Had a great day that could have shook out badly. Went to an event where they promised us 200 people. Sat there with another food truck for a couple of hours only to realize sadly that the $15 we made in two hours was going up be it. The other food truck handed their cooked off, unsold product to the “hosts” and left. I sincerely hope she found another spot to set up and sell. I’ve done my share ofdisappointing food truck gigs in my day. It sucks.
Mastermind Taylor Ferguson suggested we do Guthrie Green’s Sunday afternoon concert. I called another food truck operator, asked her about how the crowd was at Guthrie Green. She said it was happening and that there was space for us. Packed up, busta moved, set up for a couple hours and sold us some FOOD. It was AWESOME! Covered labor, will be able to cover next week’s food and supplies and pay some bills. My gift to myself: a bottle of my favorite perfume.
Lessons of the day:
1) Never, ever give up. If it sucks where you are, go somewhere else–even if you’re late. You can’t sell it if you don’t bring it. Persevere.
2) Charge a minimum or a show fee for any event that is iffy. If someone wants a food truck at an event that isn’t a well attended, guaranteed blow out gig, negotiate at least your labor and food cost. Show up fee. Yeah, that’s the ticket.
3) Know when to call it a day. If your generator dies and your propane runs out, go home. Maybe go for a joy ride after it’s all cleaned and counted and stored.
4) Even if the second two of four weekend events are financially disastrous, the other ones can save you. Do the time. I got two potential catering gigs from the last event. Wouldn’t have shook out that way if I had’t been at all four gigs–good and bad.
5) At the end of a crazy busy weekend, take down time unapologetically–whatever that entails. Try not to hurt yourself. It’s all about balance. Work hard. Rest well. Maybe dine out somewhere exceptional.
