So, you need to find a food truck, or even multiple trucks, for an event you’re hosting / organizing / helping put together?
I’ve got you covered.
A couple years in a row now, I’ve been in charge of pulling together food & beverage for our local elementary school carnival. I’ve learned more than I even thought there was to know about event catering of this particular style. For starters – there is not any organized information out there on the web for this. The most organized thing that existed before this article and website, was a Google Doc that I put together (pretty much for myself) and that I will one day pass on to another PTA mom. You’re welcome.
Things you need to know:
1 – Book early! Food trucks are POPULAR and they get booked up FAST, especially as the warmer weather months approach. I recommend booking in January or February for May-August. You will probably get some traction if you wait til March but I wouldn’t risk it!
2 – No two spaces are the same. Truck operators will typically have questions around access to a power source. (Unless they are super dope like the Kona Ice truck that has it’s own Solar Panels and is totally power-independent!)
3 – Truck operators are going to want to understand event size (basically how many paying customers) as well as what other trucks are going to be there, so they can estimate (a) how much food they need to have on hand and (b) their own profitability for showing up at your event.
4 – There are different pricing models. Some trucks will charge a fee to show up. Some trucks will rely on customers as they come. Some trucks will require that the event organizer cover a minimum spend. You have to communicate with each truck operator to understand what their terms are.
5 – Plan for something to go wrong! I have done this twice already and both times we ran into different glitches. First time around, a vendor bailed on us at the last moment because his “day job” needed him at the same day that he had booked to be at our event, so we were down a vendor last minute. Another time, a vendor’s truck broke down on their way over to us (day of the event!) and we were down a vendor with only about four hours to figure out an alternative.
6 – Some food vendors don’t have a truck, but they set up table, shade tent, burners and cash reg and they are good to go!
7 – Don’t forget about health inspectors and county requirements! Permits are important!
I think one of the most helpful things I can do is offer a list of Food Trucks that serve Vancouver and surrounding areas on the Washington side of the river. Eventually I will probably make my way over to a Portland / Oregon side of the river list. I know there are trucks that will cross back and forth, but this feels like one where the more local, the better, for logistical reasons. So let’s start with Vancouver.
- Steakburger
- Kona Ice
- Smokin’ Franks
YOU CAN ALSO FOLLOW @Vancouver_WA_Food_Trucks on Instagram
Also, for those who are specifically looking for Food Trucks for Catering Events in Vancouver, Washington, here’s some additional info 🙂
When it comes to catering events in Vancouver, Washington, embracing the dynamic and flavorful world of food trucks can be a delightful choice. These mobile eateries offer a diverse range of cuisines and a unique culinary experience that can elevate any event. To help you uncover the perfect food truck for your gathering, here’s a guide on how to find and select these rolling gourmet gems.
- Online Directories and Platforms: The digital age has simplified the process of locating food trucks that cater events. Websites and apps like “Roaming Hunger” and “FoodTruckBooking.com” allow you to search for food trucks available for catering in Vancouver. These platforms often provide detailed information about the types of cuisines offered, pricing, and availability. You can refine your search based on your event’s theme and preferences.
- Social Media and Local Forums: Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can be powerful tools for discovering food trucks that cater in Vancouver. Many food truck operators use these platforms to announce their locations and share updates about events they’ll be catering. Joining local community groups or forums can also provide insights and recommendations from others who have organized similar events.
- Attend Food Truck Festivals: Vancouver and nearby areas often host food truck festivals and events. Attending these gatherings not only gives you the chance to sample various cuisines but also allows you to connect with food truck owners directly. Many of them are open to catering private events and may provide you with their contact information or business cards.
- Reach Out to Food Truck Associations: Contacting local food truck associations or organizations can lead you to a wealth of information. These associations often have directories of member food trucks available for catering. They can also provide recommendations based on your event size, cuisine preferences, and budget.
- Collaborate with Event Planners: If you’re working with an event planning professional, they likely have connections with local food trucks. Event planners often have established relationships with food truck owners, making the process of finding the right fit much smoother. They can handle negotiations, scheduling, and logistics on your behalf.
Vancouver, Washington’s food truck scene offers a delectable array of options for catering events. By utilizing online platforms, social media, attending festivals, connecting with local associations, and collaborating with event planners, you can ensure that your event is graced with the flavors and creativity of food trucks. Embrace the mobility and innovation of these culinary artisans to create a memorable dining experience that will leave your guests craving for more.
