Vol. XIV, No. 4, May 2014
- Editor's travelogue
- Do you really know who your competition is? - Part 2
- The different generations
- We're a Foodie Nation
- Early bird discount ends in 12 days
- A nascent trend - entertainment + restaurant + bar = third place social
- Births down, but don't despair
- The folly of not meeting the rising expectation for food sophistication and healthfulness
We're a Foodie Nation
Our North American office is located in Kansas City, Missouri. The Kansas City metro area is not exactly on the cutting edge of restaurant food like some areas on the West Coast and other major metropolitan areas, although we have some very good restaurants. Regardless, we were very surprised to see the foodie influence here when we tabulated the number of food trucks in Kansas City. There are at least 33 different food trucks. Here's a listing and some of the more unique foods they feature.
If having this many food trucks in a Midwest city still doesn't convince you that food trucks have gone mainstream, then check out Disney World. They now have branded food trucks that represent cuisine inspired by each of Disney World's theme parks.
Disney World's Namaste Café and Fantasy Fare food trucks
flow-right Glass noodle salad with chicken & pickled vegetables from the Fantasy Fare food truck - $7.50
But don't expect uninspired food tailored to children at these food trucks. Yes, hand-dipped corn dogs are on the menu, but they also have international fare such as pierogis and tandoori shrimp and regional specialties such as lobster rolls. For the adults, wine by the glass - with suggested food pairings - is also offered. The brightly colored trucks currently roam Downtown Disney, and even head into the park during peak times.
Consumers' growing food sophistication and desire to experience new flavor profiles and foods is not only being fueled by exposure to food trucks, but also by all the television cooking shows. The bar is going up every day on the types and quality of foods consumers are coming to expect at the restaurants they visit as well as the foods available at entertainment venues.
Vol. XIV, No. 4, May 2014
- Editor's travelogue
- Do you really know who your competition is? - Part 2
- The different generations
- We're a Foodie Nation
- Early bird discount ends in 12 days
- A nascent trend - entertainment + restaurant + bar = third place social
- Births down, but don't despair
- The folly of not meeting the rising expectation for food sophistication and healthfulness
