DiningBuzz! - Food Trucks?

I know Twitter is a very popular way for them to communicate with customers, but I don't use Twitter, and do not plan to anytime soon. So what is the next best way to find them. Facebook? Anyone know of websites that list them in unfamiliar cities? Recommendations?

(I am kind of surprised there isn't already a thread about food trucks. Could not find one when I searched.)

You say you don't use Twitter and don't plan to, but how is looking up a food truck's location on Twitter's website different from looking it up any other site?

Denver is pretty bereft of food trucks, unless you count the dilapidated taco trucks that bounce between construction sites.

they have fixed locations at certain times called off the grid.

I hate the concept and have not had good experiences with the food I've bought from them.

http://offthegridsf.com/

You don't need to use twitter, you just need to know the twitter page of the truck you are following so you can find it.

Just bookmark that page, and click on it when you want to find the truck.

You don't even need a twitter account to do that in most cases (though some trucks may make their posts private, so they can collect you name, but I think that's the very small minority).

For example, if you were following one of the ice cream trucks in Manhattan, all you would need is this link

http://twitter.com/#!/VLAIC

It's to their twitter page.

Yelp is probably another good source, but if they move around and have chosen Twitter or Facebook or Google plus or whatever to be the way they release the information, you won't have much luck finding them any other way.

It is also possible there's somebody who groups all the different postings into one place, but in most cases they will use twitter to relay that information. Again in New York, here's a page of somebody or some group who does dozens of food trucks

http://twitter.com/#!/MobileCravings/ny-food-trucks

In a strange city I would just google

<<name of city>> gourmet food trucks

and there will probably be links to dozens of reviews in magazines and papers about the rise in food trucks in <<name of city>>

Austin is home to a very vibrant food truck scene. You can get everything from a hot dog to Korean-Mexican fusion. I utilize these websites frequently:

http://austinfoodcarts.com/

http://www.foodtrailersaustin.com/

Portland has a good food cart scene.

http://www.foodcartsportland.com/

I am waiting for a food truck with a drive-through. ;)

I am waiting for a food truck with a drive-through. ;)

Wait no more

http://www.foodwithsole.com/post/1442121979/slider-truck-drive-thru

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lb4n7quSS21qbpyl8.jpg

To find food trucks/carts in a new city, how about using an iPhone or Android app? I've got two loaded up on my Android phone: Food Truck Follower and Eat St (Food Network Canada). The Eat street app maps vendors on Google maps which is good for carts and trucks with regular locations but obviously not so great for roaming trucks.

The Portland foodcart website listed previously is really good. We've also used Chowhound to help identify pods and the better carts.

Portland has a good food cart scene.

http://www.foodcartsportland.com/

Just hit 670 around the entire city, and 700 by the end of the year is not impossible. Some are shutting down for the Winter, but I don't even go to a sit down place for lunch anymore when working downtown.

With all the Food network shows on food trucks I had success just searching their website.
Also look up No Reservation and Bizarre Food's sites.

If you have a specific food truck in mind their website should state where they are. But if something unexpected happens (run out of food, generator breaks, etc) and they have to close up shop early generally they only post those updates on Twitter.

There are also some aggregate websites for popular food trucks in a city. Here's the "Food Truck Fiesta" for Washington DC http://foodtruckfiesta.com/food-trucks-washington-dc/.

Have fun I was just in NYC last week and ate at a lot of food trucks. Good eats.

We have at least 10 here in Carrboro, NC (pop. 20,000). Just down the street from me, I have 2 different taco trucks, a BBQ truck, a crepe truck, and a pizza truck.

Los Angeles-based food truck owners like to list themselves on FoodTrux:

FoodTrux Link (http://www.foodtrucksmap.com/la/)

This site is also set up for about a dozen other cities, but it is a favorite of L.A. food truck owners.

(side note: if you find yourself at LAX on Tuesdays at Noon, check out this gathering of food trucks: Link (http://www.gatewaytola.org/index.cfm/calendarevents/gateway-to-go/) .. they update at least once a week)

Wait no more

:cool:

Calgary just started doing Food Trucks in Kensington.. after they did a test run downtown..

It was a hit..

Denver is pretty bereft of food trucks, unless you count the dilapidated taco trucks that bounce between construction sites.

It used to be that these trucks were called "Roach Coaches" or "Garbage trucks"

Calgary just started doing Food Trucks in Kensington..

