Wrap a Food Truck Like Your Business Depends On It! 

You might ask why? Well, because it does. Imagine starting a restaurant but not placing a sign on the building? Maybe just some vinyl lettering on the door? Sound like a short sighted strategy? Well, it is and it would be for a food truck wrap too. 

There are many things that don't transfer from a traditional brick and mortar concept to a food truck. Branding though, does in some ways. Often your most dominant brands have what they sell in their name. Certainly there are juggernauts that started 50 years ago that have iconic brands. Look at Shake Shack just shy of 20 years of operation. They didn't select a name like Wendy's, Arby's or McDonalds. They selected a name that state some of what they do. Its intriguing and fun. Not to say you can't have some fun with a red head and pigtails, let's face it, Wendy's is Savage on Social Media. If you haven't seen some of what they do, if their burgers were half as good as their social strategy they'd be on my radar to grab a burger. 

Wrapping a food truck can have a massive impact on sales, like 50% or more. Imagine every time you open, you'll make 50% more in sales from a one time investment that lasts 3-4 years when well cared for. I wish we could have that kind of impact in many areas of your business, your financials would be amazing! 

So what does a wrap usually cost? Somewhere in the realm of $4,000 - $6,000 usually depending on the size of the vehicle and removal of former wraps. That certainly is a significant sum, but, the cost of a sign on a restaurant for the most standard simple version is usually double that. Plus, when wrapping a food truck, a local government isn't asking you to pull a permit and comply with their standards. 

Branding should match the attitude and mindset of your core customer. Who is that and how serious they are can drive your artwork. Sometimes fun and playful is the way to go, other times a more serious approach is needed to suit the more formal events you are looking for. 

Same goes for the name, you can certainly name your truck or trailer something offensive and get attention that way. That can also diminish someone's desire to work with you. Some may say, my demo isn't an elementary school anyway, so I don't care. You certainly don't want to be bland or boring though. Descriptive is good in our opinion, saying what you do is key. That doesn't mean you can't do more, one thing can just be your core competency. IE You can be the Cheesesteak Truck but still put a burger on your menu for a catering. Oh and don't add and more to your name if possible, it just waters down your name and makes it a mouthful! 

Let's get to Wrappin! We partner with local shops and get wholesale pricing and can pass that discount on to you! Contact us today about wrapping your food truck! 

What is Greek Cuisine?

This week's Cuisine Decoder is Greek! If someone were to ask you what you know about Greece, would your answer include breaking plates and yelling, "OPA"? While that is a fun part of the culture, there is so much more to consider- particularly the food and the people! Whether you realize it or not, the fresh, light Mediterranean ingredients in Greek dishes have become a favorite across the globe – and have even served as the basis of the famous Mediterranean Diet. While many restaurants in America will blend Italian and Greek dishes, and offer varieties of both, Greek cuisine does have very distinctive flavors and ingredients. But a huge factor if you have the opportunity to go to Greece is the actual ingredients. They are different, there's not a better way to say it. When you bite into a vegetable in the islands of Greece it hits different, like way different.

My wife, Danielle and I have traveled to the Greek Island Karpathos twice and plan to return for years to come. The food and culture is truly a gem. Can't say enough good things about it. Oddly enough we spent some time in Athens as you'll see below after a week in Karpathos on our first trip. We won't be repeating that. We just don't typically love large cities, we feel like been in one and you've been in most. Where you really get to see, feel, smell and taste a culture is in the country, the islands and the most distant places that aren't just a Tourist Trap. Never visit Pisa Italy, I'll save that story for another day, just trust me, don't.

The oldest ancient Greek village we've ever been to, one of the oldest, Olympos on the island of Karpathos and tried hand made pasta that was made from flour that was ground from a windmill at the top of a mountain overlooking the Aegean Sea. That was called Milos Taverna Bolognese was the preferred dish of the day.

