The food truck industry continues to rev up

Food truck revenue increased from $650 million to $2.7 billion between 2012 and 2017

Food truck culture in Northwest Arkansas is alive and well. Diners interested in trying the latest in fresh, convenient, trendy, local, and eclectic fare are looking for more than just a static address these days. Food trucks are bringing delectable dishes right to their customers. Your favorite food could be on the move.

The food truck industry is growing by leaps and bounds across the country and Arkansas is no exception. Food trucks used to be located almost exclusively in urban centers and around construction and industrial sites as a means for workers to grab

a fast bite. But today food trucks are turning up everywhere from suburban neighborhoods to college towns. The food truck industry now generates more than $2 billion in revenue in cities across the United States, offers Food Truck Nation, a project of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Clever dishes that can be tested and tweaked in real time and a savvy sense of social media promotion have catapulted various food trucks to popular heights.

Food truck growth is even outpacing overall commercial food service, like regular restaurants. Food Truck Operator. com says that food truck growth is now 5.4 percent versus 4.3 percent for restaurants. Food trucks provide more affordable options for first-time entrepreneurs than brick-and-mortar restaurants. Many food trucks businesses require initial investments of less than $100,000, only to earn as much as $500,000 per year. What’s more, rather than waiting for customers to come their way, food trucks can drive right to where their target audience hangs out. Fun branding, instant recognition and good food attract customers and inspire loyalty.

The key is finding the trucks. Many of them are searchable by a social media, where locations are posted. Geolocation software enables food truck afficionados to pinpoint just where their favorite food trucks are based on any given day. Try searching “food trucks near me,” for a start.

Various events, venues and malls offer parking opportunities for food trucks, but many still find most of their customers on street corners and in neighborhoods. Some restaurants are even getting on board, offering streamlined restaurant menus aboard their own mobile food trucks.

So buckle up and get on the food truck trend.