05/27/2025
Corporate Food Trucks Are Pushing Out Small Businesses
I’ve been holding this in for a while, but after this past weekend’s setup, I think it’s time to say it out loud:
Corporate and franchised food trucks are not small businesses.
It took me five years to piece together my first food truck. That meant selling personal items, juggling multiple jobs, living on Ramen, and sacrificing basic needs—just to chase a dream.
And that’s the reality for many of us independent food truck owners.
Dreams don’t come cheap. It takes more than money—it takes heart, grit, time, and sacrifice. And for those investing tens of thousands into a franchise? If you’ve got that kind of capital, why not create something original?
Small business owners spend hundreds of hours building menus, crafting and testing recipes, and constantly evolving to deliver something that speaks to who we are.
We miss birthdays, holidays, and time with loved ones because we’re out serving our communities. We donate to schools, charities, and fundraisers. We take responsibility when we fall short and do our best to make things right. Because our customer base isn’t just business—it’s personal. It’s local. It’s home.
And we do all of this without a flashy “As Seen on Food Network” logo on the side of our truck.
We do it because we believe in the food we serve and the values we stand behind.
So, if you’re out at an event this summer, just remember: those corporate trucks are here to make a quick buck and move on. The local ones? We’re here trying to build something lasting—for our families and our communities.
With love and respect,
– Jimmy