On another day back on the mainland near Athens we had traveled to the Temple of Poseidon and on the way back, we stopped at a small cafe called Marida Seafood and ordered the catch of the day. It was a fresh fish that was grilled whole served with some simple spices, it was delicious and frankly expensive! We were surprised to find that Market Price on that fish was more expensive than we expected. You never know when traveling whether you're getting terrace pricing. I learned about that in Italy, if you ask to sit outside, they give you a different menu along with a different price than they'd give locals. Sometimes being the least tourist like possible can pay dividends.

Another spot we loved was Poseidon Blue Restaurant, we had amazing fresh salads there, tacos and appetizers that were just bursting with flavor. Can't say enough good things, we may stay there during our next visit just so we can eat there more often. Yes, it was that good.

Have you ever eaten olives, had a slice of pita bread, come to enjoy feta cheese topping your salad, or cooked with olive oil? If so, you have experienced four staples in Greek cuisine. In addition to the olives and cheese, other staples of Greek cooking include yogurt, fresh vegetables and herbs, wine, fish, and varieties of meat such as lamb, poultry, rabbit, and pork. These ingredients combine to skillfully create some of the most popular dishes in Greek Cuisine:

Greek Salad: A salad that can be found on a variety of menus, it typically consists of tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, onion and ham. It is often topped with oregano and is accompanied by olive oil.

Gyros: A popular food found at fairs and festivals (and our own food truck rallies with Rolling Gourmet and The Famous Greek), is meat roasted and sliced from a turning spit and is wrapped in pita bread along with garnishes such as tomato and onions, and certain sauces.

Moussaka: Moussaka is a heartier casserole dish, and is the quid essential meat and potatoes dish. It is made of typically fried potatoes and spiced minced meat. There are other versions that include vegetables such as eggplant.

Souvlaki: The name literally means "skewer." Souvlaki can include any kind of grilled meat that is served on skewer. This can range from lamb, chicken, pork, fish, or shrimp. As it is being grilled, the meat is typically marinated in oil, salt, pepper, oregano, and lemon- ensuring the flavoring of the meat is robust.

While Greek cuisine has a tradition that dates back to ancient times, it has found its place in American dining- and many diners may not have even realized it. Next time you are visiting a Tampa Bay Food Trucks event, or even visiting a brick and mortar restaurant, be sure to take a look at the menu and see if you can spot Greek influences. If you didn't know Tarpon Springs has quite a Greek population. In addition many residents of Karpathos live right here in Central Florida. For whatever reason, Greeks from Karpathos own a lot of breakfast restaurants in Winter Haven, Bartow and a lot of other locations.

I Need To Sell My Food Truck

So the journey has come to an end, if you're here in Florida it was likely a hot and journey that was not easy. We commend you for putting up with the Florida heat as long as you did, whether it was just while trying to launch or operating for years. This is a really tough business and knowing how to finish well is important. Congrats on coming to the point where you know, it's time to hang it up.

So I'm ready to sell the food truck I have, now what?

Well for starters, to get the most out of your truck, it needs to be working and in the best working order possible. If you have to jiggle the handle to the left and then the right three times to make something work, that doesn't look great at a showing while trying to sell the truck. The truck also needs to be in the best mechanical working order possible too. You've been in their shoes, you know how nerve racking it is buying a food truck. Thinking about all the things they have to go through, fixing things on a truck or kitchen isn't something most buyers want to add to the list. So if it takes a 37 page instruction book on how to get all the broken things to work, you should really consider getting them all fixed because it's going to maximize the value of what you'll get for the truck.

Second on the agenda is everyone's favorite: Cleaning! Yes, that's right, it's got to be spotless, like so clean you didn't even know it could be that clean. We typically recommend professionals for the job because they are typically armed with hot water pressure washers or steam cleaners or even both. it's usually pricey, but, its far cheaper than taking a hit on an offer of a few thousand dollars lower because someone isn't impressed with how clean or not clean a truck is. We're often asked since we help people food truck wraps too through a wholesale partner, do we need to remove our wrap? No, and once you do that once, you'll never do it again, we promise. At most lightly cutting through main branding with a 2-3" section of wrap that would effectively make the wrap unpleasant is enough to dissuade anyone from any funny business.

