Independent Operators
2022 in Review: Food Truck Operator's top read stories
The top read stories on FoodTruckOperator in 2022 included spotlights on truck operators, advice on equipment and operations issues and innovations in food truck fare.
December 19, 2022 by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com
This year has been one of rebound, growth and innovation for the food truck industry. While the 2020-2021 year of COVID-19 proved a boon for operators, given restaurant lock downs and residents seeking take-out alternatives, 2022 was a year of challenges that included everything from labor shortages to supply chain issues.
At FoodTruckOperator it was also a year of "firsts," including an insightful report, "Food Trucks to Watch in 2023," that food truck owners and staff can download for free. It's an insider look at 25 food truck operations across the U.S., with insight from operators and owners that are part of a $1.2 billion industry on everything from why they started a food truck to how they're achieving success through innovative marketing, menus and customer engagement.
And for readers who may have missed some news this year, here's a quick way to read about food trucks that were spotlighted this year. The operators and owners all share valuable advice and insight on everything from getting started to expanding the truck footprint into the physical brick-and-mortar space. And if you want your food truck spotlighted just click here.
Now let's take a look at what stories and news caught big attention during 2022.
An inside peek at Missouri's newest food truck garden
Frankie Martin's Garden newest food truck garden, in Missouri, made its debut this spring. Brian Hardesty, restaurateur and managing partner of Frankie Martin's Garden, shares insight on how it all came about and what was needed to make it a reality. The garden is named in honor of former resident Frank J. Martin. The 2.74-acre site is home to pavilions, a live music stage, a 26-foot LED wall, food truck staging, a beer pavilion, a live music stage, pickleball courts as well as a large whiskey and wine bar in Martin's preserved former home.
Why a comprehensive marketing plan is key to success
Success, when it comes to food trucks, is tied to location and strong business strategies, but many truck operators aren't sure how to start the marketing effort. Here's a solid guide to clear the hurdle.
Food truck operators share 7 lessons learned
There's a tsunami of insight online when it comes to running a food truck. But the best advice is from those in the trenches. Such insight can make the difference in avoiding pitfalls and overcoming challenges and, as any food truck operator knows, that can make the difference when it comes to succeeding in today's challenging business environment.
How 1 food truck is driving an enhanced in-house dining experience
What should a restaurateur do when wait times for in-house orders are increasing and take-out orders are exploding? For Gocha Hawkins, head chef of Gocha's Breakfast Bar, the answer was easy: Set up a food truck next to her Cascade, Atlanta location, one of her two breakfast bars in Georgia. The Atlanta store launched in 2019 and her Fayetteville bar opened in January 2020. The food truck, which operates the same hours as the Atlanta location, is 22-feet long and wrapped with an image of Hawkins' face and a logo.
This Halal-Mexican food truck mission goes beyond a love for the cuisine
Two years ago, Hisham Abdelfattah, seeing a void of Halal-Mexican cuisine in the Bay Area of California, launched his first food truck, El Halal Amigos, in Fremont. His goal was to share his love of the flavors of Mexico. Despite the country being hip-deep in the COVID-19 pandemic, the community response was immediate as a line of customers wrapped around the parking lot on his second day of opening. Now the Filipino and Palestinian chef has launched his first brick-and-mortar location, in San Jose, to further share his love of the cuisine.
Avoiding common mistakes in equipment purchasing
Equipment in the food truck kitchen not only serves to provide food to customers but is also a long-term investment that factors into monthly costs and returns. Picking the right kind of equipment is integral to setting up and running a successful and profitable food business. Learn about common mistakes to avoid and key factors to consider before making an investment.
It's not just all about the dog at Hotdog Hideout
Adrienne Benedetto, owner of Hotdog Hideout, wanted to bring dirty water dogs to Maryland but her food truck menu offers much beyond that well-known and well-loved treat. During her venture she learned it's not easy running a truck and is still learning a lot about being a food truck owner.
Food truck business advice from those in the trenches
The best way new food truck operators can avoid issues and pitfalls is to learn from successful food truck operators who have hurdled top challenges.
About Judy Mottl
Related Media
Subscribe
Get the latest news and resources from Food Truck Operator.
Recent Posts