Kensington???? I've only ever seen them in the industrial areas in the SE and at construction sites. One used to come by my old office in Foothills Industrial Park and Wed was pizza day from Coco Brooks. Good pizza.

Kensington???? I've only ever seen them in the industrial areas in the SE and at construction sites. One used to come by my old office in Foothills Industrial Park and Wed was pizza day from Coco Brooks. Good pizza.

Just what I've heard.. they did a trial at Stephen Avenue, and the city granted permits to food trucks every Saturday (maybe Sunday as well) in Kensington because of the positive responses received..

I remember the coco brooks type food truck roaming around at dealerships when I was in the Auto Publishing business.. I used to operate Motor World - Calgary's Exclusive Dealer Magazine.. until I sold it back in Oct 2003..

It used to be that these trucks were called "Roach Coaches" or "Garbage trucks"

And it used to be that you could get coffee at a gas station for a quarter just ten years ago. Once Starbucks made coffee cool, the gas stations just slapped a premium sticker on their swill and charge $1+ for it.

It used to be that these trucks were called "Roach Coaches" or "Garbage trucks"

And it used to be that you could get coffee at a gas station for a quarter just ten years ago. Once Starbucks made coffee cool, the gas stations just slapped a premium sticker on their swill and charge $1+ for it.

Agreed..

We let a food truck rent off of one of our commercial property parking lots for $500 per month.. lots of health violations..

But, Calgary now has a weekly gathering of these places.. not sure what's new about it.. except Calgary has issued for the first time a certain type of food truck permit..

It used to be that these trucks were called "Roach Coaches" or "Garbage trucks"

Yes, and even then some of them had outstanding food. I ate lunch from one in Santa Fe Springs, CA every day for probably 3 months total (many breakfasts too) and it was some of the best Mexican food I´ve ever had anywhere - and I´ve had a LOT. Nowadays, they are even better overall.

Yes, and even then some of them had outstanding food. I ate lunch from one in Santa Fe Springs, CA every day for probably 3 months total (many breakfasts too) and it was some of the best Mexican food I´ve ever had anywhere - and I´ve had a LOT. Nowadays, they are even better overall.

Good point.. food trucks differ in quality..

You know a good food truck, if there are hoards of people lining up.. the chances of getting sick gets weaker.. and liking the food becomes greater..

Yes, and even then some of them had outstanding food. I ate lunch from one in Santa Fe Springs, CA every day for probably 3 months total (many breakfasts too) and it was some of the best Mexican food I´ve ever had anywhere - and I´ve had a LOT. Nowadays, they are even better overall.

I agree. I worked graveyard for a number of years and the truck that arrived in the morning between shifts had great food.

My point was not to long ago nobody thought much of these trucks, now they are all the rage.

There are more food trucks now in NYC than there were just a few years ago. They're often upscale foods and get the long lines from the office buildings at lunch. They are immensely popular. :)

I agree. I worked graveyard for a number of years and the truck that arrived in the morning between shifts had great food.

My point was not to long ago nobody thought much of these trucks, now they are all the rage.

Seems trendy, if the trucks visiting is serving excellent portions and good quality..

and the convenience and location is a major factor..

You don't need to use twitter, you just need to know the twitter page of the truck you are following so you can find it.

Just bookmark that page, and click on it when you want to find the truck.

You don't even need a twitter account to do that in most cases (though some trucks may make their posts private, so they can collect you name, but I think that's the very small minority).


Thanks, I did not know that about Twitter. Guess I will have a lot more bookmarks in the near future.

The other links look helpful too.

Detroit has one food truck that I know of (https://www.facebook.com/#!/jacquestacos?sk=info) and Ann Arbor has a group of trucks that take over a downtown parking lot (http://markscartsannarbor.com/index.php) at certain times. Other than those, the trend has yet to take off around here.

There are more food trucks now in NYC than there were just a few years ago. They're often upscale foods and get the long lines from the office buildings at lunch. They are immensely popular. :)

No shortage of food trucks in NYC. I especially enjoy one or two that make really good falafel. (Taim and Moshe's are two of my favorites). Like Analise said, if you see a line, that's a really good sign!

No shortage of food trucks in NYC. I especially enjoy one or two that make really good falafel. (Taim and Moshe's are two of my favorites). Like Analise said, if you see a line, that's a really good sign!