Third you need a really solid list of everything onboard and included. Specialty items are better off not being included. IE someone selling a truck with us asked about their new $3,000 cold press juicer, I immediately said, that's not included, most people don't want or need that. Just keep those items, list them for sale separately or use them personally. It's really not going to change the value of what the truck or trailer is worth.

Fourth thing, the truck (if not a trailer) and generator need to start!! #1 deal killer outside of the truck or trailer not being clean is no starts. Disconnect the positive terminal from batteries if the truck or trailer is going to sit for a while. You can also install a battery switch or have your mechanic do it. Also don't get a truck warm before someone comes or have all the refrigeration cooled down already. If you have a piece of refrigeration cooling slowly, be honest about it. If your truck is a bear to start in the morning, be honest, it's not like the person isn't going to find out the next day.

Fifth and final, just put yourself in the shoes of the person stepping into the business as you were when you started or attempted to start. Be nice, be honest and be helpful.

We do help people buy and sell used food trucks, we typically reach a nationwide audience and we've managed to attract some stalkers who watch for what we list in case it's what they are looking for. We have a lot you can sign a storage agreement with for $135 a month and store your vehicle while we help you find a buyer. If you have questions, let us know. We're pretty particular about what we list, it's typically trucks that are ready to go, fairly priced and will help the next owner be successful.

Top 10 Food Truck Friendly Wedding Venues Tampa Bay

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Tampa Bay is full of stunning venues that will make your wedding day memorable. Here are ten of the most food truck-friendly wedding venues in the Tampa Bay area:

1. Ever After Farms (Flower Barn) - This rustic barn venue, located in Seffner, is perfect for food truck weddings. The venue features a large outdoor space and a beautiful flower barn, creating a stunning backdrop for your celebration. Check out their website for more information: https://www.everafterfarms.com/flower-barn/
2. Florida Rustic Barns (Lakesong) - This venue in Plant city is perfect for a food truck wedding. With its rustic charm and outdoor spaces, you'll be able to create a beautiful and unique event. Check out their website for more information: https://www.floridarusticbarnweddings.com/
3. Haus 820 - This hidden gem in Lakeland is the perfect place for a modern wedding. The venue is spacious and features plenty of natural light and an open-air atmosphere, creating a beautiful setting for your special day. Food trucks can also be easily accommodated, giving your guests plenty of delicious options to choose from. Check out the website for more information: https://haus820.com/
4. Love Lock Ranch - This venue in Wimauma is perfect for food truck weddings. With its beautiful outdoor spaces and vintage charm, you'll be able to create a stunning event and make lasting memories. Plus, the venue offers a variety of services to make the day special and memorable. Check out their website for more information: https://lovelockranch.com/
5. Morean Center for Clay - For couples looking for an unconventional venue, the Morean Center for Clay is a great option. This art-filled space is perfect for a creative, whimsical wedding plus, the venue’s staff is known for their attention to detail and excellent customer service, ensuring that your wedding day runs without a hitch. To learn more, visit: https://moreanartscenter.org/
6. NOVA 535- is a unique and modern venue located in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg. The venue features an open-air patio area, the courtyard is enclosed by the building, which is great for providing shelter from the sun and rain. It's Perfect for hosting weddings, and plenty of parking for food trucks to access the venue. Plus, the location is close to many of St. Petersburg's top attractions, making it a great option for a wedding. Link to website: https://www.nova535.com/
7. St Pete Shuffleboard Courts - Located in St. Petersburg, this venue is great for food truck weddings because it offers an outdoor space and plenty of room for your guests to move around. With its unique and vintage atmosphere, the Shuffleboard Courts are sure to make your wedding one to remember. Plus, the venue offers bar packages, allowing you to customize your special day. Check out their website for more information: https://stpeteshuffle.com/
8. Sunset Beach Resort (Siesta Key) - This beautiful beach resort in Siesta Key is the perfect outdoor wedding venue for couples looking to wow their guests with an unforgettable experience. The white sand and sparkling waters create a picture-perfect backdrop for your special day and the venue’s professional staff will ensure that your wedding is stress-free and unforgettable. Check out their website for more details: https://www.sunsetbeachresortsiestakey.com
9. Tampa Bay Watch - Located in the heart of Tampa Bay, this unique venue offers couples a romantic setting for an unforgettable wedding. With breathtaking views of the bay and plenty of room for your guests, this venue is the perfect place to celebrate your special day. The venue also allows food trucks, providing your guests with a variety of culinary options to enjoy. For more information, visit the website: https://tampabaywatch.org/weddings-mainpg/weddings/
10. The Secret Garden at Paradise Springs - Located in Lithia, this venue offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. With its lush gardens, outdoor pavilion, and elegant ballroom, it's a great spot for your food truck wedding. Check out their website for more information: https://www.paradisespringwedding.com/

