THE 4 STARS OF FOOD TRUCKS
Most foodies know that enlisting a little help from Yelp before venturing out to try some new eats has become a best practice. Food trucks are no exception.
Review sites like this usually provide a starting point, but it’s very important to understand they give an incomplete view that focuses more on the extremes. Either a vendor has “the most amazing wings on the planet” or they struck someone else as “just average wraps at not-so-average prices.”
If you want a food truck experience that ends happily ever after, there are four main stars to the story.
1. Keeping it simple. Ever been to a restaurant with a menu that seemed a mile long? It probably took awhile to decide, and chances are you were still left with a few finalists to have to choose from. People are happier with fewer choices since they can make up their mind confidently and there’s no buyer’s remorse. Most food trucks offer this, but it’s still something to keep an eye on.
If you want some variety mixed with convenience, food truck events allow people to be able to easily identify the truck’s concept, walk up to the window, and know exactly what they’re going to get. This makes it easy, like food truck dining should be.
2. The price is right. One thing you can always count on when browsing for your next food truck is a good bargain, which is a rarity these days for any food that is freshly prepared for you (Subway sandwiches don’t count!).
Even then, by having several food truck options like at an event mentioned in #1, you can follow your nose and the competitive prices to the best meal deals around.
3. Loyalty has its perks. A frequent foodie rewards program can be proof of that. Does your favorite food truck give incentives to keep coming back for more? Or are they only focused on the immediate sale?
A food vendor offering some sort of punch card or points system to valued customers is a great way to repay people for their ongoing business. It’s also beneficial for the food truck because it keeps customers coming back just so they can get one stamp closer to that free meal.
Bottom line: When the clock strikes noon and you’re deciding which vendor gets your hard earned dollar over lunch, oftentimes a rewards program could make up your mind for you.
4. Last but certainly not least. We’ve hit a number of areas to look for in the ideal meal on wheels, but one that tops just about anybody’s list is also the simplest… how the food tastes!
If a food truck nails the first 4 on the list but comes up short on flavor, they’ll be coming up short on business once the word gets out. I guess a better way to look at it is this… when someone truly loves the food at a particular spot, they are much more forgiving on some of the other potential drawbacks.
So remember: Simplicity, value, rewards, and deliciousness. By following this ultimate checklist, you’re well on your way to finding the best feast on the streets.