The Future Of Food Trucks After COVID-19

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.