We hope this list helps you find the perfect venue for your wedding. We can help you select the perfect food truck/s to compliment your unique and special day that your guests will be sure to remember.

Need to consult with a food truck specialist? Well it's kind of our thing! Get- In -Touch

Food Trucks for Graduation Parties

Finally, the end is here! It goes by so quickly but, now it's time to party and celebrate all the hard work of completing one of the legs of the journey of life. 

What matters most when hiring a food truck for graduation celebrations:

1. What style of food?

What's the grad like? Also, what will the guests like? Having a variety of food is nice, but, you'll find many food trucks are specialized and very good at their craft.  

2. Dietary restrictions?

For some this is massively important and for others usually those who don't have immediate family members with needs. Keep in mind those who are impacted by this are very grateful when we can accommodate them, so having some choices available can go a long way.

3. How many trucks do I need?

Speed and Food Type play a major role here. So do the number of menu items that a truck is running. Want 7 things on the menu? You're going to wait a while regardless of what is being served. If you have less than 100 guests you shouldn't need more than one truck. If more, our team can help crunch numbers with you based on the cuisine and menu items you have in mind. Food trucks catering for a graduation should have fast turn times, the food being served is likely not going to be complex and pretty standard fare for the truck to serve.

4. How long should we feed our guests?

Having a defined period of time of 2-3 hour is usually sufficient. If coming straight from graduation and you're unsure of timing, having the truck set to serve 30 minutes into the party is a good idea. Have some snacks around in case the graduates have worked up an appetite. If you start service at the beginning of the party your late comers may miss the food. We can certainly give service longer than 2-3 hours but, there will be additional charges. 

5. Where should we place the trucks? 

Typically a flat surface is best. A place that's easy for guests to get to. Often times parking on the street facing a home works well. Pulling into the driveway works well. We also pull into yards at times, keep in mind, the trucks are not good with soft ground and going up hills or difficult terrain. Trucks also have to be placed 10' apart from one another and any structure to meet fire code. 

6. What about music?

It's a must, one way or another it really help sets the tone for the celebration. It doesn't have to be knock your hair back crazy loud, but if that's what you want it certainly can be. Our Mobile Dj Truck puts a nice spin on Mobile DJ Service, see what we did there? Luckily our DJ's aren't corny with dad jokes. We know how well that would go over with the new grads. Boomers, is likely what would be said with an eye roll. 

Party catering can be tricky, the nice thing about food trucks is undoubtedly the lack of mess and preparation needed for them to serve. A truck typically arrives one hour prior to service to ensure everything is hot and ready for service when it begins. Service usually lasts for 2-3 hours, sometimes if you have a smaller group, only 1 hour of service is needed. After service is over, a truck typically shuts down and cleans, polices the area around their truck for any trash and then departs. Leaving without a trace, there's not enough things to say about wrapping up a party and not having a kitchen to clean. Entertaining guests and having them trek all through the house or even just the yard outside is enough work, you don't need the kitchen to look like a disaster occurred too.  

