The Best Time to Open and Close Your Food Truck

Alright, I’ll admit this title is a little clickbaity. But notice I said time, not times. That was intentional. 

If I’m being totally honest, the best time to open your food truck is whenever you and your crew can consistently show up. That’s the foundation. Without that, no amount of data or strategy will save you. But what if I told you there’s an answer most food truck owners aren’t thinking about? 

Stay with me… 

Success Has Layers 

Success isn’t just about feeding hungry people. It’s about understanding who your customers are, where they go, and what shifts are happening in their world. 

Let’s break it down. Say your ideal customers are busy corporate workers. Lately, a lot of them are being pulled back into the office after years of remote work. But here’s the twist: many office buildings downsized post-pandemic, cutting out cafeterias and food options. 

That opens up a huge opportunity—but only for the food truck owners willing to dig deep, find the right locations, and position themselves strategically. 

Business Parks: A Wednesday Money Moola 

If you can land a spot in a busy business park, you’re already ahead of the game. But timing matters. Thanks to hybrid work schedules, data shows Wednesdays have the highest office attendance.Workplace management platforms like Robin have reported that Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday show 60-80% higher occupancy than Monday or Friday, with Wednesday specifically showing the highest desk utilization rates. That means more employees are in officce and need of a quick, solid lunch. 

Now, add in the midweek slump. By Wednesday, people are dragging—Monday’s motivation has faded, and the weekend still feels far away. A great meal from a food truck? That’s exactly the kind of pick-me-up they’re looking for. 

Oh, and guess what: business park property managers want food trucks in their rotation. It’s a built-in perk for their tenant because for them that means higher tenant retention. 

If you can lock in a Wednesday lunch slot and show up consistently, you might become a staple of their routine. 

Parents: An Overlooked Market 

But let’s not stop at office workers. Let’s elucidate. 

What about parents with young kids?  

As a dad, I can tell you, “Us parents are exhausted. Our schedules are chaotic. And we love a convenient pick-me-up.” 

Imagine setting up at a park or library in the morning with coffee and muffins. Parents taking their kids for a playdate weren’t planning on grabbing something, but when they see a coffee cart right there? That’s an easy yes. 

Or consider the after-school rush. Parents picking up kids from activities often need a quick dinner solution. A food truck with kid-friendly options in the right spot at the right time? A win? Perhaps. 

Find Your Best Time 

The point is there’s no single best time for every food truck. It all depends on your customers—where they are, what they need, and how you can fit into their routine. 

So, dig into those layers and ask: 

• Who are my customers? 

• Where do they go throughout the day? 

• What gaps in their routine can I fill? 

Find your people, show up consistently, and you’ll create a business they keep coming back to. 

 

Want help connecting with local business parks to secure a lunch rotation slot?  

 

~ Izaic Yorks