Good sign, but often hype. Was excited about the guy at 53/6th but when I went was really disappointed. Others have said the same. They've been brilliant with their marketing (apparently even got Paris Hilton go to there!).

I've heard there are tons of Apps that track food cart locations as well...

Good sign, but often hype. Was excited about the guy at 53/6th but when I went was really disappointed. Others have said the same. They've been brilliant with their marketing (apparently even got Paris Hilton go to there!).Yeah, for what that place is peddling, it's really splitting hairs if you think their fare is better than anyone else's.

Yeah, for what that place is peddling, it's really splitting hairs if you think their fare is better than anyone else's.

One thing to have marketing get new consumers to go and try it out..

but once you get a customer to try something new, the food truck needs to be substance

Orlando's food truck scene has really taken off in the last year. The Daily City site has a good rundown of all the food truck gatherings and info on many of the trucks. http://www.thedailycity.com/p/top-ten-events-of-2010.html?m=1

food trucks increasing around central texas, but they don't seem to start up till 4pm, so lunch options are a lunch truck, which is really subpar because it is all long ago precooked food that is stored in a hotbox. No thanks.

food trucks increasing around central texas, but they don't seem to start up till 4pm, so lunch options are a lunch truck, which is really subpar because it is all long ago precooked food that is stored in a hotbox. No thanks.

Since 2006 the number of food trucks in the Austin area has gone from ~650 to well over 1200.

There are also a decent number in Houston, where the taco truck has been around for a long, long time.

There was an article today in Calgary Metro.. Food Truck trial has been largely positive.. and Calgary Council will be extending the Food Truck trail for another year..

Hello everyone. Zach here... I have a 2002 14ft Grumman Olson I am in the process of converting to a food truck. Los Angeles county requires to send in your plans before you start construction to be first approved. If anyone has had hands on experience with this plan approval process I would really appreciate any advice that might make the process go more smoothly. Also... I dont know what kind of generator to get and there's a plethora of choices? I know it has to be CARB compliant but thats about it. The quiet generators are what people suggest but are they better? I currently have 5,000 watts I am going to run in electricity on. I am looking at the Generac Quietpact 7,500. Onan is the best but way too expensive and do people really use those in food trucks and if not...what is the most popular generator found in Los Angeles food trucks? Also, I know most people use propane gas in LA and that the LA rules state the propane tanks can NOT be exposed...so where do people put the tanks? Also, the blue roof vents everyone has on the top...where do I get these from? Also, the ventilation required in California is different from other states...in California there's seemingly no roof mounted suction fans, they are all of the back but they seem to be comprised of just fans....where do I find this ventilation system? PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS WITH INFO I AM NOT SEEKING. I have a lot figured out already but theres just a few missing links so I really need specific answers...thank you so much:D

It's been for a while now, but a bunch of food trucks park on Main Street in Santa Monica on Tuesday nights.

I am going food truckin tonight as I will be out late, and they are open late :D

A lot of trucks use Twitter, Facebook, apps, and networks. In the SF Bay Area, you will find trucks banding together in networks.

The licensing of food trucks in many areas is stricter than restaurants for health code checks which IMO makes them safer for those worrying (in my area trucks get twice annual inspections, brick and mortar only get once).

I have been hitting up food trucks since high school (am 30 now) and have found that most have regular haunts and will post a weekly schedule that stays relatively the same from week to week.

Denver actually has quite a few food trucks. I have spoken to food bloggers who frequent them. I would encourage those interested in specific regions to also seek out food blogs that specialize in food trucks. I know of a few in most metro areas in the US.

My stomach is on fire from the habenero lime concoctions I just ate. Note, it was excellent, and stomach is on fire simply due to the spicy heat :D

Just what I wanted stomach and heart burn for a good nights sleep ;)

My stomach is on fire from the habenero lime concoctions I just ate. Note, it was excellent, and stomach is on fire simply due to the spicy heat :D

Just what I wanted stomach and heart burn for a good nights sleep ;)

Good luck tomorrow morning. :D

food trucks increasing around central texas, but they don't seem to start up till 4pm, so lunch options are a lunch truck, which is really subpar because it is all long ago precooked food that is stored in a hotbox. No thanks.

Most food truck business is done during lunch.. Is it more popular for supper because of the cultural gatherings, or just a preference of Texans in general?

