“To Food Truck, or not to Food Truck” that is the question.
I bring this up today, because we are working on a spring wedding for an amazing couple. They want a very laid back “feel” to their wedding and what better way than to offer food truck(s) while hosting a dinner reception?
Let me start off by saying, “I love food trucks!” I love the variety, the vibe they give to the immediate surroundings, I love the wonderful aroma that permeates the air. Plus you can have a blast with going around trying as many food trucks as you want before you book and it won’t break the bank.
But as fun as a food truck experience is, a food truck is NOT a special events caterer. Lets face it, weddings and special events require finesse and a level of professionalism that many food trucks don’t possess. Once you realize this, your expectations may change.
My experience on this subject comes from working with food trucks for two years as one of the event coordinators for the St. Augustine Celtic Festival, one year as food and beverage coordinator for the St. Augustine March of dimes, March for Babies, and most recently, I have worked on several weddings that incorporated food trucks into their reception.
First and foremost- have a written contract with your chosen food truck. Don’t just go off of phone and email conversations.
It amazes me that so many food trucks will state that they “don’t normally work with contracts.” It’s okay to insist on a contract. Here are a few things that are essential to include in your contract:
– Trash Disposal: Yep! make sure they don’t just leave the trashcans full at the end of the night. Make sure the contract states that the hired food truck personnel will be responsible for food trash removal off the property. If this isn’t stated, guess who will be dumping trash at midnight ? You! or a mom, or dad or your wedding party.
– During Dinner Clean Up: Most food trucks will not offer “servers” to help with clearing tables. You have to ask for them to add it in the contract. Once again, who will start clearing tables if the food trucks don’t? Aunt Sallie with a bad back. Not a good way to spend the evening is it?
– Bring Your Own Power: Make sure the food truck offers to bring their own power (SILENT generator) if they don’t, make sure the property you are hosting your reception at can supply the needed voltage to power a food truck.
One really big piece of advice: Be wary of using a third party to book your food truck. There are many websites out there that claim they are “Food Truck Booking Agents”. Most of these sites do not offer a current listings of local food trucks, they only offer food trucks that pay to be on the site, and your overall budget for a food truck will increase due to their “finders fee”.
Here are some recommendations for food trucks that we have worked with on past events:
– Big Island Bowls, St. Augustine Fl.
– Chew Chew Food Co., Jacksonville Fl.
– Poppy’s Mexican American Favorites, Lady Lake Fl.
We can’t say enough positive things about all three of these trucks! If you are wanting to add a food truck to your next event, consider reaching out to these food trucks vendors.
In closing, I would like to say that I love food trucks at any special event! It creates a unique, fun, and relaxed environment for your special day. Offering a food truck at your special event will create lasting memories. Not to mention, they enhance the back drop in any photo. Just like any other vendor you hire, make sure you review your contracts, know your expectations, and have fun with it.