How to analyse other food trucks in your target area

Why play detective?

Before you spend a penny on your own food truck, it’s vital to understand the world you’re about to enter. Looking at other food trucks isn’t about copying their ideas; it’s about smart research. By seeing what others are doing well (and not so well), you can find a unique gap in the market, price your food correctly, and avoid common mistakes. Think of it as gathering clues that will lead to your own success.

Step 1: Hunt down the local players

First, you need to find them. Your mission is to create a list of every food truck operating in the areas you’re thinking of trading in. Here’s how:

• Social Media Scouting: Search Instagram and Facebook for hashtags like #[YourTown]food, #[YourCounty]streetfood, or #foodtruck[YourTown]. Many trucks live and breathe on social media.
• Google is Your Friend: Search for "food trucks near me" or "street food [Your Town]". Check Google Maps as well.
• Visit Potential Pitches: Head to local business parks, markets, or busy town squares during lunchtime. You’ll often find trucks in their natural habitat.

Step 2: Go on a food safari

Once you have your list, it’s time for the fun part: visiting them. Don’t just drive by. Go as a customer. The goal is to experience exactly what their customers do. Try to visit during their busiest times, like the weekday lunch rush, to see them under pressure.

Top Tip: Take a friend with you. It makes the process more enjoyable, and you can order different things from the menu to get a better sense of the food quality.

Step 3: Your competitor checklist

When you visit, you’re looking for specific clues. Keep a note of your findings on your phone or in a notebook. Here’s what to focus on:

1. The Concept: What’s their big idea? Are they "The Burger Blokes," "Vegan Vibes," or "Curry in a Hurry"? Look at their branding, the name, and the design of their truck. Who are they trying to appeal to?
2. The Menu: How big is the menu? Is it focused on a few key items or does it offer lots of choice? What are the portion sizes like? Most importantly, what does the food actually taste like? Make sure you buy something!
3. The Prices: How much does a main dish cost? What about a drink? Does it feel like good value for money? How do their prices compare to other local lunch options, like a café or a supermarket meal deal?
4. The Queue: Is there one? A long queue is a great sign that they’re popular, but pay attention to how quickly it moves. Are the staff efficient and friendly, or are they flustered? This tells you a lot about their workflow.
5. The Socials: Check out their social media presence later. How often do they post? What do they share – photos of food, locations, customer pictures? How do they let people know where they’ll be trading each week?

Step 4: Connect the dots

After visiting a few trucks, you can start to build a picture of the local scene. Lay out all your notes and look for patterns and opportunities. Ask yourself:

• Is everyone selling the same thing? Maybe there’s a gap for something completely different.
• Are all the trucks quite expensive? Perhaps there’s an opening for a more affordable option.
• Does anyone do great coffee or desserts? If not, that could be your niche.
• Is anyone brilliant at social media? Learn from how they engage with their customers.

This analysis is your secret weapon. It will help you shape a food truck concept that stands out from the crowd and gives customers a reason to choose you over the competition.