The business of owning and operating a food truck has grown by leaps and bounds in the past decade and shows no sign of slowing down. This could be one of the reasons that more and more people are making the decision to quit their jobs and fulfill the lifelong dream of being in business for themselves. They are buying new or purchasing used food trucks. Those who consider themselves handy may even decide to purchase a used van, party trailer, or truck that they can convert into a food truck.
If, indeed, you decide to build your own food truck, is design a crucial consideration? Ask yourself this: when your customers first see your truck, will they want to eat something that comes from it? The answer, obviously, should be yes. So, clearly, design matters.
Finding a Designer for Your Food Truck
Not everyone is artistically inclined or has the first notion as to how to design a food truck. Particularly where the exterior of your vehicle is concerned, you may wish to consult a professional. Your designer should welcome your feedback and take into consideration your “vision”.
Here are some factors to consider when seeking out a designer:
- Will you paint the outside of your vehicle or use a vinyl wrap?
- It’s important to have someone who will work with you – not against you or go rogue on you.
The Food Truck Brand and Design Connection
Why is design an important consideration? Essential to business branding will be your design theme, logo, and color scheme. People who see your food truck need to get a strong and immediate idea of what it is you do and offer.
These factors should be considered in the connection between brand and design:
- Your logo
- The feeling/impression that your truck conveys to customers
- Your product and design must have a strong, unmistakable correlation
Designing a Menu
Okay, the design of your food truck has been established and you found someone with whom you can work. The designing end of things is not over yet, however. You must design a menu for your food truck. Naturally, as part of your truck design, you included a board that shows what you have to offer. It matches your color scheme and your branding. Whether it’s a chalkboard or a professionally painted board, is up to you.
Here are additional factors to consider when designing your menu:
- You may need a customizable design for frequent changes
- It must be easy to read, even from a distance
Design Themes and Websites
We’ve been concentrating on the exterior of your truck, but there is more to the food truck business than the truck itself. Additionally, if you don’t have a website in this day and age, you don’t exist (in the minds of many).
Social media sites and your website should match your branding. When customers want to find out where your truck is located on a particular day, it must be easy for them to find your website. A professional looking site is important, as well. Every page of your website should state where you’re located (each day) and provide updated information.
Remember – you must be easy to find!
Bonus Features
A compelling design, accessible ordering window, and an easy-to-read menu are important. Here are some things that will add to your customer experience and improve your business:
- An outdoor big screen TV (maybe for your menu) and music from speakers
- Particularly in summer, outdoor fans (possibly a mist system) with which to cool your customers
- For shade and to keep your customers out of the rain, food truck awnings can be useful
Don’t Forget about the Interior
The exterior of your truck has been the main focus here. The interior, of course, is important as well. But that is for another day. A lot of what goes on the inside of your food truck will depend on the food that you are serving. You’ll need a deep fryer if you’re serving up something like hot empanadas. But you’ll need a commercial freezer if you’re serving ice cream.
Once again, a professional consultation is a good idea.
Mickey Genuine Parts carries used trailers and vans on a relatively regular basis. The availability is constantly changing, however. To be on the safe side, check with one of our knowledgeable professionals regarding the inventory of used vehicles. When your food truck needs service, we have reputable, certified service centers located throughout the United States. Contact Mickey today for more information.