Milwaukee Eats & Treats
Caterers understand how to run an off-site operation—hardly ever are there events right in your kitchen! It makes sense that some caterers have utilized their on-the-move expertise and opened food trucks, showcasing their innovative eats and sharing their custom cuisine with the entire city.
For caterers who are thinking (and maybe dreaming) of starting a food truck, we spoke with two pioneers to get a closer look at a day in the life of a food truck caterer.
Food trucks aren't just for cruising the streets—they are also an exciting option for your guests to have at events. One of our food truck customer shares their most popular food truck event appearances are weddings in alternative venue spaces. He says that weddings with late-night snacks often feature the company’s food truck. “The guests love the upscale pub grub as a light night treat,"
Speaking of treats, the food truckers also shared some of their most popular dishes. Small, interesting bites such as mini chicken and waffles with maple Sriracha delight guests. The guests also enjoy the small bites like a trio of doughnuts accompanied with Mexican spiced coffee.
How to advertise
The right way to advertise depends on how you plan to use the truck. If it will be more of an add-on at events, then taking nice photos and presenting it as an upgrade is best. A truck that plans to hit the streets at lunchtime should rely on social media and potentially have its own website.
What to know before you start
Lastly, we asked the food truck operators for the best advice to caterers interested in the business. They said that it's best to "know your target audience" before you design your truck. "The size of your events and the types of food you offer will determine what equipment to include in your truck, as well as the layout of the equipment."
My advice is that caterers should "make sure [they] are ready for the commitment," but that it's "so rewarding once your truck makes a name for itself."