Top Trends in Food Truck Design for 2024

Ernie Wong • December 28, 2023

How Food Truck Design Has Evolved in 2024

As we prepare for 2024, let's dig into some of newest trends of the new year! While we can't predict the future, we've got a couple of hunches of what will be popular next year.

Smart Food Truck Layouts Improve Efficiency & Cuisine Trends

1) Vegan Themed Trucks

A man stands beside a food truck

Check out the latest trends on the food truck block. Vegan food trucks


Serving up a variety of dishes without hint of animal products, vegan restaurants have been getting increasingly popular this year, so why not bring it on wheels? 


One of the great things about these plant-based food trucks is that they are eco-friendly and cater to a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions. From jackfruit tacos to creamy cashew-based desserts, the creativity in crafting vegan dishes is endless.


2) Chicken and Rice Food Trucks

Nothing beats a classic like chicken and rice, and now the classic will served on wheels! 


Chicken and rice is a dish that is becoming more popular for food trucks across the country. The main ingredients are 

cost-efficient and highly customizable.


There are lots of different flavor options so even if your truck just has chicken and rice, customers will keep coming back to try different flavors and ingredient combinations.

Red food truck with canopy

Who doesn't love pizza? Well, get ready for the rise of delicious pizza food trucks in your city! 


Pizza trucks give a great opportunity to experiment with different combinations and toppings. One of the coolest things about these pizza trucks? Their adaptability. They come in various forms, from truck to cart setups, offering unparalleled flexibility for local events, festivals, and street corners.


Wanna see a great example of a pizza food truck on wheels? Check out one of our clients Eddie's Pizza Truck.

Equipment Selection Impacts Food Truck Design

Solar Battery Systems (Fully Electric Food Trucks)

a blue food truck parked in front of a building

Food trucks revolutionized the restaurant game, so how are food trucks continuing to advance? Electric food trucks of course!


These new brand of trucks offers a more sustainable solution to the food truck industry and a new wave for mobile kitchens. 


Electric food trucks offer: 

  • Generators that are silent instead of disruptive. 
  • A clean carbon footprint
  • A much cleaner atmosphere!

Security Surveillance in Food Truck

Something essential to the food truck is a good surveillance system. Due to operating in a variety of locations, having surveillance systems in place acts as a deterrent against theft, vandalism, or unauthorized access, protecting both the assets and the livelihood of the business owners.


Overall, security systems are a great addition to your food truck and can create a safer environment overall.

Food Truck Backup Cameras

If you have recently gotten a new car, you may notice that it comes with a backup camera. Well now, we think this going to become a common addition to food trucks as a way to help with maneuvering their vehicles around common blind spots. 


Another pro of a backup camera is that it is essentially another pair of eyes. It helps the staff monitor the surroundings and potential obstacles, ensuring the safety of both customers and employees.

Many Food Trucks are Doing Business at Night

food truck with bright blue lighting

Like a moth to a flame, a good exterior and interior lighting system is a great way to attract customers to your business. 


Great lighting doesn't just illuminate your menu; it sets the stage, creating an inviting and appetizing atmosphere. 

Food Truck A/V systems (Audio and visual)

Sound systems

A compact food truck equipped with speakers and a sound system for outdoor events and gatherings.

Sound systems are a great way to set up an immersive experience for your customers. 


All it takes is some good music to set the mood for your truck. With the right setup, a food truck can host events, parties, or pop-ups, drawing in crowds and turning a meal into a full-blown experience. 

TV’s or Monitors

A food truck with a prominent 'Jardox' sign, serving delicious meals on wheels.

A TV can play a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience and success of a food truck business in several ways:

  • Entertainment: While customers are waiting for their orders. A TV is a great way to keep customers busy. 
  • Menu Display: Utilizing the TV to display the menu, daily specials, or promotional offers can attract attention and entice customers to try new items.
  • Brand Promotion: Showcase your values and story with visual storytelling! This visual branding can create a memorable and unique identity for the business.
  • Event Broadcasting:  During special events or sports seasons, having a TV can draw in crowds by broadcasting live games, tournaments, or other popular events.

Contact Shanghai Mobile Kitchen Solutions

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Food Truck Design FAQs

  • What is the most important part of food truck design?

    Workflow and layout are the most critical elements, ensuring efficiency, safety, and compliance with health and fire codes.

  • How long does food truck design and planning take?

    Design timelines vary based on complexity, but proper planning ensures smoother fabrication and faster approvals.

  • Can you design a food truck around my menu?

    Yes. Food truck design should always be menu-driven to ensure proper equipment placement and ventilation.

  • Do you handle ventilation and hood system design?

    Absolutely. Ventilation and hood systems are integrated into every custom food truck design we create.

  • Do you design food trucks outside of NYC?

    Yes. We design and build food trucks for clients throughout NYC, New Jersey, and the East Coast.

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