How to Make Money at Fairs with a Concession Business
As someone who's been building specialty trailers and trucks for over two decades, I've watched countless entrepreneurs transform their culinary dreams into thriving businesses. From traditional fair favorites selling corn dogs, hot dogs, and pizza to more creative BBQ spin-offs there are all sorts of menu items that can sell well at a fair or festival. In this post, I share some of the most successful takes on this that I've seen in my 20+ year experience serving the industry. Make It Portable, Make It Profitable The golden rule of concession success? If customers can walk and eat it, they're [...]
Food Truck Trends 2025: What’s Rolling Through Our Streets
Hey folks, Richard Willis here from M&R Specialty Trailers and Trucks. After building food trucks for over two decades, I've seen this industry transform from simple lunch wagons to high-tech culinary powerhouses. And let me tell you, 2025 is shaping up to be one wild ride. The Numbers Don't Lie The food truck industry hit $2.4 billion in revenue this year, with over 58,000 trucks rolling across America. That's a 15.9% jump in businesses since 2019. And here's the kicker – we're expecting to reach $8.78 billion globally by 2033. Not bad for an industry that started with ice cream trucks and [...]
Ultimate List of Food Truck Associations in Florida (2025 Update)
I’m a firm believer in the power of community. Joining forces with others who share your passion and challenges can not only keep you grounded but also open doors to opportunities you couldn’t achieve on your own. Florida’s food truck scene is one of the most vibrant in the nation, with cities like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando leading the charge. As the industry grows, so does the need for support systems. Food truck associations have become vital lifelines for mobile vendors, advocating for fair regulations, fostering collaboration, and creating event opportunities that amplify visibility and revenue. These groups are more [...]
Food Trucks that are Giving Back to Charities
As the co-founder of M&R Specialty Trailers and Trucks, I've had the privilege of watching the food truck industry evolve over the past 20+ years. While we often focus on business metrics and customer engagement, there's an inspiring side to this industry that deserves recognition. Today, I wanted to take a step back and look at some of the ways food trucks are being used as catalysts for positive change in their communities. Whether it's outfitting trucks to help with disaster relief, utilizing mobility to reach and serve those experiencing homelessness, or donating extra time and profits to charity, the [...]
How to Launch a Successful Mobile Dog Food Business
The mobile food industry has gone to the dogs—literally. And that's a good thing. As pet owners increasingly seek premium, fresh food options for their furry companions, mobile dog treat businesses are carving out a lucrative niche in the food truck market. A few years ago, M&R Specialty Trailers and Trucks had the opportunity to convert a Sprinter truck for Four Legged Foodie, a dog treat business based in Atlanta that has since expanded into a brick-and-mortar location. Their journey offers valuable insights on how you can start your own mobile dog treat venture and grow it into something even [...]
How to Protect Your Food Truck from Theft
Food trucks, packed with pricey cooking gear and tech like iPads for POS systems, are sadly prime targets for thieves and vandals. Their high value draws bad actors, as seen in the infamous taco truck theft that sparked an hour-long police chase from Salinas to Monterey. This incidents plague owners nationwide. Take, for example, a Satay truck that vanished only to mysteriously reappear in Maryland. Stories like these aren’t rare across the country. Unfortunately, food trucks can be prime targets for thieves, cash-heavy operations often parked in unsecured locations with little oversight. This underscores just how critical it is to [...]
Food Truck Regular Maintenance Checklist
For food truck owners, the golden rule is maintenance, maintenance, maintenance. Sure, scouting prime vending spots, perfecting your menu, and nailing your Instagram game matter, but nothing sinks your profits faster than a truck breakdown. A dead generator, a blown tire, or a seized engine doesn’t just cost you repair bills. It costs you customers and momentum. Your food truck is your livelihood, both kitchen and wheels, so a proactive, documented maintenance plan isn’t optional. It’s essential. Let’s break down a detailed, food-truck-specific strategy to keep your rig reliable and your business thriving. Why Food Truck Maintenance Is Non-Negotiable A [...]
Women in Food Trucks: Celebrating Female Entrepreneurs
The culinary world has often been painted as a male-dominated domain, a notion famously captured in James Brown’s song, “This Is a Man’s World.” From inventing cars to harnessing electricity, men have long been credited with shaping industries. Yet, as Brown himself acknowledged, these achievements would be hollow without the contributions of women. In the restaurant industry, this truth shines brightly. Despite outdated stereotypes that once confined women to home kitchens, female chefs and owners have been shattering glass ceilings, proving their prowess in professional kitchens across the globe. Legends like Julia Child set the stage, while countless women have [...]
How to Create a Food Truck Business Workshop In Your Community
Based on our conversation with Morgan Perry of the Mid-Continent Public Library System, I'm excited to share expanded insights on organizing a successful food truck business workshop. The library's 6-week food truck business course in Kansas City provides an excellent blueprint that communities across the country can adapt to their local needs. Here's a comprehensive guide with practical examples to help you create your own impactful program. Main Steps for Setting Up Your Workshop 1. Partner with Local Resources Libraries aren't just for books anymore—they've evolved into community hubs for education and entrepreneurship. The Mid-Continent Public Library exemplifies this by [...]
Winterizing Your Food Truck: A Guide From Experience
After 20+ years in the food truck business, both building and maintaining these mobile kitchens, I've seen firsthand what winter can do to a food truck that isn't properly prepared. Here in the northern states, winter isn't just a slow season – it's a serious challenge for your equipment. I'm going to share my personal insights on how to protect your investment during those cold months. The Reality of Winter Storage Let me be straight with you: storing a food truck for winter isn't as simple as parking it and walking away. I've had customers come to me in spring [...]