We heard rumblings when we first started in the Gold Coast food truck scene that the first three months were “do or die”. They were rough, but we survived. Now, having traded for a full year, we pause to reflect on an amazing first year of Barraca.
Having worked in the food sector most of our adult lives, we knew we had the experience, knowledge, and skills to grow a successful food truck business. If the Gold Coast was ready, we knew we could do it. Despite all the planning, forecasting, and educated guesses, we knew there were unknowns.
We had amazing, time-tested recipes and a Gold Coast food truck ready to wow the Gold Coast, but like any new venture, we were unsure of the reaction to Portuguese food. We believed the Gold Coast food scene had evolved. No longer content with salad bars and takeaways, locals craved fresh, healthy, and new cuisine. We had mulled over this business idea for years, feeling now was the right time. Outside of piri piri, Portuguese food was scarce, relegated to a few ‘family restaurants’.
In our early days, peering through the serving window to gauge customers’ reactions to that first bite was nerve-wracking. Each nod, smile, and compliment boosted our confidence, affirming our value and quality. A hearty ‘thank you’ to our loyal customers who return week after week. Your appreciation fuels our passion, making the hard work worthwhile.
Finding a trading spot for our Gold Coast food truck was challenging. After a string of “no thank yous,” it was clear Sandra should do the pitching. As food trucks gained popularity, many misunderstood our concept, associating us with cream buns or salad sandwiches. Consequently, many business owners were baffled by our requests. We scoured from Southport to Palm Beach for ideal trading spots, learning what was essential for successful street trading. Opportunities were few, but gradually, we established our mobile street grill. Initially, we didn’t trade on weekends, holding onto our day jobs. Eventually, we took the plunge, quitting our jobs with no Plan B. We knew visibility was key to success with this new business model. This belief kept our spirits high even when sales were slow. “It’s a marketing exercise,” we reassured ourselves. A big thank you to business owners who believed in us and gave us a chance.
Supporting local business proved rewarding. Early on, we decided to source locally, backing privately-owned businesses. This wasn’t a marketing strategy, but a belief that food trucks are community businesses. We chose to collaborate with local ‘Mum and Dad’ businesses, appreciating the personal touch they provide. This decision has borne fruit. Our relationship with suppliers is strong and their contributions are invaluable. I recall our first order arriving in boxes instead of kilograms. Their puzzled faces as we ordered in kilos every other day were priceless. Our suppliers’ patience has been commendable. Now, we order in boxes, bags, and dozens, and it feels terrific.
In a competitive and emerging market, the friendliness among food truck operators was unexpected. Mostly, operators were welcoming, fostering a belief that variety attracts more business for all. The growing number of traders offering fresh and interesting street food makes us a go-to choice when hunger strikes. Moreover, the industry has witnessed many new entrants over the past 12 months, with about 40 awaiting inspection for mobile food licenses. Despite the surge, the inclusive culture within the industry is heartening, something we are keen on preserving. It’s early days but the prospects are promising. The benefits of food trucks are manifold, yet we believe our customer base on the coast is still budding. As more people try food trucks, word will spread, expanding our customer base.
With 2017 around the corner, our sights are set on the future. We continually explore new recipes, meals, locations, and events. The excitement that spurred the inception of Barraca still drives us each morning. We eagerly anticipate serving you through the next twelve months, hoping the Portuguese rooster brings you much luck. Have a happy new year!
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