Most people recognize that the food truck craze started just right after the economic recession in 2008, but did you know it started way back almost one and a half centuries ago? The idea was conceptualized by Walter Scott in 1872 when he sold pies, sandwiches, and coffee through a "lunch wagon" near a local newspaper office in Providence, Rhode Island. Fast forward to the 21st century, this basic concept has since evolved into a more dynamic way of offering grub to foodies. Today, the food truck concept brings restaurant-style food closer to consumers. Whether through catering events or while [...]

Before people taste your food, they see it with their eyes. They smell it. Here's some tips you can use to improve the appearance of your food to encourage more people to give your truck, trailer, or food stall a shot. Retailers are more likely to carry your product if they know they can move it quickly off the shelves. Shelf space is always at a premium and no retailer wants to carry a line that will simply sit and sit and sit. When you’re selling-in to a retailer or vending at an event, you need to build confidence that: [...]

COVID-19 (AKA the coronavirus) has disrupted the food truck industry. Concerts, events, and food truck festivals around the nation have been canceled as the public is strongly encouraged to stay inside their homes in an effort to minimize the spread of this nasty disease. But you already knew this. The goal of this post is to remind you that this too shall pass and to keep this health crisis in perspective. We'll also offer some practical ideas to keep your food business operating during these difficult times. Do we know how long the current situation will last? Nope.  No one [...]

One of the unfortunate aspects of operating a food truck is that the units are targets for theft or vandalism. While you can't control the actions of bad guys, you can take measures to improve the security of the unit. While good insurance coverage can make getting back on the road easier, if your food truck is stolen you'll still be out of business for months as you wait for the insurance check to clear and a replacement vehicle to be manufactured. Fortunately, there are proven actions you can take to prevent this disruptive event from happening all together. Here are [...]

Consumer preferences are constantly changing. Fortunately changes in behavior and taste happen gradually over a period of years so if you're paying attention, you can adapt. Here are four specific food trends that will almost certainly play a bigger role in food trucks businesses in 2020. Even if you've got a winning formula already, we recommend choosing one of the following trends to test out in your business. You never know which of these trends will positively impact your bottom line. Built by M&R Specialty Trailers and Trucks Animal-Free Meats Animal-free protein has been one of the biggest [...]

During our nearly 20 years in business M&R Specialty Trailers and Trucks has shipped all sorts of custom-built food trucks and concession trailer from our manufacturing center located about 15 minutes west of Jacksonville, Florida. Some final destinations for these mobile food units include Washington, California, Georgia, New York and Colorado to name a few. Over the years, we've learned some key tips to safely transporting a food truck long distances that we'd like to share in this post. Tony's Clam Chowder - Built By M&R Specialty Trailers and Trucks. Tips for Shipping a Food Truck Safely Get [...]

M&R Specialty Trailers and Trucks Builds BBQ Smokers / Trailers For Teams Across the United States. Do you operate a food truck or concession trailer in the great state of Texas? You're eligible to receive a free annual membership to Sam's Club valued at $45 annually. But hurry! This free membership is only available for the first 500 vendors that claim the deal or through September, 2019. Whatever comes first! Sam's Club understands how local businesses like food trucks have a positive impact on their surrounding community! Now, it's their chance to give back. Sam's Club is offering [...]

Non-meat protein alternatives are all the rage right now. Businesses large and small are rushing to add faux meat options to their menus. One example is the restaurant chain Del Taco who recently added Beyond Meat tacos to their menu, which uses yellow peas as the main ingredient for the meat substitute. According to reports, the company has been selling roughly a million of these tacos per month! No matter where you fall on the taste preference spectrum, the demand for plant-based meat alternatives is growing nationally. But should be trying to ride this mega trend as a food truck [...]

Celebrate National Food Truck Day 2019. The biggest food truck event of the year is almost here. National Food Truck Day 2019 kicks off on June 28th, 2019 to celebrate mobile food vendors around the world. The goal of this annual event is to honor and support the entire food truck industry: from owners to employees to the food itself. Needless to say this is a holiday we can really sink our teeth into! Refuge Coffee Co. Truck built by M&R Specialty Trailers and Trucks. Both food truck vendors and fans can get involved in this [...]

In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in the number of food trucks selling a wide range of dishes. Their popularity puts them on the frontline of the street food industry with customers enjoying hamburgers, sandwiches, ice cream, regional delicacies, and even gourmet cuisine. Just like restaurant owners, people behind food trucks have a lot on their plate to make sure that they can operate seamlessly. Aside from keeping supplies under control, marketing products, and training the employees, another aspect of the business to consider is preparedness for natural disasters such as hurricanes. Is Your Food Truck Protected From [...]