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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 Despite outdated stereotypes that once confined women to home kitchens, female chefs and owners have been shattering glass ceilings, proving their prowess in professional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 [...]

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 [...]

The food truck industry continues to evolve, with the market reaching $1.2 billion in 2024 according to the National Restaurant Association. For new entrepreneurs entering this space, knowledge and preparation are crucial differentiators between success and failure. Through careful analysis of the industry's most influential literature, we've identified the key texts that offer practical insights for aspiring food truck operators. The Food Truck Handbook: Start, Grow, and Succeed in the Mobile Food Business David Weber, founder of the NYC Food Truck Association, has created what many consider the definitive guide to mobile food entrepreneurship. His experience as both an operator [...]

Giving customers the option to pay how they want is a simple way to improve the customer experience, ideally increasing loyalty and sales. But as many small businesses, including food trucks, have found — paperless forms of payment like mobile payments can pay off far beyond convenience. Increased payment options can boost overall revenue for a concession businesses too. This post explains why you should consider adding payment options beyond cash. How Multiple Payment Options Can Improve Your Bottom Line Utilize the equipment you use daily. Before mobile payments gave customers the option to pay using a credit or debit [...]

There’s a new trend in mobile business gaining popularity. Instead of a typical food truck with fryers, refrigerators, and a delicious meal, you’ll find a mobile department store where shoppers can purchase anything from suits to dresses, socks, shoes and other apparel. These mobile retail shops are often called fashion trucks or mobile boutiques. At first glance these vehicles look a lot like their food truck counterparts from the outside: Flashy wrap that draws attention to a brand and an ability to change locations daily. But this is where the similarities end. Some mobile boutiques allow customers to enter the [...]

It's tax season once again. Time to sort out your financials with the goal of not paying more money than you're obligated. Unless one’s really gotten all their stuff in order, it can be tough to know what sort of legit write-offs or tax advantages are available. So we’ll be looking into the particularly important deductions and steps new truck owners should be aware of so you can file with confidence. Let’s get started shall we? Truck or Trailer Depreciation  Depreciation allows businesses to deduct the cost of an asset over its useful life, reflecting the gradual wear and tear [...]