Franchises Get On Board with Food Trucks

More than five years ago, after first finding traction in food hubs like New York and Los Angeles, fancy food trucks have since been rolling out across the country and into the broader culture, dishing up everything from gussied-up standard fare to bizarre fusion foods. Today, with more than three million food trucks in the U.S. and more than $1 billion in revenue flowing in annually, one thing is clear—this isn’t just another passing foodie craze. Food trucks are here to stay.

Now, this unstoppable mobile food business is starting to whet the appetites of the franchising world. More and more traditional brick-and-mortar chains are deciding to hit the road, and they’re serving up some of the best bites that franchising has to offer throughout the country. Here’s a look into our top three favorite food truck franchises.

Grilled Cheese Truck

This franchise was founded on one simple premise: The world needs more grilled cheese sandwiches (we agree). First launched in 2009, this business has made the most out of every kid’s (and adult’s) favorite comfort food by deciding to franchise its concept in 2012. In January 2015, it became the first publicly-traded food truck company in the U.S.

Today, this mobile restaurant delivers some of the best grilled cheese sandwiches throughout Southern California, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Antonio and Austin (it’s also a cult favorite for the hungry hordes of Coachella festival goers). And last year, they were ranked one of the top 10 best grilled cheese sandwiches in all of Los Angeles.

So what makes this food truck stand out in a world where you can get a sandwich just about anywhere? It all comes down to honoring the true beauty of a grilled cheese—you can put just about anything you want in between those two slices of bread and it will still taste good. The Grilled Cheese Truck puts a gourmet spin on a childhood classic by serving up deliciously melty concoctions like the Cheesy Mac (stuffed with Mac and Cheese), the French Onion Soup Melt (loaded with Gruyere cheese and onion soup compote) and the Brie Melt (stacked with double cream Brie, sliced pears, fresh thyme and wildflower honey).

Philly Pretzel Factory

What’s better than a buttery Philadelphia-style soft pretzel? A buttery Philadelphia-style soft pretzel that comes straight to you! Since 1998, Philly Pretzel Factory has been baking up soft pretzels and serving them “hot outta the oven” to every customer who walked through their doors. The store was so successful that in its second year, potential franchisees were approaching the business to start franchising the concept.

Most recently, as Philadelphia’s food truck scene became just as much renowned as its restaurant rows, Philly Pretzel Factory decided it was time to join the crowd. In early 2015, the chain introduced its very own food truck—bringing their world-famous savory bites straight to events, festivals and neighborhoods.

Gandolfo’s New York Delicatessen

Sometimes, for those lazy mornings when you’re running late, you just want the convenience of your favorite deli being right outside your door to grab the perfect bagel and schmear. Randy Wolken has provided hundreds of hungry people that very luxury. He’s considered a pioneer in Dallas, and he’s bringing Gandolfo’s New York Delicatessen franchise to Texas—and he’s doing it exclusively through the brand’s first fleet mobile truck units.

Founded in 1989, Gandolfo’s has been serving up the favorite flavors of the classic New York deli experience. By 2011, they decided share the love by putting their sandwiches and bagels on wheels—starting in Dallas. Their menu is just as extensive as the brick-and-mortar location, meaning that you no longer have to make a trip to New York to enjoy true a pastrami on rye, a Rockefeller reuben or a famous Coney Island dog.