How Technology Is Revolutionizing Food Truck
Over the past decade, mobile food vendors have seen massive growth fueled by innovative technology adoption.
Food trucks harness various technological trends affecting operations so they can best serve customers while running a profitable business on the go.
Customer Facing Apps Drive Sales and Convenience:
Apps have completely changed the game for food truck customers and owners alike. Leading platforms like FoodChamps, EatStreet, and Hungry allow customers to easily browse menus, find nearby trucks, and place pickup or delivery orders right from their phones.
These apps let users view each truck’s daily schedule in real time to see if they’ll be in a desired area for lunch or dinner.
Menus include photos of menu items so customers know exactly what to expect before placing their order.
Once at the virtual “counter,” customers can place orders and pay for them using their selected payment method, such as a credit card securely stored within the app.
For customers, the level of convenience can’t be beat. They don’t have to carry cash, search for parking, or wait in a physical line to place their food order.
The apps even provide estimates of how long wait times are so customers can plan accordingly. Some trucks offer delivery for a nominal fee through their app as well.
For truck owners, the impact of integrating ordering apps has been hugely beneficial to business.
Tamara Reed, owner of popular Austin based Tamara’s Tacos, has seen sales increase over 30% on days when she promotes app ordering versus cash only walk up trade. “Our lines used to wrap around the block during our downtown lunch rush.
Now customers happily order ahead from the office so there’s little to no wait when they arrive to pick up their food.”
Sally Johansson, who runs Sally’s Sliders in Denver, conducted a survey of her repeat customers.
An astonishing 80% cited the convenience of app ordering, along with receiving loyalty points for every purchase, as their main reasons for returning to Sally’s Sliders week after week.
“It’s a true win for us and our customers. The technology makes the whole experience seamless.”
Beyond easing long lines, apps keep customers satisfied and engaged with food trucks.
Over 50% of Tamara’s Tacos’ sales now come via their FoodChamps integration. And for Sally’s Sliders, that number is nearing 70% as app usage continues rising industry wide.
The future is bright as more cities integrate food truck apps and technology improves the mobile food experience even further.
Payment Systems Speed Transactions and Boost Profits:
Alongside apps, integrated digital payment processing has entirely changed how food trucks accept money for orders.
Top systems like Square, Clover and Toast let trucks accept major credit cards, debit cards, and mobile wallets seamlessly.
Gary Jones, who runs Chicago hot dog haven Gary’s Gyros, saw dramatic results when switching entirely to card and contactless payments two years ago.
“Previously our average transaction took almost 3 minutes from taking the order to fumbling with cash change.
Now customers insert or tap their card, and we’ve shaved a whole minute and a half off that time on average. They’re in and out so much faster without messing with bills and coins.”
Faster service means serving more customers and higher overall proceeds during crowded lunch and dinner periods.
Gary’s Gyros revenue increased 15% within just six months of integrating Square as their sole payment provider.ย
Maximizing Online Marketing Reach:
To thrive in today’s tech forward world, strategic marketing is imperative for food trucks. Some key methods trucks are using to gain notice and acquire new customers include:
Websites: An optimized online presence acts as a digital home base. Aside from schedules and menus, food truck sites could include high quality photos and service overviews.
It’s also crucial to optimize internal pages and external backlinks with target location keywords like “lunch trucks near me.” The elevates search rankings for customers actively seeking mobile vendors.
Social Media: Popular platforms Instagram and Facebook are a must for sharing colorful cuisine pictures that tantalize appetites and build intense foodie followings.
Regular posting engages thousands of locals, with many food trucks gaining over 5,000 followers within just one year of activity.
Local Search Ads: For trucks aiming to establish themselves in specific areas, Google Ads provide a cost effective method to boost visibility.
Hyper local ad campaigns, targeted within a two to five mile radius at frequent office parks or event venues, drive curious clicks.
Email Lists: To continue cultivating loyal fans, offering email sign ups lets trucks later market new specials or inform followers when their schedule has them near work or home for lunch or dinner service times.
Contests and giveaways further incentivize people to opt into communications.
These modern digital marketing tactics help food trucks connect with customers even when they’re not physically parked nearby.
With the many tools now available, flexible on the go entrepreneurs have opportunities to pursue year round wherever foot traffic exists. Though mobility remains essential, technology makes food trucks’ potential reach borderless.
Fleet Ops Systems Streamline Fast Paced Logistics:
Behind the scenes, technology streamlines operational complexity for food trucks. Advancements in GPS fleet tracking, inventory management, and backend supply chain integration provide much needed efficiency for mobile enterprises.
Integrating vehicle GPS enables food trucks to pinpoint exactly where delivery drivers or other staff are located throughout service hours.
The aids in dispatching support to handle any customer issues or shift swaps. It also allows owners monitoring from the back office to route trucks optimally to hit high traffic service zones.
Keeping tabs on ingredient stock and sales data is crucial when trucks run lean production setups.
Systems like SkuCloud, Ordoro, and Foodee make it simple for employees to record each item used or sold through the day via mobile devices.
Real time visibility prevents running out of hot sellers while supplies last. Any shortages trigger automated reorders.
Continued Rise Despite Early Hurdles:
While food trucks initially faced opposition from wary brick and mortar eateries over a decade ago, the mobile food industry has since gained widespread popularity and grown into a vibrant small business sector.
Innovation helped achieve the milestone by improving the experience for all parties involved, from health inspectors to customers.
Going forward, the future remains bright as technology continuously enriches how food trucks connect locally.
Advancements like indoor kitchen facilities that produce for multiple trucks, or delivery drones reducing costs, may further lift the vibrant cultural phenomenon.
As appetite for diverse cuisine experiences grows, mobile vendors poised to adapt will stay ahead of the curve of trends affecting their sector. The opportunities that technology unlocks empower dreams of serving communities on the road ahead.
FAQ
Q. What technology are food trucks using?
A. Advanced Point of Sale (POS) Systems.
Q. How can technological trends impact a business?
A. Increase their employees’ productivity.
Q. What are the major trends in the food industry?
A. Consumers are shifting to alternative protein sources, including lab-grown food.
Q. What is the target market for food trucks?
A. Middle class millennials.
Q. What is the trend in technology in the food industry?
A. Machine learning algorithms and computer vision.
Conclusion:
The food truck industry has undeniably been transformed by embracing various technological trends in recent years.
Apps, payment systems, online marketing and operations software have streamlined every facet of running a mobile food business.
The has exponentially grown customer bases while improving productivity for owners. As technology continues evolving, the most forward thinking food trucks will remain poised to benefit from innovations.
Whether pursuing new revenue streams like delivery or advancing sustainability goals, their spirit of entrepreneurship and ability to adapt will serve the sector well into the future. The best is yet to come for food trucks empowered by smart tech integration.
