NPR logo NPR
Planet MoneyPlanet MoneyThe Economy Explained

Trade

How To Make It In The Food Truck Business

In New York City, roughly 3,000 food trucks and carts compete for the business of hungry office workers. Being in the right spot means the difference between fortune and ruin.

There are many rules to finding that perfect parking space. Here are six of them:

  • Watch the flow of foot traffic. Some streets naturally channel people to one side or the other.
    Hide caption
    Watch the flow of foot traffic. Some streets naturally channel people to one side or the other.
    Previous Next
  • Look for office buildings. Office workers are great customers because they are usually hungry and have money. But not all offices are created equal. Creative workers are more adventurous eaters.
    Hide caption
    Look for office buildings. Office workers are great customers because they are usually hungry and have money. But not all offices are created equal. Creative workers are more adventurous eaters.
    Previous Next
  • You don't want any other restaurants on the block.
    Hide caption
    You don't want any other restaurants on the block.
    Previous Next
  • You should be located in an area with fewer food carts. If there are others, they should be complementary carts rather than competitors.
    Hide caption
    You should be located in an area with fewer food carts. If there are others, they should be complementary carts rather than competitors.
    Previous Next
  • Park near bushes, trees and benches. Street greenery and places to sit down encourage people eat.
    Hide caption
    Park near bushes, trees and benches. Street greenery and places to sit down encourage people eat.
    Previous Next
  • Being on the sunny side of the street encourages people to linger. Wide sidewalks also make lines less intrusive.
    Hide caption
    Being on the sunny side of the street encourages people to linger. Wide sidewalks also make lines less intrusive.
    Previous Next

1 of 6

View slideshow i

On today's show Robert Smith rides along in the Rickshaw Dumpling truck, driving from deep within Brooklyn to the heart of Manhattan in search of hungry customers.

Subscribe. Music: They Might Be Giants' "New York City." Find us: Twitter/ Facebook/ Spotify/ Tumblr.

Comments

 

Please keep your community civil. All comments must follow the NPR.org Community rules and terms of use, and will be moderated prior to posting. NPR reserves the right to use the comments we receive, in whole or in part, and to use the commenter's name and location, in any medium. See also the Terms of Use, Privacy Policy and Community FAQ.

NPR logo NPR
Planet MoneyPlanet MoneyThe Economy Explained