The food truck industry is ready to take flight. Currently, the industry is valued at over $1 billion.
However, food trucks hold a distinct advantage in the new normal created by the coronavirus pandemic. Food trucks do not rely on indoor dining to turn a profit.
Instead, they can continue to operate without significant restriction. In addition, they park outdoors which is a safer environment for their customers.
These factors bode well for the continued growth of the food truck industry. With an appealing menu, your food truck business can seize the advantages of these circumstances.
Read on to learn 5 pro tips for developing a stellar menu that draws a crowd.
1. Find a Niche
There is a lot of competition in the food industry. This makes it difficult to break in when many of the most popular foods are covered. You can find good Italian or Chinese food nearly anywhere.
The most successful food trucks find a niche. This niche is a type of food that is not easily available in the local vicinity. For example, you may decide to feature Cuban foods on your food truck if the closest Cuban restaurant to your area is far away.
2. Put Your Own Twist on It
Now that you have a niche, you can build a menu around unique foods in that cuisine, like Cuban sandwiches and empanadas. Offering popular items, however, does not separate you from the pack.
If you want to generate buzz in the local community, try putting your own twist on it. Take a popular item and add a signature flavor or combine two popular items to create a unique mash-up.
3. Offer Homemade Condiments
One way in which you can stand out is by offering unique condiments. The average food truck is going to have the standard condiments like ketchup, mustard, and mayo.
However, there is much to learn from successful institutions like Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy in Orlando. The Boss of Sauce offers over 20 different dips for their chicken.
This variety is driving popularity and interest in the restaurant. People want to come back and try each different sauce.
4. Viral Menu Items
The dream is to create menu items that will go viral on social media. Then the internet will spread the word about your food truck for you.
For social media interest, usually bigger is better. A burger food truck may stack a multi-patty burger doused in cheese and other delicious toppings.
5. Menu Variety
You can build a unique menu by offering variety as well. This does not mean that you offer food items outside your niche.
Instead, start from the bottom up on a three-course meal. Variety means having both appetizers and entrees. If consumers want to try something, they can order something small and inexpensive, but if they want to have a whole meal, there’s the option for that, too.
How to Build a Unique Food Truck Menu
Food trucks are all the rage and only growing in popularity. By offering homemade condiments and Instagram-worthy food items, your food truck will be the talk of the town.
Want more food truck advice? Check out more blog posts here!
Thinking about starting a food truck? Request a free custom quote and one of our food truck specialists will help you design the truck of your dreams.
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