Food trucks have become extremely popular among those planning events. Although the likeliest demographic to book a food truck for an event is still people between the ages of 18 and 34, this is closely followed by people between the ages of 35 and 44.
Regardless of your age, you’ll want to go into this process feeling confident and informed. Here are just nine things you need to know about having a food truck at your event.
1. You Aren’t Limited By Food
In the past, people associated food trucks with quick, easy food. And while that is still the case for many food trucks, others now serve higher-end, more complex foods, as well as foods that you may not easily find in restaurants. You can even get ice cream, gelato, and other frozen treats on a food truck! The possibilities really are limitless.
2. You Need to Know Your Numbers
Be careful and attentive regarding the number of people expected at your event. While different food trucks can serve different numbers of people, typically one food truck can serve 60 to 100 people per hour. To keep the line moving, keep the guest list relatively limited.
3. Get Your Permits in Order
You need to be careful about obtaining the proper permits before booking a food truck. You should also consider buying insurance that will protect you in the case of an unexpected incident. However, the food truck you work with should have their licensing and permitting in order.
4. Peruse Your Contract Carefully
Food truck owners will typically have you sign a contract when you book the trucks. Don’t brush your contracts aside. Make sure that you read them in full before making a final decision. If there’s anything you’re unclear about, be sure to ask or consult with a lawyer to make sure everyone is protected.
5. Set Aside Space
You’ll need to understand the dimensions of your food truck, the kind of space it will need, and where it will best fit in your venue. If you’re booking a venue separately, discuss this with the owner. Make sure that the truck and your guests can feasibly fit in the area and that it’s accessible to the truck beforehand.
6. Time Your Truck
The beauty of food trucks is that you grab your food when you want… as long as the truck is booked for the right amount of time. Consider how long you’ll need the truck and err on the side of caution. Don’t let people get too hungry or keep the truck around for longer than necessary.
7. Know What You’re Getting
Some food trucks offer clean up services as well as the food and beverages. Discuss these options, if they exist, with the owner well ahead of time. Know exactly what’s included so there are no unwelcome surprises the day of your event.
8. Keep The Line Moving
Food trucks can control the lines themselves, but your guests still need to stay organized. Make sure that you have a strategy for keeping your event in order. If necessary, hire extra security or get some volunteers to help out.
9. Budget Accordingly
Don’t try to haggle here. You’re booking a truck rather than a caterer. Discuss pricing with several trucks and plan ahead. This is often a highly affordable option, so remember all you’ll be saving!
With these nine tips, you’ll be well-versed in event planning for a food truck-catered event. For more information on how we can take your next event to the next level, please contact us today.
In 2019, the United States produced almost 6.5 billion pounds of ice cream and frozen yogurt.
Serving ice cream at your wedding can be as casual or as classy as you would like it to be. These are some of the sweetest ways you can serve this delicious treat at the wedding of your dreams.
Ice Cream Bar
Having a self-serve ice cream bar is a wonderful way to let guests make their own sundae. Provide plenty of flavors on a catering cart to keep ice cream cool. Include ample toppings, such as sprinkles, whipped cream, and syrup, to guarantee that everyone can enjoy the perfect ice cream sundae. Hiring a wedding dessert catering company is a great way to make sure that your ice cream bar is supervised.
Prepared Ice Cream Sundaes
Request that your wedding dessert catering company prepare ice cream sundaes in advance to be served after dinner for a classy approach to serving ice cream at your wedding. Offer two to three different flavors to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Toppings can include hot fudge, caramel sauce, and sprinkles to give guests their favorite sundae.
Ice Cream Cake
Ice cream cake is always a favorite! You can put a twist on the classic tiered cake that everyone will love. Work with a caterer to design a stacked cake or purchase a flat cake to guarantee that your cake doesn’t topple in the heat. An ice cream cake is a perfect way to serve ice cream at your wedding without going over budget or making a mess.
Mini Sugar Cones
To avoid the ice overshadowing your beautiful wedding cake, serve mini ice cream cones. Waiters can carry these at the reception and offer them to guests just as they would wine or mini appetizers. Serving mini cones on a dessert plate is another great idea!
