Food trucks have become a staple of the culinary scene in cities across the United States, offering a wide range of cuisine options for locals and visitors alike. The history of food trucks can be traced back to the 18th century, when street vendors in cities like London and Paris began selling food from mobile carts. However, the modern food truck movement in the United States began in the early 20th century.
The first food trucks in the United States were ice cream trucks, which began appearing on the streets in the 1920s. These trucks were typically operated by small, family-owned businesses and were primarily found in urban areas. As the popularity of ice cream trucks grew, other types of food trucks began to appear, including hot dog and sandwich trucks.
The food truck scene in the United States experienced a decline in the mid-20th century, as fast food chains and other brick-and-mortar restaurants became more popular. However, in the late 20th and early 21st century, food trucks began to experience a resurgence in popularity.
One of the reasons for this resurgence was the rise of the “gourmet” food truck movement. Food trucks began to offer more diverse and unique food options, including gourmet sandwiches, ethnic cuisine, and fusion dishes. This helped to attract a wider range of customers, and the food truck scene in the United States began to flourish.
Another reason for the resurgence of food trucks was the economic recession of 2008. The high cost of starting and operating a brick-and-mortar restaurant made food trucks a more cost-effective option for entrepreneurs.
According to a 2018 report by the National Food Truck Association, the food truck industry in the United States generated $2.7 billion in revenue that year and employed over 3 million people. The industry is continuing to grow, with the number of food trucks in the United States expected to reach 4.2 million by 2022.
In Asheville, North Carolina, the food truck scene has also experienced a resurgence in recent years. The city has a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, with a focus on farm-to-table and artisanal foods. The food truck scene in Asheville is also growing, with a wide variety of options available to suit every taste and dietary need. The food trucks in Asheville often participate in the city’s festivals, farmers’ markets and street fairs. Also, many of the food trucks in Asheville are involved in the local wedding and craft brewery scene, offering their services as catering options or food options for weddings, and also working with local breweries to offer pairings and events.