Alicia Powell, a Wetzel’s Pretzels franchisee, embarked on her entrepreneurial journey after working in affordable housing for nearly two decades and experiencing a tragic fire that led to the loss of her fitness studio. Her reentry into entrepreneurship was inspired when she began assisting a friend with a food truck.
Stories like Powell's are becoming increasingly common in the food industry, where brands like Wetzel’s, Cousins Maine Lobster, and Capital Tacos are recognizing the potential of food trucks as a powerful growth platform.
One of the most attractive aspects of food trucks is their mobility and flexibility, allowing operators to plan their schedules based on customer demand. Being a food truck owner requires adaptability and sometimes involves trial and error, but it offers franchisees the freedom to choose between making it a full-time profession or a weekend side gig.
Wetzel’s, for example, plans to double its franchise fleet of 20 mobile bakeries by the end of 2023, aiming to expand nationwide while matching opportunities with suitable franchise partners.
Wetzel’s has also introduced the Access to Equity program to increase female and minority representation among its franchisees, providing support to individuals like Powell to kickstart their careers in the restaurant industry.
Demand for food trucks has been on the rise, both from franchisees and consumers. Cousins Maine Lobster, primarily a mobile concept, offers a unique food truck experience, allowing them to serve diverse markets efficiently.
Food trucks have proven their resilience in a post-pandemic world where real estate is scarce and costs are high. They offer a cost-effective alternative, with lower labor expenses compared to traditional brick-and-mortar locations.
Capital Tacos, recognizing the labor shortage, has introduced food trucks as a new franchise opportunity, featuring kiosk ordering systems operated by a single person. This flexibility allows prospective operators to choose between traditional restaurants, static trailers, and mobile trailers.
Technology integration has streamlined food truck operations, from streamlined ordering processes to mobile apps, contributing to increased sales and average ticket values. This reflects current industry trends in digital ordering and customer experience enhancement.
With brands like Wetzel’s expanding their fleet, the food truck movement is expected to grow, leading franchisees to become multi-unit operators and reduce the brand's physical footprint.
For individuals like Alicia Powell, food trucks offer a lower-risk entry point into franchising, serving as an introduction to the world of entrepreneurship. Her advice to potential franchisees is simple: 'Do it—don't hesitate. Give it a try.'