Food trailers have come a long way from the early days of selling premade plastic-wrapped sandwiches and lukewarm coffee to factory workers needing something cheap and quick on their lunch breaks. Today, these culinary kitchens on wheels offer every type of edible offering you can dream up—from fresh seafood and ethnic fare to gourmet burgers and desserts.

The experts at Custom Trailer Pros can tell from the trailers we’re helping to put on the road that these munchie mobiles show no sign of swerving into the slow lane. According to Technomic, a research firm specializing in the food-service industry, sales for the food trailer segment—with most trailers being owner-operated—are growing at three times the rate of traditional casual dining options.

The rise of food trailers got a big boost during the recession, when people laid off from their corporate jobs decided to put their entrepreneurial skills to the (taste) test. The pace hasn’t slowed down since. Mobile food services generated over $2.7 billion in 2017, a fourfold increase from 2012. Why are food trailers such a big hit with customers, and why has the food trailer industry continued to grow year after year?

Returns

When it comes to owning and operating a food trailer business, trailers put more money where the mouths are, meaning a bigger—and usually quicker—return on the initial investment. Food trailers tend to be much more affordable to purchase and operate than their food truck and brick-and-mortar counterparts. Because food trailers run on volume with little overhead, they can reach $500,000 or more a year in sales more quickly than traditional food-service options.

Creativity

Food trailers also allow for greater customization than other options, and when it comes to standing out, the bolder the better! Food trailer owners tend to be creative with their menus, putting a unique spin on popular favorites, or bringing new tastes to a traditional crowd. It’s only fitting that food trailer owners would want their kitchens and the outside of their trailers as individual as the cuisine they serve.

Efficiency

Food trailers also allow customers to enjoy the efficiency and mobility that we have come to demand in all other aspects of our lives. In the age of Amazon Prime we as a culture expect great quality and service, and we expect it to be delivered to us quickly. Food trailers make this experience possible and enjoyable for today’s demanding diner. Mobile food for our increasingly mobile society? Order up!

Quality

On the flip side of the burger—um, coin—Americans are also paying more attention to where their food comes from and how it is prepared. While food trailers allow for speedy service, no one would refer to them as “fast-food.” Because most food trailers are operated by their owners, get to experience artisan quality from a very passionate cooking team. Menu items tend to be created using well-loved family recipes and top-notch ingredients. And, because most items are made fresh, people with dietary restrictions or food allergies can provide guidance and create a one-of-a-kind entrée that suits their health needs.

If you’re thinking about taking your culinary dreams on the road, there’s really no time like the present to get started.  Call the experts at Custom Trailer Pros–we’re innovative and full of ideas on how to make your ideas become reality. We’re here to be your partner and help you maximize this investment. Are you ready to put your dreams in drive? Give us a call today at 1-800-859-5405 or just click HERE to get started!