9 Ways to Extend Your Season and Run a Year-Round Food Truck

9 Ways to Extend Your Season and Run a Year-Round Food Truck

While most anyone will stand in line for your Pork Carnitas or Five Layer French Fries in nice weather, the colder months add a real challenge. Here are some ways to make your food truck dream into a year around venture.

Number 1: Specialty Drinks

Offer specialty drinks throughout the different seasons. You can begin in the fall and serve hot apple cider with Carmel and whipped cream. As the months grow colder you can offer hot chocolate with special toppings such as marshmallows, chocolate, and crushed peppermint around Christmas. Also, hot tea and coffee are popular all through the colder months.

Number 2: Lunch Hour Gigs

It may take some marketing but offer businesses and schools a contract to bring your truck around during lunch hour. This may be once a week or once a month, but workers would enjoy a change and it would be something to look forward to. Stepping outside for a few minutes is easier than getting in a cold car and driving down the road.

Number 3: Providing a Place To Warm Up

Certain locations may allow you to set up and have an outdoor heater or firepit. It would be an investment and take some planning, but warmth usually draws a crowd. Warmth and food together will be a winner.

Number 4: Winter Events or Sports

Outside sports will bring customers around for a hot drink or a quick lunch. Some examples are ski resorts; ice skating, hockey games, Christmas tree farms, or tree lightings. If you start early in the year and present your ideas to places that host these events, you are bound to find some opportunities.

Number 5: Parades

Parades are year around and bring out many groups and families. At Christmas and New Year’s parades the hot drinks will be a hit. You may want to add some quick handheld foods that would be popular with children.

Number 6: Sports Parties

Tailgaters do not let the weather slow them down and neither should you. Offer a pre-game menu for people on the way to game. It may take some time to find the right spot, but it is definitely worth looking into.

Number 7: Christmas Shoppers

If you can get a parking spot outside of a mall or near popular stores, Christmas shoppers are always looking for a hot drink or a quick snack. You may have to revamp the menu somewhat for these times, but it will pay off in the end.

Number 8: Pop-Up Charity Events

Work with local charities and offer to set up to help raise money. You can offer a meal or sandwich a drink for a set price and advertise to give a percentage to a specific group. It should not be to difficult to find a place to set up with helping others as a goal.

Number 9: Catering

Advertise catering of the foods people love to buy in the warmer months. You could also make a new menu just for catering.