Most food truck business is done during lunch.. Is it more popular for supper because of the cultural gatherings, or just a preference of Texans in general?

While I may not represent everyone here in LA, I find that they're more popular at night here, too.

Most food truck business is done during lunch.. Is it more popular for supper because of the cultural gatherings, or just a preference of Texans in general?

I have no idea but the mexican food trucks are open till 3am and some till 5am.

Maybe it is the 420 crowd......

There is one burger truck open, but :D I don't want that.

I had to wait in line at 1:30am for 3 tacos. There were 4 trucks(as in people not food trucks, everyone around here has a truck except me it seems) driving up as I left.

Gotcha.. It may be a cultural food preference.. regions close to the southern border..

Gotcha.. It may be a cultural food preference.. regions close to the southern border..

It fills a need too, whataburger, jack in the box and crapplebees get old. (denny's,ihop, skillet, wafflehouse, etc as well)

There are lunch trucks as well, but they target industrial park (where I often am), and try to get the factory workers leaving for lunch.

It fills a need too, whataburger, jack in the box and crapplebees get old. (denny's,ihop, skillet, wafflehouse, etc as well)

There are lunch trucks as well, but they target industrial park (where I often am), and try to get the factory workers leaving for lunch.

I thought nothing would replace Golden Corral:D

I can see the lunch trucks filling in the need for far to reach places where there is little selection for food.. That would be normal in Calgary..

I guess the dinner option is a niche that seems to work..

Most food truck business is done during lunch.. Is it more popular for supper because of the cultural gatherings, or just a preference of Texans in general?
That is no longer the case in most urban areas where food trucks proliferate. These aren't the sandwich and coffee offerings at construction sites, but a variety of ethic and gourmet offerings. Lunchtime is def big business, but these guys do a good evening and nighttime business, as well. The dessert trucks do particularly well in the late afternoons and evenings, and the late night munchers need something when they get out of the bar or club to help soak up that alcohol. On biz travel, I've picked up a gyro or something else from the trucks on occassion in NY, if i left the office very late and wasn't in the mood for a sit down meal somewhere but needed to eat.

That is no longer the case in most urban areas where food trucks proliferate. These aren't the sandwich and coffee offerings at construction sites, but a variety of ethic and gourmet offerings. Lunchtime is def big business, but these guys do a good evening and nighttime business, as well. The dessert trucks do particularly well in the late afternoons and evenings, and the late night munchers need something when they get out of the bar or club to help soak up that alcohol. On biz travel, I've picked up a gyro or something else from the trucks on occassion in NY, if i left the office very late and wasn't in the mood for a sit down meal somewhere but needed to eat.

This business model makes sense on several levels.. First, many are on a budget, and wants the most bang for the buck, so food trucks offering groumet for pretty much fast food prices is going to attract a following..

Second, business owners are inundated with overhead, so the food truck business likely cuts down on many expenses that a normal brick and mortar restaurant would have to pay for..

Lastly, food trucks are mobile.. no demand.. just move the truck and sell at a high demand location.. Plus special events, food trucks serve a purpose.. Of course, this is all subject to appropriate permits..

This business model makes sense on several levels.. First, many are on a budget, and wants the most bang for the buck, so food trucks offering groumet for pretty much fast food prices is going to attract a following..

A lot of the food trucks here in LA don't sell at fast food prices. :eek:

A lot of the food trucks here in LA don't sell at fast food prices. :eek:

With inflation and variety I like to eat, usually the bill comes out to $20 per adult, and say $10 per kid..

You mean food trucks sell for beyond these price thresholds.:eek:

With inflation and variety I like to eat, usually the bill comes out to $20 per adult, and say $10 per kid..

You mean food trucks sell for beyond these price thresholds.:eek:

Those are not fast food prices.

Those are not fast food prices.

With inflation and variety I like to eat, usually the bill comes out to $20 per adult, and say $10 per kid..

You mean food trucks sell for beyond these price thresholds.:eek:

Hehehe... Those are not fast food prices. I had some sliders and fries from a food truck a few weeks ago and it came out to about $20 for me alone. Four sliders to be precise at $4 a piece and some fries.

Fast food is about half that! Heck, you can get 2 Big Macs and large fries for $8.97.

You mean food trucks sell for beyond these price thresholds.:eek:

err, yes, they can.

