Whether you’ve already established your name in the food truck industry or you’re still looking to make your debut, there’s no better place to increase your customer base and gain a reputation than the fall fair circuit. From local and state fairs to larger festivals like Oktoberfest, these seasonal gatherings provide an excellent opportunity to showcase your menu to the community while meeting potential business partners.

If you want to truly take advantage of your fall fair season this year, try out these tips to build up your clientele, expand your menu, and get to know your community, all while having a great time with your friends and family!

Give the Gift of Warmth

Frigid weather never puts a damper on fall festivities. In fact, a little chill might even have people feeling more into the fall spirit than ever! After all, there’s nothing quite like exploring a local fair with leaves crunching beneath your feet and your favorite warm drink in hand.

Warm beverages can be an excellent draw at any outdoor fall festival. Try adding a few hot drinks to your truck’s menu and watch as customers line up to get their chilly hands on one. You might even consider incorporating a few pastries or other sweet snacks to accompany them.

Along with the usual coffees and teas, you may want to introduce a few simple fall favorites. Hot apple cider springs to mind as a popular caffeine-free choice for both kids and adults alike. Not to mention, there are plenty of booze-friendly options as well, such as mulled wine, hot buttered rum, or even spiked hot chocolate. Get creative and craft some original drinks of your own to try!

Don't forget to restock on compostable hot cups and lids to safely and stylishly serve your customers, all while protecting the environment. On those rare scorching fall days, don’t be afraid to throw your drinks over ice in some of our clear PLA compostable cups! We also offer a hardy stock of carriers, stirrers, and straws to make sure you never run out during a rush.

Offer Up Fall Favorites

For many people, the highlight of any fall festival is the yearly opportunity to experience autumn flavors. Whether it be pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, or even cranberries, there’s a fall taste to match nearly everyone’s palette. Search for new and unique ways to incorporate these flavors into your menu!

If your thing is sweets, perhaps you want to add some pastries to your menu that utilize fruits and vegetables from the fall harvest. From the tried and true classics like pumpkin or apple pie to newer inventions like maple bacon donuts, the possibilities for expanding your menu are endless.

But what if savory is more your style? You may want to consider tossing some seasonal vegetables into your signature dishes. You might be surprised by the reaction you get from a chicken pumpkin curry or a butternut squash pasta. Use your imagination and have fun switching up your usual menu.

Even if you’ve never tried your hand at fair food before, EnviroTakeout can help you serve your dishes in a way that’s both neat and convenient for customers on the go. Our hinged takeout containers come in a variety of sizes, with some even featuring distinct compartments to help keep things tidy. Rest assured that these durable restaurant disposables will let your customers enjoy your unique dishes to the fullest without spilling or leakage.

Pair Up with Local Farms and Businesses

At your local fair or even state fair, there are bound to be tons of locally sourced ingredients from farmers and butchers alike. Take advantage of the opportunity to build a partnership with your local producers and make use of their commodities.

Many people are drawn in by restaurants that involve themselves in the community and attempt to support local businesses. You may even find yourself picking up lifelong, loyal customers who will happily recommend your food to their friends and family.

There are tons of ways to incorporate local produce into your dishes. Even something as simple as a harvest salad that utilizes freshly grown vegetables can be a great starting point for building a partnership with the local farmer’s market.

EnviroTakeout offers a variety of plates, trays, platters, and cutlery that can effectively serve any food you choose to showcase this autumn. Our lunch trays feature a number of different compartments to make buffet-style serving easier than ever. Our durable cutlery is available in various materials, including compostable, plant-based, and wooden cutlery. No matter which you choose, we guarantee these eco-friendly options won’t let you down, even when serving the heaviest or messiest of foods.

Create a Community with Shareable Meals

The season of Thanksgiving and bountiful harvests, autumn is a time for families, friends, and community members to come together. What better way to bring people together than with a whole heap of delicious food?

Shareable foods are an excellent draw for both families and large friend groups alike, especially at crowded festivals. Grabbing a plate of warm appetizers to pass around is not only convenient, but also a way for people to bond over the foods they love. Consider adding a few family-style or portionable options to your menu and begin building a sense of community around your food truck.

Don’t feel like you need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to appetizers. Classics like onion rings and french fries are always a surefire hit, especially among families with young kids or picky eaters. However, you can spice up your menu with some hot options as well. Jalapeño poppers and hot cheese balls can provide just the right amount of heat to get anyone through a chilly fall evening.

Of course, most shareable foods aren’t complete without a few condiments. After all, everyone needs a little bit of personalization, even if it's simply the freedom to dip their french fries in a sauce of their choosing. Our portion cups and lids are available in both clear and fiber options and come in a convenient pack of 2,500, so your supply should never run dry!

Most Importantly, Have a Good Time

There are tons of different ways you can incorporate the spirit of fall into your business. As we’ve mentioned, bringing fall flavors and favorites into your menu is a great place to start. But you don’t have to stop there!

Fall decorations take many shapes and forms, so find the one that speaks to you the most. Traditional harvest-themed decorations can invoke a natural, rural aesthetic that creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere. At the same time, playfully spooky Halloween decorations are an eye-catching gimmick that can also draw the attention of kids. Who knows, you might even be able to work an autumn pun directly into your name or usual theme.

You may even want to try some autumn-themed activities to attract customers. Classic games like bobbing for apples or cornhole can be an excellent way to encourage people to stop by your truck. Contests draw customers in as well, whether it be guessing the number of candy corn in a jar, drawing or coloring spooky pictures, or even carving a pumpkin. Offer small prizes as an incentive and watch the interest pour in.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and make your mark on your local fair this autumn season! Don’t forget that EnviroTakeout is ready to provide you with all the food truck supplies you need to have a bountiful and successful fall this year and every year.