fee. Custom menus, specific dietary restrictions, and other special requests could also impact the truck’s proposal.

Keep in mind that the quotes sent by food trucks are the cost of the food and labor for that event. Unless the truck says otherwise, it does not include sales tax and gratuity. Just like restaurants and other catering services, please consider adding gratuity for a job well done.

What If Attendees Pay For Their Own Food?

If the event attendees are paying for their own food, you should still consider providing a guaranteed minimum. A minimum is a level of sales you can guarantee the truck based off of how many people will be eating. If the truck does not meet the minimum, then the event organizer pays the difference. Consider this your potential cost for hiring the truck to prep the food, staff the event, drive to you, and reserve this date. Just like any business, they need to make sure they can afford to bring their services to you. This is why minimums are so important.

Finding consistent crowds presents one of the most significant obstacles when operating a food truck. Festivals provide a viable solution, bringing thousands of people to one place. All food truck vendors have to do to attract potential customers, and they’ll turn a profit, right?

Making money, even at festivals, isn’t always straightforward or guaranteed. It depends on the event, location, and crowd demographics, to name a few factors. If you’ve ever wondered, “How much do food trucks make at festivals?” here are your answers.

The 5% Rule

The festival’s size offers the best indicator of success. Food truck vendors can expect to sell one meal for every 20 people at the event. That translates to 5% of the total attendance.

While parking your truck at a large event doesn’t correlate with success, it does help. The more people see, smell, and hear about your food, the better your chances of building a line of paying customers. Vendors also benefit from a closed environment, where patrons can’t leave the festival grounds and are obligated to eat from vendors on-site.

Finding the Right Event

If you operate a food truck, you’re going to get a lot of requests to attend events. While you may feel tempted to say yes to every opportunity, pick your festivals selectively. For instance, selling your barbecue may not gel at a yoga gathering. The same goes for selling bento boxes at a Fourth of July parade.

Find festivals with a significant number of people from your target demographic. That means matching the attendees’ tastes with the food you sell. Here are two examples of how choosing the right event can influence how much a food truck makes at a festival.

Event #1: Music Festival

Attendance: 25,000 people

Expected Sales: 5% or 1,250 transactions

Gross Sales ($7 per transaction): $8,750

Operating Costs (33% of food): $2,888

Net Income: $5,862

Event #2: Local Farmers Market

Attendance: 1,000 people

Expected Sales: 5% or 50 transactions

Gross Sales ($7 per transaction): $350

Operating Costs (33% of food): $115.50

Net Income: $234.50

The difference between attending a music festival and the local farmers market is night and day. The concert’s massive attendance draws a diverse and ravenous crowd that helps your food truck make a sizeable profit. Events such as Austin City Limits can attract more than 450,000 people! So even if you have to pay a fee to vend at a music festival, the overall net income makes up for the initial investment.

Consistency Is King

Setting up shop at one large festival is a start. Doing it at several festivals is even better. Earning the most net income from festivities means attending as many events as possible.

It’s not unheard of for a food truck to earn $50,000 or more from a multiple-day festival like Coachella or Bonnaroo. Each event runs four to six days, with crowds reaching upward of 100,000 people. The competition to get into those festivals and attract foot traffic is fierce, but with the proper execution, they can provide a substantial reward.

Most food vendors can expect to make between $1,000 and $2,000 in net income from a festival. The exact numbers depend on the festival attendance and food, so the range serves only as a rough estimate. Keep in mind that selling $5 hot dogs requires triple the sales as $15 pizzas to generate an equal net income.

Maximizing Your Income

Food truck vendors should expect a 5% sales rate when attending large festivals, which translates into hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Maximizing income requires choosing the right event with the right demographics to ensure you make as many sales as possible. If you want to harness the power of a better vending experience, check out the Truckster mobile app.