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As you go through the process of starting a food truck business there are many things you need to learn and master to get your truck up and running. From the cost to start a food truck business to the types of food trucks you can open, there are plenty of plans to be made.
There’s a specific category of plans around the aesthetics and functionality of your food truck, which is where the best food trucks come into play. The best food trucks pair with learning about the best places to start a food truck business. When you’re diving into the best food trucks, think about their customer experience and customer satisfaction in terms of your business goals.
You can draw inspiration from the best food trucks in all capacities. From the restaurant tech they use to their guest retention to the way they serve up food favorites, they’re a font of advice for the taking. This BinWise blog is the place to discover how the best food trucks can help you set up your food truck business.
Where Are the Best Food Trucks?
The best food trucks can be found across the country and the world. There are so many food trucks out there, and most places have a few food trucks that they consider to be the absolute best. Some of the best cities in the U.S. for food trucks are:
- Nashville
- NYC
- Los Angeles
- Austin
- Houston
- Portland
The best food trucks in each city and state can be classics, or unique to that community and location. Overall, the best food trucks can crop up anywhere there is an appreciation for great food.
What Makes a Food Truck Great?
The best food trucks all share some qualities, including:
- Stellar small business marketing, including content marketing and business branding
- Food that is easy to eat on the go
- A splashy name that makes people want to know more about the menu
- Food that fits the location and the general vibes of the place
Beyond those four qualities, the best food trucks are all varied in different ways. They play to their strengths while serving up delicious dishes, which are the two best things a food truck can do.
8 Best Food Trucks
To get an idea of what makes for the best food trucks we took a look at a wide array of different food trucks around the country. These eight selections are among many of the best of the best. They’re on this list of the top eight because they showcase the range of what a food truck can be, and still be among the best.
8. DelectaBowl In Detroit, Michigan
DelectaBowl, in Detroit, Michigan, is balanced as a food truck and catering business. They offer up a mix of snack bowls with different roots around the world. They’re an example of how trucks and catering business ideas work well together.
7. Bing Mi In Portland, Oregon
Bing Mi, in Portland, Oregon, is a food truck that has a set address as part of a food truck court area. They serve up Chinese crepes with fillings of eggs, pickled vegetables, and herbs.
6. The Supper Truck In Albuquerque, New Mexico
The Supper Truck, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is another catering and food truck business on this list (see: types of catering events). They’ve taken their own cooking experiences to southern food for refreshing comfort food. They’re also evidence of how the best food trucks can pop up anywhere, with any local cuisine.
5. Sub Zero Desserts In Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Sub Zero Desserts in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, also known as Polar Bites, is one of the best dessert food trucks around. They offer a delectable mix of rolled ice cream, shaved ice, and so many flavors.
4. Tru Pizza In Minneapolis, Minnesota
Tru Pizza, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is one of the many amazing food trucks that focuses on one specific food type and makes it spectacular. They’ve created a unique selling proposition as the only mobile wood-fired pizza truck in the twin cities.
3. International House of Hotdogs In Anchorage, Alaska
International House of Hotdogs, in Anchorage, Alaska, joins Tru Pizza as a place that emphasizes their mastery of one type of food. They’ve been established as a food truck with permanent roots in the Anchorage food scene for over a decade.
2. King of Falafel and Shawarma In New York City, New York
King of Falafel and Shawarma, in New York City, New York, is another long-standing staple among the food trucks. With a set address to serve up their comfort food creations, they’ve been a key part of the culture and food community in NYC for quite some time.
1. La Cocinita In New Orleans, Louisiana
This list wouldn’t be complete without a food truck from the food capital, New Orleans, Louisiana. La Cocinita is another food truck and catering business. They specialize in mix of southern comfort food that will leave you wanting to move to the Big Easy.
"Key Takeaway: The best food trucks in each city and state can be classics, or unique to that community and location. Overall, the best food trucks can crop up anywhere there is an appreciation for great food."
Frequently Asked Questions About Great Food Trucks
Learning about the best food trucks and the world of creating a food truck business plan and atmosphere takes a great deal of time and effort. It’s all a part of the effort to open a food truck business that will be successful and something you’re proud of. Our answers to these frequently asked questions will lead you further in learning solutions and information to get there.
Is a Food Truck a Good Investment?
Yes, a food truck is a good investment, it has low overhead expenses comparatively and can turn a profit in any location. The startup costs are somewhat high depending on your location, because of individual permit and licensing costs. Beyond those, however, you can turn a profit within the first year and a half.
What Food Truck Is Most Successful?
Some of the food trucks that are most successful are the ones that offer comfort food, including spots with dishes of:
- Grilled cheese
- Mexican food
- Gourmet burgers
- Macaroni and cheese
- Street tacos
- Loaded fries
- Barbecue
Overall, these categories cover the foods people are looking for when they’re out and about. Those make them the perfect choices for any and all food truck businesses.
Where Is the Best Place To Own a Food Truck?
The best places to own a food truck are in the business district of your city, or any place with large office buildings. You’ll catch everyone looking for a quick, delicious bite for lunch. These areas are often close to downtown, which is a perfect transition for finding customers who are out and about adventuring.
Are Food Trucks Healthier Than Fast Food?
Yes, overall food trucks are healthier than fast food because the food is cooked with care individually, and more nutrients remain. Most fast food restaurants work with pre-prepared food with a lot of preservatives. Food truck dishes come from a mix of bulk purchases and locally purchased food, which is fresher and used more quickly.
Finding the Best Food Trucks for Inspiration: Pull Inspiration From Your Business Predecessors
Learning from the best food trucks will help you prepare to open up your own food truck among the best of the best. When you’re ready to open the doors, reach out to BinWise and BlueCart for order and inventory management support.
The BinWise Pro beverage inventory program, paired with the BinScan mobile app, is the most efficient way to manage your perpetual inventory program and always be prepared to do inventory. BlueCart’s order management software simplifies your order management system.