Hey Seattle! It's hard to miss the fact that food trucks are everywhere these days, serving up all kinds of delicious cuisine. The food truck craze has brought a new breed of foodies and seemingly a new breed of craziness as they are very passionate about their food. In order to make the most of your food truck experience, it's important to learn about proper food truck etiquette. Remember, the customer is not always right!
Here's helpful tips to consider as you head towards your mark!
Make up your mind It's always a good idea to check the food truck's menu ahead of time, especially if there is a long line of customers waiting to be served. Trying to decide what to order while standing at the window can create frustration for both the cashier and the people waiting behind you. Many food trucks nowadays have their menus available online, and some even have QR codes on the side of the truck that you can scan to place your order. So, take a few minutes to check out the menu before you approach the window, and you'll help to keep things moving smoothly for everyone.
Be prepared $$ As food trucks continue to evolve, more and more are moving towards cashless payment options. While it's always a good idea to have cash on hand, it's important to know that many food trucks now prefer payment by credit card. So, don't be surprised if the cashier tells you that they don't accept cash. It's always a good idea to check ahead of time to see what payment options are available, so you can be prepared when it's time to pay for your delicious meal.
Be flexible -Technology is here to stay With the evolution of the food truck industry, many operators are adopting online ordering platforms and apps to accept orders. Some food trucks have exclusively moved to online ordering while others still, offer it as an option. It's important to be respectful of the operator's business model and adapt accordingly. Staffing challenges have made online ordering a great solution for many operators as it frees up their hands to do other things. It's also a great benefit for customers as they can see what's still available on the truck, and they don't have to stand in line. Usually, customers receive a text when their food is ready, which is pretty convenient.
Be Patient Sometimes, due to the high volume of customers, it may take longer than expected for your food to be prepared. It's important to keep in mind that food truck workers are often working with limited space and resources, and they may need extra time to prepare your order. If you find yourself waiting longer than anticipated, try to be patient and understanding. Remember, a long line usually means that the food is worth the wait!
Be Cool Try to be courteous and considerate of the people working inside the food truck, especially during the summer when temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind that they are working hard to feed you as well as dozens of other people. By showing a little bit of empathy and kindness, you can make their day a lot easier and more pleasant.
Be respectful! When visiting food trucks, try to leave the area as clean as you found it. Often, trucks are in public places, and leaving trash lying around is bad for the truck and the environment. It's essential to be respectful of the environment, the food truck workers, and other customers. Remember, a little bit of kindness and empathy can go a long way in making someone's day easier and more pleasant.
Leave a review - or not! Leaving a review is a great way to show your appreciation for the food you enjoyed from the food truck. If you had a positive experience, leaving a positive review can make a big difference for the business. On the other hand, if you were not completely satisfied, it's important to consider if your dissatisfaction warrants a negative review. Keep in mind that things don't always go as planned for the food truck, and they may not have been able to deliver the results they were hoping for. If you're not satisfied, try contacting the business by email to voice your concerns. You may be surprised by the response you receive.
By following these tips, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal from a Food Truck and show respect for the vendors and the Food Truck community. So, the next time you’re in line for a Food Truck, remember these tips and have a great meal on the go!