inspiration: food truck design

It's fair to say the food truck craze has swept most of the nation, and I'm hooked. But what I love most is that you can get really good food - from a food truck! Gone are the days when food trucks meant greasy, poor quality food. Now, some amazing entrepreneurs and chefs have taken their talent on the road. Having a food truck isn't easy - and comes with lots of costs and unpredictability; but you can certainly get your signature food to the people with less overhead than a brick-and-mortar restaurant. I appreciate the food trucks that incorporate great food with great design - because it's all about branding. Here are some of the best I've seen:

Del Popolo Pizza Truck

Jon Darsky started his San Francisco food truck odyssey by mounting a transatlantic shipping container to a Freightliner M2 truck. Of course, the pièce de résistance is the 5,000 pound Stefano Ferraro wood-fired brick oven inside. I mentioned this oven previously in this post about Boulder-based Pizzeria Locale - but you should know it is an Italian-made work of art that exists in few numbers here in the States.

via remodelista

via remodelista

via remodelistaGuac Truck

This used delivery truck was outfitted with energy-saving lighting, and fresh and delicious Filipino-Mexican fare was on its way to the people of Manila, Philippines.

via design milkThe owners of this truck believe in sustainable and responsible business operation, so they created a one-bowl package for their food that is biodegradable cardboard that they will recycle for you. I definitely recommend visiting their site and reading their interesting story. They serve up what looks like supremely delicious food (wish the Philippines were closer), and put 110% effort into the branding and design of their mobile business. Awesome.

via design milk

via design milk

Sprinkles Mobile

The popular California-based cupcake business has expanded coast-to-coast and also offers a mobile service to get your cupcake fix. I love how they outfitted the Mercedes Sprinter with this cool cupcake display case - and the rims match their signature cupcake topper.

via sprinkles

The Hop Box

Ben Smith converted this horse trailer into a craft beer pub-on-wheels serving events in the London area. What a great idea!

via remodelistavia remodelista

Tuk Tuk Electric Food Truck

This isn't a specific vendor, but a style of vendor - a three-wheeled electric rickshaw made by Dutch company, Tuk Tuk Factory. You get about 40 miles per charge, and units start at 24,000 Euro.

via design bloom

via design bloom

Curbside Gourmet

This South Florida-based truck specializes in local and seasonal offerings. The truck was used for a photo shoot showcasing the use of food trucks for private events, such as weddings. Check out their menu - looks delicious! Their website and truck are really well designed - love the colors.

Yum Yum Cupcake Truck

Now, here is a local Orlando favorite that I'm lucky enough to visit. Joey and Alex started their cupcakes-on-wheels business with a 1973 Chevy stepvan outfitted in their signature yellow and gray colors. The guys wear bow ties and hats and serve up delicious cupcakes from their window surrounded by vintage treasures inside.

via tastychomps

This is totally true.

via tasty chomps

Big Wheel Provisions

My other local fave is the Big Wheel Truck serving a truly delicious, high quality menu of fresh, local food. These guys got their mobile business going through a Kickstarter project - and haven't looked back. Check out their menu and look for their orange and gray truck around town. Hey ladies, stop by and see Chef Tony - you gotta love a man who can cook!

via orlando home & leisure

Have you seen other food trucks that combine high quality food and design? Please share!