Elegant Ice Cream Dessert Plates
Discuss serving a small amount of frozen yogurt on a dessert plate for guests with your wedding dessert catering company. Include a small serving of fruit or pie on the plate, as well.
Having your dream wedding means that all of your favorite options are included, such as serving ice cream. Browse through the rest of our blogs for more wedding inspiration. For additional information on our wedding dessert catering options, please get in touch with us today.
If you’re planning a wedding, there is much that you can potentially become overwhelmed by, but the reality is that many of the questions you may have are easier to resolve than they seem. One of the biggest factors of a wedding is the food, with many planning couples finding themselves dissatisfied with the traditional catering options. Even if you’re open to the idea of food served by a wait staff, or a buffet, you may want to supplement it with something a bit more creative. This is one reason why food trucks have become popular features of weddings. There’s a clear appeal to this option since, according to Second Kitchen, about 80% of all food truck users describe food trucks as a fun and exciting experience. Let’s dive into food trucks and see why they might be perfect for your wedding.
1. They Can Fit Every Meal
There are a wide variety of different meals that food trucks can potentially serve. For example, many people use food trucks for ice cream catering. You could have a traditional meal or buffet as your primary offering, but, instead of cake, you could simply rely upon food trucks for dessert. An ice cream catering food truck would be perfect for this purpose.
2. They’re Easy to Coordinate
A big reason why people love food trucks at weddings is that they’re simple. Rather than sitting around, waiting for food to be served — not to mention navigating a crowded buffet — guests can simply wait in a short line, place an order for their food, and receive it at the truck.
3. They’re Diverse and Exciting
A food truck can serve something similar to fast food; they can also serve food that is borderline gourmet. Often, food truck food is international, but you could also opt for a truck that serves classic local fare. Whether you’re seeking ice cream or high-class dinner catering for your wedding, the right food truck can fulfill your needs. As previously mentioned, people are often impressed by food trucks. When you have a food truck at your wedding, your event is no longer standard. You’ll be able to truly impress your guests while sticking to your budget.
Your wedding is a day you’ll always remember, but having something different at the event can make it memorable for everyone in attendance. Look into your local food truck offerings. You may be surprised by how much you can impress your guests!
For some, gelato is perhaps one of the world’s best desserts. While you can now have gelato incorporated into events with ice cream catering, it was once much more difficult for people to get their hands on this sweet treat outside of Italy. Even if it has become more accessible across the world, gelato is still very much an Italian dessert. Still, the average American does eat about 23 pounds of ice cream and other frozen desserts throughout the year, so it’s no surprise that plenty of them want to know more about gelato. With that being said, let’s delve into a quick review of gelato.
How Did It Start?
You’ll notice that although gelato looks a lot like ice cream, it’s quite a different product. Originally, Bernardo Buontalenti created what was considered the forerunner to gelato, which wasn’t exactly the same thing as what we eat now. Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli is believed to be the man we can thank for modern gelato, though he wasn’t exactly a modern man himself. Coltelli actually opened up what would be the first gelato shop in the late seventeenth century. Though an Italian himself, Coltelli was working in Paris at the time, and his gelato was so popular that he gained French citizenship through it. Cotelli was also given royal license by Louis XIV, which meant that he was the only person authorized to create gelato in the entire kingdom. Cafe Procope, where Coltelli produced his gelato, still exists today.
How Did Gelato Evolve?
As time went on, gelato became popular throughout Europe. In the early twentieth century, different developments made it easier to produce. The Montogelateria was the first machine that was able to produce gelato automatically, while the batch freezer made it easier for gelato to be stored. Gradually, mass-produced gelato has become more popular. Italy is now the only country in the world where the market share of artisanal gelato is over 55%.
What Is Gelato Like Today?
Legitimate gelato today should have a texture that is more dense than ice cream. Air is whipped into ice cream, while gelato should only contain around 33% air, providing less “filler” and more flavor. Although there are now many flavors, the most traditional flavors include vanilla, hazelnut, pistachio, stracciatella (vanilla with chocolate chunks), almond, chocolate, and cream. If you love gelato, you can have it anyway – just try to remember its rich (literally) history!
