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

Booking Fall Events

It's hard to believe but, it's already that time. Getting food trucks booked well in advance of your event ensures the best food trucks have been selected instead of just the ones that were available. 

Starting early is key, it allows time for proper coordination, contract review and margin. At times, a venue needs additional insurance information, verification of compliance with state requirements like licensing. Good news, our team not only manages those risks, we help our partner trucks manage them throughout the year ensuring they are compliant. From safety inspections to aesthetics, we're on it. 

What's needed? 

• Date
• Location
• Time
• Headcount
• Cuisine Style - Pick Your Food Truck Catering Cuisine
• Service Style - Full Meals, Half Meals or Small Plates
• Best Point of Contact
• Decide whether you want us to handle the music with a DJ Truck or Indoor Setup with our partner: DJ LMO
• Any Special Requests / Accommodations

Next step, get it submitted so our team can reach out and work with you to make your event happen seamlessly. 

Just after that, we're ready to party - Let's Go! 

Book Your Food Truck Now

Wrap It 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! 

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.

Tampa Bay food trucks hosted a local food truck rally with over 10 truck options. The DJ truck was going full blast, setting the tone for the fun evening of eating. Despite the 50 degree, freezing weather, families poured into Fishhawk to get a taste of the amazing variety offered.

When you have 10+ trucks in one lot, you have to have to do something that sets you apart from the rest. Right off the bat, you could notice some trucks with lines outside, and others, with workers just standing idle, waiting for customers to walk up. I wanted to figure out why. I know I’m not the authority in what works and what doesn’t in the food truck business, but I am a consumer, who is able to see what others are enjoying, and what they are not.

....So let's talk about it!

The first stop was The One Stop Food Truck!

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I ordered the aloha burger, and the street corn. The burger was delicious! The meat was perfectly salted, and did not fall apart while you were eating it. The lettuce, tomato, and onions were fresh and added a nice crunch. The potato sticks were very inventive and added to the crunchy, saltiness of the burger, balanced out well by the pineapple and aloha sauce! The fries were well seasoned and crispy, the way they should be. The corn was surprisingly good! Not overly sauced, and the cotija cheese added the perfect amount of salt.

I give it a 9/10. Definitely restaurant quality, and I would order it again! I was surprised at the quality of food that was coming out of that food truck! The other patrons seemed to be enjoying their food as well! I did not see anyone looking disappointed.

Finally dessert, I got the nutella donuts from Glazed Up Mini Donuts.

The donuts themselves were delicious. So warm, and fluffy. The topping tastes more like a Hershey's chocolate syrup than nutella, and it could have used more of it. The picture on the truck showed the donuts smothered in the thick, nutella, while the ones I got had a bit of a thin drizzle.

I give it a 7/10. It would’ve been a 9/10 had it been like the picture on the truck. Nutella has such a rich, distinctive taste, so when you replace it with anything else, you can definitely tell right away.

With that, we closed out the night. Our bellies were full, and despite the freezing cold weather, even more people were starting to arrive to have a night of music and good food! If you’re looking for a creative date night, or a fun event for the family, consider a food truck rally! It gives you the chance to try new foods, in a new environment and even the small kids there were running around having a good time. The music food truck had a lot to do with the great vibe, it definitely set the tone of the event. What a delicious night!

The last two years have been a whirlwind for us as a company and naturally for our team members and partners as well. That being said, you haven't heard as much from us on our blog and until recently our social channels were quieter than normal. 

With an extremely busy 2021 and first half of 2022 it's been a lot of fun and a lot of work. So midway through June, the team embarked on a one day retreat for fun and relaxation. 

No work, just good times with our team. It was a blast. We encourage you all to to also engage your teams in such outings. We're extremely thankful we get to engage with so many customers in helping them to appreciate their team members. Thank you for your business and support over the last two years. 

Did you know that we have Food Truck Rallies in 4 different locations? Every month we host a Rally in Riverview, Lakeland and Plant City. We also offer a Rally in Fishhawk once every quarter!

2020 is even more exciting because all of our Food Truck Rallies are themed! Here’s the list of our themes for the first half of the year:

• January – Break Your Resolution
• February – Celebrate your true love… CHOCOLATE!
• March – Suicide & Mental Health Awareness/Prevention - Portion of our sales will be donated back to a local nonprofit
• April – Wing Fest
• May – Cheese Fest
• June – Summer Cookout (BBQ/Summer Grilling)

As always, be sure that you’re following us on social media where we will be hosting fun giveaways and sharing all the latest news. Cheers!

Tampa Bay Food Trucks would like to wish you a happy holiday season! Thank you for using Tampa Bay Food Trucks.

We are constantly researching and monitoring what cuisine options are working and what is not. We wanted to share our findings to help your truck become a contributing partner in the growth of the food truck scene here in Tampa!