2021’s Coolest and Most Creative Food Truck Names
Last updated on May 9th, 2022
In big cities and small towns alike, food trucks are all the rage. In 2021, there are over 24,000 cruising the streets of America, generating nearly a billion dollars worth of business each year. That sure sounds like a recipe for success if you want to start your own food truck business. But with that popularity comes a lot of competition. So how do you get started? While there’s a lot of know-how involved, we’re going to put on our thinking caps and talk about food truck names.
You might be asking yourself, “What’s in a name?” Well, hold on Shakespeare, because your food truck name can immediately pique potential customers’ interest. And that interest can lead to money in the bank. Let’s look at some of the cutest, most clever, cool, and creative food truck names in America.
Choosing The Right Name For Your Food Truck
Before we check out some of the best, let’s discuss strategies for naming your food truck. There are plenty of tips you can use, but the name of your food truck should be catchy and memorable. Here are a few more tricks you can use:
- Make it about you! It’s your business, right? There’s nothing wrong with putting yourself out there!
- Talk about the food! The easiest way to get customers to visit you is to tell them the type of food and/or cuisine you serve right off the bat.
- Celebrate your roots! Endear yourself to your community (and beyond) by representing your hometown.
Just make sure that once you have your name settled, register it at the state and local levels. Not only is it necessary for tax-reporting purposes so you can run your food truck legally, but it’ll also prevent anyone else from stealing your million-dollar idea.
Be More Pacific (Austin, Texas)
Since 2011, Be More Pacific has delighted Austin-area residents with Filipino cuisine. And, as a play on the phrase “be more specific,” this food truck is also dedicated to educating customers about Filipino culture through its food, drinks, and hospitality.
Serial Grillers (Tucson, Arizona)
Featured locally and nationally on The Cooking Channel and Food Network, Serial Grillers puts unexpected twists on American eats. They’ve also really leaned into their heart-pounding name with menu options paying homage to horror movie classics like the “Hannibal” cheesesteak, “Candyman” salad, and “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” pizza.
The Dump Truck (Portland, Oregon)
The Dump Truck might have a— mildly— offputting name, but it’s a cute take on a “trashy” subject. Oh, and they’re also serving some of Portland’s tastiest steamed dumplings.
Sloppie Joe’s (Yonkers, New York)
Remember our list of tips for choosing a great food truck name? Well, New York’s Sloppie Joe’s hits so many of those notes. Since 2017, Joseph Defeis (Sloppie Joe himself) has been taking the old-fashioned staple to new culinary heights. With his name and his signature creation front-and-center, customers know exactly what they’re getting. And trust us, it’s the best of the best.
The Munchy Machine (Delaware Co., Pennsylvania)
The Munchy Machine rocks for its eclectic menu (like the Pork Dumpling Burger), but this Pennsylvania-based food truck celebrates the classic 70s cartoon “Scooby-Doo.” Decked out like the show’s “Mystery Machine” van, The Munchy Machine is creating groovy snacks that would surely make Scooby and Shaggy proud.
Food Truck Names Dos and Don’ts
Before we wrap up, let’s break down some helpful advice you can use when deciding the right name for your food truck.
- DO choose a name that’s easy to understand and pronounce. Your customers will thank you for it!
- DON’T choose a name because it’s “trendy.” Fads come and go, and you don’t want your food truck to become outdated.
- DO think of how your name will look visually, whether on the truck itself, on social media, business cards, advertisements, etc.
- DON’T select a name that’s too long. Keep it short and sweet, so customers aren’t confused.
- DO come up with a name that’s original and unique, so it’s distinguishable from competitors.
- DON’T feel rushed to come up with a name. Take your time, so you get it right.
Get Your Business Moving With the Right Food Truck Name
Whether your food truck is ultimately successful comes down to your operations: the food, the service, the quality, and the value. But having a great name will help you get your foot in the door.
So whether you want to name it after the owner or chef, your signature dish, or even want to create a little wordplay controversy, your food truck name should always represent your business and your mission to serve great food and keep customers coming back for more.
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