When it comes to experiencing Italy and its rich culture, one cannot miss out on indulging in some world-famous gelato, which is often referred to as the Italian version of ice cream. Gelato is extremely popular in Italy and for good reason. From its traditional flavours to its silky smooth texture, every scoop of gelato is an experience in itself. Besides being a delicious treat, gelato also holds a special place in Italian culture. So, let’s explore the sweet story of gelato in Italy and its role in Italian culture.
The Origin of Gelato: Gelato is said to have originated in Sicily, Italy, in the 16th century. The story goes that the first gelato was made by Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli, an Italian chef, who opened the first gelato shop in Paris in 1686. Since then, gelato has become an iconic Italian dessert that has won the hearts of people all around the globe.
Gelato and Italian Culture: Gelato is much more than just a dessert in Italy. It is a part of the Italian culture and way of life. Italians take their gelato seriously and expect nothing less than the best quality. Gelato shops, or ‘gelaterias’, can be found on almost every street corner in Italy, and each one has a unique story to tell. As a result, gelaterias have become a town square of sorts, where people of all ages gather to socialize and enjoy a scoop (or a few!) of gelato.
Gelato and Italy’s Seasons: In Italy, gelato is not just a dessert reserved for the summer season. It is a year-round treat that is enjoyed by all ages during the country’s various festivals and celebrations. Gelato artisans incorporate seasonal fruits and herbs in their gelato recipes to create unique, limited-edition flavors that are only available during that particular season.
Gelato Around the World: Gelato has made its way from Italy to all corners of the world, with gelato shops opening up in various cities globally. Despite this, nothing compares to the authentic taste and experience of gelato in Italy. Italian gelato shops use fresh and high-quality ingredients to create their gelato, which sets them apart from gelato made elsewhere. This is why many gelato connoisseurs believe that the only way to experience real gelato is to visit Italy.
Gelato is more than just a dessert; it’s a piece of Italy’s cultural heritage. Even as gelato becomes more popular around the world, the genuine experience of gelato in Italy cannot be replicated. So, next time you are in Italy, make sure to indulge in this authentic Italian experience and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family.
Food is one of the toughest things to figure out when you’re planning a wedding. Catering for weddings isn’t easy to arrange and many brides and grooms find themselves with an underwhelming menu after a lot of planning. One of the latest trends in wedding food that’s solving a lot of problems, however, is food trucks. Food trucks have long been used to cater events, but more recently they’ve become popular options for wedding catering. If you’ve never been to a wedding with a food truck, you may not quite understand the appeal just yet. Let’s find out why food trucks have been sweeping the wedding scene.
1. They’re Crowd Pleasers
Simply put, people love food trucks in general. According to 2ndKitchen, an estimated 80% of all food truck users described the experience as different and unique, exciting, new, and fun. But they’re especially exciting at weddings, where they still aren’t overly common. Everyone wants their wedding to make a great impression. A food truck could be what you need to truly impress your guests.
2. They Offer Choices
Your menu could potentially be much more exciting and interesting if you choose a food truck for your wedding. Food trucks allow your guests to choose their meals on the day of, rather than selecting from a pre-planned menu well ahead of the wedding. As long as you choose a food truck that offers a variety of different options, your guests will be able to take full advantage of it, and they’ll appreciate the gesture.
3. Simple Clean Up
Rather than having to worry about caterers cleaning up (or even pitching in yourself) you can simply watch the food truck drive away and for the most part, call it a day. Food trucks massively simplify clean-up on your wedding day; guests can eat off of disposable plates and simply toss them when they’re done.
4. Flexibility
Rather than having a set time for people to eat and sit down, you can allow your guests to eat as they want, when they want.
5. Cost Effectiveness
Usually, food trucks cost between $10 and $35 per guest. This is much more cost-effective than many traditional caterers while allowing a great variety for your guests.
Shop around and see if a food truck would be right for your wedding. You may be amazed by what you find!
