Food trucks are one of the best ways to enjoy a delicious meal on the go. But finding the perfect location for your food truck business can be tricky.
To help you out, we’ve put together a list of 12 of the best locations for food trucks. But first, let’s learn the importance of location when you have a food truck business.
Why is location important for a food truck?
Food trucks can be a great way to start your own business. But one of the most important things to consider when starting a food truck business is location.
Your location will determine how much foot traffic you get, what type of customers you attract, and how much competition you have. So it’s important to choose a location that’s right for your business.
Scoping Out the Best Location for Food Trucks
There are some factors to consider when choosing a location for your food truck.
Such considerations are:
Available Space
Food trucks may need as little as 200 square feet or as much as 2,000 square feet. It all depends on the size and type of truck you have.
Foot Traffic
Look for areas with high foot traffic, like near a busy street, park, or popular event venue. The more people who see your truck, the more customers you’ll get
Competition
It’s important to research the competition in your chosen location. If there are already a lot of food trucks in the area, you may have a harder time attracting customers.
Visibility
Make sure your truck will be visible to potential customers. If it’s hidden away in a parking garage, people may not even know you’re there.
Convenience
Your location should be convenient for potential customers. If it’s hard to find or get to, people may not bother.
Permits, Zoning, and Parking Fees
Most places require food trucks to have a permit. And some areas have specific zoning regulations for food trucks. Be sure to research the permit and zoning requirements for your chosen location.
You may also have to pay for parking in some areas. This can add up, so be sure to factor it into your budget.
12 Best Places for Food Trucks
Now that you know what to look for in a location, let’s take a look at 12 of the best locations for food trucks.
1. Business Districts
Business districts are a great place to set up shop because there’s always a lot of foot traffic. Look for busy streets with office buildings, shops, and restaurants.
2. Colleges and Universities
Colleges and universities are another great place for food trucks. There are always students and staff looking for a quick, affordable meal.
3. Food Truck Parks
Food truck parks are a great place to set up your food truck in the summertime. People are always looking for a refreshing snack or light lunch when they’re enjoying the outdoors. Many food trucks will also gather for special events like music festivals and fairs.
4. Special Events
Special events are another great opportunity for food truck businesses. There’s always a lot of foot traffic, and people are usually looking for something to eat before or after the event. Such events can be a sporting game, conferences, or even concerts.
5. Concerts and Festivals
Concerts and festivals are another great place to set up your food truck business. There will be a lot of people in one place, and they’ll all be looking for something to eat.
6. Bars and Nightclubs
After a long night of partying and drinking, most people will always go hungry and look for a place to eat. That’s where your food truck business comes in!
7. Concert Halls
Concert goers will always need food the entire time. That’s why putting a food truck in concert halls can be a great idea. Food trucks are convenient and fast, and many concert goers will prefer buying snacks for the concert from food trucks than fast food chains or stalls.
8. Street Parking
Instead of going through a long line in the drive thru, people can just walk up to your food truck and get their lunch in a flash.
9. Shopping Districts
Aside from restaurants, people may also like to buy food from trucks while they’re doing their shopping. This can be a great way to get customers who are looking for a quick snack or light meal.
10. Farmer’s Market
During lunchtime, many people working in industrial areas will look for food options that are close by. Having your food truck business nearby can help you attract these potential customers.
11. Gas Stations
Although most gas stations have convenience stores that sell food, sometimes people just want something different. Having your food truck business at a gas station can help you attract customers who are looking for a change of pace.
12. Sports Areas
Whether it’s a stadium or a park, many people come to sports areas to either watch or play sports. And after all that physical activity, they’re going to want something to eat! Having your food truck business nearby can help you attract these potential customers.
Park Your Food Truck in the Right Place!
Now that you know some of the best places for food trucks, it’s time to start looking for the perfect spot for your business. Keep in mind the factors we discussed earlier, such as foot traffic, permits, and parking fees. And don’t forget to consider the seasonality of your chosen location.
We at Feed Wagons in Houston, Texas want to help you get your food truck business off the ground. We offer a variety of services, including food truck leasing and financing. Contact us today to learn more!
