Food trucks are a valuable investment for potential restauranteurs, since they give owners the chance to try out different locations, menu options, and marketing strategies. However, before deciding your food truck design, you will need to choose a menu. Here are a few tips for creating a food truck menu your team—and your future customers—will love. 

3 Tips for Making a Food Truck Menu

1. Find Local Vendors First 

Before creating a food truck design, it’s important to think about where you will source ingredients, packaging, and other consumables from. Talk with large ingredient vendors in your area, and start pricing out different products, such as fresh meats and produce, as well as packaging materials, such as plates, cups, and clamshells.

Ask suppliers if they offer volume discounts and if they anticipate any product shortages in the months or years to come. Remember that working with local vendors helps support the local economy and could act as a draw to customers considering your truck over another in the area. 

2. Differentiate Yourself

Think of how your food truck design and concept will differ from your competitors, and how you will get the word out. Whether you plan to offer freshly prepared stir fry with organic veggies or the creamiest, most decadent chocolate shakes, it’s important to create a niche for yourself by seeing what else is out there.

Research other food trucks in your area and try to select a food variety that is different enough to stand out. When you work on the food truck design and create menus, ask your graphic design team to make those differentiators stand out. For instance, if you are focused on supporting local farmers and offering crisp salads, include beautiful imagery of fresh vegetables on the exterior of your vehicle and pictures of the salads on the menu. 

3. Focus on Simplicity

Keep menus simple, concise, and descriptive. While it’s important to offer a variety of items to customers, keep the menu as small as possible by only offering top sellers. By doing this, you can help customers reach decisions faster, reduce the need for a large ingredient inventory, and make preparation easier in the kitchen. 

If you have an idea for a food truck design, but aren’t sure where to start, turn to Shanghai Mobile Kitchen Solutions in Brooklyn, NY. Since its inception in 1979, this trusted company has been committed to teaming up with restaurant owners to custom-make the best new food trucks. This business also offers ongoing service and support to clients. Learn more about how they can help you by visiting their website or calling (718) 599-4583.