A single good idea often sits alone, but invite a competitor to the arena and things can change. Look at how smart Starbucks was when they scouted out locations. They applied real estate models to determine which corners would explode with customers and create long lines. In many cities, vacant nearby spaces quickly became rival coffee shops. Why not! If the coffee shop explosion proved anything, then the old maxim, competition makes business applies to the current turf wars.
Yes, the explosion of truck-based food emporiums has been a major draw for many cities this summer. Even Chicago which has been happy with its red hot concessions now has an ordinance up for discussion. Food trucks may become a reality for that food-obsessed environ, but why are they waiting til the snow is piled up?
This past week Washington DC showed its appreciation for the lobster truck. After numerous delays, the Brooklyn business, the Red Hook Lobster Pound Truck, finally opened the flood gates of just arrived, trucked-in Maine lobster. Long lines were de norm but complaints were few. Anything beat the constant litany of discussions about the oppressive summer heat.
With good news, sometimes chaos follow. It seems truck turf wars have become a problem in some locations. What happens when a lunchtime truck regularly sits on a set location? Is there truck etiquette for the newbie to move away from the spot or is this new gold rush location logic taking over? According to a recent post about such an event in New York, prime real estate proves to be prime real estate.
Remember the old days, OK just a year or so ago, when the main street food option was a hot dog or ice cream stand. That has changed considerably with the broad range of gourmet offerings and the ability to be on the move. Twitter feeds make it easy for the truck food fairs to join “hot” neighborhoods at varying times of the day. Why be in the middle of DC when the action later in the afternoon has shifted corridors? Tweets make it all happen and alert everyone to the where.
Lots of company; lots of competition. Lunch never has to be boring again. So many food options. So many spots.
Tweet.