Nico's Arepas Still Crushing It!

The Sweet Buttery Smell of Arepas and Corn

That's what hits you in the face right after you walk into the Armenia Ave Nico's Arepas Restaurant and mini market.

The menu is much larger than what they could serve up on their food truck. Yep, they started out in a food truck on MLK across from the famed Taco Bus when it was on its way to its painful decline to being a gas station brand. You can find the passion and love for food that started that bus at Rene's Kitchen now and you should, it's awesome. 

Arepas, Cachapas and Tequenos are the OG's at Nico's. Still delicious as ever, my go to choices are huge and filling. Plus, you need to get a beverage, no contest, pick the Postobon.  Apple flavored soda, super sweet, but amazing.

Arepas

The fitting name of La Glotona is Shredded beef, Shredded Chicken, Chicken Salad, Shrimp and White Cheese oh and butter which isn't listed as an ingredient, but if nothing else is there to grease the pipes to be able to put that all down.

Cachapas

The Cachapatona which sounds devishly gangster is the same as the Glotona on fillings but comes on a sweet and savory corn pancake like vessel.  .

Tequenos

These are Venezuelan cheese sticks that are  encased in a sweet exterior and fried to a light brown where they snap just a little bit as you bite into them. 

The Sauces

The tutorial is real here, you need the sauces! There are three kinds of main sauces, garlic, salsa rosada (mayo and ketchup) and Volcano. My whole family likes different sauces on different things. None are too polarizing or spicy. Definitely safe to experiment.  

Photo credit Nico's Arepas

The menu has soups, burgers, salads, platters, and even pasta! Oh and the market is super cool too, lots of hard to find authentic Venezuelan goodness! It's best that I'm not unleashed in such environments the carbs and sugar that ensue are not safe for anyone.  

Tampa LED Trucks for Hire

Looking to advertise your business? You should check our friends out at First Step Marketing with their awesome LED Trucks in Tampa.

They can help with general marketing campaigns, community awareness and other fun things. 

Currently they are thanking crossing guards for what they're doing everyday. 

Why join Tampa Bay Food Trucks as a local food truck owner?

Often when starting a truck, it's overlooked how hard it can be to shop, cook, clean, and get booked. We can't help with the first three, but we can certainly help with the booking portion. 

1. Growing Revenue and Profit without additional admin work.
2. Exposure to exclusive opportunities.
3. We're all about small local businesses - you won't find us working with national franchises. 
4. Mentorship and helping with best practices. We help you to stretch your capabilities and help from the beginning or at any point of your journey.
5. Often, we'll offer trucks the largest opportunities they've ever had a shot at, we offer it with coaching and direction to ensure we're all as successful as possible. 
6. Our technology and processes are second to none, we help create seamless experiences for clients and food trucks. 
7. Compliance, our team will help you to stay on track with insurance, fire and state compliance making sure your team is on top of the things that matter. 
8. We have a killer team that are all in for local food trucks, we love helping others succeed and win!
9. It doesn't cost anything to apply or join; you've got to meet our base requirements which we consider basic industry best practices. 
10. Let's get started, here are the basics you need to apply to be a vendor with us: A fully wrapped or muraled truck with family friendly branding. A quiet generator less than 68 db. 2M/1M in General Liability and 500k CSL on a commercial auto policy. Must have NFPA 1 Propane safety certification (state required) No chains or franchises.  APPLY NOW 

There are more reasons but one of our least favorite things we like to talk about is ourselves. We'd rather show you what it's like to be a part of our team and get some business going! 

Learn How To Become a Vendor

The most common things we hear from people wanting to start a food truck: 

• I want to work for myself.
• I'm tired of making other people money. 
• I want to set my own schedule.
• I want to be in control of my own destiny.
• I have to get out of corporate. 
• I love to cook. 

