Did you know that just about any trailer can be converted into a food serving machine? This includes those classic Airstream trailers made popular in the 1970s and 1980s that are immediately recognizable due to their streamlined design. The design of these trailers have reached icon status that harken back to simpler times and cross country road trips.
Although the Airstream was originally intended as a mobile home used during a long camping trip, an increasing number of mobile food entrepreneurs are leveraging head-turning ability of these trailers to attract attention for their concession businesses. This is a smart idea since people view your concession trailer before they ever taste the food you’re serving from it. In this post, we will explore some well-executed Airstream conversions so you can get a better sense of what’s possible and help you determine if this is the right choice for you. If you’re interested in converting your Airstream into a mobile food unit, contact us here or give us a call at 904-397-0246 for a free quote.

An Abridged History of the Airstream

Believe it or not, back in the 1930s there were actually over 400 builders of travel trailers. Airstream was one of the only manufacturers able to emerge after WWII. The original “Airstream Clipper” was designed to sleep four adults and had that trademarked shiny silver finish you’re already familiar with. Airstream is still in business today and operating in Jackson Center, Ohio, under the umbrella of their parent company Thor Industries.

 Airstream Food Trucks

gypsy picnic
Photo Credit: Gypsy Picnic Trailer Food Festival on Flickr
 
Description: The Gypsy Picnic Trailer Food Festival helps promote an event that was held up to 2012 in Austin, Texas. The neon signage installed at the top of the trailer matches the era of the original Airstream and creates a memorable photo opportunity for visitors.

the-honey-potPhoto Credit:  The Honey Pot Bakery via Pinterest

Description: The Honey Pot Bakery is based out of Portland, Oregon, and serves up some pretty incredible pies such as the Pendleton Pie featuring chocolate, pecans and whiskey custard. It’s a crowd pleasure for sure with significant acclaim across the blogosphere and social media. Again, this Airstream conversion stays true to the simpler times era with diner style seating and counter for customers to enjoy a slice.

cafe airstreamPhoto Credit:  Cafe Airstream via Pinterest

Description: This is our first look at what can be customized on the interior kitchen of an Airstream. The counter space on this trailer is beautiful glossy red and includes plenty of refrigeration space and of course a shake machine. This proves you can capture the nostalgia of the Airstream on the inside and outside of the vehicle.

 airstream kitchenPhoto Credit: Airstream Kitchen via Pinterest

Description: Although this kitchen is less esthetically pleasing than the ones we’ve viewed previously this offers a good example of all the different cooking equipment that can be installed in one of these trailers. Here you’ll find a three compartment sink, deep fryer, prep area, flat top, and storage areas. If you happen to own one of the more spaces Airstreams like a 25-foot Cruiser instead of a 17 foot model, you will have the opportunity to execute a much larger menu.

 creative crepesPhoto Credit: Creative Crepes via TheDestinLog.com

Description: Based out of Destin, Florida, Creative Crepes has maintained that shiny glean of the traditional Airstream. This food trailer was founded by friends Clint Machamer and Arris Haman. Learn more about this team and view photos of these tasty crepes by visiting their Facebook page.