Whether the food truck managers are the owner, or someone who they trust, there are certain lessons that can be learned from each of them. When a customer walks up to a food truck that is a smooth running mobile food operation, they may not notice how efficient it really is. On the other hand, step up to a truck that isn’t managed properly, and there will be multiple times during the transaction that it’s inefficiency shines through.

In most food trucks there is no one person that impacts the day-in, day-out profitability and success like the person who manages the truck’s kitchen. Here are 10 traits that we’ve noticed consistently in food truck managers of the most successful mobile food businesses:

10 Characteristics Of Highly Effective Food Truck Managers

  1. Stay inside. The best can be found in the truck, not outside of it.
  2. Keep data up to date. They keep the recipe binders and employee files up-to-date, in good condition and easy to find.
  3. Force consistency. They make using the recipe cards mandatory. They don’t trust anyone’s memory.
  4. Keep training. They plan for “teaching moments” every day.
  5. Hold meal demos. They conduct food demonstrations for new items during pre-shift meetings.
  6. Keep checklists. The best food truck managers perform detailed line checks before the truck leaves the commissary.
  7. Always develop key staff. They develop key people for the service window and production line.
  8. Keep communication open. They constantly encourage communication and organization.
  9. Keep lines moving. They are dedicated to achieving fast ticket turns.
  10. Maintain flow. They manage the “flow” inside the truck and don’t get wrapped up in one task.

The Bottom Line

While most people know about the latest culinary masterpieces created by their favorite food truck, many might not know the name of their favorite food truck’s manager. This is because they are vital for the success of any mobile business, most of them do not perform their duties in the limelight.

They make sure that their establishments are run profitably and efficiently while maintaining their brand and reputation. Their job is to coordinate a vast range of activities. Managers carry the responsibility of the business performance of the truck they manage, as well as maintaining impeccable standards of service, food, safety and health.

RELATED: Hire Your Next Food Truck Employee With Mobile Cuisine

We’d love to hear how you feel YOUR food truck manager measure up to this list. While not every successful truck has a food truck manager with all of these traits, but through our experience, the trucks that have not been successful, seem to have food truck managers with very few of these traits.

If you’d like to see us add more to our list, please feel free to add your suggestions to the comment section below our food truck forum or social media. Twitter | Facebook