Luckily, not many people come into our industry thinking I want to get rich. Wealth is relative to begin with, having margin in your life is all about setting realistic expectations with your standard of living. Some of the most joyful people I've ever encountered were mildly successful and were extremely happy with what they were doing and earning. 

We're fortunate to work in a Billion dollar industry, when we got started back in 2011, that was definitely not the case. It had certainly caught on in other cities, but, there's a utility to being able to feed people where they are with hot and fresh food. New opportunities and niches within our industry are constantly developing. Couple new opportunity with some folks exiting the industry after a few years and it's a recipe for new entrepreneurs.  The industry is ripe for innovation, the industry learns more about itself, it's customers and it's very own food trucks. 

Some of the tools we offer to help folks getting started are: The How To Start A Food Truck Seminar, Food Trucks For Sale, and Food Truck Wraps. 

If you have questions about getting started, what will work and what might not, give us a call. We're happy to discuss your future path on starting a successful food truck venture. We don't have answers for everything, but, we're happy to share what we've learned with and from others. 

What's different in food service now than when we got started?

Food trucks have made a significant impact on the food service industry over the past decade. Here are several ways in which food trucks have influenced and transformed the culinary landscape:

1. Culinary Innovation: Food trucks have become hotspots for culinary innovation. These mobile kitchens have provided aspiring chefs and culinary entrepreneurs with a lower-cost entry into the food industry. Food truck owners have the freedom to experiment with diverse cuisines, unique flavors, and fusion dishes, leading to a wave of creative and exciting culinary offerings.
2. Increased Food Diversity: Food trucks have introduced a wide range of ethnic and regional cuisines to cities and towns around the world. Previously inaccessible or underrepresented foods have become more readily available, allowing people to experience diverse flavors without traveling long distances. This has enriched the food culture in many areas and broadened people's culinary horizons; this is especially true in rural areas.
3. Enhanced Street Food Experience: Food trucks have revitalized the street food scene. They provide a convenient, quick, and casual dining experience, breaking away from traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants. The ability to enjoy high-quality, restaurant-style food on the go has attracted a diverse customer base, including office workers, students, and tourists, contributing to the vibrant street food culture.
4. Affordable Dining Options: Food trucks often offer more affordable dining options compared to traditional restaurants. With lower overhead costs and smaller menus, food truck owners can provide reasonably priced meals without compromising on quality. This accessibility has made gourmet and artisanal food more affordable and accessible to a broader audience.
5. Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth: Food trucks have fueled entrepreneurship in the food industry. Aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts can start their own business with a relatively small investment, compared to opening a full-fledged restaurant. This has created opportunities for individuals with culinary talent and entrepreneurial spirit to pursue their passion and contribute to local economies. Doors were opened with less capital and more passion and that's made a clear impact.
6. Community Engagement: Food trucks have become a focal point for community gatherings and events. They often participate in festivals, private parties, and neighborhood gatherings, creating a sense of community and bringing people together. Food truck events offer a unique social experience, where people can explore various cuisines, interact with food vendors, and enjoy a shared dining experience.
7. Flexibility and Adaptability: Food trucks are highly flexible and adaptable to different locations and events. They can respond quickly to changing consumer demands and preferences. Food truck owners can easily move to areas with high foot traffic, cater private events, or adjust their menus based on customer feedback. This agility has allowed food trucks to thrive in various environments and serve a broader customer base.
8. Influencing Traditional Restaurants: The success and popularity of food trucks have influenced the traditional restaurant industry as well. Many brick-and-mortar restaurants have adopted elements from the food truck culture, such as incorporating street food-inspired dishes, offering grab-and-go options, or creating food truck-themed events. Food trucks have spurred innovation and encouraged established restaurants to think creatively about their offerings.

Overall, food trucks have had a transformative impact on the food service industry in the last decade. They have brought diversity, creativity, affordability, and community engagement to the culinary world, challenging traditional dining norms and enhancing the overall dining experience.