COVID-19 was nothing short but a time of supreme uncertainty for almost everyone on the globe.

Even for those still working, or the heroes on the front line, economic security has been- a continues to be- a concern of everybody’s.

With entire industries coming to a complete standstill, the hospitality industry has seemed to suffer the most with 1 in 10 bars and restaurants permanently closing their doors after suffering a loss of income too big to recoup during the pandemic.

In Canada, it’s estimated that up to a third of independent restaurants won’t open back up even after the social distancing parameters have been lifted.

But the demand for meals and entertainment outside the home hasn’t died in the same way. In fact, demand has increased= even COVID-19 is a sore competitor for society’s demand for tasty food on the go.

People just reaaaaallly don’t want to be in their kitchen a whole lot.

COVID-19 Only Accelerated Food Takeout & Delivery Demand

“COVID-19 killed the food industry.”

“The worst industry to be in right now is the food and beverage industry- we can’t do anything.”

Common verbiage- but very much so incorrect.

And the stats confirm this. Skip The Dishes revenue grew an insane 11,000% during the period of COVID-19 “lockdown”. Even emerging out of periods of lock down, social distancing parameters in physical locations have still presented a consistently growing demand for take-out food.

Uber Eats was hit with so much demand, that they quickly trained up their regular ride-share staff to complete deliveries. Within one week, every participating Uber driver had delivered an order.

Yes, on top of the regular activity of Uber Eats.

Takeout demand was so high, that four infant companies emerged during COVID-19 to connect buying customers with food on the go.

The demand for food on the go has done nothing but rise in the face closed restaurants and bars. But with lockdown beginning to lift, and the hospitality industry not quite back on it’s feet, it leaves huge market for “the happy medium.”

That beautiful happy medium is quick, delicious food to go that paying customers can venture out to get. The way in which we grab our food and drinks outside the home has changed- not the need.

Seriously- during this time, a brisk walk or bike ride to grab some food and go is the mixture of convenient grub and entertainment. It’s the new “going out.”

Food Trucks & Trailers Are Coming Out Of COVID-19 Strong

Just like food delivery apps, food trucks and trailers are coming out of the pandemic quite strong.

It is absolutely fair to say that there have been restrictions set out in place that have impacted food trucks and trailers across nations. Food truck festivals have been cancelled, and highly populated areas where some food trailers frequented in very urbanized areas have been asked to relocate.

But food trucks and trailers have actually been saving graces during the pandemic, with some notable operators setting up to feed health care workers close to facilities, or across the country’s highway to feed essential truck drivers.

Food trucks and trailers, just like restricted fast food joints, hold the same ability to provide great takeout- without the overhead of a physical location.

“…that’s where we’ve kind of held an advantage. People are still out and about in the parks, the highways, you know- places like that, because they’re allowed, right? They still want that sense of normalcy where they can get food at the lake, or whatever. We’ve done pretty well….” (Jeff, food truck owner in Florida)

COVID-19 Procedures Are Seriously Attainable For Food Trailers

While we don’t want to call it an acceleration, food trucks and trailers (for the most part) experienced growth in the same way that food delivery apps did.

Sudden and unexpected, yes- but consistent, more importantly.

A big chunk of the “ease” that food trailer operators find is that COVID-19 processes- sanitization, distancing rules, capacity etc. – is either very attainable or non-applicable.

Aside from physical distancing in high traffic areas, and disruptions to potential event schedules, food trailers have it as easy as our favorite fast food joints who are drive-thru only.

But guys. Remember, there was a hole in the market before COVID-19; the need for fresh, organic, on-trend and delicious food on the go.

Once again folks, that demand has not changed.

Food Trucks & Trailers Replace Eating Options That Physical Locations Offered

Given that food trucks were consistently hitting the demand for food options outside the standard Big Mac before COVID-19, it only makes sense that this originating demand- coupled with physical locations closing- has increased.

Typically, physical restaurants are the ones to truly hop on food trends. And we’re talking dietary, preference, curiosity…physical resturants and bars still take the cake for ultimate capitalization on these trends.

Money, manpower and resources will get you far.

But listen- food trucks and trailers were already disrupting the fast food industry and are unequivocally continuing to do so.

Where & What Your Food Truck Is Makes All The Difference

Just hold on though. Just because there is a growing demand doesn’t mean that just any option will do.

It might seem like smart business sense to be aware of what your business is and what you’re providing, but we do notice a common trend of people getting lazy when they want to make a quick buck from a hot industry.

“I mean, we’ve seen some trucks shut down because they’re slapping up subpar products and doing like, no marketing. We see it, that’s why we stay on top of what we’re doing to make sure we’re hitting exactly what people are looking for…. Just because we’re in a pandemic and people are craving takeout- oh for sure, no, they are, doesn’t mean you’re automatically gonna get those sales, right?” (Jeff, food truck owner in Calgary.)

