The Food Truck Phenomenon in Boise

Cooking good food in a mobile setting is ingrained in our history. In fact, the argument could be made that the concept of the food truck has been around forever.

We’ve gone from push carts to chuck wagons to vendor trailers at the fair to our modern day food truck. Even so, the food truck has never been so popular. Culinaryschools.com reports that the recession, social media and just plain fun are the reasons behind the food truck phenomenon.
Boise, like many cities, had taco or sandwich trucks that would park across from businesses, at construction sites or near a popular watering hole, but they really weren’t prevalent until the recession hit. The popularity of food trucks exploded in the Treasure Valley and throughout the nation during this economic downturn.

Many chefs were laid off from their high-end restaurant jobs. Because they are much cheaper than brick and mortar restaurants, food trucks became a way for chefs to continue their life’s work. Consumers were also struggling through the recession. Food trucks are a budget friendly way to eat out and try a variety of food. If there is a silver lining to the recession, it may be that it is responsible for the number, variety and popularity of food trucks.

As a society, we like to use our technology. Food trucks move and they have the flexibility to change their menus, so if we want to be in the know, we need to be faithful followers on social media. Food trucks are the perfect marriage between our need for great food and our need for social media.

Food trucks and food truck rallies are just plain fun. Where else can you enjoy some great food in an environment where you are expected to mingle with other diners? Then, if you bring a whole bunch of them together like at the Idaho Food Festival, it becomes a social event. Not to mention the variety of mouth watering food choices available to you. Throw in some beverages and live music and you have the perfect formula for a great time!

Whatever the reason for food truck popularity, we are happy to have some of the best here in Boise, Idaho.