Food Truck Apps: Best Apps for Food Truck Businesses (2024)
Running a food truck business can be complicated. Check out these apps to simplify your operations and make your business stand out from the competition.
Tessa ZuluagaAuthor
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There are 36,324 Food Trucks businesses in the US as of 2023, an increase of 9.9% from 2022. In fact, the market size of the U.S. food truck industry is estimated to be $1.48 billion. Needless to say, the food truck industry is booming. So how can you make sure your food truck business can stand out from the competition?
Enter food truck apps stage right!
Using food truck apps is a fantastic option to stay competitive. However, it’s crucial you leverage these apps strategically to get your brand out there. In this article, we’ll review the best food truck mobile apps available on the app store in 2023 to make your business stand out.
Ready? Let’s get started.
Best food truck apps
First, we’re taking a look at food truck-specific apps. Most of these apps are best for people actively searching for food trucks near them. These are all available for both Android and Apple devices.
Truckster
Truckster enables guests to find locations of food trucks nearby in their city. Foodies can filter their search by time, menu item availability, and more. There’s also a catering section, where you can locate the perfect food truck to hire for your next event. Truckster also runs a blog that acts as a guide for all food trucks and local foodies – you can check it out here.
StreetFoodFinder
With StreetFoodFinder you can create an account as a food trucker, event organizer, or customer. The app will then show you what you need based on what you’re looking for – food truck businesses, locations, etc. StreetFoodFinder gives you a nice map view so guests can locate their favorite food trucks closest to them.
Truckily
Truckily is another food truck finder app. Food trucks can use Truckily to alert guests when they are heading their way and reward them for eating your food. It may seem like there are a lot of food truck location tracker apps, but it’s important to be present on all these different options to reach the most amount of guests.
Mobile Nom
Mobile Nom is an app for both food truck owners and guests. Mobile Nom offers a free starter plan that allows business owners to trial many of the features of their platform. They also offer paid plans for food truck owners to better promote their business, via Mobile Nom Premium. The app also offers options for mobile food truck event venues to promote their business to food truck owners – it’s a great platform for all those involved.
TruckFindr
This food truck locator app lets guests view your mobile ordering menu, place orders, and pick it up or get it delivered. It’s also compatible with a few POS systems, allowing orders to go straight into your system in real-time. TruckFindr is your best option if you’re looking for an app to streamline your online ordering operations.
Best food truck apps for operations
Beyond iOS apps that enable guests to find local food trucks, there are many other useful apps. These apps have been designed to help food truck owners streamline their operations, manage orders, and connect with customers. Here are some popular and highly-rated food truck apps for operations.
US Foods
When it comes to working in a small space like a food truck, food delivery and prep is crucial. US Foods Online and mobile apps are powerfully equipped to help your food truck business. The app is available in multiple languages and contains easy-to-use features. They make it simple to order and search for products, look at offers and recommendations, track deliveries, and more. We also highly recommend checking out their business tools and ghost kitchens.
Toast
What’s a food service business without a fantastic all-in-one point-of-sale system with great functionality? Toast can help simplify your ordering taking process enabling you to focus on what matters, serving great food. Toast goes wherever you go – whether you’re parked or on the move. Focus on serving more customers faster with an affordable, easy-to-use, and reliable point of sale. Don’t believe us yet? Check out what customers are already saying,
“Toast literally changed our identity. It changed customer perception of wait times. It's creating customer loyalty. It's broadening our fan base a lot more.”
Omar Tijerina
Co-owner Gateway Bagel Co.
You can read the full story here and find out more information on Toast for food truck businesses here.
Beli
Beli is a great option to check on feedback. Beli is an app where guests track what restaurant businesses they’ve dined at, what their favorite items were, and what similar restaurants they should try. This is the perfect app for your food truck to gain insight into what’s working and what’s not. Check out people’s ratings of your menu and what their favorites are. This information will help you run promotions, update your menu, and so much more!
Best food truck apps for marketing
Having a mobile business that travels to different locations requires plenty of marketing. These apps can help food truck businesses simplify this process and get the word out about their offerings & locations.
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MailChimp
Email marketing is a great wait to establish your food truck brand. Whether you’re just starting out or have been around for years, MailChimp gives you the ability to create campaigns that will reach your target audience. Mailchimp is a marketing automation and email marketing platform. This app gives you the ability to create a customer journey that enables you to map out personalized experiences based on how people interact with your business. If you’re interested in email marketing, especially to announce weekly or monthly locations, MailChimp is a great app for you.
Your demographic will vary based on factors like the food you serve, where you’re located, and your overall brand. Instagram gives you a simple way to interact with your target audience and the ability to market directly to them. You can share your truck’s location on your story if you move around frequently, unique behind-the-scenes looks at how you operate, and even share your menu if you routinely switch things up.
Having an established social media presence for your food truck brand is all about engaging with your customers. Twitter is a great platform for interacting with your followers. You can tweet out where your truck will be located for the day, and then respond to follow-up questions. This app is a great option for your regulars to follow to keep up with your events.
TikTok
TikTok is a video creation and sharing app, where users love to post about and discover new food businesses. Over the last few years, consumer trends have pointed to a few popular types of food trucks that do extremely well, no matter the location.
Some of the most popular types of food trucks in 2022 include:
Tacos
Street food
Grilled cheese
Ice cream
Sandwiches
Capture video footage of your most popular offerings and post them on the TikTok app. This is where foodies go to discover new, delicious offerings. It only takes one strong TikTok to go completely viral. It’s worth a shot!
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Toast for food trucks
Using these apps to better your food truck business can lead to a more successful busy season. It’s crucial to stay up to date with modern food truck technology and use a POS system that can keep up with your mobile business. Toast offers solutions built for every budget. Check out how Toast can start streamlining your operations today here. Also, check out these related articles for your food truck business:
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DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general informational purposes only, and publication does not constitute an endorsement. Toast does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, graphics, links, or other items contained within this content. Toast does not guarantee you will achieve any specific results if you follow any advice herein. It may be advisable for you to consult with a professional such as a lawyer, accountant, or business advisor for advice specific to your situation.
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