It’s true though. People are out and about, for sure, but the competitive space remains the same. There might be more demand, but this doesn’t equal subpar choices from paying customers.

Grow within the shift of how people get food outside their own kitchen- because the shift is there. The shift has happened, and from the looks of it, the shift may signify long term changes to the mobile food industry.

Grow with it, and keep your practices the same at very best. Adjust your marketing and product offerings to reflect the absence of physical restaurants. Look at your physical presence to make sure you’re hitting where the demand is.

Because again guys- the demand has changed, not decreased. Not even close.

The post The Future Of Food Trucks After COVID-19 appeared first on Custom Mobile Kitchens.

COVID-19 has broken the Internet and made a huge impact in the lives of business owners around the globe.
With the rightful emphasis being placed on social distancing and increased sanitization measures, brick and mortar restaurants around the world have been forced to close their doors in the midst of the largest global pandemic since the early 1900’s.
With self isolation the main priority of many around the world, you may assume that takeout and fast food sales have dwindled- especially with reduced hours, dining room closures and a societal fear of coming too close.
This however, does not triumph society’s need for quick, convenient and healthy food on the go.
Many are still working, particularly in the essential service industries. Many are still travelling, and finding complete self isolation almost impossible in contrast to our usual hectic, constantly moving lives. Many still struggle to cook daily.
Which would explain why, even among the pandemic scare, food truck sales have increased.

Food Trucks Have Not Been Slowed Down by COVID-19 Truck

We can’t deny that some areas, and some food truck businesses have taken a hit. Depending on the societal outlook of certain areas and the government’s intervention during COVID-19, some food trucks have been forced to relocate to areas where demand for elevated fast food is still soaring high.
Skip The Dishes has seen a major increase in demand during COVID-19, with increased sanitization and protection measures in place to keep the swing of mobile food delivery going.
New comers to the game, such as Door Dash, have also seen a notable increase in sales- with contactless delivery appearing to settle hungry minds.
Local governments have had their chance to make their own modifications to the mobile delivery system; seeing the popularity of these services and the increased demand from people has prompted them to make changes aimed at keeping limited contact food delivery alive.
The BC Government has allowed take out providers to now deliver booze with food items; out of work servers with valid Serving It Right certification will have the opportunity to deliver these orders to help curb economic impacts from job loss.
Food trucks, although a little slower on growth during this time, have also seen an increase in sales.
“People see us take out stations, but just a little different. There isn’t a tonne of people around, there aren’t lots of people working in the food trucks. It’s much easier for us to follow extra sanitization measures during the outbreak than bigger brick and mortar stores….. I don’t know, I was surprised. I was ready to take the hit, but sales have actually increased. – (Shelly Monfongo, owner of JellyCee food truck, Calgary.) Food truck and food trailer owners have found that strategically moving to more isolated locations- those outside of the downtown core and busy metro areas- has boosted their sales in a time where it’s expected they would shut down.

Food Trucks Feed the Demand for Convenient Food- At A Distance

The need for quick, fast food on demand hasn’t shifted during COVID-19; if anything, it has become stronger. The market is somewhat temporarily elevated and certainly modified- society is demanding fresh, healthy food on the go- but also at a distance.
Brick and mortar locations aren’t able to provide this service within a respectable proximity during this crisis.
Typical fast food options are available, but as the growth of the mobile food industry in the first place indicates- people still need something more.
Even in self isolation, or social distancing, a good chunk of the community struggle to source and prepare three meals a day for themselves and their family.
Many are concerned about the supply chain of big franchise, and where their product is coming from. Food trucks are notoriously known for using fresh, local ingredients, where risk can be monitored more effectively.
And ultimately, people are having a real tough time staying in their house 24/7 and see a quick venture out for a bite to be enough of a mental relief- for now.
The Nashville Food Truck Association has seen an increase in calls from neighborhoods demanding food trucks to roll up and post up in their area. With many areas enacting “Safer-At-Home” initiatives, food trucks have become an integral part at curbing the amount of people out and about looking for fast food.

Food Trucks Are Designed Perfectly for Limited Contact Food Service

The design and functionalities of a food truck don’t just suit well for a profitable business venture. They suit well as an alternative, a redesign of the mobile food industry that brings food more directly to the end consumer.
It limits the need for people to actively source and find food, and provides an opportunity for food to travel where it’s needed.
And in the midst of COVID-19, we are faced with two heavy demands: food on the go and the government saying stay home.
It would appear that food trucks are the closest thing to meeting both demands simultaneously.
The ability for food trucks to safely provide food on the go for our communities has shifted so rapidly, that this website was created to order food from trucks online- to pick up quickly and safely, or have it delivered for larger groups.
Even during a pandemic, most food trucks remain profitable- all while help serve the masses in the most safe way possible.

The post Food Truck Sales Increase During COVID-19 Pandemic appeared first on Custom Mobile Kitchens.