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Food Trucks: Finding the Perfect Location

Writer's picture: Rees WaltherRees Walther

The right location can make or break your barbecue food truck’s success. It’s not just about parking anywhere—it’s about finding spots that bring the crowds and fit your brand. Let’s talk about where to park, how to work with venues, and how to deal with seasonality. If you’re ready to roll out and make your food truck a hit, here’s what you need to know.


Where to Park: Events, Breweries, Office Parks, and More

Finding the perfect parking spot isn’t just about convenience; it’s about strategy. Here are a few prime locations to consider:



Events and Festivals

Big gatherings like fairs, music festivals, and sporting events are jackpot opportunities for food trucks. Tons of foot traffic means tons of potential customers.

Setup at a fair or festival for lots of foot traffic.
Setup at a fair or festival for lots of foot traffic.

Tips:

  • Don’t sweat it if you get turned down for a spot—many events prefer vendors with experience, so keep applying each year.

  • Focus on events that fit your style, like barbecue or beer festivals. Not all festivals are worth your time.

  • Be prepared! Running out of food or small bills can be a nightmare. Trust me, you’ll only forget once.

Pros:

  • Huge exposure to new audiences. Use this exposure to promote your catering service or other products.

Cons:

  • High competition and costs—some events take up to 30% of your sales. Make sure you price accordingly.


Breweries and Taprooms

Barbecue and craft beer? Name a better duo. Breweries often don’t serve food, so they’re eager to partner with trucks like yours.

Tips:

  • Check the brewery’s traffic first. Not all nights are winners.

  • Promote your stops on social media, tagging the brewery to get extra eyes on your post.


Office Parks

Office parks can be a steady source of weekday revenue. You might not see festival-sized crowds, but you’ll get consistent lunch traffic.

Tips:

  • Target spots with lots of employees and few nearby food options.

  • Keep your lunch menu simple and fast—think barbecue bowls or sandwiches.


Neighborhoods and Subdivisions

Suburban neighborhoods love food trucks, especially for dinner or special events.

How to Start:

  • Partner with HOAs or use apps like StreetFoodFinder to find suburban gigs.

  • These stops can also help you promote catering services for local events.


Working with Venues and Organizers

Building good relationships with venues is just as important as finding the right spot. Here’s how to do it:


Set Expectations Early

Make sure everyone’s on the same page about:

  • Parking logistics (Is electricity or water provided?)

  • Fees (Flat rate, percentage of sales, or both?)

  • Promotion (Will they help advertise your truck?)


Build Partnerships

Treat venues as partners, not just one-off opportunities.

Tips:

  • Offer free samples when introducing yourself.

  • After a successful event, follow up with a thank-you note or small gift.

  • Highlight the venue in your social media posts to showcase your collaboration.


Be Reliable

Show up on time, serve high-quality food, and keep things professional. A solid reputation can open doors to even better locations.


Understanding Customer Flow and Seasonality

Knowing when and where people are hungry can make a big difference.


Customer Flow

  • Weekdays: Office parks, schools, and downtown areas are great for lunch.

  • Weekends: Head to events, breweries, or farmers markets.

  • Evenings: Breweries, neighborhoods, and special events are your best bet.


Plan for Seasonality

Barbecue might scream summer, but a little planning can keep your truck busy year-round.

Winter:

  • Look for indoor catering gigs at breweries or office buildings.

  • Add hearty winter specials like brisket chili to your menu.

Spring and Summer:

  • This is your peak season! Book spots at outdoor events early, as they fill up fast.


Fall:

  • Target seasonal attractions like pumpkin patches, apple orchards or Oktoberfests. Add themed menu items like smoked pumpkin dishes or apple wood smoked pork loin to draw in crowds.


Weather Flexibility

Weather can make or break your day. Always have a backup plan:

  • Rainy days? Head to indoor venues like breweries.

  • High winds? Stay safe and reschedule if needed.


Wrapping Up: Location Is Everything

Finding the right spots takes time, patience, and relationship-building, but it’s worth it. Whether you’re setting up at a bustling festival or a quiet office park, the key is to match your locations with your brand and audience. And remember, even the best spot won’t matter if you’re not prepared to impress when you get there.


If you’re serious about taking your barbecue food truck to the next level, check out my book, From Smoker to Streets: A Guide to Starting Your Barbecue Food Truck, available now on Amazon and Kindle. Packed with practical advice, insider tips, and real-world strategies, it’s your ultimate roadmap to food truck success.

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