PDX food trucks a decade ago were mostly midday and closed for dinner; now they serve all day long and do good business for dinner or later. Pricing is similar to non chain "fast casual" i.e. better than fast food.

When I was in the LA area (the Inland Empire, to be more exact) the whole upscale food truck thing was just beginning. I kind of thought it was ridiculous until I started trying some of them and was actually impressed.

Then I moved to DC and found the most uninspired food trucks ever... dunno about y'all, but of all the food trucks I've tried in DC, I have only found one worth my repeat business. Everything else here is really uninspired, blah, and overpriced.

Therefore, LA food truck proprietors, if you want my money, you know where to find me--or else you'll just have to rely on my constant trips back to CA.

Hehehe... Those are not fast food prices. I had some sliders and fries from a food truck a few weeks ago and it came out to about $20 for me alone. Four sliders to be precise at $4 a piece and some fries.

Fast food is about half that! Heck, you can get 2 Big Macs and large fries for $8.97.

I guess when I think of Fast Food, I think of showing up at a mall food court.. go to Orange Julius to get a drink ($4).. head over to the Italian Place and get the double pasta combo with salad and cheese toast ($12 to $14).. and finish off with a Banana Split at the Ice Cream Kiosk ($7)

I guess when I think of Fast Food, I think of showing up at a mall food court.. go to Orange Julius to get a drink ($4).. head over to the Italian Place and get the double pasta combo with salad and cheese toast ($12 to $14).. and finish off with a Banana Split at the Ice Cream Kiosk ($7)

With your drink and banana split, you're still getting a lot more, and your pasta combo is a probably bigger than food truck portions.

With your drink and banana split, you're still getting a lot more, and your pasta combo is a probably bigger than food truck portions.

Yes agree..

Time to hit up Mickey D's

I guess when I think of Fast Food, I think of showing up at a mall food court.. go to Orange Julius to get a drink ($4).. head over to the Italian Place and get the double pasta combo with salad and cheese toast ($12 to $14).. and finish off with a Banana Split at the Ice Cream Kiosk ($7)

I guess you could call that fast food. In my mind, fast food is generally $7 or less. Burger combo, 3 piece chicken combo, sub sandwich, tacos, etc.

Any of those $7 fast food meals fills me up for 7 hrs. minimum. Your food court meal would kill me.:D

Maybe I can go find a food truck at 3am, my half a sandwich for lunch at 1pm is long gone...

I guess you could call that fast food. In my mind, fast food is generally $7 or less. Burger combo, 3 piece chicken combo, sub sandwich, tacos, etc.

Any of those $7 fast food meals fills me up for 7 hrs. minimum. Your food court meal would kill me.:D

:D

Maybe I can go find a food truck at 3am, my half a sandwich for lunch at 1pm is long gone...

24 hour food trucks.. that's a new concept.. what will they think of next?

24 hour food trucks.. that's a new concept.. what will they think of next?


not quite 24 hours, they were closed at 3:45 when I got there, until 6am when they start doing breakfast. They closed at 3am. I am not even sure why close for 3 hours. The one I went is ALMOST stationary, they only move for big events.

Just come to Austin, TX! We've got a food truck for just about everything (sushi, indian, donuts, tacos (x50), thai, etc. etc. etc.) So good!

Just come to Austin, TX! We've got a food truck for just about everything (sushi, indian, donuts, tacos (x50), thai, etc. etc. etc.) So good!

I had good Pad Thai from an outside kiosk in Waikoloa village.. pretty much a food truck.. but not quite..:)

But the Calgary Stampede always has lines of Food Trucks down its midway, we frequent every year.. although it sounds like there are higher quality vendors, and the Calgary Stampede should really upgrade their offerings for their centennial celebration..

I am a big food truck fan! I'd love to get to Portland, OR to check out the scene there one of these days. (not just for the food)

In NYC we have some very good trucks. In Brooklyn, they hold a food truck rally once a month (it stopped for the winter) at Grand Army Plaza in Prospect Park. They get give or take a dozen trucks which is nice.

Some of my favorites in NYC are Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, Kelvin Slush and
Wafels & Dinges- I guess most of my favs are dessert trucks! lol
Another favorite of mine is Calexico but they are a stand not a moving truck. They also have a couple of stores now.

Im a pretty big fan of the taco trucks by the water in new haven.